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adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-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:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Kidnapping, Murder
Minor: Sexism, Sexual assault
adventurous
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:
No
A semi satisfying end to this series. I had to look up a synopsis of the second book and was still a bit confused by how some of the characters are literally related. However it’s not super critical imo to understand all that. I do wish the Hawthorne brothers would go to therapy.
I felt the actual end to the whole main plot (the chess game) was a bit anticlimactic. However I did enjoy what Avery does with her fortune, and it being a criticism of billionaires in general.
1/5🌶 (it’s a bit unclear to me whether any spice actually happens or if it’s just closed door. They literally could have just been sleeping in the same bed)
1/5🌶 (it’s a bit unclear to me whether any spice actually happens or if it’s just closed door. They literally could have just been sleeping in the same bed)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Kidnapping, Murder
Moderate: Death, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Violence, Death of parent
Minor: Emotional abuse, Gun violence, 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
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Yeah I still don’t like this trilogy. I think I only reason I read it was because it’s so fast paced so it was kinda like “why not”
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Death, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Murder
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
mysterious
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Murder
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
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
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Death, Murder
Minor: Fire/Fire injury
adventurous
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:
No
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Sexual violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, Pregnancy, Toxic friendship, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I have never been so heartbroken upon finishing a series. The twists and turns, lovable characters, and overall found family have been such a special reading experience to me, and it would be a dream to read The Inheritance Games series for the first time all over again.
The Final Gambit follows Avery, just weeks until her billionaire status becomes final. As she hunts for answers following the events of book two, she’ll discover the truths about the inheritance, and herself, along the way.
On of my favorite elements of this book is how smart it is. The clues are shocking without being unreasonable, and the strategies needed to solve every riddle are impressive while still being fun. I was reminded greatly of Mr. Lemonchellos’s library, and twists and turns I loved as a kid.
That being said, love triangles have never been my favorite, especially with two brothers. However, this is no fault of the book, and I think the Inheritance Games handle it better than others.
The Final Gambit follows Avery, just weeks until her billionaire status becomes final. As she hunts for answers following the events of book two, she’ll discover the truths about the inheritance, and herself, along the way.
On of my favorite elements of this book is how smart it is. The clues are shocking without being unreasonable, and the strategies needed to solve every riddle are impressive while still being fun. I was reminded greatly of Mr. Lemonchellos’s library, and twists and turns I loved as a kid.
That being said, love triangles have never been my favorite, especially with two brothers. However, this is no fault of the book, and I think the Inheritance Games handle it better than others.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Death, Sexism, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Murder, Abandonment
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Physical abuse