Common Sense Media Review
By Julian Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
A little violence, romance in thrilling heist sequel.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In HEIST ROYALE, Rosalyn "Ross" Quest is forced to work with previous Gambit winner Devroe Kenzie, whose wish is to permanently end her family. She has to put up with him constantly flirting for her attention and working with the organization in which her mother (and renowned thief), Rhiannon, is a member. After a successful heist gone wrong, Ross, Kenzie, and several other returning characters compete in an all-new Gambit that'll decide who reigns supreme and determine if there is any honor among thieves.
Is It Any Good?
Author Kayvion Lewis has written an exciting, fast-paced sequel that combines elements of The Hunger Games and The Inheritance Games. The new Gambit functions like a thrilling all-star game, but with thieves and higher stakes involved. Heist Royale continues to explore the theme of trust and expands it into reconciliations between family and friends. Rosalyn ("Ross") and Devroe Kenzie remain the emotional core of the book. Ross is introspective as she gets past the heartbreak from the previous novel to understand herself better. As she discovers what kind of person she wants to be, she reconnects with her mother, her friends, and Devroe, determining that she wants to be free of her paranoia. Although the book is mostly focused on Ross, Devroe is also given a complex characterization. He's doing what he feels is right for him and his family, while also recognizing the deep hurt he caused and trying to atone for it. Readers will be delighted to see where this installment leaves its teenage thieves, and will be eager for the next book.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Heist Royale expands the theme of trust in relationships with family and friends. Rosalyn's relationships with her mother and former love interest have become estranged due to betrayal. What makes a relationship toxic, and what are ways to avoid having a toxic relationship, or to deal with it if you end up in one?
There was a lot of gambling in the book as part of the competition. Rosalyn describes how gambling can become an addiction when playing these types of games. What do you think about gambling? Is it "bad"? Why, or why not? Is it possible to engage safely in things that can be addictive? If so, how?
Throughout the book, Rosalyn keeps a list of regrets she tries to repair and to figure out who she is. What does it take for her to heal broken relationships, and how does it make her a better person? What experiences have made you a better friend or family member?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Adventure
- Topics : Adventures
- Character Strengths : Humility , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Nancy Paulsen Books
- Publication date : November 12, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
- Number of pages : 320
- Available on : Paperback, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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