Book Review: The Final Gambit by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

This the book cover for The Final Gambit by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Short Description

Avery's birthday is approaching, and soon, she will inherit all of Tobias Hawthorne's fortune. But before she can rejoice, a shocking figure appears at the gates, Eve. The news she brings is not good at all. Along with unpleasant news, she brings a new puzzle from a new powerful enemy. The games begin again as Avery and the Hawthorne brothers try to solve each confusing clue that digs deeper into the truth behind Tobias Hawthorne. However, time is running out, and danger lurks around the corner. Will Avery be able to win this one last game?

(Read the official synopsis on Amazon or Goodreads)

Review

First Thoughts

I'm going to be honest; when I saw Eve's name in the synopsis, I sighed since I thought I would be reading the cliché drama that such an introduction would accompany. However, I was surprised and even blown away by the direction this story took. I didn't expect how the plot unfolded, but then again, I hardly can with this trilogy.

Plot

The Final Gambit is the third book in The Inheritance Games Trilogy. As the last book (or it was until the author decided to make a second series) the way it would wrap up the previous books would shape my thoughts about the trilogy as a whole. To say I was nervous was an understatement, I loved the last two books and the characters too much to sit through a butchered ending. However, I could not have been more pleasantly surprised.

We follow our heiress, Avery, as usual, as she's faced with a new and powerful threat. Eve has shown up at her doorstep, and things seem to be falling apart. In addition to that, her birthday is approaching, and soon, the Hawthorne fortune will be hers. Eve brings devastating news, and Avery cannot help but fear for the worst. In this tale, we have new enemies, puzzles, and secrets to uncover.

As usual, I was feverishly turning pages to keep up with all the secrets that were being uncovered and the way they were being discovered. That's one thing I've liked about this whole series, it's so different from any other story I've read. Tobias Hawthorne's cryptic genius is on full display in this book as Avery attempts to solve clues from two powerful individuals to protect the people she cares about.

I also loved how each relationship was tackled in this trilogy and specifically in this book. I've probably already mentioned how much I love Nash and Libby's relationship so I won't bore you with more gushing, but Xander and Max are adorable too. The relationship that has grown immensely on me, however, is Avery and Jameson's relationship. For anyone who feels that Avery made the wrong choice, I wonder if you've truly understood just how much Avery and Jameson have supported and bettered each other. I love reading about their interactions in this book especially.

I'm always getting floored away by how far Tobias Hawthorne was able to guess and theorize about possible future events. It's like he's thought of everything, and everyone else is just an actor in the play he's orchestrated. There was never a dull moment in this book or the two that came before it. Also, thankfully, the school scenes were minimal in this book, so I enjoyed it a lot more. I never did understand the importance of those scenes, if I'm being honest. I also love that Thea and Rebecca were finally stepping up and shining in this book. This book encapsulated deeper themes of family, greed, trauma, grief, and disillusion. Every puzzle was exhilarating when solved, and oftentimes, I couldn't guess the answer before it was revealed. Avery was magnificent in this book, and following her journey has been an amazing experience.

Characters

Avery - I love Avery. She's a wonderful character to follow, because she always knows how to rise to the occasion. With constant threats on her life, a regular girl would have bolted ages ago, yet Avery is stubborn and will not be scared off. She's changed a lot since the first book, where she was a little naïve and impulsive. She is excellent at deciphering clues and she is a genius in her own right.

Jameson - I'm tired of people saying that Grayson is the better brother. I confess I was on Team Grayson for a while, but that changed after a certain event in the second book. I'm firmly on the Jameson Train now. I'm just amazed by his character development, he's gone from an enigma to a truly vulnerable and loving person. I hated him in the first book because of how he treated Avery but now I love him for the same reason.

Grayson - We get a closer look into what Grayson really feels in this book. Every book I think ' This boy needs therapy' and this book was no different. Throughout this trilogy, we have seen the veil of otherworldly Hawthorne brilliance slowly disappear and now we've seen the true Grayson, and he wasn't what he seemed in the beginning.

Nash - I love Nash. He is so protective of everyone in his family including Libby and Avery. Without him, Jameson and Grayson would probably kill each other. He's also one of the sweetest but also the most reliable of the Hawthorne brothers. I love reading about his relationship with Libby.

Xander - Xander is probably my favorite Hawthorne brother. He is honestly a mad genius. He is cheerful, clever, and innovative, yet he is also emotional and hides away his insecurities. Xander and Max together are like a storm, tearing down everything in their path.

Eve - Honestly, I was a little hesitant to read this book because of Eve's introduction. I was expecting every cliché drama concerning the inheritance because of her. However, I was pleasantly surprised that Eve was nothing like I expected. Eve is a mystery in some ways and an open book in others. I don't want to say too much, or I'll spoil the book, and I never want to do that.

Tobias Hawthorne - We finally get to the heart of the enigmatic billionaire who's responsible for everything that has happened in these books. This book reveals everything that the old man left for Avery and why he did so.

What I Didn't Like

I loved this book, and I loved the ending, but I just wish we'd gotten a little more about Toby before it ended. Also, I still can't get over how incompetent the security is. I said it in the first book, but it hasn't changed much.

In Summation

I enjoyed this book a lot. I'm so glad I chose to read this series and I've never read a story so unique. If you love exciting twists and turns and amazing plot twists, this book is perfect for you. If like me you're avoiding this book because you've seen Eve's name and fear the expected drama, don't worry I loved this book a lot and I didn't think it was predictable at all. So if you've loved the first two books you'll love this one too. I recommend this book to anyone who loves mystery, romance, plot twists, and treasure hunts