An incredibly gripping book, mixing mystery, a little romance and a search for the answer to a riddle.
Avery is beyond astonished to find that she has been made heiress to a mansion and billions of pounds. By whom? She has never heard of Tobias, who has apparently named her in his will to inherit everything, rather than his four sons. All of whom are , to say the least, amazed and enraged in different ways.
Most of the previous reviewers have explained the plot, so I will only say that this is a very well thought out story, with an ending that makes one wonder how soon the sequel will be coming out.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read this book and to give a review.

The Inheritance Games is an enthralling and dramatic tale of endless puzzles, wicked twists and turns and insanely high stakes. If you are a sucker for fast paced thrillers and tricky codes and riddles, this is just the book for you!

Avery Grambs was living in her car when she somehow comes upon inheritance of billions, with no clue as to why the deceased Tobias Hawthorne chose or even who he was. As Avery scrambles to untangle Tobias’ last riddle to understand the meaning of it all, she must come face to face with the dark and twisted secrets of the ever-charming Hawthorne boys and those related to them.

The gripping plot together with Barnes’ skillful writing made The Inheritance Games absolutely unputdownable. With a delicious mystery that is revealed layer by layer, pulling the reader in gradually but surely with every clue and riddle, this novel is a absolute delight to read. The ENTERTAINMENT factor is on point, complete with hot guys, sexual tension and a love triangle. If anything, I could only ask for more of the twisty puzzles laid down by the complicated Tobias Hawthorne. (On that note, can I have the sequel ASAP???)

In spite of being a predominantly action-oriented book, the characterization is skillfully done. Avery is smart and focused and refreshingly normal in the Hawthorne mansion amidst the other somewhat dramatic characters. All the four Hawthorne boys have unique personalities. Even some of the side characters (who become critical to the plot later) are skillfully carved.

The only thing that did not sit quite well with me was the romance – it had all the steam but very little substance. It definitely dialed up the entertainment quotient by a notch, but it would have been interesting to have it more fleshed out.

The book ends on a wicked cliffhanger that makes me want to grab the sequel ASAP!

If you enjoyed Hunger Games then this is a book for you. The games are much gentler, more sophisticated and all round more taxing of the brain and I enjoyed every last word. The pages just rushed by with me wanting to reach the end and for it not to end. Ended it did but with a hook! You will need to read this book for yourself to discover what that hook is. I do not think that you will be disappointed.

Thank you to Net Galley and Penguin Random House Children’s UK for allowing me to read this e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

The Inheritance Games is a suspense filled mystery surrounding a down in her luck teen who inherits a dead man’s fortune. The writing style is simple, though it does adapt to each character – with more intellectual or florid language used when characters such as Grayson or Xander are the object of the language.

The characterisation is impeccable and each character comes with their own voice, each distinct and unique which is incredibly executed by Barnes. Nash, for example, though a minor character of sorts, has an incredibly strong voice which can be identified with barely any words.

One character who seems to let down this novel is Max, who’s childlike substitutions for swearwords is unrealistic and grating for a character of her age. She seems to add little to the novel, save for a few sentences towards the end, and any subsequent tales will have to work hard to make her a likeable character.

Overall, the mystery of the story is well laid out with many red herrings and plot devices which allow the reader to continually guess at, not only why Avery had been left the inheritance, but also the mystery surrounding a character who died a year previously. The plot twists and final reveals are handled well and the novel is filled with suspense that enhances the reader’s experience.

The potential romance which stems within the novel seems forced at times and uncomfortable at others, though whether this is done to create distrust towards the brothers cannot be said.

The pacing is slightly skewed, with much of the plot coming in the last quarter of the novel, though this serves the mystery genre well. This novel is a wonderful example of mystery for the YA genre and the sequel will hopefully tie up any of the seemingly loose ends which come at the end of the novel.

Described as being like the film Knives Out, I could resist reading The Inheritance Games, Yes, at first it had quite the 'Knives Out' feel about it - an elderly man dies leaving his fortune to to his family, but to a young lady - but soon any comparisons were wiped from my mind and I was absorbed in the thrilling story.

Puzzles, family secrets, and 4 brothers whose grandfather overlooked them for a girl, a total stranger. Why? Used to the challenges set by their grandfather the boys try to tackle this last posthumous puzzle.

But it's Avery that the story is told through. A teenage girl whose mother died, meaning that her half sister had to take her in. Struggling to make rent, and still at school, Avery is thrust into a very different world - one where she is the heir to billions.

I couldn't put this book down. It's an enjoyable reading that kept me guessing on layer upon layer on mystery. I have to say I cannot wait for the second book I this series. I loved the eccentric characters of the brothers, as well as the down-to-earth Avery who wants to know (just as much as the boys) why this stranger named her heir in his will.

A wonderful read, particularly if you like a good puzzle. Bring on book 2!

I wish there had been books like this when I was a teenager! It has everything you need to day dream about. A rags to riches story. Would make a great film with the 'puzzle' element that is interwoven into the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Children's UK for an ARC of this book.

Avery Grambs has a fairly normal, unremarkable life. Ok, so it hasn’t been the easiest start and she’s faced hardships along the way. But she’s got plans to get herself to college and get a job that gives her enough money to live comfortably and not have to rely on anyone else.

Then one day she receives a mysterious visitor who explains that her presence is needed for the reading of his grandfather’s will. Little does Avery know that she is about to become involved in an elaborate game with billions of dollars at stake.

I’ve read books by Jennifer Lyn Barnes before but I wasn’t expecting to enjoy this one as much as I did. I love games and puzzles in books and found this one easy to follow and become invested in. A great surprise and I’m excited to continue in the series!

I did receive an ARC of this book, so there were a couple of spelling and grammar mistakes but I’m sure those will be ironed out before publication. What a great surprise of a book!

When I read the synopsis for this book I was intrigued and equally excited. It's a Cinderella story, poor unfortunate girl gets rich, but with twists and puzzles galore and I absolutely devoured it.

Avery Grambs is the average teenager trying to survive, but when she's told that she has inherited a huge fortune from billionaire Tobias Hawthorne, her life is thrown into disarray: she's never heard of Tobias Hawthorne for a start; he has four very entitled grandsons who are now left with pennies and she has no desire to be the public figure that she has become overnight. Left with no choice but to take up residence in Hawthorne House to comply with the stipulations of the will, Avery has to face the rest of the Hawthorne family daily, all whilst trying to solve the riddle of why SHE has been chosen to inherit such a life-changing amount.

The Inheritance Games is gripping from the very start, and the first question I had will be the same as everyone else reading BUT WHY HER?!! Is it an outrageous gesture of goodwill to a stranger? An ulterior motive? From the moment we find out Avery stands to inherit the Hawthorne estate the puzzle begins - and it never really ends. Just like Hawthorne House itself, the novel is littered with secrets, twists and turns and as a reader I found myself constantly accusing one character only on the next page to change my mind and look elsewhere for a new clue. The perfect amount of mystery and intrigue to keep you reading!

The characterisation of the Hawthorne brothers is perfect throughout. They are the perfect blend of evil, rich and loathing juxtaposed with their charming good looks, helpful hints to Avery and genuine memories of their grandfather. You are never sure who to trust, who is telling the truth, who has an ulterior motive. As a reader you never know more than Avery and so as she discovers the answers to the riddles, the betrayals and the truths so do we.

An honourable mention must also go to Barnes' description of the sprawling Hawthorne estate. If you asked a small child what would their ideal mansion be I'm positive you would get an answer close to Hawthorne House. A bowling alley, ballroom, spa, swimming pool plus the addition of secret passages which open at the touch of a hidden switch. Avery is placed in the dream house, the dream scenario but with the real nightmare that no-one believe she should have inherited what she has.

The Inheritance Games is a brilliant read if you like mystery and intrigue but coupled with realism. Yes Avery stands to inherit a small fortune, yes there are secrets and passages galore in the book but despite all this at no point in the book does it feel fantastical, Jennifer Lynn Barnes always grounds us with reality and I think this is what makes it such a superb read.

A secret-filled battle of inheritance that almost feels unstoppable.

This is an intriguing story with elements of mystery, romance and surprise. Avery sleeps in her car and has a complicated personal life. She likes to help others though and one is a rough sleeper she plays chess with. Then her world is upturned. An astonishingly rich man she doesn’t know dies and she inherits an estate of unbelievable wealth. The deceased was the grandfather of four young men. Why were they not the heirs? Avery moves to the vast estate, Hawthorne ?House, and tries to unravel the mystery. It turns out that the family whose wealth she has acquired also has complicated issues. She takes with her a half sister who leaves behind Drake, an abusive boyfriend. He continues to figure in the story as a distraction to make the reader think he causes all the later troubles. Avery joins up with the grandsons to try to solve the mystery of her inheritance when she discovers the late grandfather has left a series of clues. Then, of course, there is the unexpected ending! This is an original story line, well written and certain to keep you engrossed. I recommend it.

Just loved this book. Started reading early evening and couldn't put it down so read it in one sitting and went to bed very late. A truly engrossing read that I would recommend to anyone and everyone. Well written intriguing characters, twists and turns, puzzles galore, romance, mystery, suspense and please let this be the first of a series because I can't wait for the next instalment. A definite 5 stars and more.

WOW, what a book! I loved every page; I devoured it. I’ve just finished it and my head is still reeling with questions, there better be a sequel! This book is full of twists, turns, puzzles... every little twist is brought together brilliantly; it ends with you wanting more, I need those last few questions answered! I would recommend this book to everyone. Brilliant!

This was great fun! Avery is an ordinary girl who inherits a billionaire's fortune on the condition that she lives in his mansion with his family for one year. She has to grapple with her sudden wealth and the various enigmatic members of the Hawthorne family as well as trying to solve an intricate puzzle that has been built into the house itself.

I can see where the comparisons to Knives Out came from, but there isn't really enough danger in the book for that (someone does try to kill Avery but it's only a sub-plot and resolved almost as a throwaway). The main focus is the puzzle and Avery's relationships with the four Hawthorne grandsons. So to me it read more like a huge escape room plot with some family secrets and romance thrown in.

I found the ending annoying, as if the author could have resolved everything within one book but deliberately held the last piece back for the sake of a sequel. As a result, nothing quite felt resolved. However, I would have loved this book when I was a teen so I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to YA readers.

I am so pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this! I thought that the premise was initially appealing and I like the idea of a girl coming from rags to riches - Cinderella after all is my favourite fairytale. This book was great and that ENDING. I need book two now!!

What did I like?
1. The writing first of all was so good! The flow was just right and then book wasn’t bogged down with flowery language. I think the author has some real talent!
2. I really liked all the characters. I think the Hawthorne boys all had a very distinct personality and I liked finding out the overall mystery Tobias was weaving through the house. It was gripping. I also think our protagonist was a great lead. Avery stood up for herself and I loved it.
3. The plotting and pacing worked so well! I loved the mystery element and all the riddles and puzzles. I felt like I was really trying to solve them as I went along.

The only thing stopping this book from being a 5 star read for me was the last 6 or so chapters. I felt like they were really rushed and it was a lot of info dumping at once. I felt like this could definitely have been either better explained or more spread out.
However, this book was incredible and I would 100% recommend!
I received this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

As I have never read a YA mystery before I had little to no expectations going into this one which was good because, whilst I enjoyed it as a whole, there were definitely some sticking points for me. Avery Grambs is a nobody, after her mother died she was taken in by her older step-sister and her absolute tool of a boyfriend. Until one day a boy turns up at school, he whisks her away to Hawthorne house where Avery learns that Tobias Hawthorne hasn't left his billions to his family, he has left it to her. Tensions are high and Avery has no idea why this crazy old man left her his fortune, but the Hawthorne brothers all have an idea. Their grandfather liked puzzles and they think Avery is their final one, but when Avery gets dragged into their weird game she gets more than she bargained for. With rumours of a dead girl and Averys own life on the line she needs to decide whether to back out now or continue the game to its inevitable end.

The characters were definitely a strong point in this book. Avery is so relatable, I have no idea how I would act if that much money was left to me by someone I had never met but her initial WTF reaction was pretty on the mark. She gets dragged into the Hawthorne's family drama and ends up torn between two of the brothers (love triangle haters fear not... its a very small part of the story.) She knows there must be some reason why Tobias chose her and when Jameson asks for her help to solve the riddle he was left she jumps at the chance, hoping it will somehow explain why she is there. The four Hawthorne brothers are complete opposites; Nash, the eldest and completely not interested in the money, Grayson is the heir apparent, the brother who was supposed to take over the foundation that is now in Avery's hands, Jameson is a puzzle in himself, he alternates between being drunk and half naked and obsessed with the puzzle that is Avery and Xander, the youngest of the brothers and more interested in polishing off some blueberry scones than following Jameson and Grayson's leads. We also meet the rest of the Hawthorne family, most of whom see Avery as some kind of leech as well as Avery's sister, but this story is completely Avery's and the Hawthorne brothers.

The plot was fun and fast paced but it just lacked any kind of stakes or thrill for me. We know from pretty early on that the will is iron clad, there is no way the Hawthorne family can take the money back. So the main mystery is why Avery, one which I guessed pretty early on in the book, and though the author added a slight twist, I just felt like the ending was anti-climactic.

I actually didn't realise this was a series when I first started it, but after reading the ending I can see where the author is planning to take book two. There are still plenty of unanswered questions and we can see where the characters stories are going. I will definitely pick up book 2, if only to see if the author expands on some of the points raised in this book.

Apologies didn’t look or sound like a children's book so I requested in error,will give 3 stars as my fault for not checking

I gobbled this book up from start to finish. Fun, exciting and full of mystery it can’t fail but to appeal to all. Handsome, rich brothers, a gigantic gothic mansion and a race to solve the riddle of an enormous fortune paired with a tiny hint of romance. I have to say I loved it and if the inevitable part two was available I’d read it right now!

Ooooh The Inheritance Games is like a YA adaptation of Knives Out but even better, which is saying something. Twisty and turny with addictive characters and a great story concept that keeps you hooked from page one. This is also the perfect read for fans of Karen McManus.

This book was written so well. It is a delightful Young Adult novel. With an almost perfect blend of rags to riches, Mystery, Puzzles and Romance. I read it in one sitting. Although part of a series the mystery in the book is wrapped up whilst also setting up the following books.

I've been watching Succession for the first time this month so when this came up on Netgalley it was perfect timing. The disgusting wealth, constant scheming and too-close family was so fun. I liked that this idea (the wealth) was so well integrated with the puzzles, having read Truly Devious recently this was a better example of how to do this concept. The love triangle is probably the only part of this I didn't like (if only she'd been crushing on my fave Xander too and made a quad, much more interesting!) There's enough here to make me eager to read the sequel yet also a satisfying conclusion so I don't feel left hanging. Very readable, this flows quickly and easily. A great read, I really enjoyed this.

The Inheritance Games is utterly addictive! I could not stop thinking about this book whenever I had to (forcibly, much against my will) put it down.

Avery's life is turned upside down when she discovers she is the heir to a multi-billion dollar fortune, left to her by a man she has never met. A man who has four grandsons who have grown up with everything, and have now been left with nothing. But Tobias Hawthorne was fond of games and puzzles, and some of his grandsons are sure there must be more to the will, and Avery, than meets the eye. Secrets are exposed and betrayals laid bare as Avery and the Hawthornes race to uncover the secrets Tobias left behind. But with billions of dollars in the balance, Avery will have to decide if she's ready to risk her life and play.

The premise of this novel is so crazy that it's impossible not to ask yourself what you would do if you were Avery.

The Inheritance Games is full of twists and puzzles, with concealed corridors and secrets relationships revealed in every chapter. I guessed some twists but not others, and there was always some new mystery to keep me turning the page.

Barnes' characters were excellent. Everyone was complex and full of secrets, and there was so much backstory to uncover. Avery is very relatable and I think readers will really like her. She's also never focused on the money itself, and only considers buying things for other people. The chemistry between Avery and the Hawthorne boys was brilliant, but I liked that romance was definitely secondary to the mystery in this novel. I really loved Max and her inventive swearing. Her bits made me laugh a lot. I also loved Xander and his scone addiction and all of the other funny moments he brought to the novel.

I was provided with an advanced copy of The Inheritance Games for review via NetGalley