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.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for an early copy of this book! 😊 I liked this one but I didn’t love it. I liked the 1st book in this series better. The missions were interesting but this was missing romance and tension. It probably didn’t help that I didn’t really remember the 1st book. This was entertaining.. I just found myself getting a bit bored at points and I didn’t feel very connected to the characters.

“Whoever won got to lead. Whoever won got to live.”

Ross Quest is back in an all-new adventure full of dangerous heists and high stakes in the second book of the Thieves’ Gambit duology, Heist Royale. For six months, Ross has been working with Devroe Kenzie, the boy who won the Gambit and the grand prize: a wish. Working with him is a way to keep track of him, to make sure he doesn’t use the wish to eliminate Ross’ entire family, like his mother wants. When the ominous organization that runs the Gambit enters a grab for power, Ross and her friends find themselves back in another Gambit, only this time, if she loses, all the Quests’ lives are forfeit. Once more fighting against Devroe, who seems confident that his mother will win, Ross must compete in three new heists in order to save herself and her family.

Heist Royale was everything I was hoping for when I finished Thieves’ Gambit. The characters I loved in an all-new competition, each of them back with their witty personalities and new alliances, was an excellent continuation of the last novel. This book introduces a battle for power within the organization, which causes a compelling escalation in risk. The heists kept me on the edge of my seat, and reading how Ross must work with her mother, who she has complicated feelings towards, and two of her closest friends was a thrilling dynamic to see unfold. I was delighted to get to see Ross again, as she is a strong-willed character who is trying to do her best in a situation where she never knows who she can truly trust. In the novel, Lewis expands more on Noelia, Ross’s childhood nemesis-turned-friend from the first book, with more explanation of the criminal dynasty that she comes from, which gave greater depth to the world created in the first book. I was also happy to see more of Devroe, as his obvious love for Ross is in direct opposition to the wishes of his mother. It was fascinating to see how the relationship between Ross and Devroe has frayed, even as he tries to hold on to her in the midst of all of their jobs and the all-new Gambit. Heist Royale is full of new twists, dangerous rivalries, and a perilous wager that makes it the perfect ending of the Thieves’ Gambit duology.

Heist Royale is book 2 in the Thieves' Gambit series. I enjoyed book 1 and knew I had to read this to see what happened next. It was filled with nonstop action and adventure and I could not put it down.

After the events that happened in book 1 we pick back up with our leading lady, Ross Quest, working a job with Devroe. Things quickly shake up in the Organization and a power struggle has triggered another Gambit. The thieves from book 1 are picking sides and the missions are even crazier than last time.

I think I loved this one more than book 1. I was rooting for Ross the entire way. Her character has so much growth since the prior book and it just makes for such an enjoyable read. I think the friendships she has with the others is what really makes this book shine though. It is just a lovely read. I recommend this series if you are looking for a heist book you will not want to put down.

This wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t my favorite. I really enjoyed the first one, but this one just fell kinda flat for me in comparison.

I enjoyed the aspect of why there was a second gambit, and the heists themselves were pretty interesting. I do wish there had been more of a reminder for what happened in the first book, since I kinda forgot since I read it and it took me until about 30-40% in to remember.

The pacing was a little off in my opinion. Everything seemed to be happening way too fast, and there was no real “processing time”. Also, the relationship development between characters was kinda choppy.

I also thought the twist was way too predictable/unrealistic. It both came out of nowhere and was so obvious but in a not great way. Overall, a decent conclusion to the duology, but definitely not my favorite I’ve ever read.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin for the advanced copy!

I was very excited to get the second book in this YA heist series and it was almost as good as the first one.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishes for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I love Ross, and I was glad to see her back. This story is set 6 months after the first book. Unfortunately for me, I’m awful at keeping up with what happened in books before. Thankfully as you are reading the little things get brought up that helped jogged my memory. (I still think all books should have a small summary of the previous book in the beginning like a tv recap, but I digress) we see everyone from the first book return. Ross is at war with who she wants to be outside of her Mother’s shadow. She is still reeling from some major betrayals in the first book and trying to move on with her life. Another game is brought up that divides her already crumpling friend group.

This had a lack of Devroe, which made me a little sad. I started to really like him. He and Ross have such a cute dynamic. All of the friend dynamics here were so strong. And even though I forgot some people, it came back quickly.

Like the first book, this had plenty of action with twists and turns. I really rooting for team Count but you still worry about everyone on the other team. Ross also learns a lot about being a friend and tapping into her emotions.

This was such a fun series to read and I’m looking forward to more from this author!!

Thank you Nancy Paulsen Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Heist Royale, the second book in the Thieves' Gambit series, is an entertaining and thrilling follow-up that feels just as fresh and intense as the first installment. This time, the familiar characters return, but with a twist: they’re no longer working in the same teams. Instead, they find themselves competing against Devroe—Ross’s former crush—and his mother, Diane, who has a deep-seated vendetta against the Quest family.

The stakes have never been higher as the team faces a series of heists that are less like a gambit and more like a brutal gauntlet. Each heist is exhilarating, sometimes almost fatal, set in stunning and inventive locations that keep the reader on edge.

The action is fast-paced and well-written, keeping the excitement high throughout. Although the book wraps up with satisfying closure, one can’t help but wonder if the series might continue. While I’d welcome another installment, Heist Royale would still stand as a fitting and gratifying conclusion to the series.

I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
Heist Royale had the misfortune of being the book I spent Election Night and most of the post-Election Results haze with, and I acknowledge that that may have colored my apathetic opinions on this one. But even stepping back and trying to judge it on an objective level, I feel it’s an inferior sequel.
I am notorious for forgetting a lot between books, and while I don’t expect books in series to “stand alone” in any capacity, I did feel like this is one of those books that really benefit from having the first book fresh in your mind, even though there is a time jump of six months between books, timeline wise.
I did recall that Devroe had betrayed Ross, and I found it hard to believe that she’d forgive him, especially in the way she did. Some of the other character dynamics were still fairly interesting, but pale in comparison to the first book.
And the real high-stakes nature of the first book is gone. While there is another gambit, there’s quite a bit of buildup toward this one, resulting in a slower pace initially that didn’t make the payoff feel all that worth it.
While this book let me down, it does seem to be an unpopular opinion (and I’m also not opposed to the idea that I may have been able to enjoy it a bit more in other circumstances). If you enjoyed the first book, I’d recommend giving it a chance. And I’d recommend the series to readers who enjoy heist books.

A solid sequel to Thieves' Gambit that carries on the story with new twists and thrills. This book felt like watching a particularly well-done spy film, especially one with character you can't help but root for.

If this were written in old English, I would have thought this was a work by William Shakespeare. This is a story about a twisted romance between 2 thieves. Rosie, a young female thief must work with Devore, a young male thief, as a result of what happened in the Thieves Gambit in Book 1. Devore loves her, but also wants her dead. Why? Because their moms are feuding. The feud gets even bigger when there is an attempted coup in the organization. Now, Rosie must go head-to-head against Devore. If she fails, it likely means her death and her family's death. Rosie needs to find a way to save herself and her family.

A disappointing sequel. There was zero tension in the story and I didn't care about anything that was happening. I don't know how this fits into the overarching series plot. The characters were all so flat. The pacing was so slow and dragged everything. I don't understand why this was is the direction to go in.