Young adult fiction shines brightest when a twisting puzzles meets characters on the brink of self-discovery. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of piecing together clues, decoding hidden messages and racing the clock to solve a mind-bending riddle. In The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, readers are plunged into a world where cryptic riddles, secret passageways and billionaire drama collide in a labyrinth of suspense. From the first clue to the final twist, this novel delivers the perfect blend of brain-teasing mystery and heart-pounding YA intrigue.
The Inheritance Games is the first book in the series of the same name, for young adult readers. There are a trilogy of main novels alongside accompanying standalone novels and a spinoff series. It blends clever puzzles with high-stakes drama and a dash of YA romance, making it a modern must-read for fans of intricate mysteries and strong heroines.
The protagonist of The Inheritance Games is seventeen year old Avery Kylie Grambs, still at school studying to try and earn a college scholarship. Scraping by on wait-staff tips to help her sister (and guardian) pay the rent, when she’s inexplicably named as the main heir in the will of reclusive billionaire Tobias Hawthorne. Suddenly, she inherits tens of billions, making her one of the richest people in the world. This inheritance includes a sprawling Texas mansion filled with puzzles designed to test her at every turn. But nothing is for free, there is a caveat. To claim this vast fortune, Avery must live in Hawthorne House for a year (with the remaining Hawthorne family members), decipher Tobias’s riddles and most daunting, win over the four grandsons he’s just disinherited.
Overall, I found The Inheritance Games to be a fast-paced, really enjoyed tale of mystery, suspense and intrigue. It has an excellent storyline that is perfect for YA readers (adults will love it too), with its fast-paced action. With puzzles, hidden enigmas and heartfelt character coming-of-age moments, it has an excellent storyline that makes for an addictive and enjoyable read.
The premise of the story is fascinating in itself with a billions of dollars left to a stranger, throw in clandestine ciphers hidden in wall panelling to cryptic clues hidden in library stacks, and you have a mysterious puzzle thriller that races through secret rooms and midnight scavenger hunts.
While Avery and the four Hawthrone grandsons are the main characters in the story, Hawthorn House plays a massive role. Every room in sprawling mansion is a puzzle box. Tobias’s final will reads like a treasure map, littered with clues that lead to hidden diaries, ciphered letters and secret compartments. Key brain-teasers include:
- A labyrinth of underground tunnels leading to a forgotten library
- Journals whose ink vanishes under certain light conditions
As Avery races to solve these puzzles, it soon becomes clear that family rivalries, long-buried grievances and the true meaning of legacy are at the centre to it all.
The puzzles play and essential part of the story but the rich cast of characters really drive it.
- Avery Grambs: A resourceful, quick-witted and fiercely independent determined teenager with a sharp mind and knack for puzzles, games & numbers. Her quick thinking and steady heart turn her from pawn to player in Tobias’s final machinations.
- Grayson Hawthorne: The serious heir apparent. His cold exterior exudes entitlement and masks a fierce family loyalty and a bruised pride at being blindsided by Avery’s arrival.
- Jameson Hawthorne: A charming mischievous and impulsive rule-breaker with a conspiratorial grin. He sees Avery as the ultimate puzzle and delights in watching her unpick his grandfather’s clues.
- Xander Hawthorne: Sharp-tongued and empathetic, Xander offers cryptic guidance, and a hint of friendship, in Avery’s darkest hours.
- Nash Hawthorne: The calmest of the brothers, Nash masks his motives behind a composed exterior, making every interaction with Avery feel loaded.
These personalities clash and collaborate as the stakes grow higher, weaving romance, rivalry and suspense into Avery’s quest. The interplay between Avery and the Hawthorne brothers has electrifying tension and suspense, teasing both romantic sparks and power struggles. Then there are the supporting characters, from scheming lawyers to mysterious house staff, adding in layers of suspicion and intrigue.
The Inheritance Games is a tour de force of YA mystery, perfect for readers aged 13 and up who crave intellectual thrills and emotional stakes. An intricate puzzle that’s both satisfying to solve and deeply human at its core. With its clever riddles, compelling characters and relentless pace, this novel is modern-day Cinderella story with puzzles, power and riches.
Rating: 5/5
RRP: £20 (Hardback) / £8.99 (Paperback) / £4.99 (Kindle)
For more information, visit jenniferlynnbarnes.com. Available to buy from Amazon here.
DISCLOSURE: All thoughts and opinions are my own. This review uses an affiliate link which I may receive a small commission from if you purchase through the link.
The Inheritance Games series:
- The Inheritance Games (2020)
- The Hawthorne Legacy (2021)
- The Final Gambit (2022)
- The Brothers Hawthorne (2024)
- Games Untold (2025)
- The Same Backward as Forward (2025)
The Grandest Games Series (The Inheritance Games series spin-off):
- The Grandest Game (2024)
- Glorious Rivals (2025)
