Hi everyone! Today I’m going to be reviewing The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes.
Rating: ✯✯✯✯
The Inheritance Games follows the protagonist, Avery, after she mysteriously comes in to a billion dollar fortune from Tobias Hawthorne. The problem is, to receive this she has to live in Hawthorne house for a year – where the Hawthorne family (including his four brilliant grandsons) still live. With all eyes on her, Avery soon finds herself caught up in a mysterious game to find out why, exactly, Tobias Hawthorne chose her. But will she find out before the family get their revenge – or will it be too late?
To be completely honest with you, The Inheritance Games wasn’t at all what I was expecting. I’m not too sure what, exactly, I was expecting – Maybe a little more family drama? More action? – but it wasn’t what I thought it would be. That being said, I still really enjoyed it, and I’d say I was pleasantly surprised by the route it went down!
Of course, the thing which really made this book for me was definitely the riddles and mysteries. I thought they were a really nice inclusive of Barnes’, and I found myself eagerly awaiting Avery and Jameson’s discovery of the next clue – and where they would all lead them. The added competition with Grayson along with the attacker slightly later on only added to this tense atmosphere, and it ensured that things were always kept interesting!
I also found the whole Hawthorne family really interesting. The dynamic between the four brothers was really fun to read and I think Barnes portrayed that sibling rivalry really well. Their extended family were also really intriguing and I definitely want to find out more about Tobias’ decision not to leave his fortune to them, which should be in the next book. I feel like I might be in the minority here but my favourite brother was definitely Nash – I loved his more chilled and relaxed approach combined with his protectiveness over his younger brothers.
Of course, I also really loved Libby and Avery’s close relationship. I really loved the way Libby looked out for Avery and, as the eldest sibling myself, I could definitely see parts of myself in her character. It was really lovely to see the bond they shared and their mutual protectiveness over each other. I certainly thought it was a wonderful inclusion on Barnes’ part!
The final twist was also superb. I definitely didn’t see that final part coming, and I also think it provided a really nice set up for the next book. I love mysteries which pack a final twist in just when you thought there couldn’t be any more, and it’s safe to say The Inheritance Games met that!
However, despite all of that there were some aspects of the book which I wasn’t as much of a fan of. Take the twist, for example. Figuring out who the culprit was really wasn’t that difficult and, although it could’ve been more obvious, equally I wasn’t surprised by the reveal. I definitely think there was a missed opportunity for a bigger twist, that’s for sure!
I also really wasn’t a fan of the love triangle. I really think this trope is becoming way too overdone, and, honestly, unless it’s executed perfectly I never find myself enjoying them. It felt like it was just there for the sake of extra drama and that’s a major pet peeve of mine.
I also didn’t agree with the way Grayson dealt with the situation at the end. Despite understanding the impossible position he was in, I really don’t think he dealt with things quite right, and it left a bit of a bad taste in my mouth, although that’s very picky of me!
Overall, I would recommend The Inheritance Games for anyone looking for a fast paced mystery with a unique spin on it, as the riddles and games were a very nice addition. I would also recommend it for anyone looking for a new series to get into, as this is the first of a trilogy, and I know I’ll definitely be picking the second book up!
However, please be mindful that this book has trigger warnings of domestic abuse (mentioned; off page), death, gun violence, abusive relationship, and cheating. You can view a full, detailed list here, although I’d say those are the main ones.
Have you read The Inheritance Games yet? Will you be picking it up soon? Let me know in the comments!
I hope you enjoyed this review!
Ceri
Read And Review It 
I was looking forward to a more detailed review of this since you got me interested in her books! Thanks for sharing ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad I could help then! Thank you so much for reading and commenting ❤
LikeLike
Really great review! We loved The Inheritance Games and can’t wait to read The Final Gambit.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Same, I’m so excited for it! Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
LikeLike
Terrific review Ceri! This book really has me intrigued on why Avery was chosen. I also appreciate books that involve family. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! So was I, and it was really great to get an answer (which was expanded on more in the sequel)! Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
LikeLike
Great review! I have not read The Inheritance Games but I am intrigued. I love any book that is pleasantly unexpected and have plot twists. Thank you for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! So do I, this really surprised me in the best possible way, and the twist was superb. I’d definitely recommend picking it up, thank you so much for reading and commenting!
LikeLike
Fab review, I’m intrigued by the plot twists and like the fact you found it surprising – I’m also not a fan of love triangles
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! The twists were definitely one of my favourite parts, and I’m glad I’m not alone on love triangles, haha. Thank you so much for reading and commenting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely review, Ceri! I love it. I’m not a huge fan of love triangles, so I can totally understand why you weren’t interested either. Also, thank you so much for explaining the trigger warnings. Overall, I feel like I’ll definitely give this book a chance and buy it. Thank you so much for sharing. xx Penny / http://www.whatdidshetype.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Yes I really feel like they have to be done the right way or not at all – and of course, I think sharing trigger warnings is really important! I hope you enjoy it, thank so much for reading and commenting xx
LikeLike
This book has been on my list for a while. I definitely need to read it next to see for myself. It sounds amazing. Thank you for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d really recommend picking it up soon, I really enjoyed it! Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
LikeLike
Amazing review Ceri!!! This book sounds exciting and intriguing!!! Thank you for sharing!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! It definitely is, thank you so much for reading and commenting.
LikeLike
I quite enjoy books set along these lines, though I suppose if you read enough of them, the endings and twists all begin to feel similar and hence lose some of their surprise. I will be curious to see if I feel like something is missing and if I can identify what it is! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
So do I! Yes I think that’s the biggest downside of mysteries, if you read lots they can become predictable and repetitive. I’ll be interested to see if you do too! Thank you so much for reading and commenting 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ve been eyeing this book ever since I saw it in one of your past posts. I loved reading your review. I’m happy to hear there were twists and turns. I can’t wait to start reading this soon! Thank you for sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I’m so glad to hear that you enjoyed it! Yes it’s so important in a mystery and there were plenty in here. I really hope you enjoy it, thank you so much for reading and commenting!
LikeLike
Great review. Although it sounds like a good book, its not my cup of tea. I agree that the love triangle trope is becoming way to overdone these days.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I’m so glad I’m not alone with the love triangles. Thank you so much for reading and commenting!
LikeLike
I haven’t read it yet, although I wouldn’t really want to pick it up since I’m not a big fan of mysteries/thriller. But the plot seems really nice and quite enticing and I’m actually looking for new books to read this month, so… why not?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes the genre isn’t for everyone – but I’d definitely recommend picking it up anyway, it’s such a great read and it’s so much fun trying something new! I hope you like it if you do, thank you so much for reading and commenting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Okay so they are different, but this book reminded me so much of another one I read a year or two ago, To die to sleep by Stephanie Black. It’s the third installment in a series but I only read this one and it made full sense, I didn’t feel confused at all. It had all the family drama and curious (at least) relationships but without unnecessary love complications. I’m not very much a fan of this genre, but I think The Inheritance games sounds like a solid choice for those who enjoy it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooh that sounds super interesting – I hadn’t heard of it before but they do sound very similar, I’ll have to add To Die To Sleep to my list! It’s definitely perfect for mystery lovers. Thank you so much for reading and commenting, and for the recommendation!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Never heard of this book until now. I will 100% add it to my TBR
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m glad I could bring it to your attention then! I really hope you enjoy it, thank you so much for reading and commenting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I haven’t heard of this book before, but it sounds great. Thanks so much for sharing your review of it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad I could bring it to your attention then – it’s certainly worth the read! Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
LikeLike
Sounds like the plot for a good tv show! These kind of stories always attract me. Will look into this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ooh definitely, I’d love to see it adapted to TV! I hope you enjoy it if you end up checking it out, thank you so much for reading and commenting.
LikeLike
Ooo I’m absolutely loving the sound of this. Anything with mystery is right up my street. I especially love that she had to live with his family… awkward haha! I’ll defiantly be checking this one out asap. Thank you for sharing it with us lovely Xo
Elle – ellegracedeveson.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m so glad to hear that you love the sound of it, it’s such an amazing mystery! It definitely was haha, it was very entertaining to read. I really hope you enjoy it, thank you so much for reading and commenting xx
LikeLike
Lovely review, I have never read books in series before but you got me interested. I can’t imagine the amount of drama ensued due to extended family living in one house. Thanks for sharing
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I’m so glad I could get you interested haha. Yes I can’t imagine what that would be like – it would certainly be interesting! Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
LikeLike
Great review. You definitely made me interested in this plot. I love twists and I would really like to find out the one in this book!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! I’m so glad to hear that. I hope you enjoy the twists in this one if you end up checking it out, thank you so much for reading and commenting!
LikeLike
I do like a story that has a few twists and turns. I haven’t heard of this before. Thank you for sharing your great and detailed review.
Lauren – bournemouthgirl
LikeLiked by 1 person
So do I, they’re always the best kind of stories! I’m so glad I could bring it to your attention then, thank you so much for reading and commenting.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Another great review of yours! I’ve been exploring mystery novel genres lately and I think I will add this one to my list. It really picks my curiosity! Thanks for sharing this awesome review!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! This is certainly perfect for someone just getting into exploring the genre, so I really hope you enjoy it! Thank you so much for reading and commenting!
LikeLike
I keep seeing this book everywhere but I was not sure if I should add it to my TBR. I love a good mystery that is fast-paced. I love your honesty as in what you loved and what you did not enjoy. That really helps me with deciding whether I’d be interested in it or not. I love books that are unpredictable. This is such a great review, so great that I am adding it to my list! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’d definitely recommend adding it – it’s such an amazing mystery! I’m so glad to hear that, I think having honest and balanced reviews is so important so I’m glad it helped you out. I really hope you enjoy it, thank you so much for reading and commenting 🙂
LikeLike
I haven’t heard of this book before. You have shared a great in-depth review. Thank you for sharing.
Lauren.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much for reading and commenting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great review Ceri! I also really enjoyed the many twists in this book, particularly the way it ended!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you! Yes absolutely, that end was really something. Thank you so much for reading and commenting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for this review. The book sounds intriguing. I love a good book review. Will add this to my reading list!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It definitely is, I’d really recommend it – I hope you enjoy it! Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
LikeLike