A Cinderella story with deadly stakes and thrilling twists, perfect for fans of One of Us is Lying and Knives Out.
Avery Grambs has a plan for a better future: survive high school, win a scholarship, and get out. But her fortunes change in an instant when billionaire Tobias Hawthorne dies and leaves Avery virtually his entire fortune. The catch? Avery has no idea why–or even who Tobias Hawthorne is. To receive her inheritance, Avery must move into sprawling, secret passage-filled Hawthorne House, where every room bears the old man’s touch–and his love of puzzles, riddles, and codes.
Unfortunately for Avery, Hawthorne House is also occupied by the family that Tobias Hawthorne just dispossessed. This includes the four Hawthorne grandsons: dangerous, magnetic, brilliant boys who grew up with every expectation that one day, they would inherit billions. Heir apparent Grayson Hawthorne is convinced that Avery must be a con-woman, and he’s determined to take her down. His brother, Jameson, views her as their grandfather’s last hurrah: a twisted riddle, a puzzle to be solved. Caught in a world of wealth and privilege, with danger around every turn, Avery will have to play the game herself just to survive.
The first page is awe-striking and gut punching. Not in a big moment type of way, but in a slow burn. The Inheritance Games was one heck of a twisted thrill ride that literally will have you guessing until the very end.
Right when you meet our protagonist, Avery you know that our story is going to be some-what dark. Her live was not sheltered, glitzy, or glam. She had it tough growing up and now she is thrown into a huge mystery with no one going out of their way to help her. I really felt for Avery reading this book, yet at the same time she’s very strong of heart and courage despite everything.
On the other side was our Hawthorne men. Man, I loved Xander’s character so much. He was so aloof yet intelligent, hilarious, and all around the type of guy who you would want as your best friend. Then we have Nash, the eldest brother who played a great part in the story. Finally Jameson and Grayson the two Hawthorne brothers with the largest role. They are both very different from one another, yet also very similar. They equally play a huge part in Avery’s story and even though it was somewhat a “love triangle”, I didn’t feel as if there was much romance in the story. If I had to choose though… I would have been team Grayson all the way. I loved his hard exterior and the way he was so protective.
Overall this story was absolutely fantastic. I adored reading every twist, every “oh-crap” moment, every thrill in each turn. Jennifer Lynn Barnes absolutely has you guessing until the very end and even then she leaves us with another mystery to ponder. I will say this book is not the light and airy YA read a lot of people love. It is more mysterious, more dark and foreboding, and honestly I LOVED it. Anytime a book makes you constantly thinking and guessing and making your heart race… I am in!!
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