*POTENTIAL SPOILERS AHEAD! IF YOU HAVEN’T READ, “The Inheritance Games” don’t read this review as some spoilers might be mentioned!

Picking right back up from the ending of the first book, Avery wasn’t out of the woods just yet. With more clues and mysteries afoot within the Hawthorne household, she was in for another ride of uncovering secrets, and possibly unearthing a big mystery that might lead Avery into even more dangerous waters than before. 

The way the last book ended definitely left more unanswered questions for Avery (myself included), but also set up the stage for other characters and their own motives for this next book. With the revelation that Toby Hawthorne was actually the man named, Harry, who Avery had played chess with in the park, it seemed like too much of a coincidence that she happened upon the long lost (believed to be dead) youngest Hawthorne son of Tobias Hawthorne. Just when Avery and the Hawthorne boys believed they had solved the mystery in the last book, it seems like grandfather dearest wasn’t quite done with his little mystery game with the family. With Avery and Jameson each trying to find out more about Toby and all the possible information surrounding him, it seemed like another mystery was afoot, and yet Avery had even bigger things to worry about such as, threats against her, and her deadbeat father trying to get into contact with her (most likely to get money from Avery). Once again, Jennifer Lynn Barnes crafted a tantalizing story that left me turning the pages as fast as I could, and didn’t want to leave any stone unturned when it came to solving the mystery alongside Avery and the boys. 

One of the things I love about this series is the pacing of the storyline. The way Jennifer Lynn Barnes wrote this book was not only fascinating and intriguing, but I always got so caught up in the story that before I knew it I had zoomed through a good chunk of chapters. In addition, the chapters are fairly short so it makes reading the book overall quick. I would say if you’ve in a reading slump or looking for an adventurous, fun book to read, this is definitely a book/ series you should check out. In the time that I’m writing this review, I finished the first book of the series within two days and immediately jumped into reading this book. This book/series is always delivering new clues, truths, mystery, and so much more that it’s never a dull moment while reading. I honestly don’t know how Jennifer did it coming up with all the intricacies to the plot, but wow she was a mastermind coming up with everything!

In the last book, I thought the stakes were high, but nope! This book definitely upped the stakes even more than I originally thought. With Avery’s father coming into the fold through apparently hooking up with Skye (Hawthorne boys mom), the level of threats increasing, Avery couldn’t catch a break. There was always something around the corner that Avery had to deal with, and it added more to the level of drama and danger to her world. Even with known threats that Avery knew of, there was always something else or someone lurking in the shadows.

Now in terms of romance, again I see the romance as more of a subplot since the mystery has always been the forefront of this series. The love triangle between Avery, Jameson, and Grayson was a bit more prominent this time around. Personally I feel like I’m more inclined towards a specific character for Avery to be with (ahem team Jameson), but in this book, I could see that she was starting to feel a bit more for each guy. Grayson, originally not liking Avery, this time around was more protective of her. Jameson still being his charming self naturally gravitated towards Avery. Avery had different dynamics with Jameson and Grayson, each brought out something in her that normally she would have kept guarded. 

With each new clue uncovered, there was more clarity as to why Avery was chosen, how she truly was connected to everything, and more importantly the truth behind her parents. In my mind, I started formulating a mind map of how Avery was connected, who she was related to, and all the clues. This book had me going back and forth trying to make sure I understand all the twists and turns. Simply put, I wouldn’t have imagine all the twists and truths that were revealed in this book, but once again Jennifer did a fantastic job leaving me wanting more, and writing all the details.

Overall, another great book in this series. From Avery being an intelligent, strong lead to each of the Hawthorne boys bringing their own personalities to the story, and the intricate levels to the ever growing mystery surrounding the Hawthorne household, I’m always in awe of the new story. Once again, the stakes were raised, and I was shocked at every twist and turn. By the end, I could not believe it! Once again, I would strongly recommend this book as it never gets old, and it’s so much fun to read. I liked how this book ended, with a little dash of romance for Avery (whoop whoop!), but knowing there’s still another book, I know the fun isn’t over just yet. GAME ON!