However for me, this book is a perfect example of how a reader has to be in the right mood to enjoy certain types of books. I tried starting this book in the spring and after reading the first 3 chapters, I stopped. There was nothing wrong with the book. I had just been on a huge fantasy kick and I think I had burned myself out on the genre for the time being. 

Needless to say, when I picked this book up again a few days ago, I was hooked. I raced through this book. The mystery in this book was intriguing and the ex-friends/crush to lovers through the fake- dating trope had me flying through the story to see what would happen next. 

Here are the basics:

Marlow Briggs is a cursebreaker. For the past year, she has been living in the marshes, dodging vengeful gangs who would like nothing more than to see her dead for breaking the curses they use as a form of profit and control. Her existence balances on the edge of a knife everyday, and she only manages to stay alive thanks to her wits, her mother's training as a con artist, and because of the devotion of her friend, Swift. 

But Marlow's old life amongst the powerful elite of the city comes calling when her ex-best friend/former crush, Adrius Falcrest, comes waltzing back into her life. As the son of the city's most powerful family, Adrius has everything he could ever ask for. Power. Charm. Good looks.

But there is still one thing he needs.

A curse breaker.

Marlow realizes that someone has has placed a dangerous curse on Adrius, one that could have devastating effects for Adrius, his family, and the entire power structure that controls the city of Caraza. Now, Adrius needs her help to find out who cursed him and break the curse. 

But to do that, Marlow needs access to the magical world of Evergarden, the world she left one year ago after her mother went missing. And the only way for Marlow to do that is by posing as Adrius Falcrest new girlfriend of the month. 

Old feelings are reawakened, secrets are brought to light, and betrayals abound as Marlow tries to save Adrius without losing her heart to him once again. 

Overall, I really enjoyed the world building in this fantasy novel. I thought magic system was quite unique and I am looking forward to it being expanded upon in book two. Marlow and Adrius were both frustrating as characters as times, but there was character growth throughout the story and I expect that to continue in the second book. 

I enjoyed this book so much that I am going to give it 5 stars. 

This is a great YA romantasy for anyone who needs a little magic in their lives. 

"Thieves' Gambit" is a Gateway Nominee for the 2025-2026 school year and I definitely think this book earned its place on the nominee list!

Well, if you haven't, you should! But the "Thieves Gambit" has strong "Ocean's Eleven" vibes. At its core, this is a story about a group of internationally renowned thieves who participate in a competition put on by a mysterious group of wealthy individuals simply known as "The Organization".  The competition is set up in three phases that are designed to test each thieve's skills, intelligence, resourcefulness, and ambition. 

But the Gambit is dangerous, and not everyone comes through unscathed. 

However, if you win the Gambit, you get one wish. 

Money. Revenge. Power. You name it. 

You also get a mandatory one year contract working for "The Organization". No matter the job, the winner has to complete it. 

This year Rosalind Quest has been invited to The Gambit. As the a member of the infamous Quest family, Ross comes from a long line of thieves and con artists, and she has been pulling jobs with her mother for as long as she can remember.

But when one of those jobs goes wrong, Ross finds herself in a desperate situation with no alternatives.

She needs that wish. 

Ross enters The Gambit determined to do whatever it takes to win. There is no other option. But it is not going to be easy. 

A long time rival, a thief with a penchant for violence, a tech master, an adrenaline junkie, and a smooth talking con artist all have set their sights on that wish as well as the one year contract. And despite budding friendships and a possible romance that begins to emerge, Ross needs to remember one thing.

A Quest can only trust another Quest.

I give this book 4/5 stars.