Tik Tok sensation The Inheritance Games series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes is a romantic, twisty mystery thriller about the deadly games that ensue when an eccentric billionaire dies, leaving almost his entire fortune to Avery, a young girl who is an apparent stranger. A highly popular choice at school book fairs, this is a brilliant, fast paced series, and with its short chapters it's ideal for reluctant readers to really engage with and enjoy. These books are a great example of swoony romances, while still being age appropriate for teen readers. Described by LoveReading expert reviewer Joanne Owen as, "Riches, risks, romance and high-stakes game-playing— the twists keep-a-coming in this mystery series set around an ultra-moneyed family."
The series begins with The Inheritance Games in which the enigmatic Tobias Hawthorne makes the seemingly incomprehensible choice to disinherit his whole family in favour of leaving his billions to a bewildered Avery, on the condition she spends a year living in the mansion she's inherited. It's filled with secrets and codes, and the old man's surviving relatives - a family hell-bent on discovering why Avery got 'their' money. Unsure what to believe, Avery finds herself working with the Hawthorne grandsons to decipher the clues their grandfather left behind in cryptic letters to them all in an effort to discover why she was chosen as the heiress to a wealth beyond her wildest dreams. LoveReading's expert reviewer, Joanne Owen said, "The secrets of a mega-moneyed family. Deciphering cryptic clues to uncover the truths behind an unlikely heiress — this first book in a mega-selling series is a deliciously addictive mystery."
In the second instalment The Hawthorne Legacy, as the obscure clues pile up and Jameson and Grayson, two of the handsome and mysterious Hawthorne grandsons, continue to pull her in different directions, Avery wonders who she can really trust. And there are threats lurking around every corner, as adversaries emerge who will stop at nothing to see Avery out of the picture - by any means necessary. Reviewer Joanne said, "The intrigue, romance and ricocheting mystery ramps up in this second book in the un-put-down-able Inheritance Games series"
In The Final Gambit, the third in the series, as the clock ticks down to when Avery will become the richest teenager on the planet, trouble arrives in the form of a visitor who needs her help - and whose presence in Hawthorne House could change everything. It soon becomes clear that there is one last puzzle to solve, and Avery and the Hawthorne brothers are drawn into a dangerous game against an unknown and powerful player. Reviewer Joanne named this title, "a heart-racing showstopper."
Hearts and lives are at stake in The Brothers Hawthorne. Drawn into twisted games on opposite sides of the globe, Grayson and Jameson - with the help of their brothers and the girl who stole both their hearts - must dig deep to decide what each of them will sacrifice to win. Joanne Owen, descibed this instalment as "A rollercoaster ride of risk, romance, sacrifice and suspense across the globe. Jennifer Lynn Barnes ramps up her juicily addictive series big time when it comes to unwrapping more sibling dynamics. Centred on Grayson and Jameson, who “knew the rules. You couldn’t get around rules if you didn’t know them”, it’s packed with page-turning puzzles, twisting secrets, challenges, and a game with the highest of stakes."
This Summer will see the release of The Grandest Game a new series set in the world of The Inheritance Games. The story of an annual competition designed to give anyone a shot at fame and fortune and this year's game requires one of seven golden tickets to enter. With millions on the line, those seven players will do whatever it takes to win. Some of the players are in it for the money. Some for power. Some for reasons all their own. Every single one of them has secrets. This title can be a starting off point for new readers, or a follow on, as it features fan favourite characters.
Due out in November 2024, romance, luxury, and secrets abound in Games Untold, a thrilling new collection that takes readers deeper into the world of the Inheritance Games.
Click on the books below to buy, read Joanne's reviews in full or to download an extract.
