So, The Inheritance Games series… yeah, it’s one of those book series that kind of sneaks up on you. You start reading it thinking it’s just another YA mystery, and then suddenly you’re deep into puzzles, family secrets, and billionaires with way too many hidden agendas the inheritance games series.
Written by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, this series has become super popular with readers who enjoy mystery, drama, and a bit of romance mixed together. Nothing too heavy, but still very addictive.
If you’re confused about the reading order, or wondering how many books are in The Inheritance Games series, don’t worry. We’ll go step by step in a very simple way.
What Is The Inheritance Games Series About?
At the center of the story is a girl named Avery Grambs. She’s just living a normal life… or trying to. Then suddenly, everything changes.
A billionaire she doesn’t even know leaves her almost his entire fortune. That alone sounds weird, right? But it gets even stranger.
To get the inheritance, Avery has to move into a massive mansion called Hawthorne House. And this place is not normal at all. It’s full of secret rooms, coded messages, hidden clues… and a very complicated family.
The Hawthorne family is not exactly happy with Avery’s arrival. Because, well, she basically took their inheritance.
So yeah, the whole story becomes a mix of:
- mystery solving
- family drama
- hidden secrets
- puzzles and clues
- emotional tension
- and a little bit of romance too
It’s a lot going on, but in a fun way.
The Inheritance Games Series Order (Simple Reading Guide)
One of the most common questions is the inheritance games series order. And honestly, it matters. Because the story builds up book by book.
Here’s the correct order:
| Order | Book Name | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Inheritance Games | 2020 |
| 2 | The Hawthorne Legacy | 2021 |
| 3 | The Final Gambit | 2022 |
| 4 | The Brothers Hawthorne | 2023 |
| 5 | Games Untold | 2024 |
So if you’re starting, just begin from Book 1. Don’t jump around. You’ll miss a lot of context if you do.
How Many Books Are in The Inheritance Games Series?
Another big question people ask is how many books are in The Inheritance Games series.
Right now, there are 5 main books connected to the universe:
- The Inheritance Games
- The Hawthorne Legacy
- The Final Gambit
- The Brothers Hawthorne
- Games Untold
Some people count them as a main trilogy plus extra companion books. But honestly, it all connects into one big story world.
And maybe, just maybe, more books could come in the future. Nothing is officially confirmed though.
Book 1: The Inheritance Games
This is where everything starts.
Avery Grambs suddenly inherits a billionaire’s fortune from Tobias Hawthorne, a man she never met. Weird situation, right?
But there’s a condition. She has to live in Hawthorne House for a year.
Inside the mansion, she meets the Hawthorne grandsons. And they are not exactly welcoming. They think Avery is hiding something… or maybe she’s part of a bigger plan.
This book sets the whole mystery in motion.
It’s like opening a puzzle box and realizing there are 100 more inside.
Book 2: The Hawthorne Legacy
Now things start getting deeper.
Avery is still in Hawthorne House, but more secrets start coming out. Some things about Tobias Hawthorne’s past don’t add up anymore.
And honestly, the more she learns, the more confusing everything becomes.
The Hawthorne family also starts showing more layers. They are not just rich boys fighting over money. There’s history, pain, and a lot of hidden motives.
This book feels like peeling an onion. One layer at a time.
Book 3: The Final Gambit
This is where things start getting serious.
A lot of answers finally come together, but not in a simple way. You think you understand the story… and then it twists again.
Avery is closer to the truth now, but also in more danger.
There are decisions to make, secrets to uncover, and honestly, a lot of emotional moments too.
This book feels like a turning point in the series.
Book 4: The Brothers Hawthorne
This one shifts a bit.
Instead of focusing only on Avery, we also see more of the Hawthorne brothers themselves.
And that’s actually really interesting.
Because these characters are not just side roles. They each have their own stories, problems, and choices that shaped them.
You start understanding them more as individuals, not just “the rich guys from the mansion.”
It adds more depth to the whole series.
Book 5: Games Untold
This book feels a bit different compared to the others.
It expands the world and gives extra stories and details that fans were curious about. Think of it like bonus content, but still important in many ways.
It fills gaps, adds perspectives, and gives more background into the Hawthorne universe.
If you’re already attached to the characters, this book is kind of like “okay, here’s more.”
And most readers appreciate that.
Why This Series Became So Popular
There are a lot of YA mystery books out there, but this one stands out for a few reasons.
1. Constant puzzles and clues
It’s not just reading. You’re also trying to figure things out.
2. Fast-paced story
No boring long stretches. Something is always happening.
3. Strong character dynamics
The Hawthorne family drama keeps things interesting.
4. Emotional moments
It’s not just mystery. There are feelings involved too.
5. Easy to read style
The writing is simple, smooth, and very bingeable.
Main Characters (Quick Look)
Avery Grambs
She’s the outsider who suddenly gets pulled into a billionaire’s world. Smart, calm, and surprisingly strong under pressure.
Jameson Hawthorne
Risk-taker. Loves puzzles. Always a bit unpredictable.
Grayson Hawthorne
More controlled, serious, and protective. He doesn’t trust easily.
Xander Hawthorne
Creative and a little chaotic, but in a good way.
Nash Hawthorne
Grounded and more practical compared to others.
Each one adds something different to the story.
Reading Experience (What It Feels Like)
Reading The Inheritance Games series is kind of like:
- solving a mystery
- watching a drama unfold
- and playing a puzzle game at the same time
Sometimes you think you figured it out… and then nope, you didn’t.
That’s part of the fun.
It’s not a slow book series. It moves quickly, and you kind of get pulled into it without realizing.
Table: Series at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Genre | YA Mystery / Drama |
| Main Theme | Inheritance, secrets, puzzles |
| Setting | Hawthorne House |
| Main Protagonist | Avery Grambs |
| Writing Style | Simple, fast-paced |
| Books | 5 main books |
FAQs About The Inheritance Games series
What is The Inheritance Games series about?
It follows Avery Grambs, a girl who inherits a billionaire’s fortune and gets involved in a mysterious family puzzle.
What is The Inheritance Games series order?
Start with The Inheritance Games, then read The Hawthorne Legacy, The Final Gambit, The Brothers Hawthorne, and Games Untold.
How many books are in The Inheritance Games series?
There are currently 5 main books in the series.
Do I need to read them in order?
Yes, definitely. The story builds step by step.
Is it more mystery or romance?
Mostly mystery, but there is some romance mixed in.
Conclusion
The Inheritance Games series is one of those stories that’s easy to start and hard to stop.
It has puzzles, secrets, characters with layers, and a storyline that keeps pulling you forward. If you enjoy mystery with a bit of drama and emotional depth, this series is worth reading.
And once you start… well, don’t be surprised if you end up reading all the books one after another.
