I was so excited to receive an early copy of Thieves’ Gambit. It sounded right up my alley. I was right!

Ross is part of of an infamous thieves family. Who knew there was such a thing. Anywho…Ross gets herself in a pickle and needs to win the Gambit competition for the prize money to save her Mom (who has been kidnapped).

This was such a fun ride although a bit predictable. The games were super fun and enjoyable. It’s a blast and obviously there’s another book coming. I will be reading it for sure.

Yes this one does read YA and there’s a bit of romance here too.
A fun and entertaining read.

4.5 stars rounded up. I've seen a lot of early buzz comparing Thieves' Gambit to The Inheritance Games books, and if I'm honest, that's really what intrigued me in the first place. And to be fair, I totally get the comparison. The plots are completely different, but the essence of the books are similar. Honestly, I kind of got some Caraval vibes as well, without the fantasy elements. And once I started this one, I did not want to put it down. It was the epitome of a fast-paced, action-packed read.

The Thieves' Gambit (event, not book title) is basically an international competition aimed at crowning the best teen/new adult thief in the world. Entrants will perform outlandish and spectacular feats of thievery as part of the competition, with the winner granted one wish. And in a competition amongst thieves, you know there are going to be lies and deceptions, as well as twists and turns. Loyalties will change. What you think you know will turn out to be false. And the betrayals will leave you reeling. So basically, this book was awesome. Based on the ending, it's clear that Thieves' Gambit is meant to be the first book in a new series, and honestly, I'm totally here for that. I'm glad things didn't wrap up with a nice pretty bow, because I totally want to spend more time in Ross's world. I'll be on tenterhooks waiting for the release of book 2.

Than you so much to Lewis, Penguin Teen, and Netgalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!

I don't think I've ever read a book before where the media comparisons are spot on PERFECT. Inheritance Games meets Oceans Eleven absolutely describes this teenage heist competition novel. But I should warn you, make sure you have plenty of time to sit down with this one because you won't be able to put it down.

You can't trust anyone, the rules of the game are constantly changing, and nothing is as it seems... Just a completely delectable book and I can't wait to read more!

Thanks to #netgalley and #penguingroup for this ARC, my first!
Described as The Inheritance Games meets Oceans’s Eleven, this book is non-stop action. I don’t know that i would categorize this as a mystery//thriller as indicated but nonetheless, this book does have some suspenseful moments. The story is told through the eyes of Rosalyn”Ross” Quest. A Bahamian girl who comes from a long line of Thieves. Being that much of my family is from the Bahamas, it gave me a personal connection to the storyline. I also appreciated the diversity of the characters. Lewis does an excellent job of character building with less attention paid to world building. I wish there was a bit more puzzles/riddles/etc throughout the book. Sometimes it seemed as though the characters would find a solution to an issue offscreen or with very little detail for the reader. However, this still made for an enjoyable read and each heist brought a new element of suspense. I’m assuming there will be a sequel given the ending so I look forward to reading more about The Quest Family and their partners/enemies in crime.

I suspected I would enjoy this book, but I didn’t realize how much. The competition is fierce and fast-paced. I love the characters, even the ones you love to hate. I empathized with Ross. Her mother exerted such absolute control over her family that Ross had no one. She didn’t know how to let down her walls, to trust people, or even let them in just a little, which is exactly how her mother wanted it.

Ross was so much more than an expert problem solver and thief. Each new task in the competition was creative. With something always going on, it’s a tense read, and Lewis never lets the readers rest easy. Seriously, this book was such a blast. And while it’s not labeled as the start of a series, it’s clear there’s more to come. The only problem is having to wait for more from these characters. I hope everyone stays in touch, especially the ones Ross befriended, because she deserves that and so much more in life.

Thank you, Penguin Group, for the advanced copy.

Thieves Gambit is a thrill ride from start to finish. It's diverse cast of characters are well developed. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire book, and keeps you wondering who will win the Gambit. Lewis has a fantastic writing style that gives just enough information but doesn't give too much away. The heist's are clever and well thought out, and the reveal at the end catches you off guard. This is a fantastic story that I will highly recommend to others.

4.5 stars! Mv first ebook and mv first ARC! I loved this book so much. I had to make myself put it down. It was so easy to just keep going. I loved the diversity of the characters and the background for them. Such a unique read too! I had never read anything like this. My only two downfalls: it was a little high school-ish at times, which makes sense with the characters' ages, and the ending... left for more to be desired. I am crossing my fingers that there is another book to follow!! So adventurous and great twists! Again, such a truly unique and amazing plot. Themes of family, friendship and trust. Would definitely recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this gripping and cunning ARC!

I need a movie about this book ASAP!!! This book gave me Money Heist vibes along with a mixture of Hunger Games! I loved the main character she was a no-games type of person! Amazing debut novel and I can't wait to read more from Ms. Lewis!

What a captivating, fast paced read! I read somewhere this has already been optioned, so I’m looking forward to seeing this as a movie. The characters were all interesting and I had a good time seeing which way out MC was going to go. I was able to guess one part of the ending, but not the other. Looking forward to a book 2!

It is fast paced with non stop action.
There were so many revelations, twists and turns that I did not see coming. It was slightly predictable but a fun, quick read. The last 20% felt rushed that I had to reread a few times. But overall I did enjoy the story. I will most likely read the sequel if only to know what happens next.

There are a lot of characters that I forget who is who. There is no true development of any of the other characters outside of what Quest knows. I did not feel connected to any of the characters.

This book was a lot of fun with twists and turns up until the end. If you like YA and Ocean’s Eleven type media, this is for you!

Thieves' Gambit by Kayvion Lewis was an amazing book. It was a very clever and interesting plot setup and very enjoyable to read

Seventeen-year-old Ross Quest tries her best to live by the family credo, “A Quest can’t trust anyone in this world - except for a Quest.” She works with her mom taking on jobs for clients that involve stealing. She really wants to be a normal kid and attend a High Performance Gymnastics Summer Camp. But when a heist goes wrong and her mom’s life is on the line, she instead accepts an invitation to The Thieves Gambit, essentially an international thieving competition with major consequences, but also a major reward if she wins: she will be granted a wish. If Ross can is win the competition she can ask for the cash needed to save her mom’s life. The novel really takes off once Ross accepts her invite to the competition. This is a fast-paced, page-turner that has so many great unexpected twists and turns. Ross is a protagonist that is easy to root for. It reads as incredibly cinematic and fans of heist novels, Bond films, and high-stakes competitions will love this novel. As I did. Thank you to NetGalley and to Nancy Paulsen Books for the advanced review copy.

What a rollercoaster! This was such a fun read that had me hooked from the beginning. Thieves’ Gambit has everything: action, twists and turns, family drama, secrets, betrayal, a little bit of romance, international jet setting, and a bonkers ending that perfectly sets the stage for a sequel. I loved this book and can not wait for the sequel (it hasn’t been announced but I’m just going to assume).

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was amazed to learn that the film rights for this book were snapped up even before its release, and after reading it, I completely understand why. Kayvion Lewis has crafted an incredibly thrilling and cinematic YA action mystery-heist that will have you hooked from the first page. Drawing inspiration from beloved movies and books like "Six of Crows," "Inheritance Games," and "Ocean's Eleven," while infusing elements reminiscent of the less dark aspects of "The Hunger Games" or "Squid Games" (keeping in mind its YA nature), this novel offers a delightful blend of adventure and diversity.

One of the highlights for me was joining the 17-year-old protagonist, Rosalyn 'Ross' Quest, on her high-stakes journey. Ross is an exceptional thief, comparable to the legendary Danny Ocean, and her invitation to join an underground thieving competition sets the stage for an exhilarating ride. Driven by the desire to rescue her kidnapped mother, Ross fearlessly embraces the outrageous and outlandish challenges of the Gambit. Throughout the story, I found myself constantly questioning the motives of each character, which added to the suspense and enjoyment. Deciphering who to trust in the midst of the "Thieves Gambit" became part of the thrill, and the formation of rivalries and friendships within the competition added an extra layer of intrigue. I'm delighted to report that the book easily passes the Bechdel test, featuring strong and diverse female characters engaging in meaningful conversations.

While some plot points felt a tad too convenient, requiring a generous suspension of disbelief, and the ending packed a flurry of twists that left me breathless, these minor flaws did not overshadow my overall enjoyment. If you're a fan of similar genres, I wholeheartedly recommend this book as a captivating and effortless page-turner.

The conclusion tantalizingly leaves room for a sequel, which I eagerly anticipate adding to my to-be-read list as soon as it's announced.

I extend my sincere gratitude to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster, and author Kayvion Lewis for providing me with the opportunity to read this captivating work, set to be published in October 2023. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Thieves Gambit is one of the best heist stories I've ever read! I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend to teens and adults. The mystery element was also nicely done. I look forward to more books by this author.

This book is so faced paced and thrilling I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. It was also a quick read because I could not put it down! Ross Quest is born into a legendary family of Master Thieves but has never felt so alone. When Ross decides she wants to break away from her family and try a new life of her own, her plans are crushed when a last minute heist goes wrong. In attempts to save her mother from a terrible fate, Ross enters the Thieves’ Gambit to try and win her mother’s freedom. The competition and contestants are more than she bargained for. Will she be able to win the completion and the top prize? Can Ross stick to her family motto to trust no one who isn’t a Quest? This is such a great storyline with original characters. The plot is faced paced but very well thought out and fun to try and decipher and guess the direction of the story. There are so many twists and turns my head was spinning by the end. I very much look forward to the next book because I want to see what happens to Ross and her relationships! Great characters, exciting story, and a great overall read! I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.

🦇 Thieves' Gambit Book Review 🦇

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐💫

❝ "Knowledge is control." ❞

❓ #QOTD If you could have one wish, what would it be? ❓

🦇 Ross Quest is a master thief at age 17, specializing in escape plans and keeping anyone outside of her family at arm's length. A plan to run away for a short break from her legendary family goes haywire when her mother gets caught, leaving Ross to gather an impossible sum to save her. Desperate, Ross enters the Thieves' Gambit; an international heist competition that promises the grand prize of win wish to the winner; a wish she could use to save her mom. With the stakes higher than they've ever been, can Ross bring herself to trust another thief, or will she con them all?

💜 Thieves' Gambit is fun, action-packed, and thrilling; everything you would expect from a heist. Kayvion Lewis keeps readers on their toes with twists and changing alliances, ensuring the pacing never slows. The story is plotted out like a film, leaving very little space for filler scenes (great for the pacing, but unideal for development). Each character is well-written, interesting, and dynamic, their hidden agendas and backstories adding to the intrigue. Even with the stakes so high, the heists are engaging without seeming too childish. With every heist, Ross learns a little more about herself in the process (though her character development isn't quite as strong as it could have been). There's also a light romantic element, though it never overshadows Ross's motivations or development. The dialogue is full of quick wit, moving just as quickly as the plot. Lewis manages to balance the coming-of-age issues (namely, trust, friendship, and self-identification) typical of most YA novels without abandoning the action-packed plot.

🦇 Though the novel is categorized as YA, the prose feels a little too juvenile at times. It also lacks strong descriptions that could have grabbed readers and dragged them through the thrill of a heist. With so much going on at such an intense speed, it's difficult to linger on small details that would have amplified the intensity. Unfortunately, that also makes it difficult for readers to empathize with the intense emotions Ross experiences during the game. A little more focus on "show, don't tell" would have bumped this up to a five. In a way, the story felt like it was written from a script, focusing more on dialogue and action than on imagery or emotions.

🦇 I'm also a bit disappointed in the heists themselves; namely, Ross's final heist. As a huge fan of the heist genre, I've read and watched enough media to know you should have a plan A to Z (Hardison usually dies in plan M...if you know, you know). You should always assume the plan is going to fail (to quote Leonard Snart, "Make the plan, execute the plan, expect the plan to go off the rails, throw away the plan."). Ross and the other competitors always seemed shocked when a plan went haywire. Some of the plans were too simple, while the final plan felt too easy (this big bad organization has safeguards throughout the entire competition, but allowed a bunch of teenagers to derail them?). The excitement of a good heist is watching savvy characters get themselves out of a domino effect of messes, all while stealing their score without the mark or audience realizing it. Instead, the final act felt rushed to get us to the cliffhanger (likely to hook readers before Netflix's production is released).

🦇 Recommended to fans of Six of Crows, Little Thieves, or the Inheritance Games.

✨ The Vibes ✨
💎 Ocean's Eleven / Leverage Vibes
💎 YA Mystery/Heist Thriller
💎 Betrayal
💎 Slow Burn Romance
💎 Soon-To-Be-Movie
💎 First of a Duology

🦇 Major thanks to the author @kayvionclewis and publisher @penguinteen for providing an ARC of this book via Netgalley. 🥰 This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

Thieves from all over the world are brought together for a contest--but what happens when you are in it to save your mother? This was a super fun read! Fast-paced and keeps you guess on who the good guys are. I will definately read the follow up. Also, excited to see that it might be made into a movie! Recommended.

I received an arc from NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

I was engaged with this book all the way through, I needed to know what happened next. The characters were well-written and I cared about what happened to them. The twists and turns in the book were unexpected, but not so much so that when they were revealed they didn't make sense. The phases the characters went through always brought scenarios that kept the readers interest. The storyline closed well enough that if this is a standalone, all of the pieces fit together, but it is left open for an interesting sequel, should the author plan to write more. And all I can say is that I really, really want a sequel to this book!