Book Review: Heist Royale (Thieves’ Gambit #2) by Kayvion Lewis

Rating: ★★★★
Audience: YA Mystery
Length: 311 pages
Author: Kayvion Lewis
Publisher: Nancy Paulsen Books
Release Date: November 12th, 2024
Image & Other Reviews on: Goodreads

BOOK SUMMARY:

The high-stakes sequel to Thieves’ Gambit, for fans of Jennifer Lynn Barnes and Ally Carter.

It’s been six months since the end of the Gambit. Instead of winning an impossible wish, Ross has the threat of her family’s execution hanging over her head. Devroe, the only person Ross thought she could trust, could wish the Quests into oblivion at any time. Shockingly, despite his betrayal, Devroe is still making a play for Ross’s heart as the two work together pulling jobs for the Organization. But Ross has learned her lesson: A Quest can only trust another Quest.

When Ross finds herself at the center of a power struggle within the Organization, she sees her chance to change her fortunes. As a new deadly Gambit develops for control of the criminal underworld, Ross strikes a risky deal to guarantee protection for herself and her family.

In this final clash, Ross will square off against a ruthless opponent who will stop at nothing to seize power, and in their corner will be not only Devroe but his mother, who wants to destroy the Quests at any cost.

The new Gambit takes Ross and her crew into the intoxicating casinos of Monte Carlo and across treacherous snow-covered slopes in Antarctica as Ross competes against Devroe in a fight for her life. Loyalties will be tested, backs stabbed, hearts broken. May the best thief win.

EXCITING FOLLOW UP.

I read this while making pies for Thanksgiving and it was the perfect addition. I loved the fast pace and short length because it really kept my attention and moved things along quickly. I liked being back with these characters and seeing where the story led from the dramatic aspects of book one.

The casino idea was super cool and read like a movie. I loved the way it was laid out and all of the hidden elements that went into those closing chapters. The teens in this book are insanely clever and there’s a good level of tension and survival mode aspects that made it all the more enjoyable.

Overall audience notes: