Imagine waking up one day, from the backseat of your car, going to school as normal, only to find yourself the youngest billionaire in the world. The catch? Your inheritance comes with a deadly price: your life.
Now, your journey from rags to riches becomes a fight for survival, where uncovering the truth behind your inheritance and getting used to power and wealth is the only way to live.
In this article, we’ll delve into the gripping world of Jennifer Lynn Barnes’ The Inheritance Games Series, exploring its order, summary, reviews, and its potential adaptation into a TV series.
The Inheritance Games Series Order

The Inheritance Games series consists of five books and must be read in this order:
- “The Inheritance Games”
- “The Hawthorne Legacy”
- “The Final Gambit”
- “The Brothers Hawthorne” – A standalone book that follows the events of the series and is important to understand the next series (The Grandest Game).
- “Games Untold” which will be released on November 12, 2024. A collection of eight novellas.
The Inheritance Games Series Summary
The Inheritance Games series is a young adult (YA) thriller that follows Avery Kaylie Grambs as she unexpectedly inherits a billionaire’s fortune and navigates the treacherous world of the Hawthorne family.
When Avery and her sister are flown to the Hawthorne mansion, to read Tobias Hawthorne’s will, shock reverberates through the Hawthorne family and the world, when Avery, a stranger to them all, becomes an unexpected heir to Tobias’s vast wealth, leaving his daughters and four grandchildren reeling with disbelief and resentment.
Each book reveals deeper layers of mystery, betrayal, and unexpected alliances as Avery and the Hawthorne brothers delve into the secrets and riddles left by Tobias Hawthorne to unravel the mystery behind her inheritance.
From the initial shock of her newfound wealth to the heart-pounding climax and love triangle, the series unravels a captivating tale of love, deception, family legacy, and the enduring quest for truth.
Now, here’s a quick summary of each book in the series to get you acquainted with it.
Book 1: The Inheritance Games

In “The Inheritance Games,” Jennifer Lynn Barnes introduces us to Avery Kaylie Grambs, a teenage girl whose life is turned upside down when she unexpectedly inherits the fortune of billionaire Tobias Hawthorne.
The catch? Avery must live in the Hawthorne mansion for one year while unraveling the mystery behind her inheritance and outwitting his estranged family members, including his two daughters, their husbands, as well as his four grandsons—Xander, Nash, Grayson, and Jameson— to solve his riddles and claim her inheritance.
In this book, we start questioning the “stranger” part of Avery’s relationship to the Hawthornes. Not only because some thought she may be the old man’s daughter from another relationship but others thought she may have conned the old man to get his inheritance.
But a single DNA test refutes their hypothesis, and the old man is a game master and no one can play him. But why did her mom train her to solve riddles and guessing secrets all her life?
The book ends with a cliffhanger where Avery and the Hawthorne boys find out that a man who may have the answers to the riddle to Avery’s inheritance is alive. But how are they going to find him after 20 years of disappearance?
Book 2: The Hawthorne Legacy
“The Hawthorne Legacy” picks up exactly where “The Inheritance Games” left off, continuing Avery’s journey as she seeks to uncover the truth about her inheritance, and the secrets hidden within the Hawthorne family.
The book begins in the tunnels under the mansion, where Avery and Jameson attempt to solve the riddle behind the disappearance of the mystery man who not only knows he can inherit billions from Tobias Hawthorne but may also be the father of Avery.
This homeless man appeared in Avery’s life after her mom’s death to play chess with her at a park and share breakfast sandwiches with her.
But why would he choose a life of homelessness over one of extravagance and wealth? why would he abandon all ties with the Hawthorne family? Is he her father? Is that why the old man chose her as his heir? These questions drive Avery deeper into the mystery as she unravels the complex web of secrets surrounding the Hawthorne family and her relationship with them.
In this book, the anticipated love triangle between Avery, Jameson, and Grayson intensifies, adding depth to the storyline. Meanwhile, threats to Avery’s life also escalate, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
Book 3: The Final Gambit
In the third book of the Inheritance Games series, the finale of the series, Avery nears the one-year mark that unlocks her inheritance after a year of moving into the Hawthorne House.
However, the path to riches takes an unexpected detour with the arrival of a new character who forces Avery to re-evaluate everything she thought she knew about the inheritance and the enigmatic Hawthorne family and Tobias Hawthorne.
Unforeseen circumstances also occur, potentially including the disappearance of a key figure and the return of a past threat, demanding that she rely on her resourcefulness and the support of trusted allies.
So now Avery and her alliances not only have to race against time to save the person holding the secrets to her inheritance but also deal with a past adversary driven by a longstanding rivalry with Tobias Hawthorne.
Fear not, being the finale in the series, the ending of the book delivers a satisfying resolution to the overall Inheritance Games saga, where loose ends are tied up, secrets are revealed, and Avery’s future unfolds in a way that leaves readers feeling fulfilled.
Book 4: The Brothers Hawthorne

The Inheritance Games series may have concluded with “The Final Gambit,” but the story doesn’t end there. “The Brothers Hawthorne” offers a thrilling standalone novel that delves deeper into the lives of the enigmatic Hawthorne brothers, Jameson and Grayson, and connects us to the second series –The Grandest Game.
The novel delves into the brothers’ individual narratives, revealing secrets they’ve kept hidden throughout the main series and making us understand the reasons behind their actions and their relationship with each other which had always been competitive.
The story follows the brothers as they’re thrown into separate missions, each facing unique challenges that test their skills and resourcefulness. While Jameson utilizes his adventurous spirit and street smarts to navigate a thrilling situation, Grayson’s strategic mind and loyalty to the family come into play as he tackles a different set of obstacles.
Book 5: Games Untold
The fifth book is not a continuation of The Inheritance Games series, but a collection of eight novellas that delve deeper into the lives and loves of the Hawthorne family members happened during the series.
The book explores their backstories, relationships, and hidden secrets and it is to be published on November 12, 2024.
The Inheritance Games Series Review
Are you one of those readers who prefer to wait until a book series is complete before diving in? I know the feeling all too well. But let me tell you, when it comes to The Inheritance Games series by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, I couldn’t resist starting, and once I did, I was hooked. Now, with news of a second series on the horizon, the anticipation is palpable, and I’m counting down the days.
I truly loved this series for many reasons. Here are some of them:
Predictability of Events
In this series, predictability takes a back seat. Barnes weaves a web of intrigue so intricate that trying to guess what happens next is almost impossible. Each book is a rollercoaster of plots, twists, and riddles, leaving you on the edge of your seat and eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Riddles and Puzzles

One of the series’ standout features is its abundance of riddles and puzzles. These brain teasers not only kept me engaged but also left me marveling at Barnes’ ingenuity. How does she come up with them? It’s a mystery in itself! It’s like she had embodied the old man’s way of thinking.
Avery’s Character Development
Being thrust into the world of billionaires overnight is not easy. But watching Avery –with the help of Elissa and Oren- transform from a girl full of uncertainties to full of confidence was a journey itself. To me, Avery’s true inheritance was her new bonds and realization of herself, not the billions and headaches the old man had given her.
Romance
For me, love triangles can be a hit or miss. In this series, the love triangle was so natural and organic, not the cringy type that can be a contentious issue for readers. Avery’s connection with both boys felt so genuine, adding another layer to an already intricate storyline but not overshadowing its main plot. It’s like the perfect splash of milk added to a good cup of coffee.
Not to spoil who Avery ends up with, but #TeamGrayson all the way!
Overall, this series is a masterclass in storytelling, blending mystery, romance, and intrigue into a captivating narrative that will keep you guessing until the end.
The Inheritance Games TV Series
There’s good news for us fans! A television adaptation of The Inheritance Games is currently in development, so you can soon experience the excitement on screen.
The Grandest Game – The Inheritance Games #2 Series

Another good news for those who have enjoyed the series! Not only that we have a collection of novellas, but we also have a second series on the way!
The story takes place a year after the dramatic events of the Inheritance Games, where Avery has established herself and now hosts a legendary competition called The Grandest Game.
This annual extravaganza offers a life-changing opportunity to anyone lucky enough to snag one of the seven coveted golden tickets. Talk about Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory x The Inheritance Games x Caraval. I’m all for it!
Lastly, allow me to talk about the way in which Barnes has been promoting this series!
She’s been posting cryptic riddles that, when solved, reveal passwords. These passwords once input into a website fans can unlock exclusive teasers and delve deeper into the world of The Grandest Game. With each riddle cracked, anticipation builds, leaving readers eager to learn more about the upcoming series.
Genius!
In conclusion, this series is a perfect one for those who enjoys a good mystery with a dash of romance. It’s like a real-life puzzle that you get to solve alongside Avery. Imagine yourself piecing together clues hidden in a luxurious mansion, surrounded by a family brimming with secrets – that’s the kind of adventure The Inheritance Games series offers!
So dear reader, why don’t you dive into the world of The Inheritance Games and experience the magic for yourself? Continue checking Read & Blog for more articles, book reviews, book recommendations, quotes, and much more.