Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was fun. Loved the characters and the heists. The "twists" weren't super surprising or anything but I was really well entertained and am looking forward to the next book.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
Thieves' Gambit is a fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled thriller that throws readers into a world of high-stakes heists and fierce competition. At the centre of the story is Ross Quest, a seventeen-year-old master thief born into a legendary family of thieves. Her life takes a dramatic turn when her mother’s life is put at risk, forcing Ross to enter the Thieves’ Gambit, a dangerous competition with international criminals, where the prize is a wish for anything in the world.
What makes this book stand out is its relentless energy. From the very first chapter, the stakes are high and the pace rarely slows. Ross is a skilled and resourceful protagonist, and her talent for pulling off audacious heists keeps the action fresh and exciting. The series of international heists adds a globetrotting appeal, as each new setting brings with it a different set of challenges and dangers. The competition itself, where anything goes—even murder—is thrilling and dangerous, with plenty of twists to keep readers guessing.
Ross’s character is engaging, with her sharp mind and internal conflict over the family creed, “trust no one whose last name isn’t Quest.” This mantra becomes harder to follow when she’s faced with competitors like her childhood nemesis and a charming rival who might be after more than just the prize. The tension between survival and trust runs through the entire story, forcing Ross to navigate not just dangerous heists, but complicated relationships as well.
The addition of romance adds an intriguing dynamic without overshadowing the action. The smooth-talking love interest brings a spark of chemistry to the story, but Ross is smart and wary, keeping the romantic subplot from becoming predictable or distracting. Instead, it enhances the stakes as Ross grapples with her growing feelings and her need to protect herself—and her family.
One of the highlights of Thieves' Gambit is its diverse cast of competitors, all with their own motivations and backgrounds. It gives the story a rich, dynamic quality as Ross tries to outwit them while also questioning who she can trust. The competition is ruthless, and the constant push-pull between betrayal and alliance adds complexity to the plot.
While the book excels in action and tension, some of the character development feels a bit rushed, especially when it comes to Ross’s relationships with the other competitors. A deeper exploration of the characters’ backgrounds could have added more emotional weight to the story. That said, the focus on heists and survival is what drives this narrative, and it delivers on that front.
In short, Thieves' Gambit is a rollercoaster ride of a novel, perfect for readers who love high-octane action, clever cons, and the thrill of danger around every corner. It’s an exhilarating story that will leave you breathless until the very end.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
emotional
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
4/5
If you read The 39 Clues as a kid and enjoyed it, this is the YA book of your dreams!
Fun, fast paced, and a recommend from me! Ross is a good main character, and the side characters are interesting. I could definitely see this as a movie adaptation, so the fact that the film rights were bought by Liongate doesn't surprise me.
If you read The 39 Clues as a kid and enjoyed it, this is the YA book of your dreams!
Fun, fast paced, and a recommend from me! Ross is a good main character, and the side characters are interesting. I could definitely see this as a movie adaptation, so the fact that the film rights were bought by Liongate doesn't surprise me.
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
