This was a great conclusion to a fun duology. I didn’t see the ending coming and enjoyed how got a Ross happy ending. I found the book a bit slow at times and it lacked the magic of the first book but this was still entertaining and enjoyable.

I think the ending was a little rushed and that Devroe was a little dramatic, but overall it was a decent book. I don’t think I would reread this book, but I’m not mad that I did read it. I would consider reading other books from this author.

The power of friends coming together really shines through in this book. If I had to choose a theme, I think I'd ultimately go with "I have your back, always" — at least among the teens (let's not even get started with the adults). Time and again, the characters pull through for each other, but especially for Ross, who is just starting to learn what friendship really means.

In the beginning of Heist Royale, Rosalyn "Ross" Quest has just endured a dissatisfying six months working with Devroe. She's angry at her mom, not-her-guy is sending confusing signals, and Count is being demanding as always.

When an opportunity comes her way to shift things in her favor, Ross jumps at it, unintentionally throwing herself into the center of an organization-wide feud. Lines are drawn and schemes are hatched, and the race to win an even deadlier Gambit is on.

With the stakes higher than ever, there can't be any room for mistakes or second-guessing. Even with the help of her newfound friends and a parent or two, Ross and the gang must work to survive — and perhaps even thrive — in another game for their lives.

--

I loved following all the characters on their adventures! Heist Royale's escapades take place in a variety of locations, from the frozen glaciers of Antarctica to a high-end casino in Monte Carlo (where you'll meet an interesting character or two . . . 😉😉).

CHARCTERS, OLD AND NEW

The gang is back! Our favorite characters are all together again — Ross, Devroe, Mylo, Kyung-soon, Noelia, and Taiyo. Rounding out the cast are the infamous Rhiannon Quest, a dude called Baron who also happens to be a horrible cook, and Devroe's mother Diane. Oh, and let's not forget Count.

- Rosalyn (aka Ross) — loved seeing her learn to navigate friendships in this book
- Devroe — man's got a lot to make up for . . .
- Mylo — love this guy! always chill, down for any kind of shenanigans, does his best to glue people back together
- Kyung-soon — a sweetheart and a real friend, and probably one of the most emotionally mature ones
- Noelia — shows up when needed and slays
- Taiyo — the big brains
- Count — still snappy and snippety as ever
- Rhiannon (Ross' mom) — we get to see a little more of her softer side in this book; though she still sucks, we get to understand her better
- Diane (Devroe's mom) — a tired and broken woman
- Baron — arrogant and idiotic man (he's smart, but idiotic), plus a horrible chef

Spoiler notes (and fangirling)

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

MY THOUGHTS: SPOILER VERSION

Kyung-soon
The whole Ross-and-Kyung-soon-fighting thing in the beginning of the book confused me, but made sense in the end.

On Devroe
As I was looking though Goodreads' reviews, quite a few readers mentioned dissatisfaction with Ross and Devroe's romance, or wanting Devroe to grovel more. I'll admit that I also wished for more chemistry between the two, but here are my two cents:
- No one's perfect. Also, these guys are freaking teenagers.
- IMHO, Devroe's wish more than proved his loyalty to Ross. With the messy and complicated family dynamics between them, he put his life on the line twice — remember that we learn how Rhiannon's original threat to Diane was aimed at Devroe? (The other instance was his wish.) This isn't to say his betrayal was justified, or that Ross should've forgiven him sooner, but that I think Lewis balanced it all out nicely in the end.

Mr. Kiah Hart
Kiah Hart . . . need I say more? I can totally imagine him as someone's smart, snarky, annoying younger brother. I'd love to seen a spinoff on this guy. Honestly, while I'm 100% Mylo and Taiyo all the way, I could also see a potential Kiah + Taiyo pairing working out.

FANGIRLING

- Mylo and Taiyo were a surprise, but I was so here for it! The kiss scene was mwah! perfection
- Devroe's wish — damn that was something else
- LOVED the scene of Kyung-soon helping Ross out at the casino 🥹
- Ross adopting Noelia 🥹 . . . another of my favorite scenes

i had as much fun with this one as i did with the first book! it was just as addicting and i couldn’t put it down! i’ve come to love these characters so so much and their friendships mean everything to me :,) the ending was bittersweet for me, i loved it yet im sad to have reached the ending of this story and saying goodbye to these characters. that’s not stopping me from rereading tho which i will definitely be doing a lot!!! i could honestly say that i could read about these characters and the heists and never get tired of it!!

thank you to netgalley, the publishers, and kayvion lewis for the arc in exchange for an honest review!

Here come even more exciting twists and turns! Following Ross on yet another gambit is exactly what we were asking for. Now that she has learned to trust outside of her family after learning of their betrayal we see Ross truly open up and introduce friendship as a means of winning. As always, things are not as they seem. Will Ross learn to trust the right people and win it all? Trust me, you want to know those answers!

Thank you NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers, Nancy Paulsen Books Group, for the copy of Heist Royale by Kayvion Lewis. I loved Thieves' Gambit, the first book in this series, so much it would have been impossible for this one to measure up. You should definitely read book one first so you know what is going on and what a Gambit is. The book got really good when they were carrying out the casino heist, and it had the energy of the first book again. This was a worthy sequel to Thieves' Gambit! 4 stars

Book:
HEIST ROYALE by Kayvion Lewis
Thank you Netgalley and PenguinTeen for the EARC (Nov 12)

Review:
4.5⭐
When it comes to sequels, they can go either way---especially if the first one was executed very well(like THIEVES' GAMBIT) or not executed well. HEIST ROYALE lived up to the first novel.
Ross Quest is back and six months into working with Devroe for the organization and Count. When a threat arises, and a new Gambit begins, Ross and the members of her team compete in high stakes competition in order to come out on top.
Like I mentioned above, HEIST ROYALE is just as good as good as the first. This book is thrilling and entertaining, keeping hooked from page one. I liked how the readers get more of a glance at Ross and Devroe---together and apart as they work toward things they both want. It was nice seeing what happened after the even of the first Gambit. With the addition of new characters, enemies, and tasks, HEIST ROYALE takes the gambit to the next level. After the events that happened in this one---that ending---I would read a third.

Thank you NetGalley and Peguin Group for letting me read this ARC.

I’m gonna be honest; I enjoyed ‘Heist Royale’ more than the first books. If you ask me it’s better than the first book. You get to know the charachter better which gaves you as a reader a connection with them.

The story picks up six months after the first book, ‘Thieves’ Gambit’. And it’s so different. All our favorite characters are back, but not everything is as it was. Who can be trusted?

I couldn’t put it down. For if was a real pageturner,

Picking up right where book 1 left off, we find Ross and Devroe on their latest mission. They are 6 months in and Ross is determined to not fall for Devroe but finding it difficult. She is conflicted about so much! Having mixed feelings about her mom and Devroe as well as learning how to have friends. I find the second half of this story extremely fast paced and so many unpredictible twists and turns! The amount of danger these teens put themselves in is uncanny but with their cleverness and street smarts I love how they help each other through each situation they come across. The friendship bonds in this story are rare but still appreciated! Ross’ s relationship with her mom is quite complicated if I do say so myself. I totally see why though. On one hand she very much loves her mom and her mom her, but her mom is so manipulative and selfish it overrides her want to stay with her like she always has. She is definitely holding on to some resentment from the last book and I can understand where she is coming from. She wants to go out into the world and be her own person and I understand that as well. Ending was absolutely fantastic!!!!!!!!!

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Heist Royale picks up where Thieves' Gambit leaves off. Ross Quest is doing jobs for the organization in an attempt to solidify her need for a wish to save her family. The second book overall was as entertaining as the first one. Lots of splashy action and barely getting away in the nick of time type adventures. Overall, it was a fun read, but it left me feeling the same way as Thieves' Gambit....that I wanted something more from the story. If you're looking for a quick, fun read, then this is totally worth it, but you should read Thieves' Gambit first to understand everything going on. This definitely isn't one to pick up on its own.

This was a great sequel to the first book. I was happy to get more details on characters and their relationships. I feel like the story is very fast paced but also very exciting and a fun ride. Curious to see if this world will continue or if this was the end of the story.

Heist Royale is a standout sequel that builds on the strengths of its predecessor while introducing new elements that elevate the series to new heights. K.A. Doore’s masterful storytelling, combined with her knack for creating engaging characters and intricate plots, makes this book a must-read for fans of fantasy and heist fiction alike. The novel’s blend of action, intrigue, and character-driven drama ensures that it is as compelling as it is entertaining.

For readers who enjoyed the first book in the Thieves' Gambit series, Heist Royale offers an exhilarating continuation that is sure to satisfy and delight. It’s a testament to Doore’s talent and a thrilling ride from start to finish, promising more excitement and adventure for fans to look forward to.

Great sequel!
I absolutely loved Thieves' Gambit and the second instalment of the series did not disappoint. Fast-paced and action-packed, Heist Royale makes for an addictive read and the many twists and turns will keep you entertained until the very end.

✨Suspense Sunday: Review✨

For Fans Of: The Hawthorne Legacy
Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌘
Genre: 🪓 YA Thriller
Violence: 🔪🔪
Spice: 🔥

Synopsis: Sequel to 2023’s Thieves’ Gambit. Ross has worked for the Organization since losing the Gambit 6 months ago. Since her mom & the boy she was crushing on betrayed her. Yet Devlon still pursues her, despite his mom’s wish to destroy Ross’s family. When a power struggle pits her against him, Ross is determined to win, even if it breaks her heart.

Thoughts: Thieves’ Gambit earned one of my highest ratings of ‘24, so I couldn’t wait for its sequel, and not just because of the twist ending. I rated Heist Royale a tad lower, since it follows the original’s formula, but it’s another fun romp of a read. Lewis brings the globe-trotting settings—from frenetic Rio to Antarctica's frozen tundra to a Monte Carlo casino perched on an azure sea—to life with vivid language. Ross remains a compelling MC, her sassiness paired with wits as she problem-solves on the fly as heists go pear-shaped. Heart-pounding scenes are interspersed with the quieter moments of a coming-of-age story, as Ross navigates the novelty of close friendships & confronts vital questions about her future. The most important? Does she want to win at any cost like her mom or place her values elsewhere, even if it means severing that relationship? If Ocean’s 11 with a YA spin appeals to you, you’ll enjoy this read.

Haven’t read Thieves’ Gambit yet? Check out my review: https://www.instagram.com/p/C9-EcrSOOeg/

Thank you to Penguin Teen & NetGalley for the gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The first book in this series was full of action and interesting plot twists and the sequel didn’t disappoint. It throws readers right back into the cinematic and high stakes plot with callbacks to films like Ocean’s 11 and Casino Royale. I particularly liked seeing Ross develop the friendships she gained from the first competition and navigate the complicated relationship with her mother and Devroe. The story is a page turner, with even more extravagant locations, clever characters and humor. I did want to see more of what exactly happened during her mother’s gambit. Also, what happened to Ross’ auntie from the first book? The ending also felt like it was wrapped up too nicely. This may only be a duology, but there is room for more stories if the author wants to revisit.

Thieves Gambit was my favorite Netgalley read last year, so when I got this one off Netgalley, I was very excited that I didn't have to wait until the release date to read it. I'm not sure if more books are planned for this, I'd definitely love to read more, but I feel like this one gave more closure, so I'm satisfied with how it ends if this is it. The action in this book was as exciting as the previous one, if not more. The story revolves around family, found family and old rivalries.

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.