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3vannelsonrose's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping, and Grief
Moderate: Child death, Chronic illness, Domestic abuse, Violence, and Pregnancy
Minor: Sexual assault and Toxic relationship
takarakei's review against another edition
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
3.5
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, and Murder
Moderate: Death, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Violence, and Death of parent
Minor: Emotional abuse, Gun violence, and Grief
eowyn_zoe's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Death, Pregnancy, and Abandonment
Moderate: Cursing, Terminal illness, Kidnapping, and Grief
theespressoedition's review against another edition
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
4.5
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, and Grief
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Violence, Kidnapping, and Murder
Minor: Child death, Gun violence, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
kassidyreads's review against another edition
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Kidnapping, and Murder
Minor: Emotional abuse and Grief
this_is_lee's review against another edition
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
4.75
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, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Gun violence, Violence, and Death of parent
Minor: Emotional abuse, Grief, and Gaslighting
iaapproved's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
The series in its entirety is 5/5 stars ⭐️
Love it!!!
Love it!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
lolamosk's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence, Kidnapping, Grief, and Murder
Minor: Adult/minor relationship
dianaschmidty's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
While I didn’t love this book as much as the first two, I did still enjoy it, especially with all of its amazing quotes, which I’m just going to list a bunch of below for the sake of posterity.
“I’ve found duct tape more effective than advice, myself.”
“Because at this point, secret uncle just kind of feels like it belongs on the Hawthorne bingo card.”
“My grandfather built this chapel so Nan would have somewhere to yell at God.”
“I can’t even hate him now. He’s a part of me. He’s in me.’ Jameson’s fingers lightly touched my hair, then curled into it. ‘But mostly, I can’t hate him, Avery Kylie Grambs, because he brought me you.”
“Jameson Winchester Hawthorne in protective mode was a thing to behold.”
“I threw Tobias Hawthorne under the bus. Thoroughly and without mercy. Dead men didn’t get to be picky about their reputations, and that went double for dead men who’d used me the way he had.”
“Jaime and Gray have joined forces. Xander has a blowtorch.”
“I’ve found duct tape more effective than advice, myself.”
“Because at this point, secret uncle just kind of feels like it belongs on the Hawthorne bingo card.”
“My grandfather built this chapel so Nan would have somewhere to yell at God.”
“I can’t even hate him now. He’s a part of me. He’s in me.’ Jameson’s fingers lightly touched my hair, then curled into it. ‘But mostly, I can’t hate him, Avery Kylie Grambs, because he brought me you.”
“Jameson Winchester Hawthorne in protective mode was a thing to behold.”
“I threw Tobias Hawthorne under the bus. Thoroughly and without mercy. Dead men didn’t get to be picky about their reputations, and that went double for dead men who’d used me the way he had.”
“Jaime and Gray have joined forces. Xander has a blowtorch.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Death, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Violence, Death of parent, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Rape
anniereads221's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Sexism, Torture, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail