1.68k reviews for:

Thieves' Gambit

Kayvion Lewis

3.89 AVERAGE


An enjoyable story with some twists that surprised me! Definitely felt very YA, but it was entertaining. My one complaint is that I went into this book expecting it to be a stand alone. As I neared the end, I started getting worried because there weren't enough pages left. So of course it goes and ends in a cliffhanger on me. I hope the author has a second book planned! I do love a good series and quality cliffhangers, but I like to be prepared for them.

Ocean’s 11 meets hunger games (minus most of the brutality) - VERY fun read and I cannot wait to read the next one! No tears but I am obsessed I fear, so 4 stars it is!
adventurous lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

So boring, everything that happens is to convenient for the main character

we don’t get attached to the characters bc they are to unidimensional



the plot twist is too obvious 

It’s clear that Ross mom is involved in something, it’s also obvious that there’s more to the story of the end of the friendship of Noelia and Ross

the romance is so nonbeliavable, insta-love and Devroe acts so weird that is also kinda obvious that something is up

O jogo tinha tudo para ser legal, mas é tudo to chato, Ross é chata demais, a história é chata, não via a hora do livro acabar 

Me decepcionou demais, tinha tudo para ser legal
adventurous challenging emotional tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

~~Thank you to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster's for the ARC!~~

This is probably the best, and most recent, example of a story that has a predictable plot but still is fun and engaging.

Despite the slow beginning, the plot's pace picks up real quickly once the Gambit is in motion. The heists were elaborate, and the plans were thought out in detail. But what was most thrilling is what Ross did once those plans inevitably get derailed by other contestants or outside forces. I can see why this got film rights before its publication, because this story, especially the way it's written, would translate perfectly on screen.

Besides the plot, the character cast is really good, too. There's a phase where the contestants are split into 4-v-4 teams, which leads to delightful banter between Ross and her teammates. The personalities are kinda cliche, but the dialogue is just so fun, snappy, and, at times, genuinely wholesome. And the main romance between Ross and Devroe - I was into it. Normally, enemies-to-lovers isn't my forte, but the chemistry is so good here, and their banter is really cute. Plus, there's a big twist with their relationship that really got me wanting to read the sequel to see how they handle everything that was revealed in the last chapter.

All in all, this was a pretty good book. If you're looking for a fun, heist-filled adventure with charming characters, then this one would be perfect for you.
adventurous funny mysterious tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes
adventurous challenging dark tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

A fabulous, fast-paced YA for fans of mystery and games. You’ll enjoy this if you liked Inheritance Games or Maureen Johnson’s Truly Devious series. The twist(s) are predictable but the author did a great job at dropping the hints just before the twist so you could see it coming only when she wanted you to. Overall, looking forward to book #2!

I would first like to thank NetGalley for providing this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Now on to the good stuff…WOW!! I will be starting the next book (also provided by NetGalley) 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!!

4 stars. Omg I loved every minute of this book and the ending had me shook I didn’t see it coming. But made me sad when he betrayed her