hobbithopeful's review
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
4.5 stars
Thank you Penguin for this ARC
Heist books are always so fun to read and this was no exception. Every heist, plan, and sneaky thief move had my heart pounding, and was just so exciting to read.
Ross and her Mom regularly perform heists, while they are very good at it, it is a lonely life. Ross's Mom constantly hammers into her brain the importance of never trusting anyone, and as a result Ross is incredibly lonely. Her plan to get away and make some friends is quickly botched when her Mom ends up getting kidnapped. Her only solution to get one billion dollars for the ransom is to enter in a cut throat competition between thieves.
This is a really enjoyable book, and truly is such a fun read. I would never have made it past round 0, I would definitely have failed and gotten stuck in the first room. It is so fascinating to see how different characters came up with different plans and ways to steal and lie. I would never have been able to think of a quarter of what they came up with!
There is of course a bit of romance, and while it did feel a bit fast-paced, I enjoyed their chemistry. Devroe is very persistent. I almost thought there was going to be a sapphic romance between Ross and Noelia because of the chemistry the two of them had, and their past.
I absolutely adored how diverse this book is, it's so rare to see this type of genre have this set of characters. Everyone felt so fleshed out and actually read as BIPOC.
Bad parents continue to be one of my favorite elements for books to have, I love that we are getting to see more morally grey or just truly sucky parents in books. (Seriously guys, I hate the trope of parents being infallible)
At times it did read more like it was made for a movie, then if it was made for a book. (This is odd, but does this make sense) I almost think it might make certain scenes easier to follow along when watching then when reading.
The ending was a bit of a let down, it was one twist then another. With two back to back twists it was hard to be invested and still find care for how everything went down. I also was a bit confused by some of the later events in the big just plot wise, there were a few holes. (Like the fact Ross has never worn an evening dress or similar attire but can walk in heels easily) The ending definitely felt a bit abrupt, I still have tons of questions.
I can't wait for the next book, and I would definitely read more of Kayvion Lewis's writing.
Highly recommend, perfect for fans of heist books similar to Ocean's Eleven.
Thank you Penguin for this ARC
Heist books are always so fun to read and this was no exception. Every heist, plan, and sneaky thief move had my heart pounding, and was just so exciting to read.
Ross and her Mom regularly perform heists, while they are very good at it, it is a lonely life. Ross's Mom constantly hammers into her brain the importance of never trusting anyone, and as a result Ross is incredibly lonely. Her plan to get away and make some friends is quickly botched when her Mom ends up getting kidnapped. Her only solution to get one billion dollars for the ransom is to enter in a cut throat competition between thieves.
This is a really enjoyable book, and truly is such a fun read. I would never have made it past round 0, I would definitely have failed and gotten stuck in the first room. It is so fascinating to see how different characters came up with different plans and ways to steal and lie. I would never have been able to think of a quarter of what they came up with!
There is of course a bit of romance, and while it did feel a bit fast-paced, I enjoyed their chemistry. Devroe is very persistent. I almost thought there was going to be a sapphic romance between Ross and Noelia because of the chemistry the two of them had, and their past.
I absolutely adored how diverse this book is, it's so rare to see this type of genre have this set of characters. Everyone felt so fleshed out and actually read as BIPOC.
Bad parents continue to be one of my favorite elements for books to have, I love that we are getting to see more morally grey or just truly sucky parents in books. (Seriously guys, I hate the trope of parents being infallible)
At times it did read more like it was made for a movie, then if it was made for a book. (This is odd, but does this make sense) I almost think it might make certain scenes easier to follow along when watching then when reading.
The ending was a bit of a let down, it was one twist then another. With two back to back twists it was hard to be invested and still find care for how everything went down. I also was a bit confused by some of the later events in the big just plot wise, there were a few holes. (Like the fact Ross has never worn an evening dress or similar attire but can walk in heels easily) The ending definitely felt a bit abrupt, I still have tons of questions.
I can't wait for the next book, and I would definitely read more of Kayvion Lewis's writing.
Highly recommend, perfect for fans of heist books similar to Ocean's Eleven.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting and Kidnapping
Minor: Violence and Racism
booksandmoorer's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-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
caromoncayo's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
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? It's complicated
5.0
The Oceans Eleven and Inheritance Games vibes that I got from this book are absolutely immaculate.
This is fast paced YA heist thriller packed with action and adventure, it was an absolute thrill to read! All the suspense, twists and turns have left me speechless. Reading this book was a total thrill since I never knew what to expect and when I tell you that some parts made my jaw drop I am serious.
It was honestly page after page of mystery and had me filled of pure curiosity and expectation of what would happen next. I also, really loved the characters, especially how diverse it was! I thoroughly enjoyed that all of them were likable (expect Lucus ofc) and had just such different personalities. They were so well written as well as the story and it was so much fun seeing Ross go out there and start making friends and connections with people her age. Her and Kyung-Soon were so adorable, and so pure 🥲 I love them so much as well as Mylo. The whole friend group was just so wholesome.
This was definitely a 5/5 for me and I recommend it when it releases tomorrow!!
Thanks Netgalley and Penguin Teen for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review
wyrmbergsabrina's review against another edition
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A fun, fast paced tale of thieves, lies, secrets, and crime. An enjoyable ride that will make a great film.
bubblewombat's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
relaxing
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
This book had me holding my breath almost the entire time I was reading it. It was so exciting and fast paced, I really didn't think I'd finish it in one go, BUT I HAD NO CHOICE!! So much was going on, so many betrayals and twists...absolutely one of the best heist books I've read, I had so much fun.
Thieves' Gambit follows Rosalyn who has to enter a secret heist-based competition to win enough money to rescue her kidnapped mother. Easier said than done, because the other kids competing would do anything to win. And when I say anything, I do mean anything.
This is what I hoped All of Us Villains would be, just minus the fantasy. The characters were actually ready to off one another if it would better their chances, like real villains. It was refreshing.
Of course, I felt so bad for Ross whenever anyone betrayed her and that happened a lot. Poor girl can't ever catch a break. But the betrayals were what made this book so interesting, you can't put your trust into any character.
Which brings me to Devroe. I feel like he and Ross are endgame? But that doesn't mean I have to like him!!! He was really laying on the charm, but I wasn't convinced. I'd rather see Ross end up alone than with him.
I liked the other competitors though, Kyung-soon most of all. I think Lewis did a good job with giving them distinct personalities and skills, so I was never confused or mixing them up with one another.
I also liked the (fragile) teamwork that eventually led to some real friendships / the beginnings of a found family.
The plot was well-crafted too, there were a few moments where it didn't seem completely realistic, but it doesn't need to be realistic for me to enjoy it. It was just a good time overall.
The ending was a cliffhanger that made me want to jump into the next book ASAP, but I appreciate that a part of the story was concluded in this one. So this book could stand on its own if you decided not to continue, it tells a complete story (although you might still want a few answers after it's over).
I really am impressed with how everything came together, it's possible to predict the ending, but you have to pay attention to the details.
I will 100% be reading the sequel, and if you like Ocean's Eleven READ THIEVES' GAMBIT!!!!!!!!!!
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Thieves' Gambit follows Rosalyn who has to enter a secret heist-based competition to win enough money to rescue her kidnapped mother. Easier said than done, because the other kids competing would do anything to win. And when I say anything, I do mean anything.
This is what I hoped All of Us Villains would be, just minus the fantasy. The characters were actually ready to off one another if it would better their chances, like real villains. It was refreshing.
Of course, I felt so bad for Ross whenever anyone betrayed her and that happened a lot. Poor girl can't ever catch a break. But the betrayals were what made this book so interesting, you can't put your trust into any character.
Which brings me to Devroe. I feel like he and Ross are endgame? But that doesn't mean I have to like him!!! He was really laying on the charm, but I wasn't convinced. I'd rather see Ross end up alone than with him.
I liked the other competitors though, Kyung-soon most of all. I think Lewis did a good job with giving them distinct personalities and skills, so I was never confused or mixing them up with one another.
I also liked the (fragile) teamwork that eventually led to some real friendships / the beginnings of a found family.
The plot was well-crafted too, there were a few moments where it didn't seem completely realistic, but it doesn't need to be realistic for me to enjoy it. It was just a good time overall.
The ending was a cliffhanger that made me want to jump into the next book ASAP, but I appreciate that a part of the story was concluded in this one. So this book could stand on its own if you decided not to continue, it tells a complete story (although you might still want a few answers after it's over).
I really am impressed with how everything came together, it's possible to predict the ending, but you have to pay attention to the details.
I will 100% be reading the sequel, and if you like Ocean's Eleven READ THIEVES' GAMBIT!!!!!!!!!!
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
courtsbooknook's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
This book took me on a journey. I feel like the beginning and end really captivated me and pulled me in, but there were some moments in the middle where I felt lost or disconnected from the story. Overall, I really loved this book though. I thought the idea of the gambit was so unique and interesting and I loved the array of diverse characters. Ross was a really cool main character and while this is YA, she felt mature and wise to me. I loved the different settings this story took me to. From the train rides to the various countries, I was so invested. The last 100 pages or so were definitely a cat and mouse type of vibe and I kept wondering what was going to happen next. The plot twists were insane and I only really saw one coming and I liked that I wasn't able to predict the outcomes. This book was intense and I really enjoyed reading it. Thank you to Penguin Teen for the ARC to read and review!
stefypb's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
4.0