I actually enjoyed this sequel to Thieves Gambit more than the original. The book opens with Devroe and Ross working together to pull off a heist six months after the end of book one's dramatic conclusion. Devroe still has his wish and Ross is still waiting for the ax to drop and her family to be wiped out. Soon Ross is called into a new gambit of sorts, doing jobs which will determine who will continue to rule the secretive thieves' Organization. It's life or death for Ross, as Devroe's mother, Diane is determined to see the end of her and her family.

There is action, romance, suspense and more. I would recommend this book for upper middle grades and older. It is a fast paced, enjoyable read that does not disappoint. I look forward to more books from this author.

YA

This is a slam-dunk of a sequel!

The whole gang from Thieves' Gambit are back. Ross thinks Devroe is acting like he is in love with her and is doing her best to keep away from him, but he keeps showing up everywhere she does. Ross' mother is doing the same since Ross said she didn't want to see her at the end of the last book. Ross is also struggling with forming friendships and apologizing to her friends for her previous behavior.

The group gets pulled into a competition to lead the organization. They are all forced to choose sides, leaving Devroe and Ross on opposing sides. Kyung-sun is also on the opposite team - is she really still that pissed at Ross? Noelia and Mylo team up with Ross to complete the tasks. They pull in other characters and race to win the competition. The novel keeps the adrenaline up as the teams' overcome obstacles and challenges thrown their way. Ross struggles more with navigating her personal relationships along the way.

This was a really great sequel and a definite must read for fans of the Thieves' Gambit. That being said, you have to read the first novel before beginning this one. It would have been nice if the first novel was referenced a bit more as a reminder to who and what these characters all did in the first book. Waiting a year between books is hard and this reader appreciates a jolt to the memory without having to reread the first story.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my ARC of this novel.

Heist Royale picks up six months after Thieves' Gambit, and it was even better than the first novel! I was so excited to get back to this world full of heists!

All of the gang is back, but not in the same teams, which makes things interesting, and there are a lot more interactions going on. I appreciate that it includes some of characters we already know but gives them more depth and introduces also some new characters. I have to say that I adore the transformation Ross underwent as a person! After years of missing and longing for the world outside the island, she was able to finally experience it.

Compared to the first novel, I found this one to be much more enjoyable. The characters in this novel have more opportunities to shine and establish a connection with the reader. Without going overboard, Lewis' writing allows you to vividly visualize the setting. The heists are high-stakes, thrilling, and almost fatal events that happen in stunning and intriguing locations.

I find it difficult to say goodbye to these characters, even if Lewis gave the novel a nice conclusion. I could read about all the different heists that this group pulls off over and over again.

This book will not let you down if you enjoyed the first one. And if you enjoy heist novels and movies and haven't read the first book yet, you should absolutely check out this series!

Ross and company is back in this heist-filled sequel. Only, this time, instead of a seemingly impossible win looming over her head, she must contend with Devroe's betrayal and the impending threat of her family's execution all while working for the Organization.

However, when a power struggle ensues at the top, she sees an opportunity change her fate. Pretty soon, a new gambit (or gauntlet) is underway that has her facing off against old friends and power players like Diane, who just so happens to want the entire Quest family dead. So whether it's a mad dash through Monte Carlo's casinos or a climb through the snowy tundra of Antartica, Ross is embroiled in another thieving game that has her duping patrons, questioning loyalties, and trying to find a way to follow her heart.

Structurally similar to the first book, this was another fast-paced caper. The action moved at a clip, with the characters moving from one quest to the next, and overall, I think it had the same beats of plot, which ultimately entailed finding out whoever the winner was going to be. That said, the unresolved issues between Ross and her mom as well as the sexual tension between Ross and Devroe added gravitas. It also kept things nuanced, developed, and interesting.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group for the ARC in exchange for my review.

This was just okay honestly. I was expecting a little bit more with how much I liked the first one, but there wasn't much to this that was different than the first book. Other than some of the friendships changing around the overall plot was very similar, win the gambit. Because of that, I wasn't as intrigued because I felt like I had already read it and I had a feeling I knew how it was going to end.

The most fun section was the second quest when they were in the casino. Because we were finally introduced to more characters and there was some new dynamics introduced to the situation. I think that section was a lot longer than the rest of the novel, which made pacing seem a little uneven. But, at the same time, that was my favorite part of the novel so I also didn't mind.

I did like the ending, and the fact that Ross stood up for herself against her mother and the fact that her mother is now the head of the company.

The ending was a little abrupt though and I was almost thinkning that I was missing an epilogue. Things were resolved but I just wanted a little bit more insight into where our characters were going and what was next. Overall, this was just okay.

3/5 stars.

Another fun book by Kayvion Lewis! My 13yr old son would enjoy this series as well. I plan on buying them for him. A cross between Spy School and Ocean's 11, and entertaining for all audiences. I recommend!! Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

Heist Royale delivers a heart-pounding conclusion to the thrilling heist series that began with Thieves' Gambit. Fans of Jennifer Lynn Barnes and Ally Carter will be captivated by this action-packed adventure.

Ross finds herself in a precarious situation, betrayed by the one person she thought she could trust. As she navigates the treacherous world of the Organization, she must make difficult choices and form new alliances. The author skillfully weaves together a complex plot filled with twists, turns, and high-stakes confrontations.

The characters are as compelling as ever, with Ross's determination and resourcefulness shining through. The romantic tension between Ross and Devroe adds an extra layer of intrigue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

With its stunning settings, thrilling action, and a satisfying conclusion, Heist Royale is a must-read for fans of heist novels and young adult fiction.

*Heist Royale* by Kayvion Lewis is a thrilling, fast-paced YA novel that combines elements of high-stakes heists with royal intrigue. The story follows a group of talented teenagers as they navigate dangerous schemes and shifting alliances in a world where trust is a luxury. With sharp dialogue, clever twists, and dynamic characters, the book delivers a fun, engaging read perfect for fans of action-packed adventures.

Great follow up. I like the dynamic of this book and how it was developed. After that first book i wanst sure how this one was going to go but i was definitely not disappointed. Adventures more cons and fun.

3.75 stars

I really enjoyed this sequel, but I don’t know if it compared to the first book. I loved the Ross and all of her friends returned and the heists in this book. I thought the pacing was a little off, since some scenes were slower while other scenes were so fast that I was confused on what’s going on. Also, I feel like Ross forgave Devroe out of nowhere. Other than that, it was a fun heist book.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me an e-ARC of this book!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

(4.5 stars) Heist Royale was as exciting, fast-paced, and action-packed as book one! This series is extremely addictive and I’ve WHIPPED through each book in a matter of days. I don’t know what kind of heist-based, thrilling, competitive, blood-pumping, young adult genre this falls under, but I want more of it! I would read 10+ books just like this, if Kayvion Lewis decided to write them.

Speaking of the amount of books in this series, I was fairly confident I had heard that this was going to be a trilogy, but it sounds like Heist Royale actually completes the duology. Honestly, I was a bit shocked by this when I got to the end and there wasn’t a cliffhanger like there was at the end of book one. Like I said above, I just wish we could get even more books in the series, but I am very much looking forward to the Thieves’ Gambit movie!

I read Thieves Gambit at the start of this year and thoroughly enjoyed it and as soon as I saw Heist Royale was being released I pre ordered it straight away and then saw it was available as an early ARC and it was an immediate yes please NetGalley from me.
The original cast are back, 6 months after the Gambit and once again there’s more cons afoot, double crossing, who can be trusted and what can possibly go wrong?
The casino scene was by far my favourite part of the book, I felt like I was in an Oceans film, I just wished there was more of the book set there.
Was great seeing what had happened to the original characters, but where was Auntie?
Everything was nicely wrapped up, but I’ll miss the gambits.
Highly recommended to any YA readers and anyone who enjoys a fast paced easy but fun read.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

I was so happy to receive this ebook after finishing Thieves’ Gambit last year which I loved. This sequel takes place 6 months after and Ross and company are back! There is some alliance shifting, some trust issues going on. I just love the dynamic between Ross and her friends and also between Ross and her mother. There are more heists and spy games and it’s just as fun as the first book. Overall I really enjoyed it! A fun, fast paced follow up that’s hard to put down.

I loved Thieves Gambit and was very happy when I got the ARC for Heist Royale. I enjoyed the characters and heist, especially the casino. The romance between Ross and Devore was cute but there was so little of it and insufficient groveling. It was great to see the storyline wrapped up for the last book, but I will sadly miss these characters. Thank you, NetGalley for giving me an ARC!!!

I thought this was so fun! This book is the sequel to the Thieves' Gambit and follows Ross Quest and her friends immediately after the events of the first book. As it's a con artist/heist type of book, of course Ross + co find themselves in another gambit facing impossible heists! What could go wrong?

The way Ross and friends found their way into another gambit was a little silly but the heists were one of the best parts of the first book, so I appreciated the focus on them again in this book. I read the original book 8 months ago and forgot the majority of the plot + characters but was able to jump right into this sequel with minimal skimming of the first book (mostly to refresh on the characters). There is enough exposition to remind the reader of the major plot points of the first novel that it shouldn't be too difficult for other people in the same boat as me.

One of my favorite parts of this book was the casino scene! I really wish I got more of it, it was so enjoyable to read and the stakes made it pretty thrilling. I was really into their plan and wanted to know some of the tricks they were going to use but (minor spoiler) Ross getting derailed and not being able to do the cons at the casino made me a bit sad as I feel like I missed out on a bit of the scene.

My only other critique is that the characters weren't as developed as I would have liked. Why exactly did the moms hate each other? How did Ross figure things out with Devroe? Can we get more development of Noelia, Kyung-soon, Mylo and Taiyo? Where did Auntie go?

Overall this was a very fun conclusion (?) to the Thieves' Gambit! Highly recommend for any YA readers who also enjoy movies like Now You See Me or the Oceans franchise.

Thank you to NetGalley + Penguin Group for the ARC!

This sequel was even better than the original! Fast-paced adventure with lots of heart and thoughtfulness. :) The characters were well-developed, and it kept me on the edge of my seat.

Ross Quest’s journey continues in this sequel to The Thieves’ Gambit. Taking place six months after the multi twist and betrayals of the Gambit; Ross suddenly finds herself in the middle of a power struggle for control of The Company. Now to prove who should be the leader, another gambit has been dictated, this time with deadly consequences. Will she be able to forgive Devroe’s betrayal? Forced to team up with her mother, can she get over how cutthroat her mother seems? As she navigates through tough heists, she discovers who truly is trustworthy and who is the true villain of this story.

Even though this is a sequel, I feel that the writer did an excellent job of telling the story as a standalone. The twists and turns of this one kept me entertained and engaged. The growth of Ross’ character in this story was really enjoyable to see. Her becoming a little more open and trying to be a little more trusting to form friendships with her past competitors.

Giving this a solid 4 out of 5. If you enjoyed The Thieves’ Gambit, you will love this continuation of the story in Heist Royale

I was given a ARC version of this book by the publisher via the website NetGalley for an honest review.

The characters return six months after the prior book. Alliances shuffle. Trust issues compound. More heists with another Hunger Games like competition. I wish some of the adults were likeable in this one. Similar language as the first with a small romance thread that some won’t enjoy. Overall, it was a caper with moments of romance.

An exciting second book from this amazing author. The second book brings back our favorite characters along with some new ones and all their drama that comes with them. Heists, friendship, and a little romance bring this ya book together wonderfully. For fans of oceans 11 or six of crows book duology, this series is a must add to your tbr.

This book was just so much fun. I started reading Heist Royale late last night, and I was already 50% through it before I thought about sleep. It just hooked me; all the twists and turns were phenomenal, and I loved seeing the characters again. I loved getting to see Ross's friendships develop, and I was happy that the romance didn't overshadow the plot.

Overall, this was a really fun book, and I had a hard time putting it down. If you're looking to read it, you probably already read the first, and I don't need to sell you on this one. But, if you liked the first book, you'll find this one just as entertaining!


Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group for this arc in exchange for an honest review!