I read Little Thieves by Margaret Owen because of a recommendation from a bookstore, and it seemed very interesting to me. The story is set in a fantasy medieval setting, there is trade and politics, but no heavily advanced technology. This book is the story of a girl who after being taken in by the gods Death and Fortune, is then given to a noble family where she becomes a serving girl. She, for reasons to be found, takes the spot of a soon to be Queen. One day, she is discovered, and the story follows the ensuing events.
One of the things I really loved about this book was that the characters had depth, they weren’t how they seemed to the reader at first. Additionally, the main character’s struggles with self-worth are realistic, and the way it affects how she acts and thinks is realistic as well. The romance within the book is affected by this as well, and it doesn’t just resolve itself, which I appreciate the realism of. The worldbuilding is also wonderful, and not overly complicated. Another thing I really loved is the banter, the conversations felt real and resulted in a laugh or smile almost all the time. Some things I didn’t like were that sometimes the character didn’t act with common sense, which while realistic, is still annoying to have to watch happen. Also, the inciting event for a major plot point was a touch improbable, however, it’s a fantasy book.
Some of my favorite quotes are:
“It’s the little things in life that surprise you, isn’t it? Like how you can be trapped in a burning building, and it’ll seem easier to deal with than being accused of murder by a boy you thought you might—no.”
And of course,
“Their riches can go to someone who deserves to be rich. (Me. That’s usually me.)”
I recommend this book, it was engaging, and it doesn’t take too long to read.