This was fantastic! Such a great read. Amazing characters, brilliant plot and really intriguing twists and turns. Exceptional.

Supposedly aimed at the T&YA market but I am must be regressing because I thoroughly enjoyed The Notorious Virtues and I believe you will too; whatever your age!

A mystery, a fantasy and lots of odd people, all mixed up to make a tale to be read in one sitting: if only the day were long enough. I also suspect that you will recognise people that you know or are related to in these pages and the way that everyone relates will likely be an eye-opener on your own world.

Enough of my wittering on, give yourself a treat and buy the book: it is great fun on so many levels.

Oh my gosh did this book hook me. I absolutely loved this story which focuses on Nora Holtzfall, the daughter of the heiress to Gammamix, a city kept safe by the powerful family. When Nora’s mother is murdered, a new heiress must be chosen. Nora feels confident that she’ll be chosen with her cousins as competition, but when an unknown cousin enters the mix things start to get a little uncertain. The girls must compete in the Veritaz Trials to prove their worthiness, but there is a simmering undercurrent of anger in the city and the working classes seem tired of the Holtzfall’s rule.

This story was utter magic. For me it struck me as a mix of fairytale, folklore and The Great Gatsby vibes. I enjoyed how the story touched on so many different issues including family disputes and social injustices. This book was filled with mystery, magic and intrigue. The writing was absolutely delicious and I loved how the switching between points of view created such a depth to the story. I highly recommend this one!

Hey Bookwyrms👋🏻

Oh my gods this book?!?! My mind was absolutely blown and it put me in a bit of a reading slump because honestly it was THAT good😍👀

@alwynhamilton you are a genius and I’m already anticipating book two😂👀

Deadly tournaments, revolution and magic are intricately woven to create a tense, yet hopeful, dynamic between our main characters, Nora and Lotte.

The book follows these two heiresses, one privileged, the other illegitimate, as they compete in the Veritaz - deadly trails with an ancient origin to determine the next heir after the murder of Nora’s mother. But battles are waging in all circles of the city, with revolution thick in the air.

Each character felt distinct and real and I ended up rooting for certain characters and the frustration was so real😂 in the best way as it really made me care for these characters🫶🏻 I was on the edge of my seat and could barely stop reading!!👀

It releases end of this month and I cannot WAIT to have a physical copy in my hands😍 this is one that you shouldn’t miss!!🙌🏻

Thank you to @netgalley and @faberbooks for the e-arc!🙇🏼‍♀️🩶🧡

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Four and a half
Well if you enjoyed fairy tales as a child you will recognise certain traits and tropes here. No ugly, spiteful sisters but jealous, spiteful cousins . No Prince but definitely Knights . Does an axe and apples ring a bell ? How about fast growing brambles ? Yes this definitely reminded me of dark stories but told with a slant that felt ideological and at times a political statement.
Well Nora was the heir of the powerful Hotzfall family but following her mother's death she now has to compete in the deadly Veritaz Trials. She's up against her cousins Modesty, Constance and Clemency and whilst Nora and Modesty have magic the others do not. In a world where just one family controls all the magic and power many suffer and sadly go without bringing discontent and perhaps revolution ?
This was told from several points of view and if blunt I think just two would have been enough. Nora is without a doubt the character I most wanted to win but ahem Lotte (no spoilers) deserves so much more happiness but enough said. I did find the idea of the Knights not choosing but actually inheriting their oath of service to the Holtzfall family an uncomfortable one although it's used here to good effect. There is mystery here, a touch of romance and yes some action as the cousins face quite bizarre and surprising trials. If you want magic and characters to cheer for than this fairy tale of a ride certainly delivers !
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

What an interesting story! I’m so glad to have a new Alwyn Hamilton story!
The characters in this story had depth. I love that our two leads Nora and Lotte aren’t necessarily nice people, but you see them evolve throughout the story to care for others and work together to solve problems. Their grandmother is awful, and I loved the politics in the story. The world building was interesting, as was the magic system. Personally don’t think I’ve read anything with that sort of magic before, but I loved the item you could charm something like earrings to be able to find someone or to use as a light.
I think this is an amazing first book to a new series

The Notorious Virtues is YA mystery, set in a fascinating fantasy world where the rich and powerful control all the money, and importantly, all the magic.

The backdrop of the story is the daughters of the Holtzfall family taking part in the Veritaz Trials - magical trials of their virtues to determine who is worthy to be the next heiress. I had thought that the trials were going to be the main story, but really they are just in the background. The trials are small and quick, and some we don't even see in full, which was a bit disappointing. The main plot surrounds multiple mysteries - the death of the previous heiress, the mysterious illegitimate daughter, and the rebels fighting to take down the oligarchy. There's a lot going on, much of which is interesting, but I felt like it flitted between them so quickly that I struggled to get fully invested. I really liked the concept and the world, but the bits that intrigued me weren't developed as much as I would've liked. A lot of potential that just didn't click for me, but I could see it working for others. There was a very interesting cliffhanger at the end that does set up potential for a very different book two!

Recommended for fans of YA mysteries with a fantasy twist.

After waiting years to read another book by Alywn Hamilton, I can finally say: I loved this book and can't wait for the sequel!

The premise of this book sounds incredible, but I'm here to report it was even more fantastic than I hoped it would be. It's a definite case of exceeding my expectations with a wonderful cast of characters that I couldn't help but route for, a brilliant plot with the most exhilarating twists and turns that had me gasping for more from the edge of my seat.

I especially enjoyed the version of a fairy tale woven throughout the story. It blended all the elements of the book perfectly and added intrigue to where the revelations would lead us.

Alien Hamilton has delivered the first book in, what I can already tell, will be a phenomenal YA series!

Murder mystery x magical trials with 1920s glam and found family what’s not to love.

An heiress murdered and ancient magical trial has started. But all is not as it’s seems in this whirlwind fast paced story.

This had me gripped from the start I loved Nora she’s quick witted and hilarious and her development and growth with August was perfect. Lotte and Theo were up there as well, Lotte as she slowly developed and grows and understands who she is.

Cannot wait for the next instalment.

Thank you NetGalley and Faber and Fabre for the eARC opinions my own.

All that glitters isn't gold, and fairytales are harsher than they seem.

6 years after it was first announced, @alwynhamilton's THE NOTORIOUS VIRTUES finally arrives this month.

I was exceptionally blessed to get an ARC - the one and only time my ADHD hoarder tendencies has paid off - and an eARC on Netgalley before I was blessed with the physical copy. A massive thanks to the lovely folks at @faberbooks for this double blessing - it's excellent to be able to read a book even if you forgot it xD.

Blending magic, fairytales, and the Jazz age in glorious style we meet Nora and Lotte, two girls from very different backgrounds who are thrust into the trials to be the next leader of Walstad. Nora always knew she was the heir until her mother was brutally and suspiciously murdered necessitating the trials to take place to choose between the remaining Holtzfall cousins. Lotte was an orphan, abused in a convent only able to dream of the life of the Holtzfalls she sees plastered across the papers. Until out of the blue two men collect her from her isolated village revealing she is the hidden illegitimate daughter of a Holtzfall eligible to take part in the Veritaz trials to assess her virtue.

The action is relentless, Lotte and Nora navigating the schemes of their cousins, political upheaval, the press, all whilst trying to win trials they never see coming, and in Nora's case solve her mother's murder whilst Lotte is thrust into an alien world.

It's a fantastic ride and the ending leaves you desperate to know what happens next. Set in the same world but a very different country to her previous trilogy the Notorious Virtues was worth the wait.

The Notorious Virtues is a dazzling mix of magic, intrigue, and high society drama. Alwyn Hamilton delivers an engaging story set in a world where wealth and power are everything—and where a single competition can decide your fate.

Honora has spent her whole life preparing to inherit her family’s fortune, but when an unexpected rival steps in, everything she thought was certain begins to unravel. What follows is a gripping contest filled with secrets, betrayals, and dangerous magic, all set against the backdrop of a glittering yet treacherous society.

Hamilton’s worldbuilding is rich and immersive, and the magic system—based on Virtues—adds an interesting layer to the competition. Honora is a strong protagonist, flawed yet determined, and the side characters bring plenty of intrigue (even if some could have been fleshed out more). The pacing wavers at times, with certain plot points feeling rushed while others drag, but overall, the book keeps you hooked.

If you love competitive fantasy with a touch of opulence and danger, The Notorious Virtues is definitely worth the read!

I absolutely loved it! Couldn’t put it down (and I didn’t want too!) Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book.

Oh this was delicious!

Living in a world full of glamour and magic, we are introduced to Nora, the heiress to two powerful companies, as her world is turned upside down. Not only has her mother been murdered but her title is under jeopardy from her entitled cousins and an unknown country girl, Lotte.

While romantic interests simmer in the background with August and Theo, the spotlight is on Nora and Lotte as they battle their way through the trials while juggling conspiracies, rebellion and bloodthirsty family members. It was a delight to watch them grow and flourish, pushing each other to become better versions of themselves. With a shocking cliffhanger, I’m left reeling for book two.

I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read and honestly review an advanced reader’s copy of this book.

This book was fantastic! I’ve become pretty selective with YA lately, but this one absolutely delivered. The pacing was spot on; always moving forward, yet the mysteries and trials never felt rushed.

I loved the fairytale-like magic woven into this modern city setting. The way the main family guards their magic, their intriguing origin story; it all builds beautifully to an explosive climax. I’m already excited for the sequel to see where the story goes next!

The book has four main points of view, which might sound like a lot, but they’re balanced exceptionally well. Each character feels distinct, and I have to admit, I’m a little in love with Theo. If he could find happiness ASAP, that would be great, thanks!

I really enjoyed this book! I loved the trials and learning about Nora and lotte and I really hope there is a follow on book. 5 stars most enjoyable

Wow, that was a bit of a read!! Enjoyable, long, but not an awful lot happened in 500 pages or so. I found it a long read, as not an awful lot happens, but every page I turned, I was full of admiration for the author's imagination and literary style.

It's a very unique book, not sure I've read anything similar before.

If you love magic, mystery, and complex characters, The Notorious Virtues is an absolute must-read.

Okay, let me tell you, I devoured The Notorious Virtues by Alwyn Hamilton. I mean, absolutely devoured it. From the moment I first entered the world, I was completely hooked.

Imagine this: a world dripping with wealth, magic, and cutthroat family dynamics. That's Walstad, and at the heart of it all are the Holtzfalls. Nora, the seemingly perfect heiress, is a character I immediately connected with. Despite her privileged life, she's always felt like an outsider, and when her mother's sudden death throws everything into chaos, you can't help but root for her.

Then there's Lotte. Oh, Lotte! What a brilliant contrast to Nora. Pulled from a quiet convent life and thrust into the viper's nest that is the Holtzfall family, she's a breath of fresh air. Her journey of discovering her roots, her magic, and her place in this dangerous world was utterly compelling.

The Veritaz, the magical competition at the core of the story, is just… chef's kiss. Hamilton has crafted a series of trials that are both imaginative and terrifying. You feel the tension with every test, the stakes rising with every page. And the way the author weaves in the mystery of Nora's mother's murder? Genius.
The supporting characters are equally well-developed. The interactions and the slow burn relationships were just perfect.
What really struck me was how Hamilton balanced the glamour and magic with the dark undercurrents of family secrets and betrayal.

The world-building is rich and immersive, and the pacing is relentless.

Honestly, I finished this book and immediately wanted to shout at everyone I know to read it. It's addictive, it's thrilling, and it's left me with a serious book hangover. I cannot wait for the next installment. Alwyn Hamilton has created something truly special, and I'm already counting down the days until I can return to Walstad.

The Notorious Virtues is an exciting and thrilling adventure of a book. The story centres around a highly dysfunctional family and a deadly competition. The story follows multiple view points that complement the narrative. We follow two stand out characters that are both fierce strong female characters. They have quite opposing perspectives and motives. It’s hard to decide which I preferred as I can see both of their positions.
I most loved the mystery element. The pacing is great with twists and turns. The whole concept of the virtues and how these were tested was really unique. Overall it was highly entertaining and addictive to read.
At times the story also dips into the origin of the family and we get this in snippets - if put together this would read like a classic fable, a very engaging addition.
This is a YA whirlwind fantasy adventure that I’m sure will be a massive hit.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

"The Notorious Virtues" is such a fun YA Fantasy that I think you'll really enjoy! It follows Nora, a determined young woman who's been raised to be the next heiress. Everything turns upside down when her mother is murdered, putting Nora's position in jeopardy. To claim her rightful place, she has to compete in the Veritas Competition against her cousins. Nora believes she can outsmart them, but then out of nowhere, Lotte—a long-lost cousin that no one knew about—shows up to join the competition!

At first, it took me a little while to really get into the story, but once I did, I just couldn't put it down! The writing style is engaging, and the storyline is full of surprises that kept me on my toes. There were plenty of twists, some I saw coming, but many that totally caught me off guard.

I really enjoyed the different perspectives throughout the book. It was great getting to know the characters and their backstories. Nora and Lotte quickly became my favorites; I loved following their paths and seeing how their lives intertwined.

The world-building is also wonderful—so imaginative! I found it super interesting and well-crafted, which made the story even more enjoyable.

The ending? Wow! I definitely didn’t see that coming, and while it’s a bit of a cliffhanger that left me wanting more, it only makes me more excited for the next book.

Overall, this is a fantastic start to The Notorious Virtues series, and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves YA Fantasy. If you’re looking for captivating adventures and relatable characters, this book is for you!

4.25 ⭐️
There were many fun aspects of this book, multiple POVs, mysteries to solve, and plenty of little twists. A fantasy with a real mix of politics, complex family dynamics, mystery, and social divide.

In Notorious Virtues, the ruling Hotzfall family selects their heir each generation through the Veritaz Trials: a series of magical tests designed to measure each contender’s worthiness against the virtues that define their lineage. These virtues trace back to a powerful pact made with an ancient tree spirit that once protected them. However, the family has strayed far from the ideals they’re meant to uphold. Through this, the story delves into themes of social divide and wealth disparity.

I did feel that the world-building could have been more expansive, and some characters and trials would have benefitted from greater depth. Despite this, Notorious Virtues was still an enjoyable read and I’m interesting to see where the series goes.

Note: I received an ARC for an honest review.