The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Genre

Young Adult Mystery/Suspense

Target Age Group

13+, 9-12 grade

Summary

The Inheritance Games follows Avery Grambs as her life miraculously changes overnight after she inherits a massive fortune from a man she has never met, Tobias Hawthorne. Avery finds herself in danger after she is forced to move into the Hawthorne House to claim her inheritance; it is here that she meets the Hawthorne family who are not keen on her inheriting their family's wealth. 

Justification for Choosing

I selected this novel due to its popularity on social media and the numerous patron requests I have received for this book at the public library I work at. Additionally, this book was selected for the young adult book club at the library I work at and I wanted to read this book to participate in the discussion and post it on my blog. 

Evaluation

For this review, I will be evaluating the book's characters, setting, and tension. 

Characters: 

The protagonist Avery is relatable for readers, who can empathize with her behavior and emotions as she experiences intense situations throughout the story. In contrast, the Hawthorne family, especially the Hawthorne brothers, might be harder for readers to connect with due to their extreme wealth and self-centered attitudes. While the book features realistic characters like Avery and her sister, the difficulty readers face in relating to the Hawthornes primarily stems from their lavish and selfish lifestyles. The blend of relatable and self-centered characters adds depth to the story as it highlights the contrasting walks of life between Avery and everything new she is experiencing.

Setting: 

The story's setting is intricately detailed, with much of the action unfolding within the sprawling and confusing walls of the Hawthorne House. This grand estate is unfamiliar to the story’s protagonist Avery, but the author does a great job describing the labyrinthine structure filled with secret passageways and hidden rooms as if the reader is also seeing them for the first time. The setting of the novel contributes to its mysterious atmosphere as the reader never knows what will be found inside the estate. Despite the house's complexity, Barnes masterfully draws readers into this world, painting vivid descriptions that make them feel as though they are right there navigating the twists and turns with Avery. The immersive storytelling places readers beside Avery and the Hawthorne brothers, making it feel as though we are exploring the house and uncovering secrets firsthand.

Language: 

The Inheritance Games skillfully maintains a high level of tension from beginning to end, starting from the moment Avery enters the Hawthorne House. Avery is immediately enveloped in an atmosphere of discomfort and unease, a feeling that only intensifies as the story progresses. Avery soon realizes that her life may be in danger, and it seems like someone is out to get her. This revelation increases the stakes, adding layers of thrill and suspense to the novel. The fast-paced plot ensures that readers remain on the edge of their seats, constantly guessing who might be targeting Avery, and whether she will be able to survive the increasingly dangerous attacks against her. The author expertly weaves a gripping tale that keeps readers hooked, eager to uncover the truth alongside Avery.

Overall Rating: 5/5

References 

Barnes, J. L. (2020). The Inheritance Games. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers.