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adventurous
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Death of parent
Moderate: Misogyny, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Death, Pregnancy, Abandonment
Moderate: Cursing, Terminal illness, Kidnapping, Grief
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A little head's up that the entirety of this review will most likely contain spoilers since it is the final book in the trilogy.
Now that is what I call a satisfying end to a series! I can't tell you how many times I've read a series and been wildly frustrated after finishing the final book, either because everything wrapped up too perfectly, or because there were so many plot holes or questions left unanswered. However, The Final Gambit gave me everything I wanted--and more.
Let's talk about the chess analogy. What a brilliant addition to the puzzles that Tobias Hawthorne left behind. While I'm not someone who plays chess, I was completely enthralled by what was happening. It made the book more interesting, using a game that's not always the most exciting.
While Avery was never necessarily a weak character, she was never particularly strong either... until The Final Gambit. Her character development in this book alone really wowed me. From the way she handled her relationships with both Grayson and Jameson to the steps she took to ensure the safety of those that she loved. It was such a joy to watch as she really blossomed into this powerful energy that even someone like Oren began to respect with few questions (and that's saying quite a lot). The ending, in particular, showed what kind of person she was and it made me appreciate her even more. Even though I was pretty sure I knew what she would do with her fortune, there were a few moments in her final interview that pleasantly surprised me.
In regards to that final interview: though the author has now let her audience know that more books are coming in the form of stories told from the Hawthorne brothers' perspectives, I do hope that she eventually touches on Avery's final "move" so-to-speak. That was such an interesting touch and it reminded me a little bit of Ready Player One. I'd love to see how it turns out.
You didn't think I'd write my review and not include a bit on the Hawthorne brothers themselves, did you? This might be a hot take, but I'm incredibly satisfied with who Avery chose to date long-term.While Grayson was an initial favorite of mine, I grew increasingly frustrated with his moody, angsty vibe and really wound up appreciating Jameson's influence on Avery in The Hawthorne Legacy. Throughout the first half of this book, Avery repeatedly assured Jameson of her feelings for him, while battling inwardly over Grayson. I began to get a little irritated and worried that she would swap guys halfway through. However, I was thankful that in the end, she chose to stay with Jameson. I believe it was the right decision and that she would've done herself and the reader a disservice if she'd reneged on her original assurances to be with someone else. I've actually never had an issue with love triangles and I think this one was done especially well. But of course, I might just be biased because for once the protagonist actually ended up with the love interest I hoped for!
Of course, there were a few topics left slightly open-ended, such as Toby's fate, Eve's decisions, and even Xander's relationship with his father. My hope is that they're mentioned in the coming books. If not though, I can't say I'll be ridiculously disappointed. I think this story was tied up really well, with some realistic "open endings" for the reader to ponder.
If I had to give the entire trilogy a rating, I think that I'd have to give it *gasp* a full five stars! This is a rare occurrence for me with a series. Usually, a sequel or third book leaves me feeling let down in some way, but this full trilogy blew me away! It's a must-read.
Now that is what I call a satisfying end to a series! I can't tell you how many times I've read a series and been wildly frustrated after finishing the final book, either because everything wrapped up too perfectly, or because there were so many plot holes or questions left unanswered. However, The Final Gambit gave me everything I wanted--and more.
Let's talk about the chess analogy. What a brilliant addition to the puzzles that Tobias Hawthorne left behind. While I'm not someone who plays chess, I was completely enthralled by what was happening. It made the book more interesting, using a game that's not always the most exciting.
While Avery was never necessarily a weak character, she was never particularly strong either... until The Final Gambit. Her character development in this book alone really wowed me. From the way she handled her relationships with both Grayson and Jameson to the steps she took to ensure the safety of those that she loved. It was such a joy to watch as she really blossomed into this powerful energy that even someone like Oren began to respect with few questions (and that's saying quite a lot). The ending, in particular, showed what kind of person she was and it made me appreciate her even more. Even though I was pretty sure I knew what she would do with her fortune, there were a few moments in her final interview that pleasantly surprised me.
In regards to that final interview: though the author has now let her audience know that more books are coming in the form of stories told from the Hawthorne brothers' perspectives, I do hope that she eventually touches on Avery's final "move" so-to-speak. That was such an interesting touch and it reminded me a little bit of Ready Player One. I'd love to see how it turns out.
You didn't think I'd write my review and not include a bit on the Hawthorne brothers themselves, did you? This might be a hot take, but I'm incredibly satisfied with who Avery chose to date long-term.
Of course, there were a few topics left slightly open-ended, such as Toby's fate, Eve's decisions, and even Xander's relationship with his father. My hope is that they're mentioned in the coming books. If not though, I can't say I'll be ridiculously disappointed. I think this story was tied up really well, with some realistic "open endings" for the reader to ponder.
If I had to give the entire trilogy a rating, I think that I'd have to give it *gasp* a full five stars! This is a rare occurrence for me with a series. Usually, a sequel or third book leaves me feeling let down in some way, but this full trilogy blew me away! It's a must-read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Toxic relationship, Grief
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Violence, Kidnapping, Murder
Minor: Child death, Gun violence, Pregnancy, Injury/Injury detail
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Kidnapping
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Death of parent
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Kidnapping, Murder
Minor: Emotional abuse, Grief
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I am absolutely in love with this series. I find it to be so well done, easy to read and engaging. I fell for every character and adore the world that was created.
This became my favourite trilogy quite quickly!
This became my favourite trilogy quite quickly!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Death, Kidnapping, Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Gun violence, Violence, Death of parent
Minor: Emotional abuse, Grief, Gaslighting
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This entire review contains spoilers. I have too many thoughts and feelings, and I don’t have time to mark each spoiler individually.
Let me start by saying that I have been Team Jameson™️ since day one, and I love that he and Avery were endgame. I do like Grayson, and I wouldn’t have been furious if he and Avery ended up together, but I’m so glad it was Jameson. I love that man!
Speaking of Grayson…he deserved a happy ending (romantically), even if it wasn’t with Avery, but I do think that he got a different kind of happy ending. Toward the end, I feel like he finally let go of Emily, and he was finally free of the immense pressure other people always put on him (and that he put on himself).
Speaking of characters who deserved better: JUSTICE FOR TOBY! I know he did what he did to protect Avery because he loves her, and he doesn’t want her to suffer, but I wish he would’ve found a loophole or something and got a happier ending :/ I’m legitimately upset about it!
Vincent Blake is my arch nemesis. Although he is a fictional character, if I ever meet someone with the same name as him, it’s on sight. Can Eve just poison him? That way she gets his money and Toby can be free.
I like that we got to see more of Xander, Nash, and Rebecca in this book. I especially enjoyed seeing more of Xander and Avery’s friendship. I wish Max and Libby were there more, though!
I appreciate that we got to see the flaws of Tobias. His reason for picking Avery was messed up and made me mad, but I can’t say I blame him.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. The first book in the series was life-changing, which is something I wouldn’t say about this one. However, it kept me on my toes, and, even though I knew Eve or Toby were going to show up at the beginning, every other time I thought I knew what was happening, I was proven wrong. There were moments where I shook, where I cried, where I couldn’t stop looking over my shoulder, where I laughed, where I swooned…it had everything.
The ending was not what I expected, but I don’t hate what Avery did with the money and assets.
While I have some unanswered questions, this book did a good job of tying everything together. There were so many references to the previous books, so many prior hints and games that were drawn into this book, and I loved it.
Let me start by saying that I have been Team Jameson™️ since day one, and I love that he and Avery were endgame. I do like Grayson, and I wouldn’t have been furious if he and Avery ended up together, but I’m so glad it was Jameson. I love that man!
Speaking of Grayson…he deserved a happy ending (romantically), even if it wasn’t with Avery, but I do think that he got a different kind of happy ending. Toward the end, I feel like he finally let go of Emily, and he was finally free of the immense pressure other people always put on him (and that he put on himself).
Speaking of characters who deserved better: JUSTICE FOR TOBY! I know he did what he did to protect Avery because he loves her, and he doesn’t want her to suffer, but I wish he would’ve found a loophole or something and got a happier ending :/ I’m legitimately upset about it!
Vincent Blake is my arch nemesis. Although he is a fictional character, if I ever meet someone with the same name as him, it’s on sight. Can Eve just poison him? That way she gets his money and Toby can be free.
I like that we got to see more of Xander, Nash, and Rebecca in this book. I especially enjoyed seeing more of Xander and Avery’s friendship. I wish Max and Libby were there more, though!
I appreciate that we got to see the flaws of Tobias. His reason for picking Avery was messed up and made me mad, but I can’t say I blame him.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. The first book in the series was life-changing, which is something I wouldn’t say about this one. However, it kept me on my toes, and, even though I knew Eve or Toby were going to show up at the beginning, every other time I thought I knew what was happening, I was proven wrong. There were moments where I shook, where I cried, where I couldn’t stop looking over my shoulder, where I laughed, where I swooned…it had everything.
The ending was not what I expected, but I don’t hate what Avery did with the money and assets.
While I have some unanswered questions, this book did a good job of tying everything together. There were so many references to the previous books, so many prior hints and games that were drawn into this book, and I loved it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
Moderate: Death, Stalking, Murder, Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Domestic abuse, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Pregnancy
adventurous
challenging
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I loved this book so much!! Such a great way to end the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Death, Misogyny
Minor: Sexual assault
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Kidnapping