As this weekend was the long weekend celebrating Matariki - the Maori New Year and also the first day for me to help out with the special election booth at the library, I figured it was going to be quiet and it was with only a couple of inquiries. This made it the perfect reading time as well, so I didn't sit there twiddling my thumbs. I took along with me Thieves Gambit, and it was so good. I have always enjoyed heist and spy novels and Thieves Gambit by Kayvion Lewis was another one added to my list of enjoyable reads. I now can't wait for Book #2 Heist Royale. Thieves Gambit first introduces us to the mother/daughter team of The Quests who are one of North America's best thieving families. Ross though wants a normal life, so she starts planning but instead of a clean break on their last job, her mum gets kidnapped. The kidnappers want one billion dollars which means Ross now has to enter and win the Thieves Gambit to get her mum back. This competition has some of the best teenage thieves from around the world including Ross's archnemesis Noelia Boschert. Can Ross open herself to trusting when it shows she will need allies to move forward in the competition? What will happen though when her world is shaken and she doesn't know who to trust how can you trust anyone if the one you are conditioned to trust, breaks that? Find out in this fast-paced action/adventure YA thriller "Thieves Gambit". Fans of Jennifer Lynn Barnes and Mackenzie Reed's books will enjoy.

A fun YA story that kept me interested and guessing, a page turner until the end. We have a story with betrayal, heists and a competition, are your friends really your friends or just trying to win.

This book was really good, I enjoyed the heist elements and family dynamics. I definitely will be continue this series and look out for more by this author

I thought I had outgrown YA but no, just turns out I haven't been reading the right kind of books - and this is definitely my kind of book. The Thieve's Gambit is a fast paced read where thieves are recruited to take part in a competition. I loved the way this book unfolded. From the tense opening that ends in tragedy, to the fast-paced middle and explosive end, I was captivated as Ross navigated this tricky world. I will say that I wasn't as invested in the romance as I thought it would be, but I did really like both characters.

A competition
Heists
Thieves
Rivals to lovers
Family secrets
Betrayal
Slow burn

Can't wait for the sequel.

This book is everything I wanted the Inheritance Games to be (no shade to the Inheritance Games, but also I was underwhelmed)!

Literally nailed everything - characters, plot, pacing, suspense! I read this so fast!

The whole thing was just so much fun! The concept of the global heists was already good enough, but there's also the perfect amount of plot twists to keep you guessing at every step!

The only problem with getting this as an ARC is that I will now have to wait so incredibly long for a sequel :((((

Many thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with a review copy! All opinions are my own.

Rosalyn Quest is about to face a situation where the family rule of never trusting anyone may not be the best one to follow or is it? After her mother is kidnapped Rosalyn, who comes from a very renowned family of thieves, is manipulated into complete in the the Thieves’ Gambit – a deadly competition that allows the winner one wish. She is up against the best of the best including a childhood enemy and a boy who appears to be as much interested in winning her heart as well as the competition. No one is quite what they seem and everyone ultimately is in it to win. This was a really great book with a strong set of characters especially Rosalyn. I look forward to seeing what comes next for this young woman - I don't think we have seen the last of her and her adventures.

Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this.

This took me a while to get to, which was why it took me a while to read through. But once the story begins to pick up, I did find this to be an interesting read. Definitely enough for me to want to read the next book in the series.

The Inheritance Games meets, Oceans Eleven, and a sprinkle of Now You See Me.

This YA contemporary mystery, is an adventure to read. Build around the mantra of <i>trust no one whose last name isn't Quest our FMC enters into a cutthroat competition, with the hopes, she'll take home the grand prize. A wish for anything in the world. With her mother’s life on the line, our 17 year old master thief must compete in and adapt, outwit and out manoeuvre her peers to save her mother.

The character development was done extremely well. The pace was fabulous, and I cannot wait to get my hands on book two.

I received an ARC for a free and honest review on this book.
Thank you to the publisher Simon & Schuster, and the author Kayvion Lewis for the ARC

I recently had the pleasure of delving into this book, and I am beyond impressed with the mesmerizing world that the author has crafted. From start to finish, the intricate plot weaves a tapestry of suspense, emotion, and unexpected twists that kept me eagerly turning the pages.

One of the standout features of this book is undoubtedly its characters. Each one is meticulously developed, breathing life into the narrative with their unique personalities, motivations, and flaws. The protagonists are not just names on paper; they are relatable, complex individuals with whom readers can form a genuine connection. The antagonist, too, is not a mere foil but a multi-dimensional force that adds depth to the story. The author's ability to create such well-rounded characters is a testament to their storytelling prowess.

The plot unfolds seamlessly, drawing the reader into a richly layered narrative that expertly balances tension, drama, and moments of poignant reflection. The pacing is impeccable, maintaining a perfect rhythm that keeps the reader engaged without sacrificing the depth of the story. The author skillfully navigates through various plot arcs, interweaving them with finesse to create a cohesive and satisfying whole.

What sets this book apart is its ability to tackle profound themes while maintaining an accessible and engaging narrative. The book seamlessly combines suspense and emotional depth, making it a truly immersive experience. The author's prose is both elegant and evocative, painting vivid imagery that lingers in the reader's mind long after the final page is turned.

As I reached the conclusion, I found myself yearning for more from this talented author. Their ability to craft a gripping plot and bring characters to life is truly commendable. I eagerly anticipate future works and would wholeheartedly recommend this book to any reader who appreciates a masterfully told tale. If you're searching for a book that seamlessly blends captivating characters with a compelling plot, this is a shining example. I can't wait to explore more literary worlds crafted by this exceptional storyteller.

This is the first book since the early noughties that I have wanted to skip to the end to see if I was right. There were so many twists and turns, which I absolutely loved. Yes, I guessed some, but there were some twists that I was so shocked by. So much so that I had actual physical reactions to said twists. Thieves’ Gambit just brought out so many emotions, especially when things I could see coming combined with things I didn’t see coming and it was thrilling! Making it even more exquisite in its delivery. I was playing a soundtrack that fit with the genre and I feel like that heightened the experience. I was completely immersed in the story, so much so that I had a whole heap of messages and notifications that I didn’t hear because I was lost in this book. I loved the dynamic between all of the characters, and I’m calling it, it’s one of my the best YA reads I’ve encountered in years. The ending had me on the edge of my seat.

I loved how descriptive it was, I was able to cast the characters in my mind, picture every scene and situation. It just elevated and added so much more to the story. As I’ve mentioned there were parts that were easy to solve or predict, but there was something about it that kept you wanting to know more. It was an intricate mystery that I feel speaks to a wider range of an audience, especially with how it was delivered. Every time I put the book down I was looking forward to picking it up again, in between this time I would think about the book constantly. It made me realise that maybe this is a genre I can explore more. It honed in on something I was missing within my reading landscape and achieved something where other books within that same genre hadn’t so far for me.

Enemies to Lovers? SIGN. ME. UP!

The fusion of a heist narrative and romance in this book was an absolute delight. Picture a fast-paced YA action mystery-heist that's akin to the energy of the Ocean's Eleven movies and the allure of the Six of Crows duology. I devoured this read at breakneck speed; it had that magnetic quality that just wouldn't let me put it down. The setting and plot were like a carefully crafted puzzle, making the entire experience all the more intriguing.

As the pages turned, I couldn't help but be thrilled at the subtle hint of a second book. The mere prospect of another instalment had me eagerly anticipating what lies ahead. If you're seeking a rollercoaster of emotions, a dash of suspense, and a sprinkle of romance, this book has it all – and the promise of more to come only sweetens the deal!

Fast paced and a quick easy read.

On the most part i found it enjoyable though I don't feel I was the right audience.

This will definitely be a hit with YA.

Thank you to Netgalley and the Publisher for kindly gifting me this ARC to read and review

Thieves' Gambit was a combination of a bunch of things that I love in books. Heists, intrigue, family dynamics, a bit of romance thrown in on the side. I enjoyed the twists and turns that were in the story, and for the most part, liked Ross as the main character.

The competition and the Ocean's Eleven sort of vibe was a LOT of fun and it was fun to read the different elements of a heist coming together. As I said, I do love a heist story! It was pretty fast-paced, too. I feel like we were thrown into the action pretty much straight away, with only minimal pauses for breath along the plot. There was tension and cliffhangers, family and friend relationships, and while it was a touch predictable at some points, there were other times when I didn't quite see something coming or I hadn't been paying attention enough to make the connection.

Overall, I've given the book by Lewis a 3/5 stars. It was fun and entertaining, and I enjoyed the heist element, but there was something missing for me - perhaps some depth? - that has bumped it down a few stars.

Loved this high stakes heist saga! It was so much fun, highly engaging and really different to other YA reads out there at the moment.

This was a fast-paced and exciting adventure story. The characters were well developed and diverse in personality. The plot was well thought out and full of surprises. This kept me interested right to the very end. there were lighthearted moments and I enjoyed some of the banter between the characters. This will be a book any action adventure loving young adult will enjoy. It will also make a great movie and I will definitely be going to see it.

Thanks the the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for review. This was a super fun fast paced YA action book. There is so much that worked in this. The trial elements, the heists, the scheming. I didn't realise this would be the start of a series, so found the end a bit too open, although it sets up for next book very well. I loved the dynamic between between Ross and Noelia, who used to be friends as children but now hate each other. Although the romance felt a bit forced, I did love the friendships built with some of the other contestants. Overall super fun, and would recommend to anyone that enjoys dramatic fast paced YA.

I didn't finish this one, it isn't for me because the voice sounds too young. There was a lot going on but I didn't feel much tension and wasn't on the edge of my seat.

I love a good heist movie, but this is a brilliant heist book. I never thought I would get so invested in a YA book. This book evoked all the emotions as a reader and it has been a while since I felt so many conflicting emotions when reading a book.
We starting the book with Rosalyn wanting to get out of the thieving lifestyle and live a normal life, but things go sideways when she decided to plan her escape and finds herself in thieving/ heist competion. Things get coplicated fast on the competition and in each quest becoming more dangerous she has to make alliences that at the end will see who was on her side all along.

It's griping, thrilling, gut retching and final betrayal she will face will have you throwing the book and asking for more straight away.

I would say don't walk run and get this book because it was a trully masterpiece.

Roslyn (Ross) Quest is a master thief and especially adept at escape plans. When she decides to run from the family, her mother's life is thrown into the balance. In a desperate bid, she enters the Thieves' Gambit, a competition of heists, of which the winner takes a wish at the end. Ross tries her best to stick to the family creed: trust no one whose last name isn't Quest. But with the stakes this high, Ross will have to decide who to con and who to trust before time runs out. After all, only one of them can win.

Ross was an amazing lead. Being smart and sassy, she held my attention the whole duration. Seeing her strength and determination to get out from underneath her family name made this such a good read. This is quickly shaping up to be one of my favourite reads of 2023 - the betrayal, the uncertainty and the tiny hint of romance. Perfect for lovers of Four Dead Queens, Ocean's Eleven & Caraval. Thieves' Gambit is available now and soon to be made for film.

DNF at 12%

Super fun premise where you have a confident, aspiring thief teen following in her mums footsteps who gets offered a place in a ‘game show for thieves’-esque competition. I can’t really tell you much more than that unfortunately. Although the premise was fun, the book lacked the gusto I wanted in a read right now.

Despite this, Thieves Gambit is definitely a book that I can see being entertaining down the line and is something I would recommend to someone who likes heist-based YA books.

Unfortunately this just felt like the wrong book for me right now.
This is potentially a soft DNF - I may be back!

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for the complimentary e-arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions in this review are my own.