Notorious Virtues by Alwyn Hamilton
Notorious Virtues was a fun trials led fantasy between two heroines from very different pasts. I enjoyed how Lottie and Honora didn’t fall into the trope of the one raised rich is evil and how Lottie wasn’t as innocent as she pretended to be to win the support of her relatives. With a love interest that is a journalist that hates the Holzafall family and a really interesting origin story of the monarchy/goverment this is a must read if you enjoy your fantasy with a side of trials!
This feels like the Inheritance Games but set in a fantasy world with a rebellion! We have trials, we have a family warring over an inheritance and we also have touches of world building that go delightfully deep and mention the economic power that these families wield.
World – 4/5 – it feels like the quintessential rebellion fantasy world but a little bit more Victorian and I honestly cannot wait for where this goes, I think the way the few locations that are described are all so vivid is really promising!
Characters – 3/5 – I didn’t love love love any of the characters but I didn’t hate any of them either (as characters, morality aside). I think that this books strength is the trials and the world and the characters were for me just a way of exploring that.
Plot – 3.5/5 – trials for me are a very predictable plot because they are so popular in fantasy right now but I did still enjoy it.
Romance – 4/5 – not there much, but what was was cute.



Violence Rating: Level 3
Romance Rating: Sweet 🛡️🛡️
Content Warnings: family killing each other, magical slavery (forcing certain members to obey or die by magic, determined by heritage not race).

A gilded age city, overflowing with magic, technology, power, and corruption. The potentially deadly trials to find the successor to it all. The story focuses primarily on the city's founding family with a few difference POV's and storylines happening all at once. I found the four different narrators in the audiobook immensely helpful is keeping track of who's story I was in. There is a consistent undercurrent of fairytale elements through the entire novel.

I loved the dynamic and character growth between the two female leads. The mixture of magic and technology was interesting even if it wasn't fully flushed out. Overall I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next one!

The two main heroines, Nora and Lotte are sixteen and seventeen respectively – although I hadn’t appreciated that Nora was quite that young. And frankly, she’s far too mature for a sixteen-year-old – even a highly trained young woman who’s grown up in a severely dysfunctional family. I suppose the fact that emotions are dialled up high, family relationships or their lack make up much of the story and both girls are trying to work out who they are and what they want are all well-trodden YA genre staples. But the romance bubbling beneath the surface never threatens to override the narrative and Nora’s sang froid could stem from the fact that she’s been around the block one or three times, but I was still startled to read that she’s only sixteen. Or that this is regarded as a YA adventure.

Hamilton hasn’t lost the knack of rapidly sweeping me into her story and taking me into this dystopian world, where life is generally grim for those not born into the powerfully magical Holtzfall family. Though life isn’t all that much of a picnic for those born into the family, either. Despite their champagne lifestyle and constant partying. Because once in a generation, all Holtzfall are forced to take part in a magical competition to see who will be taking control of family affairs. Cousins and siblings are pitted against each other in dangerous competitions, often with lethal consequences. And once the decision has been reached, the losers are often left grief-stricken and bitter. You won’t be surprised to learn that family gatherings aren’t all that jolly.

It’s even worse for the Rydder family. Back in the mists of time, their ancestor vowed for himself and all his descendants to protect the Holtzfalls. There’s a magical oath that forces anyone with Rydder blood to protect them, whether they want to or not. And terrible things happen to an oathbreaker. These days, there aren’t the monsters to fight that there used to be – so Theo tends to spend his days acting as escort and driver to the Holtzfall family members, while mourning the loss of his brother who was killed in the same attack that took Verity Holtzfall’s life.

There’s a great deal going on in this book. While it was a page-turning adventure that gripped me throughout, I did get a tad frustrated at the constant viewpoint changes as we jumped from one character to another. The plot is twisty with almost non-stop action and I felt that some of the characters weren’t as well developed as they could have been if there’s been a tad less going on.

That said, I certainly didn’t see that final twist coming – and I’ll give due warning – this one ends of a doozy of a cliff-hanger. So I’m very much hoping that Hamilton won’t keep us waiting for the next slice of the adventure – because I definitely want to know what’s going to happen next. While I obtained an arc of The Notorious Virtues from the publisher via Netgalley, the opinions I have expressed are unbiased and my own.
8/10

This had a really intriguing concept and a unique world, but it didn’t quite come together for me the way I hoped. The setting was interesting and had a lot of potential, but I found myself wanting more depth and clarity, especially around the magic and the rules of the world. The main character had some strong moments, but I struggled to fully connect with her. The pacing also felt ok some parts dragged, while others moved too fast. It wasn’t a bad read by any means, and there were definitely things I enjoyed, but overall it felt more like setup than a fully satisfying story.

Really really enjoyed this book once I got into it. The character development was really interesting and characters that I initially didn’t like, I ended up begrudgingly enjoying.

The plot was interesting and the world different to what I initially thought it would be.

It's been a long wait for a new Alwyn Hamilton book and it didn't disappoint! Character arcs and world building is first class. Highly recommend and can't wait for the sequel!

this was really good! I loved the extensive world Hamilton build & the character development was really well done.

I found it a hard book to start. However once I got into it I found it really good.
The concept of the family heritage passing through a test is brilliant.

This was the perfect read for me, I absolutely loved it! It’s intricately plotted with incredible world-building that’s fantastical yet has real-world issues, and the terrifically crafted characters make the story come alive as we become completely invested in their journeys in this lavishly stunning world where nothing is as it seems and no one can be trusted! It took me on such a whirlwind of emotions as all the threads unravelled and the shocking twists came to light, it was unputdownable!

This is a dazzling YA fantasy story about family, power, privilege, belonging, and civil unrest with ancient traditions, lore, and a magic system that captivates and ensnares. I loved the unique way virtues and vices are weaved through the story and the basis for the trials. In a tale of morally grey characters who will be crowned the virtuous winner?

Nora, the heir apparent, must come out on top amidst political manoeuvres, conspiracies, and investigations into her mother’s death which leads to life-changing revelations.

August is trying to get his career as a journalist on track and a Holtzfall scandal could be just the ticket. As Nora and August work together they discover more than they bargained for. I loved their banter and interactions as they grow closer.

Lotte has been abandoned and left to the cruelties of convent life. She is whisked back to her family for a reunion like no other where rivalry and competition reign and a dangerous battle is the only option to be a part of the family she craves.

Theo is an honourable knight sworn to duty who stumbles upon a moral dilemma where his loyalty to his brother and duty collide on a massive scale.

With lies, betrayal, jealousy, greed, and danger simmering below the surface the chaos of life and love takes hold for our characters. Alliances are formed, bonds are forged, loyalties are tested, and impossible choices are made with far-reaching ripple effects. Everything is to play for in this high stakes battle where they must embrace their true selves and fight for what they believe in before it’s too late.

The book also explores identity, status, and class structures in a meaningful and hugely enjoyable way. There’s so many different branches breaking off and taking root as the story plays out and the author cleverly pulls these complex threads together for a superb ending that left me speechless.

With thanks to @The_WriteReads, @FaberBooks & @AlwynFJH for my place on the Tour.

What a thrill to return to Alwyn's beautifully crafted books! The POVS intermingled precisely- my favourite being Nora but I loved the different perspectives. The plot was full of red herrings, little hints and a very complex plot. I'm looking forward to me

A fab story and well written. I enjoyed the plot and the characters. Enjoyed every second of reading and loved it so much!!!

The Notorious Virtues is the first in an all new YA fantasy series from Alwyn Hamilton. The story follows two young women who must compete in a competition to decide who will be the heir to their family. The Holtzfalls own everything, they are the most wealthy and magically gifted family in the country. Nora always thought she would inherit after her mother, but when her mother is found murdered, Nora must compete against her cousins for the chance to inherit, while also trying to uncover the truth about her mother’s murder. Meanwhile, Lotte has spent most of her life living in a Convent, only to discover she’s actually a Holtzfall. Lotte is suddenly thrust into a new world of glitz and glamour but most of her family want her dead. Will Lotte and Nora be able to survive this deadly game and uncover the truth behind their family?

I read Alwyn Hamilton’s Rebel of the Sands series a long time ago and absolutely loved it. It remains to this day one of my favourite YA fantasy series so I was incredibly excited to pick up The Notorious Virtues and I must say, this has got to be one of the most addictive, compelling stories I have read in a long time. I ended up reading this till the wee hours of the morning and had to force myself to put it down to get some sleep.

Hamilton’s writing is beautiful and engaging and she has created such a fascinating world in this story. I loved the glamour and the decadence, it felt very 1920’s New York with magic. The story is quite quick paced, full of twists and turns and there’s plenty of tense, edge of your seat moments. The world-building was excellent in this story, everything felt incredibly detailed and I found the magic fascinating. There’s a bit of everything from mind reading to weather magic. There are quite a lot of moving parts to this story and I think Hamilton did a brilliant job weaving all the narratives together. There’s family drama, a murder mystery, a competition and a spot of romance. This story definitely has something for everyone and I cannot wait to see where the story goes in book two.

Hamilton’s characters are well crafted in this book and I loved both Nora and Lotte. Nora might look like the spoiled heiress on the surface but she’s so much more than meets the eye. I really liked the banter between Nora and August and I thought their dynamic was excellent. The story focuses on four different POV characters – Nora, Lotte, August and Theo. I thought they were all really well developed and each character’s story arc felt very compelling.

Overall The Notorious Virtues is a gripping, unforgettable fantasy tale, one that will have you gripped right till the very last page. If you’re looking for a story that’s unique, full to the brim with magic, mystery, conflict and rebellion, you absolutely don’t want to miss this one. It will absolutely be on my favourite books of 2025 list.

I absolutely devoured The Notorious Virtues. It's everything you could ever want in a mystery, a story of trials or even a romance! I need book 2 immediately as that ending had me literally screaming at the book.

This book absolutely wrecked me! I didn't want to do anything except read and delve further into the intrigue, plot and characters.

It really helped get me out of my reading slump and I'm so grateful to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book early. I loved it so much I've gotten one of the special edition paperback copies!!

You know those books that are just so good, you have to wave it around and yell about it to anyone who will listen? This, this is one of those books. I'm obsessed!

The Notorious Virtues was everything I hoped it would be and so much more. Seriously, was so worth the wait! It's quite simply stunning from the first page, with the perfect blend of magic, fairy tales, a rebellion and an incredible cast of unforgettable characters. I haven't stopped thinking about it since I finished. I'm looking forward to where the story goes next after that ending! Also, how beautiful is the cover?!

I have some mixed feelings about this book. The premise is great, but something about the numerous characters, the fact that we’re landed in the story in a place that kind of seems like we should have had more initial information, and the combination of things in the world (such as cars and magic) just isn’t so much of something I love in a book, but there was also something that kept me interested and reading. I’m probably interested enough to read the next in the series now that my brain has the characters and the story straight, but I don’t think I’d reread - which is why I’ve rated 3/5.

Such a fantastic fantasy. The characters were magickal and the storyline original. I loved it.

Thank you to the author, publisher and netgalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

I wasn't sure what to expect with this one but the book cover design was particularly enticing and I loved the 'Rebel of the Sands' trilogy. Once again, Alwyn Hamilton has created a unique fantasy genre mash-up. This time the world building is based on European fairytale mythology, the story of a woodcutter and a magic axe, but the vibes are very Gotham City Noir, with an 'Inheritance Games' plot - an intriguing combination.

The Holtzfall family - descendants of the original woodcutter - are the de facto royal family of Walstad and control all the money and magic. Nora is daughter of the Heiress, which means she is next in line after her mother inherits from her grandmother, but when her mother is murdered the succession is thrown into uncertainty and Nora must compete against her cousins in a magic competition called the Veritaz to prove her worth and earn the right to be the new Heiress. Throw in a newly revealed illegitimate cousin as a surprise contestant, a journalist investigating the truth behind Nora's mother's murder, and a V for Vendetta-style resistance movement, to create a dazzlingly original fantasy thriller. I adored this and I can't wait for the next one!

Follows Nora Hotzfall and the other young members of a prestigious family living a world ruled by magic, who find themselves pitted against an unknown rival in the fight to become the rightful heir to their family's fortune

Nora Holtzfall is the daughter of the most powerful heiress in Gamanix; her family controls all the money - and magic - in society. But there's a surprise rival in the form of Ottoline, aka Lotte, the illegitimate daughter of Nora's aunt, who was left with nuns as a baby. But in the wider society of Gamanix, revolution and the threat of change to the traditional ways are afoot but for the family, they are only focused on winning .

Definite shades of The Inheritance Games in the premise with a plucky outsider character new to the family here, but it draws on a well crafted, epic and imaginative, fantasy world and with dense plotting hat really draws you in with a compelling mix of family skulduggery, magic & mystery.

Worth a try

Another fantasy book, but at least this had an original storyline.

The main storyline revolves around Honora, a very wealthy, spoiled and self-centred heiress, whose world destructs when her mother is murdered. Ottaline is rescued from a life of abuse in a convent in a small town, because she is related to Honora.

Because of the death of Nora’a mother, Nora, Lotte and the rest of the Holtzfall cousins have to face trials, the winner of which will inherit the title of heiress.

There is magic, there is rivalry, there is a detailed and interesting backstory, there are hints of romance.

This was an intriguing book and is worth reading.