The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes opens the door to a high-stakes mystery brimming with cryptic puzzles, fierce rivalries, and an enchanting game of strategy. The first book in a series that includes The Hawthorne Legacy, The Final Gambit, The Brothers Hawthorne, and Games Untold: An Inheritance Games Collection, it introduces readers to a labyrinth of secrets centered around the billion-dollar inheritance of Tobias Hawthorne. With its mix of family drama, power struggles, and intellectual challenges, the novel weaves an intricate tale—though not without its imperfections.
Overview
When Avery Grambs, a teenager scraping by on minimal resources, learns that she’s been named the sole heir to the fortune of a man she’s never met, her life is thrust into chaos. To claim her inheritance, she must move into Hawthorne House—a sprawling mansion filled with secret passages, mysteries, and the furious disinherited Hawthorne family. Barnes spins a riveting narrative that combines Cinderella-esque surprises with the thrill of a scavenger hunt.
Plot: Layers of Intrigue and Discovery
The narrative of The Inheritance Games is structured like a series of riddles, each one drawing Avery—and the reader—deeper into the enigmatic world of Tobias Hawthorne. The puzzles and clues that Tobias leaves behind create a sense of adventure, and Barnes masterfully balances the thrill of discovery with moments of danger.
However, the complexity of the plot sometimes undermines its credibility. Avery’s near-instant acclimation to the challenges of the Hawthorne family’s world feels rushed. Additionally, certain plot twists—while entertaining—push the bounds of believability, particularly in the novel’s more dramatic confrontations. These are mitigated in subsequent books, especially The Hawthorne Legacy, which provides deeper insight into Tobias’ motivations and enriches the overarching mystery.
Character Analysis: A Cast Full of Secrets
Barnes populates her novel with a vivid cast, none more compelling than the Hawthorne brothers:
- Jameson, reckless and enigmatic, sees Avery as another puzzle to be solved, making their dynamic electric and unpredictable.
- Grayson, the disciplined “perfect heir,” wrestles with anger and betrayal, creating a tension-filled connection with Avery.
- Xander, with his charming eccentricity, offers comic relief while subtly driving the narrative forward.
- Nash, the eldest and most grounded brother, seems removed from the central conflict yet harbors complexities that come to light in The Brothers Hawthorne.
Avery’s position as an outsider navigating this fractured family allows her character to function as both a participant and an observer. While she’s resourceful and resilient, her emotional depth occasionally feels underexplored, especially when compared to the richly developed Hawthorne brothers.
Setting and Atmosphere: A World Apart
Hawthorne House is as much a character as any of the people in the story. Barnes’ descriptions of the sprawling estate, with its hidden doors, libraries, and secret passageways, create an immersive backdrop for the narrative. This setting becomes even more pivotal in later books, where its history and architecture play integral roles in the unfolding mysteries. The sense of wonder it evokes is one of the book’s greatest strengths.
Themes: Wealth, Games, and the Price of Power
At its core, The Inheritance Games examines the interplay of wealth, family loyalty, and power. Tobias Hawthorne’s posthumous manipulation of his family reveals the corrosive effects of money on relationships. Through Avery, Barnes also explores themes of merit and identity, contrasting her grounded, pragmatic perspective with the Hawthornes’ privilege.
The series further delves into these themes in The Final Gambit, which examines Avery’s moral dilemmas as she grows into her role as Tobias’ heir, and Games Untold, which offers additional perspectives on how power shapes lives.
Writing Style: Accessible Yet Strategic
Barnes’ prose is direct and engaging, mirroring the fast-paced nature of the story. Her knack for building tension keeps readers hooked, though the reliance on cliffhangers can feel excessive. The dialogue—particularly between Avery and the brothers—is sharp and often humorous, though it occasionally borders on clichéd.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Innovative Premise: The combination of puzzles, wealth, and mystery is fresh and addictive.
- Engaging Characters: The Hawthorne brothers’ contrasting personalities bring vibrancy to the narrative.
- Immersive Setting: Hawthorne House is beautifully crafted, adding depth and atmosphere.
Weaknesses:
- Pacing Issues: Certain sections feel rushed, especially Avery’s adaptation to her new world.
- Over-the-Top Twists: Some plot developments stretch plausibility, detracting from the story’s grounding.
- Surface-Level Exploration: Avery’s emotional struggles could be given more nuance and depth.
Comparative Titles
Readers who enjoy The Inheritance Games may also like:
- The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin: A classic mystery filled with eccentric characters and a puzzle-driven narrative.
- We Were Liars by E. Lockhart: A dark, atmospheric exploration of privilege and family secrets.
- The Queen’s Gambit by Walter Tevis: While not a YA novel, its cerebral tone and focus on strategy parallel Barnes’ approach to puzzles and games.
Conclusion
The Inheritance Games is a compelling start to a series that blends mystery, family drama, and intellectual challenges into a highly engaging package. While it stumbles in places—particularly with pacing and characterization—its innovative premise and immersive world-building make it a standout in the YA mystery genre.
As the series progresses, it deepens both its characters and its themes, solidifying Barnes’ place as a master of YA thrillers. For fans of high-stakes intrigue and twisty puzzles, this is a game worth playing.