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A review by apalershadeofwhite
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
adventurous
challenging
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book was amazing! I read this book in one sitting and I couldn't - and honestly didn't want to - put it down. The entire narrative was really interesting and it was written in such an engaging way.
The writing is really well done and the author made some really great and effective choices. One of my favourites was that the protagonist, Avery, often repeats something she's been told. If she is told something possibly of note, especially by the Hawthornes, you'll find her repeating it to herself a couple chapter later. The fact that she does this tell us as a reader that every word is chosen specificaly and has a purpose when it comes to the Hawthorne family; usually things will have a hidden meaning or a clue within it. I found myself questioning every charcater, their intentions, and what their words really meant, which is definitely a sign of good writing. Oren, especially, because the author often describes him being in the shadows. Whether there is or isn't something more to him and the descriptions, despite knowing he's Avery's security detail, it was such a smart and effective writing choice. (Speaking of hidden clues: I loved the extra meaning that the title gained after we learned more about Avery and her mother; so endearing.)
I worried a bit when I first found out that this book was part of a series... I find that sometimes, when a book is written being part of a series already, the books usually feel unfinished. Either they'll have an insane cliffhanger that wouldn't make sense if the book was a standalone or the book ends abruptly and two novels could have been one to save us all the time and money. However, this exceeded any expectations I had! The last chapter from Xander set up the next book really well without making it feel forced or not written well. It ended in a way that the narrative felt well fleshed-out, finished, and well written. I will be buying the next one ASAP!
Side note: my only issue throughout this entire book was the repetiton of the phrase "girl like me / you". This is definitely cringe and eye-roll worthy, but I do understand why it was included. I just can't get over my hate for that phrase and mindset, so maybe that says more about me lol.
The writing is really well done and the author made some really great and effective choices. One of my favourites was that the protagonist, Avery, often repeats something she's been told. If she is told something possibly of note, especially by the Hawthornes, you'll find her repeating it to herself a couple chapter later. The fact that she does this tell us as a reader that every word is chosen specificaly and has a purpose when it comes to the Hawthorne family; usually things will have a hidden meaning or a clue within it. I found myself questioning every charcater, their intentions, and what their words really meant, which is definitely a sign of good writing. Oren, especially, because the author often describes him being in the shadows. Whether there is or isn't something more to him and the descriptions, despite knowing he's Avery's security detail, it was such a smart and effective writing choice. (Speaking of hidden clues: I loved the extra meaning that the title gained after we learned more about Avery and her mother; so endearing.)
I worried a bit when I first found out that this book was part of a series... I find that sometimes, when a book is written being part of a series already, the books usually feel unfinished. Either they'll have an insane cliffhanger that wouldn't make sense if the book was a standalone or the book ends abruptly and two novels could have been one to save us all the time and money. However, this exceeded any expectations I had! The last chapter from Xander set up the next book really well without making it feel forced or not written well. It ended in a way that the narrative felt well fleshed-out, finished, and well written. I will be buying the next one ASAP!
Side note: my only issue throughout this entire book was the repetiton of the phrase "girl like me / you". This is definitely cringe and eye-roll worthy, but I do understand why it was included. I just can't get over my hate for that phrase and mindset, so maybe that says more about me lol.