Painted Devils

The wildly funny and romantic fantasy sequel to Little Thieves

Margaret Owen author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Hodder & Stoughton

Published:14th May '24

£9.99

Available for immediate dispatch.

Painted Devils cover

'Gorgeous prose, delicious magic' V.E. SCHWAB

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


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


After breaking a deadly curse, and finding romance with the vexingly scrupulous Emeric Conrad, Vanja is ready for the straight and narrow.

That is, until she runs into trouble, and invents a goddess to scam her way out. But Vanja's lies spin out of control when Emeric appears to investigate, and the deity manifests, claiming him as her virgin sacrifice.

Now, Emeric must discover whether Vanja is guilty of fraud - or if his life really is on the line. And with a simple way to save Emeric looming over them, he and Vanja face an even more dangerous question: is there a future for them, and at what price?

Readers Love Margaret Owen

'It's the perfect sequel to Little Thieves. I enjoyed Little Thieves but this one was just amazing' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'Putting this up there in the book of the year category! I loved the first installment Little Thieves, I ADORE this second installment' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'The story: This story was DELIGHTFUL. The pining. The accidental cult. The family. I did not expect to feel feelings, but HOO BOY DID I' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I would read 50 of these novels following the trials and tribulations of Emeric and Vanja's lives. There's something about Margaret Owens writing that translates into some sort of written sit com' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

'I really enjoyed this book, the plot was as chaotic as the characters, flitting from sub-plot to sub-plot all the while having Emeric's looming sacrifice hanging over their heads. It's funny, ferocious in parts and filled with heart' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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 *

ISBN: 9781399702225

Dimensions: 196mm x 128mm x 36mm

Weight: 357g

512 pages