A review by dlrosebyh
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

adventurous 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? No

3.75

Avery Grambs has a plan for a brighter future: go through high school, earn a scholarship, and then leave. However, her fortunes alter in an instant when a billionaire, Tobias Hawthorne, dies, leaving Avery nearly his entire wealth. Avery has no clue why he's doing it, or who Tobias Hawthorne is. 
 
Avery must relocate into the huge, hidden passage-filled Hawthorne House to accept her inheritance, where every room carries the old man's touch – and his love of puzzles, riddles, and codes. Sadly for Avery, Hawthorne House is also home to the family that Tobias Hawthorne recently evicted. This includes the four Hawthorne grandsons: four dangerous, charismatic, smart guys who grew up knowing they would one day inherit billions. 
 
Grayson Hawthorne, the heir apparent, is certain that Avery is a grifter and is determined to bring her down. His brother, Jameson, sees her as their grandfather's final act: a twisted mystery to be answered. Avery will have to play the game herself to survive in a world of money and power, with danger at every step. 
 
I had been putting off reading this book since it was so hyped and there was a love triangle. If you know me or have read my reviews, you know how much I despise love triangles. There were several reviewers in this book that said they weren't sure who Avery should end up with. However, I believe I am rather certain of Jameson.
Grayson appears to be unable to move on from Emily, which removes him as an option for me.
 
This book was action-packed, exactly what one would anticipate in a mystery novel. The pacing was fantastic, and putting this book down seemed like a crime. The puzzles and mysteries with Avery were very entertaining, and I found myself being immersed in the story. And, in some ways, I found Avery to be extremely similar to me. 
 
I adore the characters as well. Although I found the love triangle frustrating, I found Avery, Jameson, and Grayson to be quite lovable—along with Nash, Xander, Libby, Max, Thea, and Rebecca. Most of them weren't one-dimensional, which I appreciated. However, I wish there was less romance in this novel. For now, my favorite character is Xander. I love his friendship with Avery and how he tried to make her feel comfortable. 
 
I wasn't expecting the conclusion because I wasn't aware of the dates of events. However, the hints before that were, at least for me, too simple, which ruined the experience. However, due to that cliffhanger, I would eagerly await the next book. 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings