Painted Devils

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What to expect

Let's get one thing straight - Vanja Schmidt wasn't trying to start a cult.

A scrappy former maid and jewel thief must outwit gods, injustice, and her own past in this sequel to Little Thieves by Margaret Owen.

After taking down a corrupt margrave, breaking a deadly curse, and finding romance with the vexingly scrupulous junior prefect Emeric Conrad, Vanja had one great mystery left: her long-lost birth family . . . and whether they would welcome a thief. But in her search for an honest trade, she hit trouble and invented a god, the Scarlet Maiden, to scam her way out. Now that lie is growing out of control - especially when Emeric arrives to investigate and the Scarlet Maiden manifests to claim him as a virgin sacrifice.

For his final test to become a prefect, Emeric must determine whether Vanja is guilty of serious fraud or if the Scarlet Maiden - and her claim to him - is genuine. Meanwhile, Vanja is chasing an alternative sacrifice that could be their way out. The hunt leads her not only into the lairs of monsters and the paths of gods, but the ties of her past.

And with what should be the simplest way to save Emeric hanging over their heads, he and Vanja must face a more dangerous question: Is there a future for a thief and a prefect, and at what price?

(P) 2023 Macmillan Audio

Critics Review

Gorgeous prose, delicious magic
V.E. Schwab, New York Times bestselling author of The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
A lush and lively adventure replete with romance, revenge, and robbery
Kirkus, starred review on Little Thieves
With Six of Crows and The Cruel Prince as readalikes, this will find an audience anywhere there are fantasy fans. Highly recommended and not to be missed
School Library Journal, starred review, on Little Thieves
YA fantasy at its very best
Armadillo Magazine
One of the most exciting, exceptionally crafted fantasy debuts I've ever read. I did not want to leave this world! Absolutely breathtaking
Claire Legrand, New York Times–bestselling author of Furyborn
Packed to the teeth with fresh worldbuilding and righteous fury . . . It's a ride that is wildly fun
Emily A. Duncan, New York Times–bestselling author of Wicked Saints

User Reviews

Book 5.0
Narration 5.0
5.0
5.0
Blaustrumpf 03/11/2024

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