Book Review: Thieves’ Gambit by Kayvion Lewis

A thrilling heist adventure packed with twists, diverse characters, and non-stop action—Thieves’ Gambit is your next must-read!

Looking for a book that feels like a heist movie brought to life? Thieves’ Gambit by Kayvion Lewis delivers non-stop action, clever strategy, and a cast of diverse, dynamic characters. With high-stakes competition and a refreshing focus on wit over violence, this fast-paced adventure had me hooked from start to finish. If you’re ready for a thrilling ride packed with twists, turns, and hearts, this one’s for you! Find out more about the book and why I gave it four out of five stars.

What is the book about?

At only seventeen years old, Ross Quest is already a master thief, especially adept at escape plans. Until her plan to run away from her legendary family of thieves takes an unexpected turn, leaving her mother’s life hanging in the balance.

In a desperate bid, she enters the Thieves’ Gambit, a series of dangerous, international heists where killing the competition isn’t exactly off limits, but the grand prize is a wish for anything in the world–a wish that could save her mom. When she learns two of her competitors include her childhood nemesis and a handsome, smooth-talking guy who might also want to steal her heart, winning the Gambit becomes trickier than she imagined.

Ross tries her best to stick to the family creed: trust no one whose last name isn’t Quest. But with the stakes this high, Ross will have to decide who to con and who to trust before time runs out. After all, only one of them can win. [Goodreads]

My thoughts:

If you’re looking for an exciting, action-packed read, Thieve’s Gambit by Kayvion Lewis is the perfect choice. I finished this book in just one day. The premise is as thrilling as it sounds: a group of young thieves compete in a high-stakes challenge to win a coveted year-long contract, all while navigating a labyrinth of twists and turns to save their loved ones.

The action is non-stop, with each heist more thrilling than the last. The sharp character banter adds a lively edge to the fast-paced plot. I especially appreciated the competition’s focus on strategy and cunning rather than violence—something that feels like a breath of fresh air compared to other dystopian favorites. (Look, I love The Hunger Games, but sometimes I don’t need all the players to die, you know?!) Reading Thieve’s Gambit felt like watching a heist movie where the stakes are high, but the tone is light and entertaining.

This was my first time reading Kayvion Lewis’s work, and I have to say, I am a fan! The diverse cast of characters and the roller coaster of a plot kept me turning page after page. If you’re looking for a thrilling adventure with heart and humor, Thieve’s Gambit is a must-read!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group for an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest and thoughtful review.

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