This ended up being such a fun addictive story that I could not put down! If I didn’t get tired the first night I read it I would have finished it in one sitting! This felt like The Inheritance Games & The Italian Job morphed into a really cool YA “tournament!” From the very first page I was addicted. It wasn’t the best story or the best writing I’ve ever read, but I’m basing my rating & review on how much I really enjoyed reading this story! I think it’s safe to say I think I enjoyed this more than I did The Inheritance Games🤭🤔

If you’re wanting a super fun story about smart “thief” teenagers trying to win “The Gambit” to win any wish of their choice being granted, that is an addictive, super easy read then this is the book for you! I’m excited to jump into book 2 now!!

3.5 stars

I haven't read many YA heist stories so I enjoyed this. The characters were interesting and I liked the constantly shifting relationships. I particularly liked how everyone had a hang-up: Ross and her trust issues, Noelia and her perfectionism, Mylo and his adrenaline cravings, Kyung-soon and her indecisiveness, etc. It made it fun to see how all those things interacted and clashed.

The romance lacked luster. I get why that storyline is there and I could guess where it'll go but it felt thin. I would've much preferred an exploration of friendship and what that means to all these people.

The plot was compelling, provided you approach it with a suspension of disbelief. The limitless funds, crazy stunts, and general high-octane insanity are a bit of a stretch for teenagers. Setting that aside, you have a plot packed with twists and turns. I'm naturally suspicious so I saw a lot of the twists coming but that ending?! *chef's kiss*

I'm looking forward to the next installment!

<i>Many thanks to NetGalley, Nancy Paulsen Books, and the author for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.</i>

If you loved reading The Inheritance Games and watching Ocean's 11 you are going to LOVE this YA novel!

This is the story of teenage Rosalyn "Ross", who has to join an underground thieving competition to save her kidnapped mother. The challenges are a bit wild, but the friendships and rivalries that are made will keep you hooked. I especially loved the diversity of characters. The best part is that the sequel was just released, and I already have it on my TBR!

This book was a lot of fun! A group of teenagers from the world's best thieving families are in a competition with high stakes. Alliances form and break - who can be trusted? I didn't want to put this one down! I can't wait to read the next book.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for this advance copy for review.

This was such a fun story! I truly enjoyed reading it along with the twists and turns that popped up along the way.

I read this in prep for the second book in the series. I really enjoyed it- which says a lot for a YA book. It's Inheritance Game meets Oceans 11!

Perfect older teen boy read!!! LOVED It

Thieves' Gambit by Kayvion Lewis is a high-octane young adult novel that delves into the world of heists, shifting alliances, and the complexities of trust.

When Ross Quest enters a high-stakes heist competition, she’s forced to put her skills to the test against some of the world’s best thieves. The competition is ruthless, and Ross must navigate a world filled with deception, shifting alliances, and deadly rivalries. As the stakes grow higher, Ross is torn between her loyalty to her family’s motto, “never trust anyone but a Quest,” and the chance to form new connections that could help her forge her own path.

The cliffhanger ending was brutal! I didn’t realize this was the first book in a series, so when I reached the ending, I found myself scrambling to check when the next book would be released. It left me with so many questions and eagerly anticipating the next installment.

I liked it, I thought it was a cool premise. I felt like it has been done before and wasn't unique in itself. A fun read that was different from my usual genre. I don't know if I'd read another from this author because I felt like this has been done before.

This book just wasnt for me. I didnt like the beginning. and I didnt like the middle. I did not finish this book.

A fast-paced, thrilling, and action-packed book about a thief named Ross, what's not to love? Join Ross on her journey as she navigates a high-stakes competition with love interest, Devroe. And get ready for a jaw-dropping ending.

*ARC provided for honest review*

This was a really fun read and exactly what I wanted.

Following a 17 Year old FMC from a legendary thieving family, after her mom gets kidnapped and she has to enter an underground contest with other sucessful teen thiefs.

I really enjoyed the pacing of the trials along with moments of character development and back story. Though a fun read it also covered some heavier topics and showcased growing-up and losing the glow around adulthood and other adults.

Only giving a four because I felt some of the twists were predictable but it didn’t ruin the story.

Great for a fun action read, similar to their Vicious Games and Oceans 8.

This was a fast paced, fun book. I think these competition books are becoming some of my favorites. The characters were great, and there were so much twisting and deceit. You don’t know which character to trust versus which one to hate. I really enjoyed.


*I received this book as an Advanced Reader's Copy (ARC) through NetGalley. I received this copy free in exchange for my honest review.*

This was a fun and entertaining read! Nothing too deep and a little predictable but a quick and enjoyable story that left me excited for the sequel.

I honestly don't know what happened in this book. I kept zoning out because some parts were interesting to me and some were either too boring or too complicated for me to focus. Maybe it's the fact that the story is incredibly fast-paced at times and slower in the beginning or that this isn't my go-to genre, but I was very lost. The ending shocked me. I hadn't seen it coming and I do think that was a cool way to end the first book of a series. I might go back and reread or pick up the next books in the series when I think I can really concentrate.

I love books with heists. I really enjoyed the quests through various parts of the world.
And the dynamics between some characters is really good too.
Looking forward to read the 2nd book and see how this ends

While a really exciting premise, I felt like the pacing was all over the place in between actual heists/thieving events, I was often bored and anxious to skip forward to the next one. I also had trouble really connecting with any of the characters.

The actual heists and thievery parts were fun and cool and exciting!

WOW!! I will be starting the next book immediately! I loved The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. I knew I had to read this when I saw that it was being compared to it. It did not disappoint! I would love to see this made into a movie or tv mini series. The ways that they figure out how to steal some major pieces are just incredible. Each of these kids is a mastermind. However, the MC also has heart and is so endearing. I hope you all enjoy the race against the clock in this fun YA thriller!!

I had a hard time getting into this at the start it felt a little slow but it kept me interested for the most part. The pacing felt a bit off slow in the middle and a bit rushed in the end but worth the read.

I love heist novels, and this is a fun one! Ross Quest ends up in the Thieves' Gambit, a competition of daring heists. Ross can't trust anyone, but sometimes alliances need to be made to get the job done. The contestants soon find themselves split into two teams working together to get to the next challenge. This YA novel has something for everyone - daring escapes, romance, humor. I'm looking forward to reading the sequel!

Thieves' Gambit is a fast paced page turner, perfect for fans of The Heist Society.

Never a dull moment as high-stakes, twisted surprises, and secrets rush in from every side.

Ross is a master thief, one of the best of the best, and she's only seventeen. But that's not a surprise considering she comes from a line of well-known thieves and has known nothing else her entire life as her mother incorporates her into every job as long as Ross can remember. It's a fine life except that Ross has absolutely no friends. Trust isn't something anyone in the family can afford. Still, Ross has dreams at being normal...at least, a bit...and wants to attend college or something. Not that her mom will listen. When a weird email invites her to the Thieves Gambit, Ross' aunt makes it clear that this isn't a 'good' contest of thieves, and Ross listens. That is, until her mother is kidnapped and she has no choice but to enter a very dangerous game.

Anyone who enjoys high-tension tales such as Ocean's Eleven is in for a treat with this read. It's an edge-of-your-seat type of read and can be read in one go if time allows. It's very hard to put down and packs all sorts of action, dangerous situations, secrets, and more. So, action and mystery fans can find tons to enjoy in these pages.

And there's heart as well as character development. Ross is understandably ready to see more of the world and life, although she does adore her family. Her dedication and love is inspiring and wholesome as are the relationships in the family...not that they're perfect, and that makes it more enjoyable. Ross also has trust issues, which is more than understandable, and it's this aspect which creates a well-formed arc to connect with her, root for her, hurt with her, and cheer with her until the end. There's also romance, but this was a could-leave-or-take one and doesn't carry the story. It does add an extra twist and works well in the character arc, but Ross already has her hands more than full with everything else. I'm curious to see which direction this aspect takes in the rest of the series.

The author also manages to pack in more than a few very unexpected surprises, and this was a nice treat. Especially the end adds a stab to the gut out of the dark, which rings in expectations on the next book. Luckily, it's about to hit the market, too.