Money and power are a dangerous game.
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes is a gripping YA mystery thriller that’s captivated readers worldwide. This New York Times bestseller centres on Avery Grambs, a typical teenage girl whose world is turned upside down when she receives a fortune from a billionaire she has never even seen, Tobias Hawthorne. But there’s a catch (isn’t there always?).
The Inheritance Games follows Avery as she navigates her new life alongside four charismatic Hawthorne grandsons. This comprehensive synopsis will unravel the secrets of Hawthorne House, exploring the characters, plot, and hidden clues that make this book a must-read for YA fiction fans and mystery enthusiasts alike. We’ll dive into The Inheritance Games books in order, discuss how many books are in the series, and even suggest some books like The Inheritance Games for those craving more puzzle-solving adventures. See our homepage for additional information on our literary adventure.
Summary Of The Inheritance Games
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes kicks off a thrilling mystery trilogy. Avery is our main character, who lives in Connecticut with her half-sister, Libby. Their mom passed away about a year ago, and Avery’s dad is a deadbeat—he’s not in the picture at all. Libby, unfortunately, is in an abusive relationship with a man named Drake.
When Avery plays chess with a homeless man in the park, it’s clear that she has a kind heart. She meets Grayson Hawthorne, one of the millionaire Tobias Hawthorne’s four grandsons, after she is summoned to Texas for the reading of his grandfather’s will. Avery gets confused as she doesn’t know the Hawthornes or the significance of her mention in their will.
When Avery arrives in Texas for the will reading, things get wild. Tobias Hawthorne gives her a huge fortune, but his family is mainly disinherited. His grandsons are left with small amounts, while his daughters receive small amounts—just enough to pay off their debts. But there’s a catch, though: Avery has to move in with the Hawthorne family for a year.
As Avery adjusts to her new life, she transfers to a private school and meets Thea, who warns her to be cautious around the Hawthorne brothers. Thea tells Avery about Emily, a girl who had a complex relationship with the boys and eventually died. This adds another layer of mystery to the overall riddle of the story. Throughout the book, Avery and the boys discover clues left by Tobias Hawthorne, heightening the sense of danger around the mystery.
Review Of The Inheritance Games
The Inheritance Games starts off with a bang! From page one, I was totally hooked. Avery is such a great main character, and her life completely changed in the blink of an eye. The tension between her and the Hawthorne family is delicious – you just know there’s gonna be drama galore.
But I’ll be honest, things get a bit draggy in the middle. I expected the riddles and puzzles to be way more exciting than they were. A lot felt repetitive, you know? The plot picks up again towards the end, but it gets kinda weird. We get a few more clues and twists, which helps, but the big reveal? Pretty underwhelming.
Why Did Tobias Hawthorne Choose Avery?
In “The Inheritance Games,” Tobias Hawthorne chose Avery Grambs as his unexpected heir for several calculated reasons:
- To create a final, complex puzzle for his grandsons
- Recognition of Avery’s problem-solving skills
- Challenge to his family’s expectations and values
- Avery’s unexpected connection to the Hawthornes’ past
- As a “very risky gamble” (an anagram of Avery’s name)
- Potential for using his wealth in innovative ways
The Inheritance Games Characters
Avery Grambs: The protagonist, a clever high school student who unexpectedly inherits billions from Tobias Hawthorne. She’s described as compassionate and quick-witted, with a talent for solving puzzles.
Tobias Hawthorne: The eccentric billionaire who leaves his fortune to Avery. Though deceased at the start of the story, his presence looms large through the puzzles and games he left behind.
Grayson Hawthorne: One of Tobias’s grandsons, often described as the “heir apparent.” He’s initially skeptical of Avery but becomes a key player in unraveling the mystery.
Jameson Hawthorne: Another grandson, who sees Avery as part of his grandfather’s final puzzle. He forms a complex relationship with Avery throughout the series.
Nash Hawthorne: The oldest Hawthorne grandson, less prominently featured in the main mystery but still an important family member.
Xander Hawthorne: The youngest of the Hawthorne grandsons, known for his intelligence and unique perspective on the family’s dynamics.
Libby: Avery’s half-sister, who plays a supportive role in Avery’s life before and after the inheritance.
Alisa and Zara Hawthorne: Tobias’s daughters and mothers to the Hawthorne grandsons. They’re initially unhappy with Avery’s inheritance.
Thea: A student at Avery’s new school who warns her about the dangers of getting involved with the Hawthorne family.
Emily Laughlin: A character from the Hawthornes’ past who plays a significant role in the overall mystery.
Books like The Inheritance Games
One of Us Is Lying: YA mystery about five students entering detention, but only four leave alive.
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder: YA thriller following a student investigating a closed murder case for her school project.
We Were Liars: Suspenseful YA novel set on a private island, dealing with family secrets and unreliable memory.
The Cousins: YA mystery about three cousins uncovering family secrets on a secluded island resort.
Truly Devious: YA mystery series set in a remote private school with an unsolved kidnapping case.
The Inheritance Games Book in Order
The Inheritance Games Book Series Order:
- The Inheritance Games (2020)
- The Hawthorne Legacy (2021)
- The Final Gambit (2022)
- The Brothers Hawthorne (2023)
- Secrets of the Brothers Hawthorne (2024)
Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Date Published: September 1, 2020
Pages: 386 pages, Hardcover
Goodreads Rating: 4.1/5
What genres is the inheritance games?
Genres: Mystery, Young Adult, Thriller, Contemporary, Romance, Family Drama, Puzzle Fiction.
Conclusion
Jennifer Lynn Barnes’ The Inheritance Games is a wild ride through a world of wealth, puzzles, and family drama. It has all the good stuff – YA drama, romance, and brain-teasers that will make your head spin. Whether you’re a puzzle freak or just love a good mystery, Avery’s crazy journey is sure to hook you.
FAQ:
- Q: How many books are in The Inheritance Games series?
- A: The series consists of 5 books.
- Q: What age group is The Inheritance Games suitable for?
- A: It’s primarily aimed at young adults (13-18), but enjoyable for older readers too.
- Q: Is The Inheritance Games part of a series or a standalone novel?
- A: It’s the first book in a series.
- Q: Who are the main characters in The Inheritance Games?
- A: The main characters include Avery Grambs and the four Hawthorne brothers: Grayson, Jameson, Nash, and Xander.
- Q: Does The Inheritance Games have romance?
- A: Yes, there are romantic elements and a love triangle in the series.
- Q: Who does Avery end up with in The Inheritance Games?
- A: By the end of the series, Avery chooses Jameson Hawthorne.
- Q: Are there any film or TV adaptations of The Inheritance Games?
- A: As of 2023, there are no film or TV adaptations, but Amazon has acquired the rights for a potential series.
- Q: What other books are similar to The Inheritance Games?
- A: Similar books include “One of Us Is Lying,” “We Were Liars,” and “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.”
I’m John Stauffer, a Harvard professor and book lover. Here at John Stauffer Books, I share my thoughts on the books I read through honest reviews and recommendations. I cover everything from well-known classics to lesser-known works that deserve more attention.
Leave a Reply Cancel reply