I’m always looking for the next great read. Sometimes, I am always on the hunt for the next great novel. I would be remiss if I didn’t take the time to share some I’ve found recently. Let’s get into it!
“The Inheritance Games” by Jennifer Lynn Barnes:
A very risky gamble. Four brothers. One inheritance. No one is safe.
“The Inheritance Games” is the first book in a trilogy by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. The series is a mystery-romance.
“The Inheritance Games” is the story of Avery Grambs. When her mother dies suddenly, her half sister takes her in. One day, a mysterious stranger shows up and tells Avery that she is set to inherit the funds left behind from Tobias Hawthorne. She is expected to go to his home and compete in a set of trials. She is also expected to stay at the house… with the family of the man who left her his future. Avery agrees.
Overnight, Avery goes from a nobody to one of the richest and most famous people in the world. Everything seems to be going perfectly for her. She is rich, smart, incredible home, security, two possible love interests. What could go wrong? A lot.
Now that Avery has everything she could ever dream of, she is faced with the darker side of fame and fortune. She realizes there are many people out to get her, and bring the entire Hawthorne family down in the process.
I started the first novel of the “ Inheritance Games” on a car ride to Syracuse, NY. Needless to say, I could not have put this book down if my life depended on it. The characters, the plot, the romance, the scenery, the plot twists. It was all completely captivating. I was hooked from the start.
“The Inheritance Games” is for the mystery lovers, for the romance lovers, for those who wish they had just a little more adventure in their lives and of course, it is for those willing to place a bet on a very risky gamble.
“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” by Suzanne Collins:
I first read the original Hunger Games series when I was 11 years old. At that time, I loved them, but I didn’t understand the truths they held in terms of societal commentary.
“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” is the story of Coriolanus Snow, the future President of Panem, beginning when he is just 18. As a Capital citizen, he has been asked in his final year of Academy to be a mentor in the Hunger Games. His tribute is Lucy Gray Baird, a spirited girl from District 12.
“The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes” gives insight into why Snow is the way he is in the original series. It also explains why he despised Katniss Everdeen and all she stands for.
One thing I particularly adored about the novel was the lyrics from Collins. Throughout the story, Lucy Gray sings many songs, and Collins puts in the lyrics to them all. My favorite song is “The Ballad of Lucy Gray Baird.” During her interview for sponsors, she sings her ballad which tells of her life before the games. However, there are some things she has left unfinished back in District 12. “Too bad I’m the bet that you lost in the reaping” she sings. I’ve always had a passion for lyrics. It combines my two favorite things: music and words. The foreshadowing of the lyrics make this song extra special.
In truth, the reason I love The Hunger Games series is due to the topic of society, as well as moral corruption. I chose to look at the series not as a ‘fun time,’ but as a lesson to be learned.
“Belladonna” by Adalyn Grace:
For years I put off reading “Belladonna.” I was nervous I wasn’t going to enjoy the storyline, or it would be boring. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I fell in love with the story.
“Belladonna” follows Signa, a girl who has spent her life evading death. Even when she should’ve died, it didn’t happen. Now, as she is about to make her debut into society, she begins to realize how different she truly is. But when disaster strikes and she has to go live with her distant relations, she discovers that her purpose is more than just becoming a debutante.
The story is a perfect blend of mystery, romance, humor and paranormal activity. From start to finish, the book kept me on my toes. I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next for our characters.
My favorite character was Death himself. There was something about his broodiness and energy that just drew me in. I was also intrigued by his way of viewing life and death. He brought forth an interesting perspective I had never taken the time to look at before.
I have yet to read the next novel in the series, but I cannot wait to get into it. I have a feeling it will be even better than the first one.
