Category: young adult

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May Wrap Up

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After such a brilliant reading month in April, I think it’s fair to say May went down hill.

I only managed to read nine books, which is still a good amount we all know it doesn’t matter if you read one or a hundred a month, but I just wanted to keep the momentum going.

Let’s talk about the books shall we?

First up I read Raven Smith’s Men. This was a really interesting nonfiction book that looks at the men, and men in general, of Ravens life. It’s funny, it’s poignant and covers some really interesting subjects. Thanks to the publishers for my copy, this one is out now.

Secondly I read Only on the Weekends by Dean Atta. I hugely anticipated novel for me that didn’t disappoint. Beautifully written, with some gorgeous poetry, and it feels really mature for a young adult book. It’s tender, it’s touching and it feels like a love letter to queer people. Thanks to the publishers for my copy, it’s out now.

Next I read You Made A Fool of Death With Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi. A good book, with some great representation and spicy scenes, but I have to say it made me laugh when I don’t think that was it’s intention. It just felt a little silly at times, but I know many people loved this one. Thanks to the publishers for my copy, it’s out now.

Then I read An Exciting and Vivid Inner Life by Paul Dalla Rosa.This is a collection of short stories which I found really interesting, I like how so many of had a sadness to them and that’s something I love to read about. There’s was one about a cat I didn’t get at all! Thanks to the publishers for my copy, it’s out now.

Fifth up this month was A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall. I bloody loved this book, a great queer historical romance that I’ve been looking for. It’s steamy, it’s romantic, it’s got a trans main character. I could read a whole series of these characters. It’s out now, thanks to the publishers for my copy.

Up next was If You Change Your Mind by Robby Weber. I loved this sweet, romantic mlm young adult book. It’s the perfect summer read that was full of queer joy. One of the best queer ya books I’ve read this year. Thanks to the publishers for copy, it’s out now.

Then I read Just By Looking At Him by Ryan O’Connell. I really enjoyed this book and it’s one that just gets better as it continues. Great characters, once again very steamy. It’s got brilliant things to say on disability and queerness. Highly recommend. You can check out my full review here. Thanks to the publishers for my copy, it’s out now.

Eight this month I read Tiepolo Blue by James Cahill. One of my favourites of the year. The more I think about this book, the more I love it. It’s atmospheric, it’s haunting, it’s got a fantastic main character. I just adore it. Utterly gripping. You can check out my full review here. Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out now.

Lastly I read Out of the Blue by Jason June. This one wasn’t my favourite. I liked what it had to say about gender and that the main character was realistic. But I felt the second half became to trope heavy and a little bit tedious. Certainly not a terrible book but I’ve read better young adult books this year. Thanks to the publishers for my copy, it’s out now.

So that’s month. Have you read any? Or do you plan to? Let me know.

Until the next review…

Jthbooks

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April Wrap Up

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Didn’t April just absolutely fly by. It felt I blinked and missed it! But saying that I had my best reading month ever.

I managed to read a grand total of fourteen books. All I wanted to do was read. I didn’t want to go out, see friends. All I wanted to do was read and I loved every minute of it.

So let’s talk about the books shall we?

First up, I’m gonna group these together, I read volumes 2, 3 and, 4 of Heartstopper. These are absolutely beautiful graphic novels. They get better as the go on. Each one has made me cry. I wanted to read them before the show came out and I did it. I can’t recommend these enough.

Then I read Eat, Gay, Love my Calum McSwiggan. This was my non-fiction book for the month and I really enjoyed it. Sometimes the writing felt a little choppy but other than that I really enjoyed the subject matter and would recommend.

I also read The Dance Tree by Kiran Millwood Hargrave. I absolutely bloody loved this book. I thought it was a little bit of magic. It was gripping, made me cry, and absolutely fascinating. I immediately went out and bought Kiran’s previous book! Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out May 12th.

Up next I read Sedating Elaine by Dawn Winter. This was such a crazy premise but I absolutely loved it. I’m surprised how much depth it had to it and I couldn’t put it. It’s out May 5th. Thanks to the publishers for my copy.

I also read Take My Hand by Nolan Perkins- Valdez. I’m really interesting historical fiction, that’s based on a true story that’s mind blowing. It wasn’t my favourite of the month, but still definitely a great read. Thanks to the publishers for my copy, it’s out in May.

Up next I read Time Is A Mother by Ocean Vuong. A beautiful poetry collection that is at time sad and it made me cry. I find it hard to review poetry. Just read and enjoy this one. Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out now.

Then I read Butterfly Assassin by Finn Longman. This felt like the classic old school young adult books I was bought up on with a modern twist. It’s a real page turner and I’m eagerly awaiting the sequel. Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out in May.

I also read All The Lovers In The Night by Mieko Kawakami. This was a hugely anticipated novel of the year for me and it didn’t disappoint. It’s so intimate and delicate with characters I won’t forget for a while. I really loved this one. Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out in May.

Boys Don’t Cry by Fíona Scarlet. This is the book that has made me cry the most this year! I don’t want to spoil anything for you but get the tissues ready. Thanks to the publishers for my copy, it’s out now.

I also read I Kissed Shara Wheeler by Casey McQuiston. I hugely enjoyable ya novel that I know so many people are looking forward to. Intriguing, fun and so inclusive that just makes it wonderful to read it. It’s out May 12th. Thanks to the publishers for my copy.

Lastly I read Gay Club by Simon James Green. I loved this book so much. It’s fun, it’s inclusive and has some really important messages throughout. It also made me laugh out loud which doesn’t happen to often when I’m reading. Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out May 5th!

So that’s it! That’s my reading month! Have you read any of these? Are you going to? Let me know!

Until the next review

Jthbooks

author, blogtour, book blog, book blogger, book bloggers, book review, books, bookstagram, fiction, gay, historical fiction, lgbt, literary ficton, queer, review, Uncategorised, ya, young adult

March Wrap Up

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Well didn’t March fly by! I turned 30 and I read some great books! I really enjoyed the variety of books I read this month! It just felt like a good collection and I never felt bored. I didn’t love them all but we can’t ask for too much?

I managed to read 9 books this month. I think that’s my best this year. I just really enjoyed sitting down and picking up my books! I did have a week off which always helps! Let’s hope it can carry on to next month!

So let’s talk about the books shall we?

First up was Concerning My Daughter by Kim Hye-Jin translated by Jamie Chung. A really great look at what it’s like to age in Korea. It also looked at queerness in Korea and I felt like the book would’ve benefited from a perspective from her daughter to really explore this but it was over all an enjoyable novel. Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out April 4th

Second was Bad Gays: A Homosexual History by Huw Lemmey & Ben Miller. A brilliant non fiction book not focusing on the heroes of queer history but the complicated characters who couldn’t reconcile with their queerness. It was interesting from start to finish, filled with some fascinating people and their lives. Highly recommend if you’re interested in queer history. Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out May 31st.

Up next was Limbic by Peter Scapello. Queer poetry which I’d never read before but absolutely adored. It made me cry on the first page. This collection just had so much to say. I really thought it was such a strong collection and I’d love to see a novel from this author. Thanks to the publishers for my copy, it’s out now.

Then I read Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel. I bloody loved this book. I loved reading it to find out what was going to happen, how it was all going to come together. I loved how it all weaved together. It’s the kind of book that makes you sit up in bed when it all comes together! That’s what I did anyway! Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out April

Fifth this month I read Stone Butch Blues Leslie Feinburg. Ugh, why did I wait so long to read this book? I loved its take on queer culture and trans life. It was the kind of book I couldn’t stop thinking about. My friend gifted this to me and I’m very grateful.

Up next was Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart. Unfortunately this was a miss for me. I just didn’t connect in anyway. It was bad. I just felt like so much trauma happens that didn’t need to. I finished the book and felt bewildered! But I know many people loved this book. Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out April 14th.

Then I read Bolla by Pajtim Statovic translated by David Hackston. This was another one that missed the mark for me. I think it was successful in many ways and I still find myself thinking about it. But the whole novel depends on the relationship at the beginning and it didn’t work for me which made me struggle with the novel throughout. This is a tricky one. Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out April 7th .

Penultimately I read The Return of Faraz Ali by Aamina Ahmad. I enjoyed this more that I thought I would. There was a crime aspect to the novel that I didn’t particularly enjoy, but I never do. But everything else I really enjoyed. It was intriguing and filled with great characters. Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out April 5th.

Lastly I read The Fake Up by Justin Myers. Did I go into this thinking it was queer? Yes. Was it? No. But it was fun, and hard to put down. I liked all the characters and really enjoyed the story. It was probably my favourite Justin Myers book to be honest and his other two have been queer! Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out April 7th.

So that’s it! That’s my reading month. I had a great month! Are you going to read any of these? Let me know!

Until the next review

Jthbooks

author, blog, book blog, book blogger, book bloggers, book review, books, bookstagram, fantasy, fiction, gay, literary ficton, review, Uncategorised, ya, yafantasy, young adult

February Wrap Up

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Well!! Didn’t February fly by? I’ve only just managed to get my January wrap up live on the blog!

I managed to read 8 books this month. I’m just really enjoying spending my time with a book. It was strange month. I either thought the book was unique or I didn’t like it. We have those months don’t we sometimes?

So let’s talk about it the books shall we?

First up this month was Mothers Boy by Patrick Gale. Unfortunately this book wasn’t for me. I had high hopes of it being wonderfully queer but it wasn’t and I just found it dull. There was nothing new or exciting about this book. I didn’t feel like I got to know the characters. It was good. Thanks to the publisher for my copy. It’s out now.

Then I read Slaughterhouse by Kurt Vonnegut. This was leant to me by my best friends boyfriend as it’s his favourite book and I’m surprised to say I loved it. I thought it was really unique and different and I love what it had to say. Yeah I really enjoyed it.

Thirdly I read Booth by Karen Joy Fowler. Now this definitely wasn’t a bad book, I’m not saying it is but I’m struggle to see the point as to why it was written. Maybe it’s because I don’t live in America and not that familiar with this family but it didn’t add anything. Yeah, it was a strange one for me! Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out now.

Next was Vagabonds by Eloghosa Osunde. This was the second book to make cry this year. They way it talks about queer love and queer lives in Nigeria is brilliant! Absolutely brilliant. I never do this but I dog-eared some pages so I can go back and read the beautiful passages. There’s some really stunning elements to this book! Took me a while to get into though. Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out March 31st.

Then I read Life As A Unicorn by Amrou Al-Kadhi. This queer memoir was absolutely glorious. Amrous personality shines through on every page and I loved it. They had a great story to tell and every queer person needs to read this book! It’s out now.

Sixth I read Out Wives Under The Sea by Julia Armfield. Glorious. Absolutely glorious! Unlike anything I’ve ever read. It’s romantic, creepy and atmospheric. And it’s ending was brilliant. The kid of ending that only works in a book. I can’t recommend this one to you enough. Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out now.

Penultimately I read Maps of our Spectacular Bodies by Maddie Mortimer. I’m in two minds about this one. It’s a book about a mother dying of cancer yet it didn’t make me cry, so I don’t think I was to invested. And I can’t decide if the writing style was to gimmicky or not. It’s a tough one. It definitely wasn’t bad and I know a lot of people love it. Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out March 31st.

Lastly I read The Exhibitionist by Charlotte Mendleson. My goodness did I hate this book. I hated everything about it. HATE IT. The worst thing I’ve read in a long time. I wouldn’t recommend this at all. Awful. Absolutely awful. Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out March 17th.

Sorry to end the wrap up on such a sour note but we’ve got to honest haven’t we? Are you planning on reading any of these? Let me know!

Until the next review.

Jthbooks

#contemporary, #literature, author, blog, book blog, book blogger, book bloggers, book review, books, fiction, gay, lgbt, literary ficton, queer, review, Uncategorised, ya, yafantasy, young adult

January Wrap Up

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Another month has come and gone. And yes, this wrap up is very late. February has hit me hard and I didn’t feel like writing this.

I had a fantastic reading month in January. I enjoyed all of the books, even found some new favourites. I managed nine books. Can you tell I spent most of my month reading?

So let’s talk about the books shall we?

First up I read Here Again Now by Okechukwu Nzelu. There’s no doubt in my mind that this will be in my top 10 books of the year. I just thought it was brilliant. It’s emotional, stunningly written. I’ll have a full review up but I hope you all read this book. Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out March 10th. Preorder this one.

Then I read To Paradise by Hanya Yanagihara. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this one. I think this book goes from strength to strength with each section and by the end I couldn’t put it down. I think it’s pretty spectacular. Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out now.

Up next was A Terrible Kindness by Jo Browning Wroe. This was another enjoyable book for me, and again it made me a bit emotional. It’s a beautiful book and it’s out now. Thanks to the publishers for my copy.

Fourth this month was When We Were Birds by Ayanna Lloyd Banwo. It took me a little while to get into this one, and towards the end I found the story to more cohesive. It was beautifully written and I found myself really savouring the last few pages. Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s February 10th.

Fifth this month I read Please Miss by Grace Lavery. This wasn’t my favourite of the month, but it certainly wasn’t bad. It had some brilliant things to say on gender and trans lives and those bits I absolutely loved. The rest I wasn’t to into, but like I said it certainly wasn’t bad. Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out February 10th.

Then I read Brown Girls Daphne Palais Andreades. I really enjoyed this. It’s beautifully written. Such a lyrical prose that make it hard to put down. It’s a love letter to girlhood and I can’t wait to see what this author does next. Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out now.

Up next was The Alpha’s Son by Penny Jessop. The perfect book to get lost in. Lots of fun. Captures that first love feeling brilliantly. I’m excited to see where this series goes. Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out now.

Eighth this month I read Devotion by Hannah Kent. A beautiful sapphic historical fiction book. It took a little twist in the middle that took this book to a whole new level for me. Another beautifully written book. Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out now.

Lastly I read Good Intentions by Kasim Ali. A great book to finish the month on. This book has so much to say and it’s all weaved in beautiful writing and compelling storytelling. It’s out March 3rd.

So that’s it for this month. I really hope you’ll pick some of these up. Let me know.

Until the next review

Jthbooks.

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Anticipated Queer Books for 2022 – Part 1

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It’s that time of year again. We’ve entered the new year and that means we’ve got a whole selection of new queer books coming out this year and I thought I’d share some I’m really looking forward to.

If there’s one thing you’re going to learn from this list is that queer books have some seriously stunning covers! Just wait and see!

So let’s talk about some brilliant queer books shall we?

Here Again Now by Okechukwu Nzelu. Am I lucky enough to have a proof copy of this? Yes. Do I have it preordered? Yes. I loved Okechukwu’s first book and I can’t wait read this new queer book. This is going to be my first read of 2022. That’s how much I’m looking forward to it. It’s out March 10th.

Only on the Weekends by Dean Atta. I absolutely loved The Black Flamingo, I think it’s one of the best books, and I’m eagerly awaiting the publication of this book. Its written in verse once again. I seriously can’t wait. It’s out May 12th.

Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart. I have such a high hopes for this. I loved Shuggie Bain and I have a feeling this one is going to be even better! Have you seen that final UK cover? Stunning. This one is out April 14th.

Flip the Script by Layla Lee. A queer Korean book all about Korean Dramas. Do I need to say anymore to you really? That should literally be enough for you! I can’t wait to read this sapphic book! Once again the cover is stunning! Now I’ve seen on somethings it’s out January 1st, but I’ve preordered from Blackwells and it’s says June 1st. So that when I’ll be receiving mine.

Bolla by Pajtim Statovic. Again, I have high hopes for this. It’s a queer historical fiction that I’ve been lucky enough to be sent a copy of. I feel like this one might be under the radar a little bit so make sure to check this one out. It’s out in April!

Our Wives Under The Sea by Julia Armsfield. Incredibly excited for this one. I’ve heard it’s gothic and sapphic and I know that peaked your interest hasn’t it? Its out March 3rd.

Vagabonds by Eloghosa Osunde. Queer stories all set in Nigeria. I’ve been wanting to read more books set in Nigeria and this one sounds perfect for me. It’s been described as ‘spectacular’ by Akwaeke Emezi and that’s enough for me. It’s out March 31st.

The Secret Sunshine Project by Benjamin Dean. I loved this authors first book and I’m so excited for the second. These queer middle grade books are so important and very excited for this one! It’s out March 31st.

I’m going to add Lavender House by L. C. Rosen. Now I don’t know much about this one. There isn’t a cover for this one. But I will read whatever Rosen writes. You all know how much I love Camp. It’s out October 18th!

This is a very small list I know. There’s many more queer books coming out, some I don’t even know about yet. These are just some I simply can’t wait to read.

If there’s any you think I’d love let me know.

Until the next review

Jthbooks

#fantasy, #fiction, author, blog, book blog, book blogger, book bloggers, book review, books, bookstagram, fantasy, fiction, historical fiction, literary ficton, queer, review, Uncategorised, ya, young adult

November Wrap Up

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November, a month where I’d finished all my proof copies for the year and I could read some of the books I bought and I definitely did. I did sneak in one proof of next year because I was desperate to read it.

I only managed seven books this month. Probably my lowest of the year. I’m not sure why really. I was loving everything I read. Very strange.

So let’s talk about the books shall we?

First up was The Transgender Issue by Shon Faye. I think everyone should read this book. It highlights, I’m well researched detail, of the attacks on trans lives and how we can be better ally’s. Just absolutely brilliant. It’s out now

Then I read Real Life by Brandon Taylor. I have a feeling my expectations were a little to high for this one. I just didn’t fully connect with it for some reason, I love what it had to say in places. It’s by no means a bad book at all, the opposite but for me, there was just something missing. It’s out now.

Up next was If This Gets Out by Sophie Gonzales and Cale Dietrich. I really enjoyed this sweet love young adult love story. I would happily read a lot more books with these characters in. I was totally swept up, couldn’t ask for more. Well I can, I want more books. Thanks to the publishers for my copy of this book. It’s out January 6th.

Fourth this month I read XOXO by Axie Oh. I loved every page of this book. I loved the romance, I loved that it was set in Korea. I loved that they were idols. I just loved it all. Seriously loved it. I want to read more books like this. It’s out now.

Up next was A Dutiful Boy by Moshin Zaidi. A really beautiful, emotional nonfiction book about losing apart of yourself to find another. I have to say I did shed a few tears by the end of it. This one is out now.

Then I read The Charm Offensive by Alison Cochrun. I didn’t expect to love this book so much, but I absolutely did. There wasn’t anything I didn’t like about it. I’ll probably spend a lot of time rereading this book. I absolutely loved it. It’s out now.

Lastly I read Tin Man by Sarah Winman. My goodness what a book. It’s a short book, but it really does pack punch. I think Sarah is one of the most gifted writers of our time. I loved it. I absolutely loved it. It’s out now.

So that’s it for this month, not so many books this month but there was some I really truly loved. And that makes it worth while.

Have you read any of these? Let me know

Until the next review

Jthbooks

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ARC book review: Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen

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Title: Skin of the Sea

Author: Natasha Bowen

Publisher: Penguin Books

Length: 303 pages

This is the proof copy and the final cover is just as stunning!

Synopsis: This is the story of many things. Of the Mami Wata – Black Mermaids who collect the souls of enslaved people who die at sea and bless their journeys home. Of Simi who wants to save lives not souls. Of a great love – a love that threaten worlds and anger Gods. Of a terrible choice and the lives that hang in the balance. This is a story that will change history. Do you want to hear more?

There is so much to love about Skin of the Sea. It’s a really impressive debut fantasy book that I really can’t find anything wrong with.

Simi, a mermaid who captures the soul of people after they’ve been thrown of the slave ships, is a fantastic character to follow. She has such depth and is really complex. In fact all the characters in this book are brilliant. I have to give a special little shout out to Issa. I’ll never forgive Natasha Bowen for what’s she did!

There’s a romance to the book that definitely isn’t the main subject of this book, but Natasha someone gives it such depth and believability that I was IN.

Skin of the Sea is immersed with African Mythology and History, that for me, takes this book to another level. It gives the book such depth and makes it really powerful. It’s also really heartbreaking. It’s a mermaid who captures the souls of black people who have been thrown off the slave ships and this really heartbreaking. Natasha manages to fit this in amongst all the fantasy and capture the brutality.

The ending. THE ENDING. The story has such a brilliant build up and it doesn’t disappoint. After I read the end, I turned the pages looking for me because I needed it. I can’t believe it was left on that cliffhanger. I need more. I NEED MORE. And it’s going to be such a long wait till book two. But as soon as I can get my hands on it I will.

Skin of the Sea is a book I think everyone should read and be prepared to be swept away. Natasha is a brilliant new talent and I can’t wait for book two.

Thank you to Michelle at Penguin Books for my copy of this book in return for an honest, unbiased review. It’s out now.

Until the next review

Jthbooks

#contemporary, #fiction, #literature, author, blog, book blog, book blogger, book bloggers, book review, bookstagram, lgbt, queer, review, Uncategorised, ya, yafantasy, young adult

September Wrap Up

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Well, September absolutely flew by. I seriously don’t know where it when. Can anyone tell me? I’m going to use the excuse that the month went by so quickly as the reason I only read six books this month.

Six in a month is definitely the least I’ve read in a month so far this year. But that’s okay. We’ll try and bounce back next month.

Let’s talk about the books shall we?

First up in September I read Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall. Did I love this book? Yes, yes I did. It definitely wasn’t perfect but it’s just so much fun and so romantic. It was just a quick, sweet read. So glad I finally picked this one up. It’s out now.

Then I read Little Thieves by Margaret Owens. This is a brilliant fantasy book that had me hooked from beginning to end. It was so intriguing and intricate. It had such a wonderful ending to. I was surprised at how much I loved this one. Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out October 5th.

Up next was Crossroads by Jonathan Franzen. This was a brilliant, insightful complex book about the a family struggling to human. It really is fantastic. It’s a beast of a book so it took me a while to read, but it was so worth it. Now the long wait for the next instalment. Thanks to the publishers for my copy, it’s out October 5th.

Fifth this month I read Darius The Great Is Not Okay by Adib Khorram. Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant. The queer YA books need to be this good. It’s understated, quiet and yet so powerful. With characters you’ve felt you’ve known your whole life. I can’t recommend this one enough. It’s out now.

Then I read Piranesi by Suzanne Clarke. I have to be honest and say this one disappointed me. I thought it was going to be something fresh and original, I thought the first half was intriguing and exciting, but ultimately it became predictable and like something I’d read before. I thought the second half was really underwhelming and that’s when I was expecting to go to great heights. I really was let down. It’s out now.

Lastly I read A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske. This wasn’t a bad book at all, but I just found it all pretty average. I didn’t find it particularly engaging, or like I got to know the characters at all. I just needed more from this book. I’ll probably read the second one, Thanks to the publishers for my copy. It’s out in November.

So that’s it for me this month. Not my best reading month that’s for sure.

Have you read any of these books? Or are you planning to? Let me know.

Until the next review

Jthbooks

#fiction, #yafantasy, blog, book blog, book blogger, book bloggers, book review, books, bookstagram, fantasy, gay, queer, Uncategorised, ya, yafantasy, young adult

ARC Book Review: Little Thieves by Margaret Owens

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Title: Little Thieves

Author: Margaret Owens

Publisher: Hodderscope

Length: 500 pages

Synopsis: Vanja Schmidt knows that no gift is freely given, not even a mother’s love- and she’s on the hook for one hell of a debt. Vanja is the adopted goddaughter of Death and Fortune, and up until a year ago was the dutiful servant of Princess Gisele. That was when Vanja’s otherworldly mothers demanded payment for their care, and Vanja decided to steal her fortune back… by stealing Gisele’s life. Thanks to an enchanted string of pearls, Vanja transformed into her former mistress and took her place, leaving the real Gisele a penniless nobody. Now, Vanja leads a lonely bit lucrative double life as a princess and jewel thief, charming nobility while emptying their coffers to fund her great escape. Then, one heist away from freedom, Vanja crosses the wrong god and is cursed to slowly turn into jewels, stone by stone. Vanja has just two weeks to figure out how to break her curse and maker her getaway. And with a feral half-god, Gisele’s sinister fiancé, and an overeager junior detective on Vanja’s tail, she’ll have to pull the biggest grift yet to save her own life.

It always takes me a little while to get into fantasy novels. It takes me while to get to know the magic, the world and it did take me a while but the difference with Little Thieves is that it’s enjoyable learning the all of these things.

There is just so much to love about this book I’m not sure where to start. But I think it’s how much I really enjoyed the characters. Vanja is a fantastic main character to follow. I loved how complex and flawed she was but still likeable. I just loved her growth. I also loved Emeric and Ragne. But I enjoyed them all.

What Margaret does brilliantly in this book is create connection between the characters that is so real and believable. I loved, loved loved the friendship between Vanja and Ragne. It’s definitely one of the highlights of the novel for me. Of course I also loved Vanja and Emeric, but I’m not going to spoil that for you. Towards the ends of the there’s almost a found family trope and it adds a lovely element to the book.

Here’s something I often think goes unappreciated in a novel is how enjoyable it is to read. Even when not much wasn’t happening in the plot, it was great to read about the characters and the world. You could tell the story was building (and Margaret does it so well) to the ending. It’s exciting to see if Vanja will break her curse and stop Adalbrecht. As a reader it just keeps you hooked from beginning to end.

Now let’s talk about that ending shall we? It’s so good! So so good! The last 100 pages are such page turners that I just couldn’t stop reading. The ending was exciting and intense. It even had one of those moments where I was like what did I just read! I loved it. Loved it.

Margaret Owens has written a complex, intricate fantasy novel filled with brilliant characters, wonderful magic and a story that has a lot of heart. I do believe it’s a stand-alone book but damn I want a sequel!

Thanks to Kate and Hodderscope for my copy of this book in return for an honest, unbiased review. It’s out October 5th.

Until the next review

Jthbooks