I know you’re not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but I couldn’t help it; I picked up The Inheritance Games because, wow! Isn’t the cover beautiful? I love a good romance, but I love mystery even more! The Inheritance Games presents both, as well as dynamic characters including four enigmatic boys who are impossible not to love.
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Avery Grambs’s fortunes change in an instant when billionaire Tobias Hawthorne dies and leaves Avery virtually his entire fortune.
To receive her inheritance, Avery must move into sprawling, secret passage-filled Hawthorne House. Unfortunately, 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. Caught in a world of wealth and privilege with danger around every turn, Avery will have to play the game herself just to survive.
Treasure Maps
The world is very normal, seeing as it is set in our time and in Texas. The depictions of paparazzi and the media are very accurate, and the fear is real and palpable for the pages where they appeared. I found myself believing that something like this story could actually happen, which added to the suspense of the mystery unfolding throughout the book.
The Hawthorn brothers are definitely the main draw for this book. Each one is uniquely special, with their own issues and backstories that are uncovered as the book progresses. Grayson is probably my favorite of the four, but from those I’ve talked with, it varies. I liked that they all had an angle they were playing with Avery, and that a major plot is her trying to figure out what each one was. Avery is also intriguing as a character, especially since she struggles with the same issues and insecurities that any normal teenager would. I’m normally not a fan of the “love triangle” trope, but in this instance, it worked for the story.
What really makes this book are the plot twists. Every chapter, a new part of the mystery unfolds; I guarantee, you will never see the end coming! There are just enough clues and hints that the reader understands and slaps themselves for missing such a crazy plot twist! A small issue with The Inheritance Games, though one I feel I should point out, is the lack of humor. There are a few characters that are meant to be “comedic relief,” but for me, they fell flat.
Poisoned Apples:
Although the profanity in this book is technically L2, there is a character that uses “replacement curse words” where the reader absolutely understands the implications (think fax, beach, etc.). So, for this reason, I would place the profanity at L3. Use caution with younger readers. In addition, there is some suggestive content, although it definitely fits comfortably in YA level and never shows or describes anything.
Faith, Trust, and Pixie Dust
Avery struggles with finding her role throughout the story. Does she belong with the high echelons of society, or should she give up and go back to obscurity? One character tells Avery that she’s “either the glass ballerina or the knife.” Psalm 100:3 says this: “Know that the Lord is God. It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.” We can find our identity in Christ. He is the one true guide for how we should live our lives.
The Frog Prince
This book was difficult to put down. I enjoyed the mystery involved in each chapter, and the cliffhanger at the end was great! The Inheritance Games is a fun, easy read for young adult readers, but be aware of the suggestive language involved.
You can buy The Inheritance Games here.
Marie