The Final Gambit
Ratings240
Average rating4
I liked the first book just fine, but the fact that this is going to be a trilogy is making me hate the series.
So, I’ve finally finished The Final Gambit, the last book in The Inheritance Games series, and… yeah, it was underwhelming. The whole series had potential, but this final book just proved that it never really lived up to it.
This book, like the others, is fast-paced and easy to read. After the halfway mark, it became more interesting than the first two books, and there were a few twists that kept me engaged. The puzzles were a little more creative this time (finally, some variety). The romance was also slightly better, but maybe that’s just because I’ve been reading all three books back to back and got used to it.
But there are a lot of issues. The characters still feel flat and underdeveloped, which made emotional moments fall flat too. The mystery and revelations were mostly predictable. I guessed almost everything before it happened, and when the “big reveals” came, they didn’t feel earned. The family dynamics were all over the place—one moment, something feels important, and the next, it’s brushed aside like it never mattered. No consistency.
The convenience in the puzzles and mysteries was frustrating. Everything was just handed to the characters with minimal effort. Speaking of convenience—how many secret doors does this mansion even have?! Every time something needed to be found, a new secret passageway magically appeared. It became a joke at some point. The ending was the biggest letdown. No tension, no real stakes, no struggle. Everything was just smooth sailing, which made the conclusion feel completely underwhelming.
One of my biggest issues with this whole series is that Avery never truly struggles. Everything works out for her way too easily, which makes the story feel lifeless. The author also spoon-feeds the reader every little detail, as if we’re not capable of figuring things out on our own.
If you’re looking for a light mystery-thriller with a sprinkle of romance, then you might enjoy this. It’s fast-paced, easy to read, and not boring—just don’t expect anything deep, clever, or emotionally gripping. If you’re okay with predictable mysteries, generic characters, and a lack of real stakes, then go for it. But if you want something that truly challenges you or makes you feel something? This series probably isn’t for you.
So, I wasn't a fan of the first half of the book and I still don't think this is anywhere near as good as the previous two, but I'm glad I persevered and finished. At this point, I might actually read the side stories... maybe.
I really thought the romance would go a different way, but I'm happy it didn't– it took me awhile to be happy with it because of how sure I was it would go differently– I just wish this book didn't have such a weird love triangle feel to it. I'm glad all the secrets were answered and with Avery's decision at the end re: the fortune. Just... sad for Toby :(
Will I recommend this series? Considering how much fun I had with the first two books, yes I think I'll continue recommending it.
"You may be tested by the flames, but you need not burn."
rating- 4/5
Fun, fast-paced read that makes you want to keep reading. Honest opinion: was this book needed? Probably not. Do I love it? Nope. But did I still enjoy it? Hell yeah.
The entire Blake plotline did seem sliiiightly contrived BUt, it's fine. It was not terrible.
I liked how it all seemed to fall in place with the chess coming full circle, the poem etcetc & Tobias Hawthorne's message was a good touch because it helped to see things from his pov.
Overall, happy I decided to pick it up but I did take a break in between book 2 & 3 so.., make of that, what you will.
3.5 Stars
“Final Gambit” was a delightful surprise! I went in with moderate expectations, but this book exceeded them. The puzzles were intriguing, and the ending was satisfying - not mind-blowing, but still fun!
As Xander would say, “The game is afoot!” And oh, was it ever! I loved the banter and wit, especially between Xander and Avery. Their dynamic was finally back on track!
Avery, the queen of self-obsession, still had her moments, but this time around, it didn't feel forced. She actually grew on me (a bit): “I'm not a hero, I'm just a girl who's trying to survive.” Same, Avery, same.
The Hawthorne brothers stole the show, as per usual. Jameson, Xander, and Grayson brought the charm and wit. Xander's sass and vulnerability made my heart skip a beat: “I'm not a hero, Avery. I'm just a guy who's trying to survive.
All in all, a solid 3.5 stars! Better than the second book, and a fun conclusion to the series. Not perfect, but a great way to wrap up the story.
“Sometimes the only way to win is to change the game.” Well played, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, well played.
deep exhale
I am blown away. I love how Avery handles things when she finally puts her logical thinking hat on and gets away from the emotional turmoil one.
Although I will admit that the story did get a little predictable in some parts and even disappointing in others - like how the answer to it being Vincent Blake was just a patent number (That's it? It was there the whole time and she took that long to figure it out and still, that was it? Just Nan telling her everything after?)
Still, I would say I truly enjoyed this book and of course, the series as a whole. I will admit that there was that sense of satisfaction that engulfed me after finally putting it down once I was done. (That was guaranteed considering how I finished this book in a single sitting, and the series in a span of two days.)
I felt the drag in some places, and the spinning around the same thing in others, but overall I was quite impressed with the story. I'd probably reread the series someday if I want to douse myself in a world of tricks and puzzles once again.
3.5 rounded down because this was just not it.
it was good don't get me wrong. definitely addictive and consumable in a way that i love jennifer lynn barnes to deliver with the short chapters and first person pov and almost unreliable narrator at times.
but? it just wasn't IT.
the inheritance games got a 3.5 rounded up because it had promise. this gets a 3.5 rounded down because it didn't deliver. it seemed too easy to wrap everything up and im not even quite sure everything IS wrapped up.
i de f i n i t e l y recommend this book series but its not the climatic mega jaw dropping finish that bad blood for the naturals series was. i guess i was expecting that.
have a meme for my thoughts in a single image:
The book had a TON of potential but it fumbled the ending HARD. What was the point of building all this tension and grandiose moments if we solve the big issue in not even 2 full pages. Make it make sense
loved the book but it's not a 6 star book. some things were almost a bit boring, and I didn't enjoy that Toby still didn't agree to return to his family. overall I still love the book series so it's a 5-star because of the series, but alone a 4.5 star book.
This started a little slow but WOW I loved it by the end. I think the adventures of book 1 & 2 just were so good that's why I thought it was slow. Plus there was a time jump that I am never a fan of filling in the gaps. By the end the twists and turns were great. And I loved the ending! I'm usually one to hate an ending. Half of my favorite series have 1 star endings. So bravo on wrapping up this trilogy before we go on to the next stories.
Idk the ending felt a little flat and it was kinda weird to simulate the same love triangle with a girl that died
4.75 stars! This was one of my favorite series that I've read this year. The author is incredibly smart. I'm in love with all of the characters (except the ones we're supposed to hate) I need to read more of this woman's work because this was incredible.
DID NOT FINISH
Meh, I'm giving up on this book. I've been reading it on and off for 6 months. It's fine, but it feels like they keep having the same cycle of issues, wild and elaborate stories.
This book had me feel things that I don't k ow if I have ever felt
I feel like a teenage girl obsessing over her favorite boy band
This book surprised me, I wasn't sure how the series could have a third book but somehow the storyline was unique and purposeful, I was excited to read and enjoyed the fact that this book was significant less “childish” feeling. It continued with the lore and legacy left by the previous entries while at the same time nicely concluded everything.
No es favorito, creo verdaderamente que se merecia un mejor final, si se no a acabado aun la saga sigue otro libro, pero ese final de un año despues me hizo falta algo mas. Pero debo decir que me encanto que el viejo dejara de ser tan idolatrado y en este se profundiza mas en su pasado y en que era obvio de no era una buena persona. Tambien la relación de Avery y Jameson, fue bien manejada y dieron verdaderas razones por las que era mejor ellos dos juntos que ella hubiera estado con Grayson, el aun ko superaba el recuerdo de Emily, no arruinaron un personaje, solo lo hicieron mas humano y profundizaron mas en el y como se sentia, muestra con uno de los hermanos ya se habia soltado de ella ya no vivía siempre en el recuerdo y el otro sigue atado.
Claro que si Grayson merecia algo mejor, pero creo que como estan, estan bien.
4 stars
damn, that was one hell of a ride... i don't have much to say, i enjoyed it, probably my least favorite out of the three, but still nice.
Wat is dit een geweldige serie!!
Ook dit boek was weer ge-wel-dig! Ik heb echt heel erg genoten van dit verhaal. Dat Toby ontvoerd werd vond ik wel een beetje gek eerlijk gezegd. Maar toen kwam Eve. Ik vertrouwde haar niet ofzo. Zeker met alle hints van Tobias “don't trust anyone”. Het ging weer alle kanten op en dat was echt cool! Dat de familie Blake erbij kwam zorgde wel voor meer verwarring bij me. Er waren voor mijn gevoel te veel mensen in dit verhaal, waardoor ik het soms niet meer snapte.
Maar deze boeken zijn mega doordacht. Alles is tot in de puntjes uitgewerkt. Van de namen A very risky gamble, tot de hele stamboom en de connecties. Ik kan alleen maar zeggen dan Jennifer hele goede boeken schrijft en alles!
Wel jammer dat dit het laatste boek in de triologie is, maar ze eigenlijk een open einde laat. Ik snap wel dat ze dan op een andere manier naar dit verhaal kan kijken (dus bijvoorbeeld boeken kan schrijven over “the Grandest Game”), maar toch hoopte ik echt op een gesloten einde. Gelukkig weten we nu wel hoe alles zit met Avery!