On the whole, I enjoyed reading this book. The premise is a lot of fun: a group of young people (including Rosa the Grifter, Sarra the Tinkerer, Dominic the Apprentice and Giacomo the master of disguise) are embarking upon a daring heist with the corrupt pope and the Medici family their target. Set in sixteenth century Florence, there is a swashbuckling feel to the novel and it is a great read for young adults. Michelangelo also appears in the story and Caitlin Schneiderhan’s prose fizzes with anticipation as the plot thickens and the cast of characters increases. A slight downside is that there are arguably too many characters, the book is a tad overlong and the plot becomes increasingly complex as it reaches its denouement. Overall, this is not a book that takes itself too seriously and it kept me entertained. 3.5 stars from me!

This book is amazing. The characters are all so loveable and well developed, the pacing is slow but there's always something happening you're never bored. If you love six of crows (and you ship wesper) you will love this. The romances are subplot, one is fine and the other is one of the most swoonworthy i've ever read i'm still thinking about them.
My only complaint is that for a book with heist in the title the actual heist only takes about 20% of the book

A tale filled with found family, set in Florence, thats centred around a heist (thats totally just about money, and definitely isn’t at all personal….) YES PLEASE. This book reads like a movie and doesn’t let up, from the coming together of a team of individuals to the setting everything about this book just hit the spot.

I adored the team and learning more about them as they come together to pull off one of the biggest heists ever attempted against the most powerful family in Florence. The more we learn about the gang, the more their personal lives could lead to the heist falling apart.

The political weavings within this tale are cleverly woven to increase the stakes and explore how the power hungry and their schemes affect the city as a whole.

A welcome addition to my collection of books that marry the impossible heist and found family tropes.