This book takes place right after the first book, Thieves' Gambit. I would highly recommend reading that book first before you start reading this one. I gave this book 3 stars as an adult reader, but as a YA book, I would give it 4.5 stars. The story is action packed and always moving. We see multiple heists play out as well as a new "gambit". There is a LOT. That is actually why I gave it 3 stars as a reader. I like the excitement, but I needed a little more background on a few of the characters and plots. Also some of the heists ended quickly without a ton of resolution.

I think my students would absolutely love this book. The character favorites from the first book are back. Then you add in more intense heists (I personally liked the casino one the most). Plus, a little more background on some family relationships. It also FINALLY has a wrap-up for the cliffhanger at the end of the first novel.

I'm not going to lie, I definitely liked the first book more but this was still a fun story to read! I liked the premise to it and how the gang all came back together for one more gambit. I just think that some of the progression of the story didn't feel super natural and I had a hard time getting into it. My favorite heist by far was the casino heist and how it wasn't even much of a heist. It was all very clever and I loved getting to see these characters in that situation. It may not be my favorite book, but I still enjoyed it and I am so grateful for a chance to have reviewed it.

Wow. What a great sequel to the Thieves' Gambit. We're back with Ross & the gang for more high value cons and even higher value stakes. Twists and turns galore. It's a highly enjoyable series if you like thrillers.

Six months after the Gambit (the story of Thieves’ Gambit), Ross (short for Rosalyn) Quest isn’t much better off. She has a few friends now, which is an improvement, but thanks to the bitter mom of one of the Gambit competitors, she and her family are under the threat of being killed. It doesn’t matter that that competitor is Devroe, who continues to insist he cares for Ross and that he won’t let his mom succeed in getting the Quests wiped out. Ross just can’t trust him.

Now, an ambitious member of the Organization is making a bid for control, and Ross and her friends, as well as Devroe, are being pulled into a second Gambit, this one with even higher stakes (it seemed that wasn’t possible, but, well, it is).

Ross and her crew have three assignments in which they have to figure out ways to win in impossible situations. First, she has to get the jobs done, and then maybe she can figure out how to save herself and her family. She’ll need all her ingenuity and experience to survive.

I really enjoyed Thieves’ Gambit, and this sequel has lots of action and clever conning, but it didn’t work quite as well for me. I think Heist Royale felt like it was trying too hard, checking boxes, rather than it being as organic as the first. (I did like how the ending came together here, though.) Entertaining, and good if you really wanted a continuation of the first, but not as satisfying as that one.

This one took the setup of the first and ran with it. I enjoyed how the stakes were raised even higher and the teams were all mixed up. You see more diverse interactions between players, which leads to interesting connections being made and loyalties being tested. I love how this continues to explore the idea of that loyalty and friendship, which was something that Ross knew little of going into the competition. I enjoyed the thrilling nature of the tasks the teams were assigned and found myself eagerly flipping pages because I was so engaged in the storyline. The romance aspect is more prevalent here, but it still takes a backseat to the game being played. After this wonderful duet, I can't wait to see what the author crafts for us next.

3.5 stars
Thank you to @PRHAudio and @Penguinteen for the copies!

Six months after the first heist ended, there is a new Gambit but with higher stakes involving a Monte Carlo casino.

As with the first book, it is fast-paced with a lot of suspense. The characters are all back but are now forced onto different teams. There was definitely drama involved! Ross went through more character development which I loved and she learns more about trust and what she wants out of life. Each relationship is given more depth and even a new romance popped up which was very sweet. The romance between Ross and Devroe was strained but I liked how it developed. I have to say the death threats didn’t hold as much weight this time which felt off and I was a bit more invested in book one but this was still entertaining. I recommend this for those that love heist, con-artist or fast-paced YA books!

AUDIO REVIEW: Jade Wheeler did a great job with each voice. Jade excelled in accentuating the mystery and tension between each character.

The book releases November 12, 2024.

Heist Royale by Kayvion Lewis is a thrilling and high-stakes sequel that takes the energy of the first book and amps it up even further. After experiencing the intricate plot twists and dynamic character relationships in the series debut, I was eager to see where this next installment would go. Lewis doesn't disappoint—Heist Royale is a skillful blend of clever schemes, fast-paced action, and heartfelt moments that build on the foundations of the first book.

The story dives deeper into the motivations and backstories of characters I grew to care about in the series opener. There’s a rich tension between loyalty and betrayal, and Lewis has a knack for making each heist feel distinct and layered, with surprises that even the savviest reader may not anticipate. The stakes feel real and personal, yet the novel maintains a lightness that keeps it immensely readable.

Fans of thieves Gambit will find this book a compelling continuation, packed with the sharp twists and immersive detail that made the first book such a hit. Lewis continues to blend humor, suspense, and heart seamlessly, making this a series worth following.

I really enjoyed book one, and was so excited to read about the adventures of Ross Quest. Ross Quest and her group of Gambit contestants are back on are a mission to save lives. In this book we learn more about Devore’s family while enjoying the gang participating in various heist. I enjoyed this book and really enjoyed the ending.i also enjoyed the action screen that are written very well.
I highly recommend Heist Royals!
I want to thank Netgalley and Penguin for the opportunity to review this arc.

A great conclusion to a duology. I love the found family and returning cast from the first book. Still won’t forgive her mom but that’s totally okay.

Thieves' Gambit was such a breath of fresh air for me last year and I'm elated that the second book is equally as fun.

The book starts just a bit after the end of the first book, with Ross and Devroe now working for the organization. When Ross discovers that there are two factions (led respectively by Baron and Count) vying for power in the organization, Ross suggests another gambit, with the winner taking control of future organization operations. Ross' personal stake? If her team wins, she and her mom will be safe from future organization threats.

My favorite part of this book was seeing Ross's newfound trust in her teammates. It was satisfying to see the friendships that were painstakingly built up in the first book blossom further in this sequel. Additionally, there were still shifting alliances and ulterior motives to keep me guessing in this book.

The heists themselves were smart and fast-paced. I particularly enjoyed the casino heist, which had fun references to both the Ocean's Eleven series and 21.

Thank you to Penguin Young Readers Group and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review. I can't wait to see what Kayvion Lewis writes next!

📚 #BOOKREVIEW 📚
Heist Royale (Thieves’ Gambit, Book 2) by Kayvion Lewis
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / Pages: 320 / Genre: YA Thriller
Release Date: November 12, 2024
🥳#HappyPubDay!🎉

Rosalyn Quest and crew are back. This time, the players are caught between two separate feuds—Count and Baron are fighting for control and Ross’ mother and Devroe’s mother are fighting over old grudges. And all the while, the Gambit players are left fighting with their wits for their lives.

As much as I enjoyed the first book in this series, I liked this one even more. The quests were more exciting and the stakes were even higher. I can’t wait for the next one!

Thank you, @KayvionCLewis, @PenguinTeen, and @NetGalley for my gifted copy.

I would give this book a 3 out if 5. I liked it enough to finish and if you are into spies and thieves it could be interesting. The book took you through twists and turns. Baron the new villain seemed all posh and then apparently he wasn’t. It felt a little wishy washy. The sequel is 6 months after the first how Ross and Devore progress in their new jobs. What happens when leadership of the thieving organization takes place? The loser disappears forever.

(( 4.25 ))
This book was so fun. It was like watching an action movie. The pacing never slowed down. It also focused on familial dynamics. I enjoyed this duology & I will be recommending it.

I did receive an e-ARC courtesy of NetGalley(:

Heist Royale is book two in the Thieves' Gambit series by Kayvion Lewis.
Action packed and fast paced, Thieves’ Gambit was a rollercoaster read of twists, distrust and high stakes. This was such a fun read and one I enjoyed every moment of.

Thank You NetGalley and Publisher for your generosity and gifting me a copy of this amazing eARC!

Definitely a favorite series of mine hands down. I was worried about book 1. Wondering if this book would be as amazing and thankfully we are still on the run with the heist and our gambit crew from book 1. Kayvion, I will read every book you publish. Your way of writing is so infectious. My eyes race across the page wondering what’s going to happen next. Ross is definitely my favorite. That girls instincts are animalistic.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kayvion Lewis, and Penguin Group for providing me with an advanced copy of the ebook. Whether you're drawn to heart-pounding action scenes, complex character arcs, or unexpected twists, this book offers something for every reader. It’s a thrilling, multi-faceted read that will captivate both returning fans and newcomers alike. I couldn’t put it down and am eagerly awaiting what comes next!

My thanks for the ARC goes to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group, Nancy Paulsen Books. I'm voluntarily leaving a review with my opinions.

Genre: Crime Fiction, Heist, Thriller
Audience: Young adult
Language: Some swearing—no f-bombs
Spice: Nothing more than a kiss and to gay characters kiss
Representation: The main character is Black, other characters are different nationalities, and there is a gay character

I enjoyed the first book so much, I had to read HEIST ROYALE. This is another high-octane adventure with all the vibes of Ocean Eleven in an international setting.

The first book had big twists, and I think it's hard to pull that off a second time. *Heist Royale* is a little twisty, but not as much as the first—but that was okay for me.

I love the characters and how Ross comes into knowing who she is and what she wants.

This book has a found family vibe (among thieves) along with complicated relationships with biological families and friends.

More than anything, this book is pure escapism.

Happy reading!

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.