Thank you to Macmillan and NetGalley for this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. I don't really have much to say other than I literally had to claw myself through this book because I love the Medici family lore and really wanted to get through it. I managed to do that. In the end, I still love the Medici family but I didn't love the book so much. I couldn't get into the characters and just overall, the heist did not live up to the heist that was promoted, I guess?

Used to have an obsession with the medici family (essentially this entire era and the next 200 years) and this was such a light hearted and fun read

If you like heists and historical fiction, then the Medici Heist is one of the best new books you could read beginning this Fall. Caitlin Schneiderhan uses her screenwriting background to create a cinematic and fun debut that readers will be sure to devour.

MEIDICI HEIST by Caitlin Schneiderhan was a delightful, historical,heist novel that included some fun twists and heart-pounding adventure. I really enjoyed it, and highly recommend it to anyone who loves heist novels. Thank you to the author and Macmillan Children's Publishing Group | Feiwel & Friends for the free eArc in exchange for an honest review.

Unfortunately I was not a fan of this book. Everything felt disconnected, and I had the hunch I was dropped into the middle of a series. The characters didn't mesh well for me, and It didn't seem like they had any on page chemistry.

I liked how this read like a script from each member of the crews perspective. It waas an intereting way to narrarate the story and drive the action forward. As a former history teacher, I loved the historical references and really immersed myself into the story, ever if some of it was far-fetched.

This was so good! I loved how each chapter focused on a different one of the crew as they slowly came together and then pulled off the heist. I love the reveals of information kept secret from the others (and the reader). I loved how engaging every character was. I loved all of them and wanted the story to continue. I would absolutely read a follow-up adventure where the crew gets back together.

From the beginning, I was instantly reminded of Ocean's 11 (which I love). The plot is very different, obviously, but the way the story unfolds is very similar. This is definitely one of my favorite heist novels. They're so hard to pull off successfully and Schneiderhan pulls it off flawlessly.

The relationships - both romantic and family / found family - are excellent as well. I love the way they weave around the plot.

Definitely one of my favorites of the year.

The audiobook was wonderfully performed. The characters each had a unique voice that felt authentic and immersed the listener in the story immediately. It was a pleasure to listen to from the beginning.

*Thanks to Feiwel & Friends and Macmillan Young Listeners for providing an early copy for review.

I read this in one sitting (except for trips to the fridge for caffeine) because I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN! Absolutely masterful storytelling. I'm still processing that ending!

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publishers for providing me with a digital copy of this book to review.

A good idea for a novel, but I’ll echo other reviewers opinions that this reads more like a script.

The author is a scriptwriter by profession, so it’s not exactly surprising that this reads more like a movie, but it’s difficult to get enough out of it in this form of media when the characters are hollow and indistinguishable and the setting isn’t very well rendered.

The bones of the heist plot were decent, and I think I’d enjoy this as a movie or if it were fleshed out into a more complete novel. The pacing is fine and the story is enough to keep your attention, though in the end it’s hard to feel like this was complete as a book.

I might get to this book at some point - I have got to stop requesting books just because of pretty covers and other authors boosting them on insta...

This needs to be a movie and not a book. There were times that some characters came across more as quippy tropes than fully fleshed out characters. It needed more detail overall. I think there is great material here. It was just presented in the wrong genre.

It wasn't an easy read. The ideas were there but it felt written in monotone.
It's fast paced, full of action and it would make a great movie... not so much a great book

This was a big DNF for me. I think I made it about 10% into this book before I called it quits. It did not capture my attention or pull me into the story. Perhaps I wasn't the right audience for this, even though I typically love adventurous YA stories especially with a heist. This one just didn't hit for me and I was quite disappointed.

Medici Heist by Caitlin Schneiderhan is a thrilling rollercoaster from start to finish. The novel effortlessly combines historical intrigue with modern-day suspense, delivering a story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Schneiderhan’s meticulous attention to detail brings the Renaissance-era Medici family and their art treasures vividly to life, while the contemporary heist plot is executed with precision and flair.

This YA novel is a thrilling read that captivated me from start to finish. The concept is fresh and exciting, keeping the suspense high throughout. What really impressed me were the well-developed characters; each one is relatable and adds depth to the story. Their journeys and relationships make for an engaging and emotional experience. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a gripping adventure!

I love this!!!!
This is definitely a hit for a heist book. Loving the characters build, their dynamic, and their background. It's neatly written. Everyone got something on their plate and spotlight (except for Agata).

I don't mind the pace. The heist or action in it is just enough. Loving the twist and how it turned out in the end.

The love chemistry is definitely there. I love them all basically:(((

Yes, the plot is very YA and still very much enjoyable. I don't mind that also ✨🫶🏼

This is an enough YA story on found family and heist laced with historical trivias and characters. Give it a go. Thankyou for the arc in exchange of honest review.

A middle grade heist that reads as anything but middle-grade :) I would gladly gift this book to any ten that loves the National Treasure or Oceans 11 movies

A number of unexpected treats will land in your pocket when you pick up this read. First of all, put on your oldest clothes because your time period is the 1500's.

You'll get to hang out with Michelangelo, a 17-year old former citizen of Prato who is a very adept thief named Rosa, you'll meet the Pope and a Cardinal, rub shoulders with a mix of the Medicis, run gold through your fingers, face any number of grim-faced soldiers, and experience hunger, fear, pain, weather and water as you follow Rosa and her crew of merry mischief makers. There is a sense of Robin Hood righting wrongs woven throughout the tale. The tale lost me here and there, but as many others have said, this would make a GREAT movie!

My favorite take away is when Rosa asks Michelangelo what David (his thoughtful statute) is thinking:

“Master Michelangelo,” she said. “Your David statue. What is he thinking?”

The artist blinked at her. “It’s a statue. It’s not thinking anything.”

“You put your blood and sweat into it. That’s what you told me. And that’s enough to bring anything to life. So what is he thinking?”

Michelangelo’s shoulders hunched. “I suppose … he’s frightened about what he’s going to do. He’s worried that he won’t be enough. Won’t be strong enough.”

“Is that all?” Rosa asked.

“He’s frightened. And … determined.”

“Which is why he does it anyway.”

“Yes. But that’s just a story—”

“You’re right, Master Michelangelo,” Rosa said. “But it’s good to remember stories. We are not noble shepherds like David. We’re thieves. But that doesn’t mean we can’t be like David and do something right. Hurling this rock at the Medici is the right thing to do, because the alternative is allowing them to grind this city into the dust, just like they’ve done before.”

Even though I fell off the wagon a few times I found my way back for the finale which pleased me. My favorite way to end a read.

*A sincere thank you to Caitlin Schneiderhan, Macmillan Children's Publishing Group, Feiwel & Friends, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.*

3.5/5 Stars

A group of talented misfits band together to pull off a heist against the Medici Family.

I love me a good heist book, so I was excited to pick this one up! There is a lot of info-dumping in this, which could cause the pacing to drag at times. I did like how we got to see the how and the why of everyone being picked to join the heist. I liked the found family aspect of the story, but I do think at times the characters began blending together, which made it hard to distinguish them from one another. I wish they would have been fleshed out a little bit more to allow for their personalities to shine through. I liked that we got POVs from each character, which allowed for learning the backstories of everyone. I liked that all the characters had their own side plots they were handling while participating in the bigger heist.

I do think this would make a pretty cool movie though!

fun YA debut with some fun and well-written ideas that i think will stand up well with it being out now! would recommnd this work a lot.