The Inheritance Games - Jennifer Lynn Barnes

 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.

When I read the synopsis for this book I was so excited to be part of The Write Reads blog tour for it. 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 believes 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.