Thieves' Gambit by Kayvion Lewis
Product details
Web ID: 1733535730 reviews
Predictable but fun!
Thieves’ Gambit by Kayvion Lewis is a young adult thriller that plunges readers into a vibrant, fast-paced world of high-stakes heists and intricate betrayals. It features seventeen-year-old Rosalyn Quest, or Ross, who belongs to an infamous family of legendary thieves. On the very night Ross resolves to escape her family's criminal legacy, her mother is kidnapped. To rescue her, Ross enters the prestigious Thieves' Gambit, an international competition of perilous challenges, extravagant heists, and ruthless opponents. Victory promises a single wish to the winner—and Ross’s best chance to save her mom. But as the competition escalates and alliances form and fracture, Ross must decide who to trust, and how much she’s willing to risk to win. Right from the start, Ross emerged as my favorite part of this book. She's tough, resourceful, and relatable. Her evolution from someone who staunchly follows the family rule—“if they’re not a Quest, they can’t be trusted”—to a character who cautiously opens herself up to others, feels genuine and rewarding. I really felt for her as she slowly learned through interactions with her new friends that the family she's so fiercely loyal to has actually isolated her from the type of life she's always wanted. The struggle to reconcile who you are with who you want to be is something so relatable. However, this novel does face some hurdles. With its familiar heist and competition elements, it occasionally fails to establish its own identity distinct from similar stories in the genre. Lewis tees up some thrilling challenges for the Gambit, and it’s fun to watch Ross and the other competitors work through them. But Six of Crows, The Inheritance Games, and even Ocean’s Eleven have been floating around for years. I love a good heist, but the predictability of a less lethal Hunger Games often left me craving something uniquely fresh or surprising with this story. Another aspect that didn't entirely hit the mark was the romantic subplot involving Devroe. Though Devroe had brief moments of intriguing vulnerability, his relationship with Ross lacked depth and chemistry. It felt somewhat superficial and rushed, making it difficult to root for them. Perhaps that's partially due to all the characters actively competing against each other in challenges that rely on them outwitting their opponents. Still, I needed more than a charm offensive from Devroe. That said, I did enjoy the other secondary characters; Kyung-soon and Mylo were two favorites. Lewis's diversity in character backgrounds and cultures is commendable and by far one of the best things about this book. Ultimately, Thieves’ Gambit is an enjoyable read ideal for fans of heist adventures and fierce female leads. Though the romance underwhelms and some narrative choices slightly dull its shine, the clever plot, exciting heists, and layered protagonist make it a worthwhile pick.
Recommends this product
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
SO ADDICTING
I am a slow reader and I often struggle to continue a book and finish it swiftly due to both my pace and my schedule, yet the chapters of this novel flew past. In two days it was finished. I couldn't put it down. I loved the endless stream of action, yet even when there wasn't an active heist taking place, I continued to be enthralled by the characters, their relationships and their growth. I love Ross as a character and could relate to her thoroughly, as she navigated friendship for the first time and learned to trust. Yet the ultimate plot twist and betrayal ripped that away from her. It tore my heart from my chest to see this character escape the grasp of a manipulative relationship only to build her walls even thicker and taller due to betrayal. Maybe the plot twist was something another individual could have seen, yet I was so enthralled in every twist and turn that I never saw it coming. I feel extremely satisfied (and destroyed, angry, devastated) with the end of "Thieves Gambit" as the main story came knotted in a bow while leaving other threads completely unraveled, which makes me so extremely excited for the sequel! I can't wait to see how Ross copes emotionally with the trauma this book has left her with.
Recommends this product
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Immersive and Thrilling
"Thieves Gambit" by Alex Michaelides immerses readers in a thrilling world of heists and quests, combining elements of mystery, suspense, and adventure. The protagonist's voice is strong and engaging, providing a unique perspective on a life of crime. The narrative unfolds seamlessly, blending moments of tension with introspective reflections. The author skillfully integrates the complexities of family dynamics, personal aspirations, and the consequences of one's actions. The protagonist's relationship with her mother adds depth to the story, creating a compelling emotional layer. The heist itself is cleverly executed, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. "Untitled" is a captivating and well-crafted tale that explores trust, loyalty, and the pursuit of one's desires in a world full of secrets and uncertainties.
Recommends this product
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
fast-paced YA mystery/thriller
Seventeen-year-old Ross Quest plans to run away from her life as a master thief, but plans change when her mother’s life is threatened. Ross enters an international heist competition, the Thieves’ Gambit, which grants the prize winner a wish for anything – a wish Ross could use to save her mother. The Gambit is trickier than Ross ever thought. Can she win? THIEVES’ GAMBIT is billed as “The Inheritance Games meets Ocean's Eleven.” Though I have yet to read The Inheritance Games to comment on that comparison, I can say that there are definitely Ocean’s Eleven vibes throughout this fast-paced YA mystery/thriller. If you’re into heist plots, this book will be right up your alley. Lots of twists and turns keep the reader entertained and engaged. I was eagerly turning pages to find out what would happen next. The diversity among the characters is great. The pacing and easy flow of the writing made for a quick read. The ending wraps up one plotline but leaves a cliffhanger on something else. THIEVES’ GAMBIT was a fun fast-paced YA mystery/thriller that I’d recommend. It’s the first book in the Thieves’ Gambit series by Kayvion Lewis. I look forward to the next book.
Recommends this product
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
This was a fun one!
I typically don't care for heist books, but I think it's because I don't enjoy the lead-up and planning aspects being described for most of the story. This isn't that kind of heist book. It is a fast-paced YA thriller/heist competition, that was fun and kept me guessing. It definitely fits the brief of "Inheritance Games meets Ocean's Eleven". Rosalyn has been raised in a family of professional thieves, told never to trust anyone outside the family. But at 17 she craves some "regular" teenager activities. When her mother is kidnapped, she has to change her plans and enter a heist competition to try and save her. This competition spans across the globe and includes a diverse group of competitors, which was a great element to the story. Since trusting people is an issue for Ross due to her upbringing, this adds another layer to her struggles. There are a lot of twists and a cliffhanger, as this is part of a series. I will be picking up the next one!
Recommends this product
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Fast paced, entertaining and thrilling
Thieves Gambit follows Rosalyn ‘Ross’ Quest, a 17-year-old highly skilled thief from a family of professional thieves. She is invited to compete in an underground thieving contest. She accepts because her mother has been kidnapped and she desperately needs the ransom. This story hits the ground running and takes the reader on a wild ride filled with twists, turns, high stakes heists, danger, tentative alliances, betrayal and exotic locations. It has a very cinematic feel to it, and, unsurprisingly, the film rights have been bought. I liked Ross. She was badass with a strong moral center (other than stealing, of course). The other characters were distinct and memorable. Thieves Gambit is a fast-paced, fun, entertaining, thrilling read. I definitely burned the midnight oil with this one. After that cliffhanger ending, I can't wait for the sequel and am looking forward to the movie.
Recommends this product
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
High stakes robbery competition
My only YA on this list, but it’s a good one! Ross Quest is a professional thief – a family business. When her mother is kidnapped, she suddenly finds herself in competition with seven other teens (including, of course, one good looking guy) in a competition called the Thieves’ Gambit challenged to steal various precious items around the globe. So good and (spoiler alert) I think there’ll be a sequel so better get on to this one fast
Recommends this product
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Can't wait for the rest of the series!
Imagine Oceans Eleven, but all of the cast are young adults / high school age, and instead of working together to pull of the heist... they are COMPETING. *dun dun dun* Honestly the stakes were so high in this book, I couldn't put it down. The main characters and some of the plot are predictable, but very well written. I found the energy high and pacing fast, and I really really enjoyed it. I definitely will be reading the rest of the series.
Recommends this product
Customer review from barnesandnoble.com