Arc provided by Netgalley, this in no way affected my review.

This was such a fun sequel and final book in the duology! We follow the same set of characters from the first book as they prepare themselves for an even bigger Gambit with even higher stakes.

The plot was very good and I liked the way the story progressed and the turn i took. I wasn’t really sure where this sequel would be heading, but it pleasantly surprised me. It did however feel very strongly like the first book with the same set-up at its core, but I didn’t really mind that as I really enjoyed the first one.

The bonds really deepened between the characters and we really learn more about them and see them interact in different ways than before. Lewis really built them strongly in the first book and that strength only grew in this second book. I’m really crossing my fingers for a spin-off for several of these characters *cough* Tao and Noelia *cough*

The ending had me on the edge of my seat and I’m so happy with the choice Ross made.

Heist Royale is the sequel to Thieves’ Gambit - I loved TG so much - it was fast paced, high-stakes and the character relationships were intriguing - unfortunately I did not feel the same way about HR.

This was not a bad book it just didn’t live up to what the first one did. A new character named “The Baron” was introduced but he has little to no backstory and is leading one of the groups for the second gambit. I didn’t care who won. The stakes didn’t seem that high even though if the Barons group won it would result in the deaths of the entire Quest family - the motivations of the characters aren’t really that clear.

I also feel like the ending was very rushed - sadly I was disappointed

My thanks to NetGalley and Nancy Paulsen Books/Penguin Random House for the ARC of "Heist Royale" in exchange for an honest review.
The Junior Varsity 'Ocean's 11' crew are back in action and for everyone who loved the impossible heists in their first book, 'Thieves Gambit' here comes even more.....with a heaping dose of the ever-so-slow burning romance between dedicated, dire enemies Ross and Devroe.
As you can see from the above description, this is the second book in a series and as far from a stand-alone as you can get. I'd highly recommend 'Heist Royale' as a terrific escapist romp but only after you've read the first one. Otherwise, you'll spend a frustrating time playing catch-up with the various rivalries, blood feuds, backstories and character clashes.
Our severely star-crossed couple, expert teen thieves Rosalyn 'Ross' Quest and Devroe Kenzie live to out-heist each other, with Ross's deep hatred and fear of the Kenzie family fueled by the events of the previous book....(which I couldn't even begin to describe in any detail, which brings me back to what I said about this not being a stand-alone)
Once again they're pitted against each other, along with their internationally diverse collection of fellow teen heist-meisters. And once again, the all powerful 'Organization' is running another 'Gambit' an anything-goes 'Hunger Gamer'-like thieving Olympics for adolescent felons.
As a prize, the Organization offers an all encompassing 'wish', and by that I don't just mean a trip to Disneyland or a new washer-dryer. As for losers, given the amount of danger they expose themselves to, they've a good chance of ....well....not making it into the next book.
This particular Gambit, set off by a deadly power struggle within the upper echelons of the Organization, makes the heists even more spectacularly insurmountable, which means a whole lot more suspense, danger and fun for us readers. The primary set piece has our competing crews of heist-inators ripping off a luxurious but shady casino......and coming up against an adversary they didn't bargain for.
I loved all the characters, the sharp byplay and the many twists and turns, but again I'd warn against trying to read this without first immersing yourself in 'Thieves Gambit' .A great reading double feature.

4 🌟 This series is so much fun! I really enjoyed the direction this second book went and was hooked the whole time. The amount of high stakes and multiple heists to pull off are so entertaining and really well done. Also, the ending wrapped up perfectly and left me content. I highly recommend this series if you’re looking for an action-packed, high stakes YA/ NA read!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for my e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This fun romp of a young adult sequel to Thieves’ Gambit (the first book must read first in order to appreciate the ongoing adventure) turns once again to the young scions of thieving families who get swept up into competition that involves life or death.

The late teens all work for a powerful organization of selfish gazillionaires who employ them on missions that will extend wealth, power, or execute revenge. Ross Quest, the only daughter of
a powerful, ruthless thieving Mom grew up in a tropical island isolated from any friends by her overprotective mother. Ross has made friends during the first international thieving competition in the Thieves Gambit, and now has to further learn to work with, trust and rely on her new friends in order to survive a vendetta held against her by Diane, the mother of her love interest Devroe. Diane wants to wipe the Quest family off the Earth, and Ross has to win in order to stop her family’s death.

The intense thieving challenges roam the globe from the frozen tundra of Antartica to Madre Gras in New Orleans, and from the mountains surrounding Cape Town to a glittering casino in Monte Carlo. Each new challenge strengthens the bonds between the friends, and even rivalries turn out to have friendship and loyalty as their base. With constantly badly behaving adults, the teens stage a rebellion of their own.

Thanks to Penguin Young Reader’s Group and NetGalley for an advanced reader’s copy.

The high-stakes sequel to Thieves' Gambit, for fans of Jennifer Lynn Barnes and Ally Carter.

It's been six months since the end of the Gambit. Instead of winning an impossible wish, Ross has the threat of her family’s execution hanging over her head. Devroe, the only person Ross thought she could trust, could wish the Quests into oblivion at any time. Shockingly, despite his betrayal, Devroe is still making a play for Ross’s heart as the two work together pulling jobs for the Organization. But Ross has learned her lesson: A Quest can only trust another Quest.

When Ross finds herself at the center of a power struggle within the Organization, she sees her chance to change her fortunes. As a new deadly Gambit develops for control of the criminal underworld, Ross strikes a risky deal to guarantee protection for herself and her family.

In this final clash, Ross will square off against a ruthless opponent who will stop at nothing to seize power, and in their corner will be not only Devroe but his mother, who wants to destroy the Quests at any cost.

The new Gambit takes Ross and her crew into the intoxicating casinos of Monte Carlo and across treacherous snow-covered slopes in Antarctica as Ross competes against Devroe in a fight for her life. Loyalties will be tested, backs stabbed, hearts broken. May the best thief win.

My Take:
The description suggests that this book is set six months after the events of "Thieves Gambit," and it is highly recommended to read that first. "Heist Royale" maintains the thrilling pace, adding a touch of romantic intrigue and a gratifying finale. Revisiting this world has been enjoyable, and an on-screen adaptation would be welcome.

Heist Royale is a YA thriller attempting to replicate the formula that made the first in this series, Thieves Gambit, so successful. It includes another gambit with the purpose of determining who will lead the organization in the future. There are twists and mild backstabbing, but most of the tension in the plot comes from environmental factors, such as stealing energy-efficient revolutionary tech from Antarctica. This sequel is fine enough, but it only seeks to capitalize on the relationships and intriguing characters from the first in the series. All new characters are very one dimensional except for a weird hobby. This unfortunately fails to impress, though I would still read more from Kayvion Lewis because her potential is clear from TG. I just wish this felt less like reading the same book again. Additionally, the second heist felt very similar to Brothers Hawthorne by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, and not in a positive way. A crossover would have been preferable and more interesting.
Thanks to NetGalley and Nancy Paulsen Books for this ARC!

Six months after the high stakes end of the Thieves’ Gambit, Ross Quest is stuck working with a flirtatious Devroe—the boy who could execute her and her family at any moment with his stashed wish. When a power struggle within the Organization pulls Ross in, she strikes a deal to save her family. But this new Gambit will set her against Devroe in a fight for her life….

This sequel kicked off with a quick pace and never slowed down. I loved the deepening friendships and shifting alliances as they went through these new heists. The complex parent-child relationships and morally gray decisions kept up the tension. Devroe and Ross navigated their complicated feelings without things becoming overdramatic or negative, and their romance didn’t overshadow the plot or friendships. The resolution to their impossible situation was clever and satisfying.

I binged this book just as quickly as the first one. It hooks you in and doesn’t let you go. This story was a fun ride!

Thanks to Penguin Teen and NetGalley for the ARC.

This is the sequel to The Thieves Gambit (which was also awesome), so if you haven't read that already: don't read on! Instead, go get that one and start this duology cause it's great!!

This was a beautiful follow up to the first book in this duology. I loved diving back into the Gambits world. This world felt unique but also, like it could for real happen in real life which I kind of loved. I will say the ending of this duology did feel quite rushed to me and I was kind of left with a "that was it" feeling. It almost felt like a third book was necessary? But I get it.

Overall, a good and unique duology that I would recommend to anyone who loves a good heist! Cause I love them! Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Teen for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!

I greatly enjoyed Thieves' Gambit, and Heist Royale, the sequel, did not disappoint! There were twists and turns, backstabbing and betrayal, and the reader will be on the edge of their seat waiting to see what happens next! Ross is working for the organization in order to fulfill her contract, when she gets pulled into some petty infighting between the Count and a new mysterious figure, the Baron. Since both want to lead the organization, a new gambit is hosted with even higher stakes challenges. Rather than stealing priceless artifacts from the museum, the competitors are tasked to steal secrets, assassination tapes, and other even harder to find items. Although Devroe and Ross have been more or less peacefully working together after the Gambit (what's a few frame jobs between friends?), the two are split with Kyung-Soon and Diana Abara joining Devroe and Noelia and Milo joining Ross. From perilous high stakes chases across the ice to a dodgy casino heist to a break in on a hard to reach island, the action never stops. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to fans of action adventure with a bit of teenage drama sprinkled in.

Heist Royale by Kayvion Lewis is the follow up to Thieves’ Gambit. In this novel, it’s 6 months after the end of the Gambit and Ross is still trying to save her family through another series to team tasks.

I enjoyed the heist action and banter between characters in this book. I think I may have liked it better if I had read the first book more closely to this one. There were details I didn’t remember that I think would have made the second book more enjoyable. Definitely hoping there is a third book to continue some of the storylines from the end of the book!

Thank you Penguin Random House @penguinrandomhouse , Nancy Paulson Books, Netgalley @netgalley and Kayvion Lewis @kayvionclewis for this free ebook!
“Heist Royale” (Thieves’ Gambit #2) by Kayvion Lewis ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Genre: YA/Middle Grade Heist Thriller. Location. Rio to New Orleans to Antarctica to Monte Carlo and beyond. Time: present.

THE SERIES: “Trust no one whose last name isn’t Quest.”
Rosalyn (Ross) Quest (17) is a thief, especially adept at escape plans. She wears braids and loves custom Chucks. Her weapon-a meteor bracelet with a heavy weight on the end. She lives with mom Rhiannon (39) and Aunt Jaya (32) on an island in the Bahamas-so rural convenience stores are in people’s living rooms. Her family of thieves has a private plane and a black box/deep web email account. Mama Quest is a glamorous, diamond tennis bracelet-wearing master thief who trained her daughter well.

THIS BOOK: It's been 6 months since the Gambit. The threat of her family’s execution hangs over Ross’ head. Devroe, the only person Ross trusted, can now wish the Quests into oblivion any time. To save her family, Ross must find a way to out-heist the boy who betrayed her. A new deadly Gambit takes Ross and her crew from Antarctica’s labs to Monte Carlo’s casinos to South Africa’s retreats. Loyalties are tested, backs stabbed, hearts broken. May the best thief win.

Author Lewis has written a page-turner heist novel perfect for middle grade and YA readers. (Adults will enjoy it too.) Imagine “Ocean’s Eleven” mashed up with “The Hunger Games” to get a sense of it. She has Ross narrate the book, which starts on her birthday (January 13) at a concert in Rio, and continues to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, and around the world. Devore plays a significant role, and other characters from book #1 resurface. Lewis’s characters are on point for their ages and backgrounds (remembering they are all experienced thieves). If you like fast-paced action, strong young women, personal and professional tension, and a tiny bit of romance (and heartbreak), pick up this book. It’s 5 stars from me🌵📚💁🏼‍♀️🎀

Thieves Gambit was one of my top reads of last year and I was eagerly awaiting this sequel and it definitely hit the mark! I loved the twists and turns and being back in this world of spies. My only issue is I needed more closure for some of the plot points, so maybe just a couple extra chapters?

I just finished “Heist Royale” by Kaybion Lewis, and I was thoroughly impressed! The story is a thrilling blend of action and strategy, centered around a high-stakes heist that kept me on the edge of my seat. Lewis masterfully builds tension, with twists and turns that I never saw coming.

The characters are well-developed, each bringing their own unique skills and motivations to the table, which added depth to the plot. I particularly enjoyed how the author explored themes of loyalty and betrayal within the group, making me question who I could trust right alongside the characters.

Overall, “Heist Royale” is a fast-paced, engaging read that combines clever plotting with rich character dynamics. I found myself completely immersed in the world Lewis created, and I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next!

Finally! The next installment of my obsessions is here! The teens are back, fighting for their lives and the lives of those they love. The stakes are deadly. Teens saving the world, adult drama - what's not to love? This series is my happy place. I'm ridiculously invested in this world... please keep the sequels coming! If you haven't joined the fandom yet, what are you waiting for?

Thank you, NetGalley and the Publisher, for providing a free ARC. I'm happy to share my honest feedback.

We are back with Ross, her mom, Devroe, his mom, Noelia, Mylo, Kyung-Soon, and Taiyô. Ross is still working with Devroe for Count- per the requirements of the Thieves’ Gambit. However, she and her crew find that things aren’t so perfect over in Organization land. Quickly they’re thrown into another gambit, whose victor will become the face of the Organization. Allegiances are made, hearts are broken, friendships are torn, and battle lines are drawn… will Ross be able to put her gang back together again? At this point she’s just hoping she’s alive in a week.

This was just the novel I needed- back with old friends- teenagers making choices that will save everyone around them while the adults muck it all up! This YA series is full of adventure and intrigue- make sure you read the first one… @kayvionclewis I can’t wait for the third!!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to @netgalley and @penguinrandomhouse for this #advancedreaderscopy

Pub date is 11/12/24.

#heistroyale
#2024bookchallenge101of75

thank you to netgalley and nancy paulsen books for the arc of heist royale! it was so easy to fall back into this book- i was shocked with the ending of book one but i really enjoyed how this one picked up right where it left off! i once again enjoyed the fast pacing of the story- it kept me very engaged and made this book such a fun and quick read! the high stakes adventures in the book truly suck you into the story. the change in dynamics amongst our characters was very interesting to see, especially with how it allowed us to learn more about the characters as individuals- i was excited we got a good mix of returning and new characters! i really enjoyed the transformation ross went through during the book, she is a great mc and i very much enjoyed her journey! the romance took a bit of a back seat for me in this one- i thought that devroe did need to do a bit more groveling to earn forgiveness but i still was happy they got back together. overall a good and thrilling read!

Six months after The Gambit, Ross is still working with Devroe, much to her annoyance. While she continues to resist Devroe's charm, their adorable banter makes us smile, even when it involves trying to get him arrested.

As they work for Count, a new character, Baron, is introduced, challenging Count for her position.

What I love are Ross's returning friends—Kyung-soon, Mylo, Noelia, and even Taiyo. Diane's ongoing quest for vengeance continues. Watching them come together and compete, even at the risk of death, shows us the importance of never giving up and the power of teamwork.

Overall, this is a very satisfying sequel.

Thank you so much to Penguin Teen for the advance copy of this book!

"I can't save your whole family, Ross, just you."
"Maybe I don't want to be alive if everyone in my family isn't -"

Last year I was fortunate enough to read an advance copy of Thieves' Gambit which took me for a ride and I really enjoyed!! Still anxious to see how it is adapted (should it happen). And now we have the sequel which also is a wild ride. Reading this one compared to the first one was a different experience. I am not quite sure how to pinpoint it but there was something so new and fresh with the first book and I love the game of it all that this one I kind of felt like the game was lost? This did still have a game but it just wasn't the same.

I will say I love how Devore is up to his same flirtatious ways towards Ross and this time we even got a kiss! I loved their relationship and how they are enemies but also friends and yet there is this chemistry that can't be denied. Just wish there was a little more. Either have more of it or none at all so it doesn't feel like an extra piece. I also liked how we got to see more of Ross's mom who was mentioned throughout the first book but played more of a role in this one. Along with Devore's mom, she also played an integral role this time around. One of my favorite scenes was when they were at the casino and the teamwork that was involved.

If you are looking for an action pack duology, consider checking this one out!

3.5

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Group for a e-copy arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 star rating

Let's be honest i only remembered the main plot of the first book so coming into this with out a reread left me treading water but luckily this author does give clues of what happened in the previous box as a bit of a recap towards who is who and why some people don't like others and or have complicated relationships.

Ross Quest is back 6 months post Gambit after making a deal to keep her family alive.. at least for as long as Devore holds out make the wish his mom requests... to end of the Quest family as a whole. Ross and Devore are forced to work together, maybe even flirt together, on assignments until a conflict in the Organization leads to another Gambit that splits friends and could be budding relationships apart. Things are at a higher price this round. The winners lead and the winners live. Three rounds, winner takes all...or do they.

This book really kept the risk and thrill going from book 1 and grew on what was already there between character. It also gave us background we didn't learn from book one and ended in a nice pretty bow (avoiding spoilers here) that wrapped everything up not leaving the readers wanting more due to lack of answers.

Love the covers and the plot of the story and the feel of Oceans 11 with a whole teenage cast and the adults only being supporting rolls.