Book: “The Inheritance Games” by
Genre: YA Mystery
Rating: 3.5/5 Stars
Blogger’s Note: I read this book as part of a Buddy Read and enjoyed the group discussion! Buddy reads are a great way to digest, think critically and articulate feelings about books! I highly recommend this group reading format!
I’m going to be honest with you here. I jumped into this read because of the beautiful cover. Yes, I know. They say “Don’t judge a book by its cover” and in theory I do agree with that sentiment. However, I just loved this cover! For some reason, I don’t have many green books on my shelves. So when I had a couple friends interested in picking up this YA mystery, I enthusiastically agreed quickly! Here’s the synopsis below from Amazon.
“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.“
Amazon Synopsis
“The Inheritance Games” is part “Clue” with a strong hint of “Gossip Girl.” The bones of the story line were interesting and the plot overall was catchy. I wanted to read more and find the truth behind all of the twists and turns. The main character Avery is on a rags to riches journey if she can manage to uncover the mysteries of Hawthorne House and unravel the secrets that Tobias Hawthorne seems to have spent a lifetime covering up.
With the gorgeously gothic and enchanting back drop of the mansion and grounds of Hawthorne house, Avery learns more with each step she takes. One of the highlights of the story is the imagery provided by the author and the imaginative use of things like secret passageways, vintage armories and antique libraries. As a bibliophile, my heart was sent fluttering at the mention of the numerous libraries filled with old volumes and hidden doors behind stacks of books!
A few things kept me from being completely swept away by this novel though. Something about the story felt like a bit of a stretch. A normal teenage girl put in that situation would most likely react in a very different manner. As a predominantly fantasy reader, I can accept a lot of crazy things. However, logically speaking I couldn’t understand why Avery reacted the way she did in certain situations. Any normal teenage girl would probably run for the hills at the first sign of a whizzing bullet or with a mysterious death looming overhead. However, Avery accepted those things and powered through like a champion which although great for the plotline, did not seem authentic given the situation.
The ending of this novel definitely leaves the story open for a sequel. With many unanswered questions and a massive cliffhanger, readers who enjoyed this book will be clamoring for the next installment. Personally, I will probably pass on the opportunity to continue reading the series. I love the concept of the novel, but it fell short in execution and I can’t see myself reaching for the next book anytime soon.
Recommendations: Skip this one unless you love the YA Mystery genre or enjoy the classic board game “Clue” mixed with a hint of “Gossip Girl.”
Blogger’s Note: Want to join in on the next Buddy Read? I post upcoming Buddy Reads on Instagram, click here so that you don’t miss any upcoming announcements!
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