Review By Kayleigh
Kelley Armstrong’s newest YA is perfect for fans of The Inheritance Games and the Truly Devious Series.
Book Synopsis:
In the wake of her mother’s death, Liliana Chamberlain’s estranged (and very wealthy) grandparents swoop in. Or their lawyer does. Her grandparents aren’t ready to meet her, but they want her to have the life her mother walked away from, starting with Westdale Academy, the elite boarding school her mother attended. It should be a Cinderella dream come true, but Lili has serious misgivings. Yet she doesn’t have a choice, being under eighteen and dead broke.
Westdale Academy is a school of secrets as well as intriguing classmates, including Hollywood golden boy Theo Dubois and the mysterious Maddox Moreno. As she gets to know them all, Lili realizes there’s more to the school than elite-level networking. Something deadly.
For the new girl at school, investigating the deaths of past students — including Maddox’s own sister — is a very dangerous game. Do those deaths have something to do with why her mother fled Westdale at the cost of her inheritance?
When a fun night out turns bloody, Theo is the prime suspect, and Liliana must race against time to connect the past with the present and discover the truth behind her inheritance.
Review:
I love a good surprise millionaire, especially when she comes from nothing and discovers a whole secret life waiting for her. Lili is exactly that kind of lady. After the tragic death of her mother, Lili is steps away from living on the streets. When she is pulled from school and sent to a fancy pants school for the children of the wealthy, she has more questions then she can get answers for. Why did her mother leave this school? Why did her parents never connect with her grandparents? Why has there been mysterious deaths in the school both past and present? And are all of these things connected? Lili is struggling with grief, shock and the stress of rebuilding her life and identity based on what she is learning.
Lili also is making friends, and finds a tight circle of other elites who are willing to ask questions. Lili is a strong and passionate character who’s ready to go after what she feels is wrong and look for answers no matter the danger. Luckily, there’s two handsome men, who used to be best friends, who are both looking out for her.
I love a why choose, and I was surprised when I realized that A Deadly Inheritance is a YA why choose. Both Theo and Maddox are complicated characters. They are strong and sensitive as needed. They have layers, a history between them, and some secrets Lili will unravel as she gets to know them both. She can explore her wants and needs in a safe space with two men who are understanding of her and of each other. At the end of the day they both want her safe and protected and loved. This is YA so it is more door closed than steam which is very appropriate for this book.
All in all this was an excellent mystery and a series opener. I can’t wait to follow along Lili’s journey as she explores her past and discovers her future.
Thank you, Tundra Press, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
