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tressa_the_elephant's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Dementia, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Violence and Abandonment
Minor: Addiction and Miscarriage
theespressoedition's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
One word: JAMESON.
I mean, I could end the review right there. He is officially my favorite character in these books. I'm both fascinated by him and slightly terrified of him. What an intriguing thing, to have characters with such depth!
Just like The Inheritance Games, this book was filled with twists and turns that kept me on my toes. I devoured it in about two sittings because I just couldn't get enough. I love that the chapters are short because it makes me feel like I'm reading it so much faster than I actually am. It was so easy to get through and kept me entertained from beginning to end.
The only thing I really didn't love was the back-and-forth about someone's DNA. It was totally there to keep piquing your interest in what was real and what wasn't - which is what I loved about the first book (basically assuming you knew what was going on and then being surprised when you were wrong), but in this one, it just felt a little bit repetitive? I would say that I could've done without that, but it would've taken a massive chunk of the plot away, so for that, I'm glad it was in there. It was just slightly annoying.
Unlike the first book, this one didn't leave you with a huge open ending, so I have absolutely no clue what's coming in The Final Gambit, but I will tell you that I'm excited about it! Here's hoping that I'll remember enough when I get to read that one in about four months...
I mean, I could end the review right there. He is officially my favorite character in these books. I'm both fascinated by him and slightly terrified of him. What an intriguing thing, to have characters with such depth!
Just like The Inheritance Games, this book was filled with twists and turns that kept me on my toes. I devoured it in about two sittings because I just couldn't get enough. I love that the chapters are short because it makes me feel like I'm reading it so much faster than I actually am. It was so easy to get through and kept me entertained from beginning to end.
The only thing I really didn't love was the back-and-forth about someone's DNA. It was totally there to keep piquing your interest in what was real and what wasn't - which is what I loved about the first book (basically assuming you knew what was going on and then being surprised when you were wrong), but in this one, it just felt a little bit repetitive? I would say that I could've done without that, but it would've taken a massive chunk of the plot away, so for that, I'm glad it was in there. It was just slightly annoying.
Unlike the first book, this one didn't leave you with a huge open ending, so I have absolutely no clue what's coming in The Final Gambit, but I will tell you that I'm excited about it! Here's hoping that I'll remember enough when I get to read that one in about four months...
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Miscarriage
oddduck's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
5.0
Jennifer Lynn Barnes is a very good suspense writer and this book is a perfect example of that. This is one of the fastest paced books I’ve read in a while. We picked up right where the previous book ended and did not stop moving forward until this one ended. The puzzles and developments were intriguing and made for some very good twists and turns. I’ve seen several people complaining about red herrings, but I personally loved that. It's a mystery and that's a common feature of the genre. The assumptions the characters made based on the information they had made perfect sense. I was almost fully on board with them as fact, though the reality also worked for me and didn’t necessarily come as a surprise either. Though Toby’s real daughter was a bit of a surprise. I think it was foreshadowed well enough, though the connection with Mellie and Eli could have been on the page more.
The thing with Mellie and Eli as a whole made sense but also wasn’t foreshadowed enough for me. The explanation we got at the end gives us enough information to explain what happened and their motives, but it also came kind of late. Like, I never would have guessed any of what they said prior to them telling us. So that could have been executed better.
I love that we got to spend time with Max. She’s such a fun character, though I would have liked for her to have more of her own story. She kind of does, with her parents, but we really don’t know what’s going on with her. I would understand this if she and Avery had had a conversation when Max first arrived and Max had said she really didn’t want to talk about it, but we don’t get anything like that. Max is really just there to support Avery, but Avery doesn’t really do much for her in return, which is unfortunate. This is one of the few problems I had with this book, because I love Max and think she deserves better.
Same with Libby. She’s definitely going through something in this book, but we don’t see a whole lot of it. And yeah, it's Avery's story and Libby's problems should not fall to her to solve (or be in any way responsible for), but it doesn't really feel like we see enough of what's going on with her. And this wouldn't be a problem if they weren't reasonably close, but they are. So it's kind of weird that Avery doesn't seem to wonder about what Libby's dealing with or want to talk to her about it.
I’m very glad that we seem to be done with the love triangle. I’m really not a huge fan of love triangles, and it certainly seemed like Avery already knew who she wanted pretty early in this book, but then it got dragged out and I was not into those parts as much. I’ve also got mixed feelings about the whole Jameson or Grayson thing, just knowing their past with Emily. I can appreciate what it does in terms of parallelism, but I also think the whole thing is kind of dumb and a little sexist? Like, they’re fighting over who gets to date a girl and not taking into account what she might want. Which is kind of gross to me. It was skirted around with Emily, because her thing was causing problems, apparently, but it still doesn’t sit right with me. I think it was a little better with Avery, but it’s also just kind of a weird situation. I would like to move on and not revisit this in the final book, but I suspect we are likely not quite done with it, unfortunately.
On a related note, I liked Avery’s hesitance to get involved with either Jameson or Grayson. Avery has had to take care of herself in a lot of ways for many years, so she's not used to feeling like she can rely on people or be vulnerable with them. I'm so happy that this extends to potential love interests and that it isn't a case of Love Fixes Everything or the love interest is just So Special he's the Exception. Even when she makes her choice at the end, she's still nervous and a little scared. But she has made the choice to try this, so it works.
This was an excellent follow up to a fantastic start and I'm very excited to see how this trilogy gets wrapped up.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Drug abuse, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Abandonment, and Classism
coles14_'s review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug use, Murder, and Alcohol
Minor: Miscarriage and Suicidal thoughts
criticalbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Animal death, Death, Drug use, Gun violence, Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Dementia, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
allisonwonderlandreads's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This feels like the book version of an escape room, under the wire to hunt down clues with the giddiness of a game afoot. It's just ~fun~ pure and simple. In this puzzle of a sequel, we follow the Hawthornes deeper into their (many, unnecessarily fancy) closets for creepier skeletons. We delve into a family history that is twisted and secretive with complicated repercussions in the present.
In terms of Avery's life, the unnecessary love triangle marches on. I was pleased with the resolution at the very end of the book where an actual choice is made. I'm not sure I was cheering for anyone in particular before, but I like what Avery decided. My only concern is that the series isn't over, and sometimes love triangles have the last laugh when I think they're over, so. Just hoping the current choice is endgame, and we can focus on different drama in the next one. In non-romantic news, best friend Max shows up instead of just being a voice over the phone, which is a vast improvement for everyone. I desperately needed someone to say "smash the patriarchy" in front of all the rich people.
In terms of the mystery, there's some light (private) jet-setting, which adds to the makeover montage moments to remind us that there is ridiculous wealth on the line. Like an alarming amount. Like I think Max has her work cut out for her with the smashing part. I didn't find most of the reveals particularly shocking as the mystery unfolds, but I was entertained at all times. Also, the sheer number of twists and turns made for an intriguing path for the characters even if you suspect what's coming at the end. This book was pure escapism for me, and I loved it.
In terms of Avery's life, the unnecessary love triangle marches on. I was pleased with the resolution at the very end of the book where an actual choice is made. I'm not sure I was cheering for anyone in particular before, but I like what Avery decided. My only concern is that the series isn't over, and sometimes love triangles have the last laugh when I think they're over, so. Just hoping the current choice is endgame, and we can focus on different drama in the next one. In non-romantic news, best friend Max shows up instead of just being a voice over the phone, which is a vast improvement for everyone. I desperately needed someone to say "smash the patriarchy" in front of all the rich people.
In terms of the mystery, there's some light (private) jet-setting, which adds to the makeover montage moments to remind us that there is ridiculous wealth on the line. Like an alarming amount. Like I think Max has her work cut out for her with the smashing part. I didn't find most of the reveals particularly shocking as the mystery unfolds, but I was entertained at all times. Also, the sheer number of twists and turns made for an intriguing path for the characters even if you suspect what's coming at the end. This book was pure escapism for me, and I loved it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Addiction, Emotional abuse, Death of parent, and Classism
Minor: Bullying, Drug abuse, Gun violence, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Kidnapping, and Suicide attempt
jessicax941's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, Infidelity, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and Abandonment
Minor: Drug abuse, Miscarriage, and Pregnancy
hannibanani29's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Kidnapping, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Addiction, Death, Gun violence, Miscarriage, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Minor: Alcoholism, Child death, Cursing, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Blood, Medical content, Dementia, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
bookwyrm_sisters's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Stalking, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Addiction, Miscarriage, and Alcohol
miladimelow's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I will say this once… and will definitely say it again: This is the GREATEST YA series of all time.
You don’t understand how much I utterly adored this book. I swear to god it’s laced with crack or something. Barnes’ writing is addicting, the way the words are pulled together, it feels like reading a book of modern poetry.
The characters: phenomenal! The Hawthorne brothers are the sweetest guys I’ve ever read about: the true book boyfriends if I may say so myself. I will forever love Jameson, but forever I have to say I’m still not sure who’s side I’m on. Xander is such a great guy, and this book did not bring him justice. I really hope the next book allows him not to feel dissapointed at the end… again. ALSO MAX AND XANDER BETTER START DATING RIGHT NOW OR I SWEAR TO GOD!
But honestly aside from the unbelievable characters, and the addictive writing, I think the plot is the one thing that really truly draws me in. It’s everything I could ever want in a book, which I don’t think has ever happened before. Usually you will find one or two things in the plot that you don’t feel bring the book justice, or just ruin the pace of the book. I cant name one. The whole aroma surrounding the book; the rich attractive guys, the private schools and mansions, the found families, and love triangles. The mystery and thriller, mixed with romance and friendships: it’s just utter perfection.
The last thing I want to say, is the reason I upped the rating for this book compared to the first one ‘the inheritance games’, is I really felt like Avery was becoming like her own character. She wasn’t this 2D girl, who could replicate any female protagonist in a basic romance story. She had depth, she had a personality, she was interesting and fun, and just someone I could really enjoy reading in the perspective of. This was really the game changer for me in terms of my rating.
Anyway, GO READ THE INHERITANCE GAMES RIGHT ABOUT F**CKING NOW!!
You don’t understand how much I utterly adored this book. I swear to god it’s laced with crack or something. Barnes’ writing is addicting, the way the words are pulled together, it feels like reading a book of modern poetry.
The characters: phenomenal! The Hawthorne brothers are the sweetest guys I’ve ever read about: the true book boyfriends if I may say so myself. I will forever love Jameson, but forever I have to say I’m still not sure who’s side I’m on. Xander is such a great guy, and this book did not bring him justice. I really hope the next book allows him not to feel dissapointed at the end… again. ALSO MAX AND XANDER BETTER START DATING RIGHT NOW OR I SWEAR TO GOD!
But honestly aside from the unbelievable characters, and the addictive writing, I think the plot is the one thing that really truly draws me in. It’s everything I could ever want in a book, which I don’t think has ever happened before. Usually you will find one or two things in the plot that you don’t feel bring the book justice, or just ruin the pace of the book. I cant name one. The whole aroma surrounding the book; the rich attractive guys, the private schools and mansions, the found families, and love triangles. The mystery and thriller, mixed with romance and friendships: it’s just utter perfection.
The last thing I want to say, is the reason I upped the rating for this book compared to the first one ‘the inheritance games’, is I really felt like Avery was becoming like her own character. She wasn’t this 2D girl, who could replicate any female protagonist in a basic romance story. She had depth, she had a personality, she was interesting and fun, and just someone I could really enjoy reading in the perspective of. This was really the game changer for me in terms of my rating.
Anyway, GO READ THE INHERITANCE GAMES RIGHT ABOUT F**CKING NOW!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death and Death of parent
Minor: Drug use and Miscarriage