The Inheritance Games Book Review

1/13/26

By: Hazel Nava

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Barnes is the first book in a fantastic mystery series of the same name. After getting 50 pages into it, I was hooked. This story builds up to incredible plot twists as the characters decipher clues that will shock readers. The book is filled with captivating characters that are connected in so many ways, whether that be by lineage, promises, school, or their history. It was fascinating to unfold as I kept reading.

In this book’s plotline, a poor high school girl named Avery, trying to do what she can for her family, is told she was left in the will of a dead billionaire. The catch is she can’t receive her portion of the inheritance unless she goes to the will reading in person. There she finds out she must live in the mansion with the Hawthorne family for at least a year. As her time goes on at the residence, she realizes that the billionaire has left her clues as to why she is in his will. Determined to solve the mystery, she works with his grandsons, and other family members to uncover the truth, spilling more secrets along the way.  

One continuous aspect of the story was the steady plotline growth. As you keep reading, each solved mystery opens up three more mysteries left to uncover. Some of these mysteries include family drama that has stayed dormant for years, and as things are brought to light, connections are forged and broken between the Hawthornes. The will reads,“To my daughters, Zara Hawthorne-Calligaris and Sky Hawthorne, I leave the funds necessary to pay off all debts accrued as of the date and time of my death" (Barnes 36). This portion of the story I particularly enjoyed because in context it sparked drama, mystery, shock, and so much more that only grows as the book goes on, representing the shifting family connections. Due to this, you are always kept on your toes, leaving you eagerly anticipating each new chapter and what it will bring.

Altogether, if you enjoy mystery, romance, and drama in your books, then I highly recommend The Inheritance Games to you, and the books that come after it in this series! It will leave you on the edge of your seat, and always excited for what happens next.