Games Untold (The Inheritance Games, 5)

Games Untold gives us a series of stories to flesh out the world of the Inheritance games. I’m not usually a fan of novellas/anthologies because they always seem to end just as you get settled into the action. Still, this book was different in that it fleshes out relationships and instances we already know about but in a more in-depth and fulfilling way than could be explored in the other books.

That Night in Prague focuses on Jameson and Avery. They engage in a fun cat-and-mouse puzzle-driven love affair that always makes for a fun read. Jameson does end up bloody and with a secret that as a reader I am dying to know because all we get is enticement from this novella. Avery is learning how to trust and not push when she knows she could force him to tell but it would hurt him to do so.

The Same Backward as Forward focuses on Toby Hawthorne and Hannah Rooney's backstory. Even though we know the details seeing it all unfold is enthralling. The intensity of Hannah’s hate and grief and how Toby’s charm and injuries get past her walls to a truly breathtaking star-crossed lovers romance is a chef’s kiss.

The Cowboy and the Goth is a savory down to earth glimpse into the evolving relationship between Nash and Libby. In just a few pages per chapter, we see events through the timeline from Libby’s perspective and the southern charm Nash uses to rope in his girl. It ends with a burning question of whether she’s pregnant or not.

Five Times Xander Tackled Someone (& One Time He Didn’t) is full of the bubbly charm as it outlines the times Xander used tackle hugs to protect his loved ones since he was a toddler. His story is so light and bubbly even when it recounts dark times for the brothers. It ends with a romantic relationship that will be interesting to see develop in future books.

One Hawthorne Night is a series of humiliating stunts Grayson must endure to atone for missing out on a family 911. It had me howling and cringing in equal measure. It was such a delightful read featuring our most serious and emotionally repressed Hawthorne brother.

$3CR3T $@NT@ is the most diabolical cutthroat game of Secret Santa I have ever heard described. I applaud Jennifer Lynn Barnes for taking a mundane tradition and making it the most Hawthorne chef’s kiss of a game I have ever heard of. I was on the edge of my seat with this one.

What Happens In the Treehouse is the most fun-filled example of brotherly love Hawthorne style as the brothers execute a no-holds-barred bachelor party for Nash. With the mischievous minds of the Hawthornes and unlimited money, this was a wonderland of fun and just the right amount of sentiment mixed in to be perfect.

Pain at the Right Gun is the perfect ending to this book. As readers, we were left hanging after the first story about what happened to Jameson. We do find out and get the set up for another book.

Overall, this charming series of stories helped us revisit a world full of fun, mystery, and possibility. It made me laugh and filled me with giddy anticipation. I love that we get page time from the perspectives of supporting characters. These characters feel so real while having an otherworldly magical charm. As it fills in and sets up future stories it is a must-read for fans.