Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by estapinto
Thieves' Gambit by Kayvion Lewis
4.0
I’ve seen that the film rights for this book have been bought before this book has even hit shelves, and I understand why. Kayvion Lewis has written a really fun, cinematic, fast-paced YA action mystery-heist reminiscent of your favourite movies and books (think elements of Six of Crows, Inheritance Games, and Oceans Eleven) combined with elements of a less macabre Hunger Games or Squid Games (being YA) while creating incredibly diverse characters, spanning many cultures and continents, with authentic cultural names (never forget Cho Chang from HP), who are also likeable* (mostly!) in the competition.
I had a lot of fun diving headfirst into the action with FMC Rosalyn ‘Ross’ Quest. She’s a 17-year-old high-calibre thief who could rival Danny Ocean, who then gets invited to join an underground thieving competition. Of course, she accepts to save her kidnapped mother. The challenges in the Gambit are outrageous and outlandish, but I embraced them with open arms. I was always unsure about each character's motives, and unravelling who to trust in the “Thieves Gambit” was part of that fun. Likewise, I loved the intriguing rivalries and friendships formed during the Gambit. I'm also pleased to announce the Bechdel test was passed with flying colours!
Some plot points felt a bit too convenient and required an extreme suspension of disbelief here and there. Additionally, a lot was going on at the end, with twist upon twist, that I was nearly out of breath. However, all in all, I definitely recommend this book if you’re a fan of similar genres -- it’s an easy, fun, page-turning ride.
The ending definitely left it open for a sequel, which I am definitely going to put on my TBR if and when announced.
My thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster and author Kayvion Lewis for the opportunity to read this work, which will be published in October, 2023. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Thieves Gambit full book review. | Amazon reviews.
Spoiler
*Minus the stabby, shooty and ultra manipulative peepsI had a lot of fun diving headfirst into the action with FMC Rosalyn ‘Ross’ Quest. She’s a 17-year-old high-calibre thief who could rival Danny Ocean, who then gets invited to join an underground thieving competition. Of course, she accepts to save her kidnapped mother. The challenges in the Gambit are outrageous and outlandish, but I embraced them with open arms. I was always unsure about each character's motives, and unravelling who to trust in the “Thieves Gambit” was part of that fun. Likewise, I loved the intriguing rivalries and friendships formed during the Gambit. I'm also pleased to announce the Bechdel test was passed with flying colours!
Some plot points felt a bit too convenient and required an extreme suspension of disbelief here and there. Additionally, a lot was going on at the end, with twist upon twist, that I was nearly out of breath. However, all in all, I definitely recommend this book if you’re a fan of similar genres -- it’s an easy, fun, page-turning ride.
The ending definitely left it open for a sequel, which I am definitely going to put on my TBR if and when announced.
My thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster and author Kayvion Lewis for the opportunity to read this work, which will be published in October, 2023. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Thieves Gambit full book review. | Amazon reviews.