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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
adventurous
challenging
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was enjoyable. Maybe a mid-level YA read rather than an upper or younger. I also think this will make a great movie if it ever gets off the ground, but I hope it's also kept to what it is and not downplayed. There are some gritty scenes in the book (someone gets shot, someone gets in a really bad car accident) that kind of adds to the danger of the the Gambit and what they're doing. Yes, they're teenagers, but it's a dangerous world they're playing in.
The book is fast-paced and I loved how we had 3 tests and they reduced the number of entrants each time. It was high-stakes feeling, but not doom-and-gloom (ala Hunger Games). The story is paced well around each of the tests where you aren't hyped on adrenaline the entire time of a test. There is the travel, planning, and execution, but boy are there twists at every turn. The twists, though, I wouldn't say have a "whodunnit" feeling as they solve it (not exactly Ocean's Eleven reveals). It's more like obstacles they have to overcome each time.
I liked how Ross had a very relatable feeling for what prompted her to enter into the Thieves' Gambit and I really felt for her through the book. She goes on a trust rollercoaster and I felt for her at the very end. While the end is a twist (two twists?), it's a twist I saw coming from the very beginning. I just didn't understand the depth in which the twist went. Cold. Very cold. I also liked the wide culture and personalities we get from all the contestants.
The end of the book finishes the story of the Thieves' Gambit, but leaves it open for a sequel. It's a sequel I would read because I'm curious to see what happens with Devroe and Ross. I also don't think we've seen the last of the other contestants. There are some loose ends there with everyone.
Thanks to Penguin Teen for the free ARC I got at YallWest.
The book is fast-paced and I loved how we had 3 tests and they reduced the number of entrants each time. It was high-stakes feeling, but not doom-and-gloom (ala Hunger Games). The story is paced well around each of the tests where you aren't hyped on adrenaline the entire time of a test. There is the travel, planning, and execution, but boy are there twists at every turn. The twists, though, I wouldn't say have a "whodunnit" feeling as they solve it (not exactly Ocean's Eleven reveals). It's more like obstacles they have to overcome each time.
I liked how Ross had a very relatable feeling for what prompted her to enter into the Thieves' Gambit and I really felt for her through the book. She goes on a trust rollercoaster and I felt for her at the very end. While the end is a twist (two twists?), it's a twist I saw coming from the very beginning. I just didn't understand the depth in which the twist went. Cold. Very cold. I also liked the wide culture and personalities we get from all the contestants.
The end of the book finishes the story of the Thieves' Gambit, but leaves it open for a sequel. It's a sequel I would read because I'm curious to see what happens with Devroe and Ross. I also don't think we've seen the last of the other contestants. There are some loose ends there with everyone.
Thanks to Penguin Teen for the free ARC I got at YallWest.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
An exhilarating rush of a book. Had a fun time reading this one. If you’re a fan of movies like Ocean’s Eleven or even Now You See Me, you’ll have a fun time with this read. As per usual, I found the YA love subplot partially unnecessary. But this book does an overall good job with the plot, relationships, etc. Super excited to continue this story in the next novel!
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I liked the premise. I liked the action. I liked everything until the last 45 minutes when the twists are revealed.
I'm really mad at the adults in this world. They are awful, stealing joy and hope from the teens. Not a single adult allows kids to become independent individuals, they're all manipulating the kids to be tools.
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes