Overview
What if a billionaire you’d never met left you his entire fortune? That’s the question behind The Inheritance Games, the first book in Jennifer Lynn Barnes’ bestselling young adult mystery series. Avery Grambs is a smart, scrappy high schooler just trying to get by when she learns she’s inherited billions from Tobias Hawthorne, a stranger. The catch is that she has to move into his sprawling mansion, Hawthorne House, alongside the family he left out of his will, including his four grandsons.
What follows is a twisty, puzzle-packed mystery as Avery works to figure out why she was chosen. The series took off on TikTok and has sold over six million copies worldwide. It’s also coming to the screen. Lionsgate Television has announced it will adapt the series into a TV show, produced by Temple Hill Entertainment, so expect even more kids to be curious about it.
So, is The Inheritance Games okay for your child to read? For most tweens and teens, yes. Here’s what parents should know.
Harmful Content ❗️
The book is a mystery-thriller, so danger and suspense drive much of the plot. Avery faces threats to her safety as she gets closer to the truth, and there are tense moments where she’s in real danger. The story also references the death of a teen girl from the Hawthorne family’s past, which hangs over several characters.
Parents should also know that Avery’s older sister, Libby, is in an abusive relationship with her boyfriend. It’s handled briefly and the book is clear that his behavior is wrong, but it may prompt questions from younger readers.
Language
There’s some mild to moderate profanity, but it’s infrequent and nothing beyond what’s typical for YA fiction.
Sex
There’s no sexual content. Romance is a big part of the story, with Avery caught between two of the Hawthorne brothers, but it stays at flirting, tension, and kissing.
Violence
Violence is mostly suspense-driven rather than graphic. Avery is targeted by someone who wants her out of the picture, including being shot at, and the book references domestic violence involving Libby. None of it is described in gory detail.
Positive Value 💫
The Inheritance Games is a great pick for kids who love puzzles, riddles, and mysteries. Readers get to solve clues alongside Avery, which keeps them engaged and thinking critically the whole way through.
Avery is also a strong, relatable main character. She grew up without much money, and the book explores how wealth and privilege shape the way people treat each other. Her loyalty to her sister and her determination to stay true to herself, even when her life changes overnight, are great conversation starters for families.
So, should my kid read it?
Yes! The Inheritance Games is a fun, clever mystery that’s a good fit for readers 12 and up. If your child is on the younger end, it’s worth a quick chat about the abusive relationship storyline and the book’s moments of danger.
