Book Review: Glorious Rivals (The Grandest Game, #2) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
As I dove into Glorious Rivals, the second installment in Jennifer Lynn Barnes’ much-loved series, I felt a connection to the world of riddles, family drama, and complex emotions that I so eagerly anticipated. Barnes has a knack for weaving intricate puzzles into her narratives, and I was ready to unravel the tension between Lyra and Grayson—two characters I grew to care for deeply. However, after closing the book, I found myself grappling with mixed feelings and a few gripes that I didn’t quite expect.
First off, let’s talk about our guiding stars in this universe: Lyra and Grayson. Their relationship is a beautiful paradox, steeped in complexity and warmth. The quote, “you were wrong. I would choose you, Lyra—not over my family but as a part of it,” succinctly captures their deep bond and adds layers to their character development. I found myself rooting for them, wanting their connection to flourish despite the chaos surrounding them.
The central theme of family, loyalty, and the burdens that come with love resonate throughout the book. However, as thrilling as the mysteries are, I often found myself more invested in Lyra and Grayson’s dynamic than the riddles themselves. While I appreciated Barnes’ genius in crafting these puzzles—seriously, how does she think of them?—there were times when the intricacies took me out of the story. It was as if I’d taken a step back, losing sight of the overarching narrative to focus on characters who were far more engaging.
Despite the moments of brilliance, I must admit that Glorious Rivals fell a bit flat for me. I expected more from my most-anticipated release of the year, and ultimately found it to be somewhat "meh." Sections from Rohan’s point of view occasionally felt tedious, pulling me away from the emotional heart of the story. As I raced through the pages, I reveled in Lyra and Grayson’s points of view but skimmed through Rohan like I was trying to speed past a dull lecture.
And let’s talk about Jameson. Oh boy, did he frustrate me. His emotional outbursts felt misplaced, especially when he projected his trauma onto Grayson and Lyra. I found myself yelling at the pages, “It’s NOT their fault!” His arc felt like a rollercoaster ride of unjustified anger, which, while understandable given his past, felt overly harsh in the context of their relationship. The fallout was something I was not prepared for, feeling more like a plot device than a realistic family conflict.
That said, I loved the moments of levity, especially Gigi’s hilarious quips and her dynamic with Slate. Their “grumpy x sunshine” vibe provides a delightful counterbalance to the intense emotional drama around Lyra and Grayson, and I can’t help but hope for more of them in the next book.
In conclusion, while Glorious Rivals has left me with a tangled web of feelings, it will surely resonate with fans of the series eager to explore deeper character dynamics. If you’re drawn to narratives that mix intricate puzzles with messy relationships—where love often comes alongside turmoil—you might find joy in this book. Personally, though I have my reservations, the journey through Grayson and Lyra’s love against the backdrop of family secrets has genuinely impacted me. I eagerly await the next chapter in this gripping saga, hoping that we see our beloved characters find their way to happiness, however rocky that road may be.
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