Heist Royale by Kayvion Lewis (Thieves’ Gambit book 2)

 

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, Thieves’ Gambit, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

“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.” - taken from Goodreads

Six months have passed and Ross and her friends find themselves in a new gambit where the stakes are life and death. Readers will quickly become immersed in the story once again and will find the ending a bit shocking. I for one enjoyed the epilogue but was a bit disappointed to say goodbye to the characters in this story.

Visit Kayvion Lewis’ website.

Thieves’ Gambit by Kayvion Lewis (Thieves’ Gambit book 1)

“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.” - taken from Goodreads.

Ross Quest just wants a tiny bit of normalcy in her life. When her getaway plan goes awry, her only option to save her mother’s life is to take her chances in the Thieves’ Gambit to win an unattainable prize. Can Ross keep her eyes on the prize or will her heart get in the way? Needless to say, that ending was a shocker!

Book two is due out in 2024.

Visit Kayvion Lewis’ website.

Vow of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson (Dance of Thieves book 2)

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the first book in the series, Dance of Thieves, Stop! I don’t want to ruin the story for you.

“Kazi and Jase have survived, stronger and more in love than ever. Their new life now lies before them―the Ballengers will be outlaws no longer, Tor's Watch will be a kingdom, and the two of them will meet all challenges side by side, together at last.

But an ominous warning mars their journey back, and in their rush to return to Tor's Watch, just outside the fortress walls, they are violently attacked and torn apart―and each is thrust into their own new hell.

Unsure whether the other is alive or dead, Kazi and Jase must keep their wits among their greatest enemies and unlikeliest allies. And all the while, Death watches and waits.” - taken from Goodreads.com

I wish I had the time to devour this book in one setting but dragging the story out was good for me too. Kazi and Jace's happily ever after is short-lived when they arrived back at Tor’s Watch to find it has been taken over by an unexpected enemy. Without spoiling the story too much, be aware the Kazi and Jace are apart for much of the book. The ending was fantastic and my favorite characters from The Remnant Chronicles make an appearance. A great ending to the series. 

Visit Mary E. Pearson’s website.

Dances of Thieves by Mary E. Pearson (Dance of Thieves book 1)

“A new novel in the New York Times–bestselling Remnant Chronicles universe, in which a reformed thief and the young leader of an outlaw dynasty lock wits in a battle that may cost them their lives—and their hearts.

When the patriarch of the Ballenger empire dies, his son, Jase, becomes its new leader. Even nearby kingdoms bow to the strength of this outlaw family, who have always governed by their own rules. But a new era looms on the horizon, set in motion by a young queen, which makes her the target of the dynasty's resentment and anger.

At the same time, Kazi, a legendary former street thief, is sent by the queen to investigate transgressions against the new settlements. When Kazi arrives in the forbidding land of the Ballengers, she learns that there is more to Jase than she thought. As unexpected events spiral out of their control, bringing them intimately together, they continue to play a cat and mouse game of false moves and motives in order to fulfill their own secret missions.” - taken from Goodreads.com

I don't know why I didn't pick this book up sooner than I did. I loved Pearson's The Remnant Chronicles and her new series continues along the same path. One doesn't need to read the previous trilogy to understand the story but beloved characters and past history do play a part of the storyline.

Kazi is a strong girl with an undying sense of loyalty to her Queen. On a secret mission to track down a war criminal and bring him back to justice, Kazi soon finds herself in a completely unexpected situation. Jase's father has just died and named him patriarch of the family business. Struggling to keep his family’s control over Hell’s Mouth, Jase finds himself captured by a gang of labor hunters and chained to Kazi. They are able to escape but find themselves still shackled together at the ankle. Keeping secrets from one another, feelings develop between the two of them that throw both of their lives in turmoil.

A fantastic ending to a great new fantasy series that will leave fans begging for more. 

Book two, Vow of Thieves, comes out on August 6, 2019.

Visit Mary E. Pearson’s website.

Flame in the Mist by Renee Ahdieh (Flame in the Mist book 1)

“The only daughter of a prominent samurai, Mariko has always known she’d been raised for one purpose and one purpose only: to marry. Never mind her cunning, which rivals that of her twin brother, Kenshin, or her skills as an accomplished alchemist. Since Mariko was not born a boy, her fate was sealed the moment she drew her first breath.

So, at just seventeen years old, Mariko is sent to the imperial palace to meet her betrothed, a man she did not choose, for the very first time. But the journey is cut short when Mariko’s convoy is viciously attacked by the Black Clan, a dangerous group of bandits who’ve been hired to kill Mariko before she reaches the palace.

The lone survivor, Mariko narrowly escapes to the woods, where she plots her revenge. Dressed as a peasant boy, she sets out to infiltrate the Black Clan and hunt down those responsible for the target on her back. Once she’s within their ranks, though, Mariko finds for the first time she’s appreciated for her intellect and abilities. She even finds herself falling in love—a love that will force her to question everything she’s ever known about her family, her purpose, and her deepest desires.“ - taken from Goodreads.com

Wow! I cannot believe that I didn't read this when it first came out. I loved everything about the story. Mariko wants to be seen as more than just a female in the male dominated society of feudal Japan. When her convoy to meet her betrothed is ambushed and she is the only survivor, Mariko sees her chance to break free from her family and find out for herself who wanted her dead. Meeting the Black Clan disguised as a boy, she is taken in as a possible recruit. As Mariko learns more about her family and society, she not only sees the truth about her family but finds that her heart has been taken. I cannot wait to see how it ends after that conclusion.

Visit Renee Adhieh’s website.

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo (Six of Crows book 1)

“Six dangerous outcasts. One impossible heist.”

SPOILER ALERT! If you haven’t read the Grisha trilogy, you might want to stop. Even though this is a new series, some spoilers may occur but I don't think it will ruin the enjoyment of either book for you.

Six of Crows takes place two years after the end of the Ravkan civil war, so the effects of that are still being felt throughout the world. A few characters are mentioned briefly in passing.

The Dregs are all liars, murderers and thieves. Kaz Brekker became a member when he was twelve and the gang of street urchins and hustlers were the laughing stock of Ketterdam. In the years since, Kaz has made the Dregs feared. They now have their own territory, gambling hall and the Slat, a warm, dry place to hang out if needed. Even though Per Haskell is the head of the Dregs. Kaz is the brains and brawn behind the gang.

After a successful confrontation with a rival gang over territory, Kaz walks alone through an alley. Usually aware of his surroundings, he is surprised when he is attacked by an unseen assailant. Kaz wakes up chained to a chair in a study, to his surprise. Taking in the man behind the desk in front of him, he realizes the man is Van Eck, a Kerch merchant. Van Eck tells Kaz that the Merchant Council has a proposition for him. Kaz wants to know if all Council negotiations start with a beating. Van Eck tells him to consider it both a warning and a demonstration. Kaz asks why the interest in him. In the past three years, Kaz hasn't served any time in prison. He states that he has cleaned up his act but then Van Eck calls him a liar. He continues to read through his file on Kaz, detailing his life with the Dregs while unbeknownst to him, Kaz is setting himself free from the chains. Kaz is able to vault from his chair and hold Van Eck hostage before any of his guards can react. Kaz just want someone to show him the door but Van Eck responds that he can change his mind. He calls for Mikka and Kaz sees a boy, pale as a corpse, walk through the wall. Dressed in a Grisha Tidemakers coat, Kaz thinks he has been drugged. Van Eck will explain once he has been released but Kaz refuses. Mikka is under the effects of jurda parem.. Kaz is aware that jurda is a stimulant but Van Eck warns that jurda parem is completely different and definitely not harmless. Kaz knew he had been drugged but then realizes that Van Eck is talking about the Grisha.

Van Eck explains that a scientist by the name of Bo Yul-Bayur sent a sample to the Kerch Merchant Council. He wish to defect to keep the drug out of the hand of other governments. The drug has been tested by the Council on a Grisha from each of the three orders. The drug almost acts as an amplifier, but instead of increasing their powers, it alters a Grisha’s perception. To the non-Grisha, param is lethal. A Fabrikator is able to turn lead into gold. Bo Yul-Bayur, a member of the Shu, feared the Shu government would have abused the drug and caused the world economy to collapse. The Merchant Council want Kaz to kidnap Bo Yul-Bayu,r who was seeking asylum. The government doesn't want to be tied to Bo Yul-Bayur. Kaz doesn't think he is still alive but the Council knows that that Bo Yul-Bayur is being held at the Ice Court. Kaz is ready to leave but then Van Eck offers him five million kruge. Kaz remarks that he values his life more than that. Van Eck offers 10 then 20. Kaz stops him at 20 and Van Eck doesn't look happy. He will need to convince a team into taking what is essentially a suicide mission. The Ice Court has never been breached. Van Eck states that time is of the essence and greed begin begins to speak to Kaz. He realizes that he will need a specialized team that knows they may not survive. He will have to find people outside of the Dregs. If Kaz is successful, his reputation will soar and he can be out from under Per Haskell. Kaz wants to know why Van Eck wants him for the job. Van Eck states that Kaz has the one quality he needs most in a criminal, he doesn't get caught. He also knows that Kaz was the person who robbed him of an expensive painting from his home six months earlier. Kaz admits nothing.

After seeing and hearing about the effects of jurda parem, Kaz wants 30 million kruge to do the job. He knows that the Merchant Council is desperate. The two men shake on the deal and Van Eck then asks Kaz why he wears gloves. He states that everyone has heard the stories and Kaz replies that they are all true. Leaving, Kaz knows that he is going to need more help than the Dregs can offer him. After giving Per Haskell his 20 percent of the payout, each of the six member will receive 4 million kruge if they survive. Kaz’s crew consists of “a convict with a thirst for revenge, a sharpshooter who can't walk away from a wager, runaway with a privileged past, a spy known as the Wraith, a Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums, and a  thief with a gift for unlikely escapes.” Meet the Six of Crows.

Will Kaz’s crew be able to breach the Ice Palace? Is Bo Yul-Bayur is alive? Who makes up Kaz’s crew? Can Kaz move on past his greed? Does someone else beat them to the Ice Palace? What are the Merchant Council's plans for Bo Yul-Bayur? How does the ultimate heist turn out?

Readers will be eagerly anticipating book two to see what happens to Kaz and his crew next.

Visit Leigh Bardugo’s website.

Vengeance Road by Erin Bowman

“Revenge is worth its weight in gold.”

June 6, 1877

Kate Thompson is left with a heart full of vengeance after a group of men kill her father. Two days after her eighteenth birthday, she hears hooping and hollering while she is down by the creek. She arrives back home to find her father hanging from the mesquite tree that her mother is buried under. She sees a group of men fleeing on horseback and the house on fire. Kate is able to get one shot off and a man falls. After burying her father next to her mother, she is surprised to find the man she shot is gone. He isn’t dead but she is able to follow his blood trail into Prescott and finds him sitting in a saloon. She has disguised herself as a man so as not to draw as much notice. Kate follows him to the outhouse where she finds him checking on his wound. She is able to catch him off guard. He laughs at her when he realizes that she doesn’t know about the secrets her father kept. She wants to know how they found him and he reveals that the clerk at Goldwaters’ was very informative. He informs her that she will never catch up to the others. Kate shoots him in the skull before heading to Goldwaters’

At Goldwaters’, it doesn't take Morris the clerk long to recognize Kate. Her father was trying to play matchmaker between the two of them, much to Kate’s chagrin. She inquires if anyone has come in asking about her father. He describes the group of men she saw leaving and asks her if everything is alright. She knows there is no one in a position of authority to help her. Kate loads up on some supplies and leaves before she can shoot Morris for inadvertently revealing her father. Back at home, Kate begins shifting through the remains of their cabin. She notices that her father’s journal is missing from its place by the bed. She assumes that it was destroyed in the fire. Kate does find the remaining bits of gold dust that her father had from his prospecting days. She is dismayed to find a note that her father had left for her. It reads that if anything were to happen to him, Kate is to go see his friend Abe in Wickenberg. She spends the night in the barn before going to find Abe. He may know what secrets her father was keeping from her.

Stopping at a saloon in Walnut Grove, Kate decides to try and find out some information about Abe before arriving in the bustling mining town of Wickenberg. Coy at first, an overweight barmaid/prostitute tells her where she can find him. Kate also asks the bartender if any of her friends came through. Describing the man and stating that he was riding with a group, the bartender pulls a gun on her. He asks her to leave, saying that her kind aren’t welcome. Not really understanding, Kate asks what her kind might be. The Rose Riders, he answers. Kate backs out and mounts her horse. Even with a gun trained on her back, she is thrilled to have discovered some new information on her father’s killers. Making camp for the night, Kate thinks that the Riders might be Waylon Rose’s gang. They were notorious for robbing stagecoaches in New Mexico and came west to Arizona when the gold rush began. Kate falls asleep wondering what brought Rose out of his normal territory to look for her father.

Kate is awoken the next morning by a wild hog but soon hears voices. The men from the saloon are looking to collect the bounty on the Riders since Kate stated that she was a friend. One man goes to stand guard over their horses while the other unties one of Kate’s. He shoves it away before she is able to stop him. Kate pulls her gun on him and tells him to stop. The man says that he cannot let her go and slaughter Abe’s family. With no choice, Kate shoots the man before he can kill her. She scares off the remaining man before packing her horse to leave. Down a horse, she has to leave most of her stuff behind. Kate hopes that Abe will be the effort.

Arriving at Abe’s the next morning after riding all day and night, Kate is surprised by the size of his place and wonders if he runs a ranch now instead of working in the mines. Two boys close to her age are standing outside. After talking it over, the older one comes over and directs Kate to Wickenberg. She lets him know that she is actually looking for Abe. He tells her that her got kicked in the head by a horse two years earlier and died the same day. Kate is desperate until she sees the look of grief flash over the boy’s face and offers her condolences. The boy introduces himself as Jesse Colton, Abe’s son and asks Kate for hers. She blurts out the first thing that comes to her mind, Nate Thompson. Jesse asks what her father’s name was and gets excited to find out that it was Henry. He calls his younger brother Will over and the three of them head towards the farmhouse.Turns out that Abe had something of Henry’s that he was keeping in case his child ever showed up on their doorstep.

In the farmhouse, Nate meets the boys’ sister, Sarah. After breakfast, Jesse gives Nate the letter from her father. In it, he details for Kate how he and her mother came across a dead man with a cache of gold and a leather journal detailing where the mine could be found. Kate realizes that her father’s journal wasn’t burned, but stolen. He details how he changed his name, became friends with Abe and eventually moved to Prescott. Her father writes that not even Abe knows the whole truth. In order for her to be safe, he asks her to stay with Abe. Folding up the letter, Kate hears Sarah and Jesse arguing over Nate. She decides to leave and find her father’s killers before they can find the gold.

Jesse and Will catch up to Kate/Nate as she is leaving Wickenberg. The two boys are on their way to pick up some cattle in Tucson. The three of them traveling together will be safer than splitting up. Kate/Nate reluctantly agrees if the boys will quit constantly talking. She is heading to Phoenix and will spilt from them there. Along the way, the three of them come across a burned out carriage. The driver has been shot, the passengers burned and any money is gone. The dead driver carries the same mark that the Riders left on Kate’s father. She wants to at least burn the man’s body rather than leave it for the vultures. She is touched when Jesse helps her.

As the three travel along, Jesse tries to talk Nate out of his need for vengeance but his advice falls on deaf ears. Kate also knows that it won’t be too long before the Colton brothers figure out that Nate is a girl. After Jesse goes to sleep one night, Will fills Kate/Nate in on why Jesse is the type of person that he is. He has been responsible for the family for a long time and has experienced loss too many times. The next morning, Kate/Nate apologizes to Jesse and attempts to make amends. The three head out looking for a river to water their horses. They first notice the low water level and then Jesse sees that they are not alone. He spies two men through his binoculars and passes them off to Nate. She sees two men along the ridge above and the two of them know something isn’t right. It looks like an ambush. Kate/Nate looks through the binoculars again and notices the symbols carved on the horses’ saddles. It’s the Rose Riders and they are aiming for them.

What happens when Jesse and Will discover that Nate Thompson is actually Kate Thompson? Will she reveal the truth about why her father was killed? Will she uncover her father's secrets? Can she find the Rose Riders and exact her revenge or will Kate learn that vengeance is a road best left untraveled? And will love find it’s way into Kate’s heart?

Visit Erin Bowman’s website.