The Inheritance Games (The Inheritance Games Book 1) - Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Publisher Summary:

"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 conwoman, 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."

---

My Review:

Rating: 8.5/10

Let me start off by saying, I loved this book. I loved the plot, and I loved the individual balance between all the characters' individual personalities. They definitely did get on my nerves sometimes, but that's to be expected, even in real life. Either way, regular teenage girl becoming an heiress overnight and having a fighting chance at keeping the money? Count me in!

First of all, I was satisfied with the writing, which is very important to me. The book had fluidity, and barely any of the scenes seemed out of place. There was a clear outline of the story that helped to guide the events that followed, so I didn't get lost as I was reading. The main character, Avery, was likeable, and quite relatable considering her reaction to the situation that she was placed in. I do wish that somewhere near the end of the book, everything I learned was recapped to help remember anything that might be needed to understand the next part of the story. But, I don't think this is too off-putting as I felt that there wasn't too much that I could forget.

Avery was smart most of the time in her decisions, and for the most part I couldn't say I would have preferred she would do anything different. While there definitely were moments that I did feel that, it wasn't often. She wasn't easily pushed aside and didn't stand for much disrespect that was sent her way. There are decisions that could have helped the believability of the story, but overall Avery acted like a normal human. I thought her alliances were a little questionable, as was the romance, but it was bearable, especially with how good the rest of the plot was. The challenges Barnes created were unique and properly integrated outside elements into the story. I would especially like to point out that Avery did the sensible thing and kept a lawyer for her money, which I was very glad about. I also liked how she questioned what was special about her to get chosen, because I was wondering the same thing. The acknowledgement of this felt as though Barnes had plans to create a thought-out backstory for Avery, and I was excited to find out what it was.

Overall, I think it's a great read! I think it's definitely a book that most people would like, even if there are some chaotic elements. I think it might even add to Avery's humanity, because her choices are honestly pretty good for a teenager. This book is one that I would recommend!