The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes has taken the Young Adult mystery genre by storm, weaving together riddles, high-stakes inheritance drama, and captivating character dynamics. The book presents itself as a modern puzzle-box thriller, setting the stage for a series that includes The Hawthorne Legacy, The Final Gambit, The Brothers Hawthorne, and Games Untold: An Inheritance Games Collection. This review delves into the brilliance and occasional missteps of the novel, drawing connections across the series and unpacking Barnes’ writing style and thematic brilliance.
Overview
At its heart, The Inheritance Games is a Cinderella tale wrapped in a mystery. Avery Grambs, a resourceful yet ordinary teenager, unexpectedly inherits billions from the enigmatic billionaire Tobias Hawthorne. The catch? She must solve a labyrinth of puzzles and survive in a house filled with his disinherited family—including the dangerously magnetic Hawthorne grandsons. Barnes’ novel explores themes of privilege, legacy, and identity, delivering a narrative that is both compulsive and occasionally convoluted.
Plot and Intrigue: A Puzzle-Lover’s Dream
The story’s central premise is a masterstroke. Tobias Hawthorne’s will, which inexplicably names Avery as the sole heir to his fortune, sets the tone for a game filled with cryptic messages, hidden passages, and escalating stakes. Barnes skillfully builds tension, dropping breadcrumbs that entice readers to unravel the mystery alongside Avery. Each revelation feels earned, from the subtle clues scattered in dialogue to the grander puzzles involving the Hawthorne estate.
However, the plot’s reliance on cliffhangers can occasionally detract from its pacing. Some twists—while thrilling—veer into melodrama, making certain sequences feel contrived rather than organic. This balance improves in the sequel, The Hawthorne Legacy, which deepens the family’s backstory and ramps up the stakes without over-relying on shock value.
Character Dynamics: Strength and Complexity
Barnes excels at crafting layered characters, particularly the Hawthorne brothers. Each grandson—Grayson, Jameson, Nash, and Xander—is distinct, brimming with quirks, emotional depth, and secrets.
- Jameson embodies recklessness and intrigue, treating Avery as a puzzle to solve while harboring his own vulnerabilities.
- Grayson, the polished “heir apparent,” struggles with duty and resentment, making his coldness toward Avery both understandable and compelling.
- Xander, with his sharp wit and warmth, provides much-needed levity, while Nash, the oldest, anchors the chaos with a calm exterior masking hidden scars.
Avery’s interactions with the brothers drive much of the narrative tension, though her characterization occasionally suffers. While her pragmatism and resilience make her relatable, her rapid adaptation to Tobias Hawthorne’s world of riddles and wealth can feel implausible. The Final Gambit expands Avery’s growth arc, exploring her evolving identity and challenging her motivations.
Writing Style: Accessible Yet Atmospheric
Barnes’ prose is sharp, efficient, and evocative. Her ability to balance dialogue-heavy scenes with atmospheric descriptions—like the sprawling, secret-laden Hawthorne House—immerses readers in the story’s world. The book’s pacing, while brisk, maintains enough moments of introspection to ground its high-stakes action.
However, the dialogue sometimes leans into archetypal YA banter, particularly during Avery’s exchanges with the Hawthorne brothers. While this contributes to the series’ accessibility, it risks alienating readers seeking more nuanced interactions.
Themes: Wealth, Power, and Identity
Thematically, The Inheritance Games explores the intersection of privilege and merit. Avery, as a protagonist from a working-class background, becomes a lens through which readers interrogate the value systems of the elite Hawthorne family. Tobias’ posthumous games force Avery to navigate not just wealth but its accompanying dangers—jealousy, manipulation, and isolation.
The series also delves into legacy and familial obligation. Tobias Hawthorne’s motivations, further unraveled in The Brothers Hawthorne, reflect the burden of genius and the complexity of love shaped by loss.
Series Context and Continuation
Barnes’ decision to expand the universe with subsequent installments strengthens the narrative’s emotional and thematic arcs. The Hawthorne Legacy heightens the mystery surrounding Tobias’ choices, introducing morally ambiguous allies and enemies. The Final Gambit ties up loose ends, offering a satisfying conclusion while leaving space for exploration in The Brothers Hawthorne and the anthology Games Untold. Each book builds on the last, crafting a cohesive and ever-expanding tapestry of intrigue.
Critiques and Areas for Growth
While The Inheritance Games delivers a gripping read, it is not without flaws:
- Uneven Pacing: The rapid succession of events can make certain revelations feel rushed, leaving little room for emotional resonance.
- Avery’s “Specialness”: Tobias’ decision to choose Avery over his own family is compelling but underexplored. Readers craving a deeper rationale for her selection may find the explanation—even with sequels—unsatisfying.
- Simplistic Rivalries: The tension between Avery and the Hawthorne women (Zara and Skye) occasionally descends into predictability, relying on clichés rather than meaningful conflict.
Comparative Recommendations
Fans of The Inheritance Games might enjoy:
- One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus: A high school mystery with equally complex characters and social dynamics.
- Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson: A puzzle-driven narrative set in a boarding school with a rich history of unsolved crimes.
- Knives Out (film): While not a book, its blend of inheritance drama, humor, and puzzles mirrors the spirit of Barnes’ series.
Final Thoughts
The Inheritance Games captures the essence of a perfect YA thriller: high-concept intrigue, layered characters, and a world bursting with secrets. While not without its flaws, Barnes’ series offers a thrilling escape, blending mystery and emotional stakes to keep readers hooked. With its intricate puzzles and compelling twists, it’s no surprise that the series has found a loyal following.
For readers seeking a fast-paced, character-driven mystery filled with riddles, romance, and drama, The Inheritance Games is a game worth playing.
