Scan barcode
A review by katiemcgregor
The Hawthorne Legacy by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I'm surprised that I enjoyed The Hawthorne Legacy more than The Inheritance Games simply because that seems to be in contradiction to the opinion of the majority. But at the same time, I genuinely can't tell if I enjoyed it more simply because I listened to it on audiobook, which made working and driving more entertaining, and didn't have opportunity to focus on anything else, or because it genuinely was better?
Overall, I'm very conflicted about this book and series in general. I think it helped that I went into this sequel knowing more what to expect. However, it still couldn't consistently hold my attention. I got more into the plot in the second half of the book, but came to realize why so many people have said this is unnecessarily convoluted once I hit the 90% mark. I actually think the book was doing fine until that point, and then it felt like it was complicated for complications sake. Literally pointless. I would have liked a little bit of a cliffhanger ending as well to lead up into the 3rd book, but I suppose the ending we got makes sense considering it looks like there will be a short time jump.
Lastly, I have to talk about the love triangle. I still stand by my original statement that the characters are pretty flat and lacking in personality. But Jameson, especially, doesn't seem like much more than the typical "not like other boys" damaged boy. He's just not that interesting to me... I guess this is my way of saying I prefer Grayson. But even Avery, herself, isn't that interesting to me. The most interesting thing about her is the mystery surrounding her lineage and connection to Tobias Hawthorne. Now that that's been addressed I can't help but wonder if she'll be able to stand on her own as a character in the third book.
Anyway, I have a lot of thoughts and not many at all, because in the end I don't have many strong feelings toward this book. It's just ok.
Overall, I'm very conflicted about this book and series in general. I think it helped that I went into this sequel knowing more what to expect. However, it still couldn't consistently hold my attention. I got more into the plot in the second half of the book, but came to realize why so many people have said this is unnecessarily convoluted once I hit the 90% mark. I actually think the book was doing fine until that point, and then it felt like it was complicated for complications sake. Literally pointless. I would have liked a little bit of a cliffhanger ending as well to lead up into the 3rd book, but I suppose the ending we got makes sense considering it looks like there will be a short time jump.
Lastly, I have to talk about the love triangle. I still stand by my original statement that the characters are pretty flat and lacking in personality. But Jameson, especially, doesn't seem like much more than the typical "not like other boys" damaged boy. He's just not that interesting to me... I guess this is my way of saying I prefer Grayson. But even Avery, herself, isn't that interesting to me. The most interesting thing about her is the mystery surrounding her lineage and connection to Tobias Hawthorne. Now that that's been addressed I can't help but wonder if she'll be able to stand on her own as a character in the third book.
Anyway, I have a lot of thoughts and not many at all, because in the end I don't have many strong feelings toward this book. It's just ok.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Drug abuse, Drug use, Gun violence, Kidnapping, Death of parent, and Murder