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I love complicated families and this one has a doozy of one in the center! I love the magic, the world buliding, and the characters. I don't usually care about which POV a book has but I must say I liked the multiple POVs we had in this book because it provided a more nuanced view of the events.

Would absolutely recommend!

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Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was full of so many twists and turns. I really enjoyed Nora and Lotte as main characters. Both were an amazing team and a force to be reckoned with during these trials. The trails in this book were great especially as there was no knowing when they would begin. The magic in this book was very unique and different. I really enjoyed this story and cannot wait for the next book in the series.

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Thank you to NetGalley and Viking Books for an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review!!

Nora is an orphan now. Her father long dead but her mother more recently has made her so. The Holtzfall family is without an heir and Nora is the most likely successor, but not without a little competition. Nora is pitted against her cousins in a magical competition called the Veritaz. Just when she thought she would have it in the bag, a new competitor enters the ring. Lotte believed she was an orphan for sixteen years when suddenly she is snatched up and dragged to the city. She’s informed she is the daughter of the Holtzfall family and is now required to compete to prove her worth. With the trials already throwing her into danger, Lotte must also dodge death from her now found cousins as well.

This book was okay! It wasn’t the best thing I’ve read and unfortunately didn’t do anything that gave it a wow factor. The plot was pretty predictable and the magic system had no real structure to it. The read was enjoyable though! It’s easy to follow and was interesting enough for me to continue. Overall I’ve decided on a 3/5 stars.

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Fantasy,family,trials,drama,twists,mystery and romance.
Many good characters.
An intriguing story.
Voluntarily reviewed.

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4.5 stars, raised to a 5!

Wow, what a stellar book! I am absolutely hooked on this plot and magic system; I feel like it's been a while since we've had a fresh story like this one enter the YA fantasy world! The best way that I can describe this book is like if The Inheritance Games and The Hunger Games paired together to create this new fantasy story--definitely a series that will and SHOULD capture readers!

In the world of The Notorious Virtues, the magic, power, and money are all controlled by one family, which makes for a cut-throat dynamic among the family members. Very quickly we find out that the heiress to the family fortune has been murdered, which forces the family members to enter into the Veritaz Trials, a high-stakes competition for the throne where only one person can become the heir. Enter all the family drama, especially when a mysterious family members appears to compete in the trials and claim what has been denied to her for years.

This was a fast-paced story that left me wanting to know more--I cannot wait for book two, and I will be encouraging all my students to read this!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Young Readers Group and Viking Books for Young Readers for a digital copy of this book, and the chance to read and review it! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Kind of 'meh' for me. I had a hard time getting into the story, and I got distracted so much that it took forever to finish.

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The Notorious Virtues is an intriguing pivot from Alwyn Hamilton’s Rebel of the Sands series—trading desert rebels for decadent power struggles in a world of luxury, secrets, and sorcery. The book blends a magical heir competition with a sharp critique of privilege, all wrapped in a glamorous, almost Gatsby-esque setting.

Lorelei is a compelling lead: fierce, flawed, and refreshingly self-aware. Her struggle to prove her worth in a family that values image over substance kept me hooked, especially as the magical trials grew darker and the stakes more personal. Hamilton’s writing is sharp and stylish, and the world she’s built—equal parts opulence and occult—is irresistibly rich.

The mystery aspect adds a nice twist, though the plot occasionally gets tangled in its own complexity. Some side characters felt more like archetypes than fully developed figures, and I wished for a bit more emotional depth in a few key moments.

Still, this is a gripping start to what promises to be a twisty, high-stakes series. Fans of magic-infused intrigue, secret societies, and ambitious heroines will find plenty to love here.

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I enjoyed this fantasy mixed with a fairy tale. Really liked Nora and August and the competition. It was a little slow at times and there are a lot of people to keep track of. Of course it ends on a cliff hanger

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This book was such a fun mix of family scheming, morally questionable rich kids, ancient oaths, and over-the-top high society chaos. Imagine a world of heiresses, champagne, and cousins who are definitely not playing fair. You truly can’t trust anyone—everyone’s out for themselves.

The Verity Trials were super interesting—each one tested a “virtue” (though let’s be real, most of the characters are lacking in that department).I also really enjoyed the bits of ancient family history woven in—especially the legends about the knights and their oaths. It added some depth to all the glitz and betrayal. It ends on a cliffhanger and now I need to know what happens next.

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The global mythology that permeated this book was one that I truly enjoyed. We heard the story from four different voices in addition to the chapters that told the ancestors' stories, and I ended up enjoying them all. Admittedly, I didn't like them all at first, but I eventually warmed up to them. Lotte, a beaten servant who was bred in a convent, is taken away and informed that her family is the wealthy rulers of the entire country. Although Nora has always been the heiress, a new trial must be held to determine who is the most honorable and deserving member of her family after her mother is unexpectedly killed.

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Once upon a time, a kind woodcutter living on the outskirts of the tiny village of Walstad spared the life of a magical Huldrekall by choosing not to chop down her tree. As a reward for his kindness and honor, the Huldrekall gave him a magical axe, that would allow him to create a space of safety from the dangerous creatures of the wood. Hundreds of years later, the magic of Holtzfall family, the descendants of the woodcutter, continues to protect the city of Walstad, and the family has grown rich and powerful from their access to magic. The heir to the family is chosen by a trial of virtues, created by the Huldrekall. After the death of Nora’s mother, the previous heir, the time for a new trial has arrived. Despite her party girl reputation, quick-thinking Nora is certain she will best her envious cousins in the trials, but her confidence is shaken by two pieces of news. The first is that she has another cousin, Lotte, who has been living a harsh life in a convent in the country, with no knowledge of her family, until she is brought to the Holtzfall estate for the trials. The second is that Nora’s mother’s death was not a mugging; it was murder. Switching between viewpoints, the story follows Nora’s search for her mother’s killer and Lotte’s desperate attempts to earn her place in her newly found family. Set in a 1930s Hollywood-esque world of glamor and excess, the fantasy framework of the story will draw in readers of Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen series, while Nora’s quest for answers, combined with the trials, will appeal to fans of The Inheritance Games.

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Truly had no idea what to expect coming into this and was pleasantly surprised! It took me a bit to pick up fully on the magic system and family dynamics, but it gives the vibes of Inheritance Games but with magic and for girls. Nora and Lotte's perspectives were both so interesting, and the world and challenges were very engaging. Can't wait for the next one to come out!

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5+++ stars = Best of the best

I don't know that I could have designed a more perfect book for myself. Fairytale elements in the world building, magic, family secrets, a mystery to solve, young women finding themselves and their power, twist after twist, a story I didn't want to put down. Highly recommend! (Some language)

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A HUGE thank you to NetGalley for this ARC! I was so shocked! Cover is beautiful and story is too! Multiple POVS, magic, deadly trials… romance! Secrets! And more!

A fast paced and easy to follow story. It was a mix of all of my favorites! You can Alwyn put her heart into this one. It was so good! I can’t wait to re read and for the rest of the series to come out! Might have to purchase a book trophy too because this one is SO pretty!

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I finally finished reading The notorious virtues by Alwyn Hamilton and omg what an ending?!! Although this wasn't my favorite book I read but it was still enjoyable nonetheless.
This novel is a first of a ya fantasy trilogy from penguin teen and thank you to them for sending me an awesome pr box! Along with a physical arc of course, it took me a while to read this one because it was a 500+ page number book! I also didn't love that it was multiple pov book which got me confusing but i did enjoy the setting. If u love the hunger games check out this novel. It was fun I was intrugied by more characters than other and the ending was intersting and sadly there is no news for book 2 yet.
Overall, I really enjoyed it! Not the best or my favorite but still fun to read and could've been shorter but overall 3.5/5 stars!(:

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There were a whole bunch of info-dumping paragraphs in this one, and yet I still don't have any idea what this system of magic is supposed to be. And it's all based around a...magical axe? Given to one person by a...dryad? What???

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What a wild ride The Notorious Virtues was. Once I got hooked, I didn't put this book down until I was done (4:30 in the morning, anyone?).

I'll admit, it did take me a minute to get into the book. It had nothing to do with the writing or the plot or the world (all of which were superb), but everything to do with the characters. I did not like Nora and Lotte to the point where I seriously considered stopping. I honestly don't think I can explain why I didn't like them so much, but it mostly had to do with their personalities rubbing me the wrong way. How both of them managed to do that is beyond me, but I was not enjoying myself for the first couple of chapters because of them.

But then something changed. It was like a switch flipped in the characters (or maybe it was me), and suddenly I was all in. I could not get enough of this story. Is the next one out yet? I need it.

I only took off a star because I didn't enjoy the first part, and some of the world-building was unclear. (It took me an absurd amount of time to realize this was a fantasy roaring 20s. Why that didn't connect sooner, I have no idea.) Otherwise? I loved this book. The magic was fascinating, the world was lush, the characters grew on me, and the plot (though a bit slow) was gripping. Ugh. Seriously, I could not devour this fast enough.

And let me take a moment to mention the trials. I have never read trials like these before, and I was here for it. They weren't fighting to the death. No. They were tested on their morals. Who has the most compassion? Patience? Who is the most honest? I was not expecting that at all, but it was great.

That cliffhanger was brutal, and I need the next book immediately. The Notorious Virtues is a thick one, but well worth every moment.

I received an advanced copy of The Notorious Virtues from Netgalley and the publisher and am leaving this review voluntarily.

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I'm a HUGE SUCKER for a trials trope book! So when I first got this ARC I was super excited and was getting like Hunger Games meets The Inheritance Games meets Knives Out!!

When I started reading this book, it was a little hard for me to get into this book and understand the world and the magic.... BUT ONCE IT PICKED UP I WAS IN!!!

I was pleasantly surprised with the different POVS and obviously I was 100% rooting for my girl Lotte!! Loved her and Nora's character growth. There were some lines/quotes that I didn't vibe with and felt a little bit offensive BUT that was just my opinion :)

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(I received an ARC from Netgalley. This is my unbiased review)

The Notorious Virtues is a book that collects and combines fairy tales, family struggles, secrets, and trials of the richest family in Walstad. Honora "Nora" Holtzfall is a sixteen year old girl with a sharp mind and a carefree spirit. Nora never had a worry up until the moment that her mother is brutally murdered in the streets. Her mother's death triggers the end of an heiress and the only way to confirm the next true heiress is by trial. The Veritaz Trials. These trials are a mix of fairytale lore and magic steeped with various trials. The winner of each trial is rewarded a ring that symbolizes the purpose of each and every trial presented to those in line as heir.

It is up to Nora to keep her status as future heiress by competing in the trials against her cousins. Of course Nora wants to win and make her grandmother proud but unbeknownst to her there are more problems to face. One of those being the Grims that are seeking control over the power the Holtzfall's wield. Not to mention the deep rooted secrets that Mercy, Nora's Grandmother has taken from the minds of her family member, and most of all the revelation of an unknown relative.

Ottoline Holtzfall, Lotte for short, has been left out in the countryside in a convent forced to believe she is a wicked sinner all because she hears voices. Unbeknownst to Lotte these voices are the strands of her Holtzfall gift to read minds.

As Lotte is claimed back into the Holtzfall family it is up to Nora and Lotte to work together to face the trials, their grandmother, and their cousins. Their challenges are constant as they have to deal with unraveling secrets and betrayals along with saving themselves from fairytale trial beasts and the Grims themselves. While Lotte finds herself undeniably drawn to the knight, Theo, Nora herself is finding that a certain journalist is making life that much more interesting.

It was left for the Holtzfall to face the forest and the Veritaz Trials to recover the ax and be named the true heiress.... but that is not the end of this story. Oh... not at all... this is put the beginning.

I really enjoyed the story and idea for The Notorious Virtues. I am interested to see what happens to Nora and Lotte and the rest as the series continues. Until next time, Happy Reading!

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Alwyn Hamilton delivers a compelling start to her much-awaited new trilogy with THE NOTORIOUS VIRTUES. If you’ve read her previous works, you can clearly see how much she has grown as a writer—this book is sharp, intriguing, and meticulously arranged.

Set in the vibrant and dangerous world of Walstad, a name rich with meaning, the novel blends a 1920s-inspired aesthetic with imaginative modern gadgets and advanced science. The magic system stands out for its simplicity yet impressive plausibility, especially for those familiar with folklore where gems serve as conduits for inner magical power.

The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, yet remains easy to follow, keeping the pace lively with no dull moments. The characterization is stellar—each figure is fleshed out with distinct personalities, making it effortless to connect with them. Lotte, an unexpected contender in a ruthless competition, offers a fresh dynamic to the intrigue. Meanwhile, Nora’s discovery about her mother’s fate adds depth to the overarching mystery, entangling her with a sharp-witted reporter who challenges everything her family represents.

Beyond the tension of the trial for heirdom, Hamilton masterfully weaves themes of power, corruption, and shifting societal dynamics. The world is deeply layered, filled with treachery and family complexities that shape the narrative in fascinating ways. The echoes of the “woodcutter and the axe” fable resonate throughout, as honesty seems to be far removed from the virtues of those at the heart of this tale.

With its strong start, THE NOTORIOUS VIRTUES promises to be more than just a fight for inheritance—it’s a grand-scale upheaval of power in Walstad. I have high hopes for this trilogy and eagerly anticipate where Hamilton takes her characters next.

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