Jennifer Lynn Barnes, an exemplary writer of young adult novels, spoils her readers with a few more tales of the Hawthorne family that are bound to set you off on a shopping spree.
A professor at the University of Oklahoma, who teaches psychology, and a rewarding writer creating the most intriguing tales, Barnes is an American author who writes young adult, fictional books. She is often recognized as the author of The Inheritance Games and The Naturals, which are known to be her most popular series. Her books revolve around mysteries, cliffhangers, and twists and turns to leave readers wanting more.
The Inheritance Games is a mystery thriller novel. Barnes released this series in 2020, and it has been circulating the internet ever since.
The story follows Avery Kylie Grambs, an orphaned –yet clever girl for her age–who is determined to step out of her unfortunate life in her car by making it her utmost priority to succeed in school. All of a sudden, when billionaire Tobias Hawthorne unexpectedly leaves his fortune to Avery in his will, it seems that life may be worth living now.
However, when a stranger leaves you all of their money for no apparent reason, it’s best to question why. Four brothers–grandsons who were destined to have it all, are forced to introduce Avery to their home and uncover the old man’s sinister locks and clues to every part of their life.
The sequel to this book, The Hawthorne Legacy, was released a year later in 2021. Later on, the book caught on fire through millions of copies sold. This led to another book, The Final Gambit, which was first sold in 2022. As one can tell, Barnes is constantly writing to keep her readers up to date with the adventures of Avery Kylie Grambs.
However, it’s not all surprising that recently a connecting series to The Inheritance Games was released in July.
“The Grandest Game is out. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. Here’s to masquerade balls, cliffs, helicopters, puzzles, riddles, games, mysteries, and romance!” Barnes wrote on Instagram.
The Grandest Game follows seven characters that participate in an annual competition hosted by yours truly, Avery Kylie Grambs. It takes place after The Brothers Hawthorne, which is the fourth and final book of The Inheritance Games.
Later, Barnes made another shocking announcement, that a set of novellas in another book was soon to be released in November, called Games Untold. She uncovered this secret less than a week after releasing The Grandest Game, which left readers wondering what could get better than that.
“This has been my only saving grace recently! That I don’t have to wait very long for Jameson and Avery! And we get Libby and Nash content??” a user commented on her post.
Games Untold is a set of short stories that feature the many romantic, thrilling, and adventurous experiences of several characters. These stories may take place at any time throughout the series.
“It is the most romantic thing I have ever written. It is also the funniest, fluffiest, AND most tragic thing I have ever written, in turns,” Barnes stated in an Instagram post. “I CANNOT WAIT!”
It doesn’t stop here though. You guessed it: yet another book is added to Barnes’ winning streak. Glorious Rivals, the second book of The Grandest Game series, was announced on Instagram, weeks before Games Untold makes it into the hands of the author’s readers who are in angst about this arrival. This book is planned to be released in July 2025. The cover is yet to be revealed but Barnes has made it clear that her readers are in for a treat.
Barnes also hints that there will be, in fact, a book three on its way after Glorious Rivals, which would mark the end of the second series of The Inheritance Games.
“(1) Book 2 of the Grandest Game now has a title (Glorious Rivals). (2) And yes, there will also be a book 3,” Barnes states in another post.
Barnes has made such a grand entrance to her new series that her readers are just as excited as she is. Her Instagram posts highlight many clues and upcoming characters that are being featured in her new collection.
Often, Barnes will post information about her books through “The Hawthorne Vault”, which provides sneak peeks into what will be in the upcoming book. When the vault is unlocked, character cards and stories are often revealed. The Grandest Game followed by Games Untold both featured a thrilling start for their readers.
Barnes is excited to make an exhilarating comeback with The Grandest Game series. Readers are more than ready to go on adventures and figure out cold cases with the Hawthornes.
