It’s been a while since I’ve read something a little different and this was such a breath of fresh air!

Featuring fairytale elements, interesting characters, great world building and an incredibly creative magic system, this book really does pull you into the action as it unfolds on the page.

The Notorious Virtues takes a few familiar tropes (deadly trials, family feuds and political struggles) but presents them in a 1920s, industrial age kind of setting, which you don’t typically see in fantasy novels. The changing POV’s kept things moving at a good pace so there was never a lull in the story.

This should be on every fantasy lovers TBR for 2025!

This is my book of the year, and I'd have to read something really spectacular to unseat it. This book is Hamilton at her finest. I want the rest of the series immediately. The world was so well-drawn, the pacing is fantastic and I have nothing bad to say about this book. If I could rate it ten stars I would.

This was just an interesting read. It caught me and held me with the fast paced scenes and interesting mystery and dialogue. A very nice introduction to this author, I am looking forward to I hope the next book in this series as the ending did leave the reader in a cliff hanger.

I gave this 4.5 stars in my review, really liked it a lot. I’ve pasted the majority of it below and will be promoting it on my Instagram and goodreads tomorrow, and amazon when I’m able to.

‘Old money spoilt entitled rivals in high-stakes trials to compete for the dominant rule of a city, where their winning personality traits (if they have them) is what earns their right to continue through the trials.

It’s got sublime magic use that is just wholeheartedly believable. I need a charm that cools my drinks, because nobody likes warm champagne, my darlings 💅🥂

The characters are diverse, likeable, and all have their own major purpose to play which isn’t totally guessable. There’s a side plot which ties up nicely with the main trial, everything comes together with a twist that kept me predicting the end until close to finishing anyway. Ends on a cliffhanger that I now need the sequel 😅

The only reason I didn’t give this 5 ⭐️ is because the characters all live and act like their in their 20s, but they’re 16, so it’s technically YA but it doesn’t feel right for the characters or the story.’

Thank you for allowing me to advance read this book, and if you would consider me in the future, I would be happy to arc read your future novels.

What a book. I always love Hamilton's writing style, and this did not disappoint. An inheritance trial for all the money and all the magic.

Consistent, interesting magic system, fun characters, and great twists. I'm obsessed with the dynamics of the characters, especially Nora and August. The worldbuilding is informative and quickly allows you to picture where you are without feeling disjointed. I love how convoluted the family is. Also, strangely excited to see what those three get up to together next book!

I will say I wish there was some more information about the magic system is accessed. I am aware that the amount someone has is class based and a political issue, I mean were charms always a thing? How did they learn to use charms? How do people in present times learn how to use them - is it passed down through families, common sense, or taught in schools? Had some other notes, but as (I am hoping) this is the first book in the series, I will wait patiently for more answers to come.

Also think there is a spelling error on page 158? First sentence in the paragraph: "When the party had ended hours ago, the would-be assassin had still 'be' sprawled in the grass." 'Be' --> 'been'.

Review has no spoilers:

I can honestly say that reading this fantasy thriller was a breath of fresh air in the streams of fantasy romances out there.

I’d recommend it if you’re looking for a good plot twist, that keeps you guessing and want a break from the usual hot and steamy that is currently in abundance.

I instantly took a liking to the main character Honora ‘Nora’ as she doesn’t present herself as a weak doe, but is highly intelligent and strong-willed young woman.

My only issue with the book, is that it leaves you wanting more and I don’t think I’ll survive waiting years for another instalment… if we’re lucky enough to get one!
I cannot believe that the book ends as it does without more to come, which is the only reason for the mark down!

This book is excellent! I was immediately captivated by the premise and this corrupt world of magic and power. Nora and Lotte are fantastic MCs and the twists and turns along the way kept me turning the pages obsessively. I'll now wait not so patiently for the sequel because after that insane ending I really want to know what happens next!

This YA fantasy novel, the first in a new series, is a traditional tale for the 21st century. The story, told from multiple points of view leads us through a tale of murder, mystery and magic.

I loved the well-defined characters - Nora was my favourite - who were bel1evable and kept the story moving. Despite being a lengthy tome, I didn't feel bored at any point or wish that the book was shorter.

I haven't read any of Alwyn Hamilton's books previously, but on the strength of this will be going back to read more.

A rich, magical and powerful fantasy with a brilliant world and plenty of twists, Nora and Lotte are my favourite characters and I really enjoyed Nora’s relationship with August. The ending had me hooked and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC.

The Notorious Virtues is a fantastic fantasy that kept me up late into the night turning pages. As a fan of Hamilton's debut, Rebel of the Sands, I was very much looking forward to her newest novel, and my expectations were certainly exceeded. Hamilton's inventive tale of an heiress fighting for her fortune is quite unforgettable.

The novel is the first in a planned trilogy and it artfully sets up a vibrant, clever world, high stakes, powerful magic, and a cast of vivid characters. Walstad, a city where the rulers enjoy outrageous wealth and the impoverished are neglected and maltreated, is a spectacularly intriguing setting. The glitzy haven is brimming with luxury, danger, injustice, and threat of rebellion. Furthermore, the city is surrounded by a magical woods and Hamilton masterfully weaves in the folklore of the forest and the origins of the Holtzfall fortune.

While there are four POVs, the reader most commonly spends time with Honora (Nora) and Lotte. Nora Holtzfall is a rich, spoiled, yet exceedingly clever heiress hoping to solve her mother's murder. Lotte has been hidden away for years, and only learns of her Holtzfall heritage once the Veritaz trials begin. These two girls are very different, and I really enjoyed their interactions as they come to terms with what it means to be cousins in such a dangerous, bloodthirsty family.

There are also hints of romance in this first novel, which I truly enjoyed, and more than a fair share of wit and humour. Moreover, for a novel focused on a competition of virtues, almost every character is morally grey. The questionable integrity, anger, and resentment of the characters makes the story even more compelling and unpredictable. Speaking of unpredictability, the ending of this first in the trilogy is wonderfully unexpected and makes me excited for the future sequels.

I heartily recommend The Notorious Virtues to anyone looking for a new, original fantasy adventure. If you enjoyed The Hunger Games or Brandon Sanderson novels, this book is for you. I had a rollicking time joining Nora, Lotte, August, and Theo.

*I received an e-ARC for free in exchange for an honest review*

The story unfolds within the glittering yet treacherous confines of the Holtzfall family, where a deadly competition known as the Veritaz determines the heir to a vast fortune and magical dominion. The Holtzfalls are embroiled in a contest that tests not only their magical prowess but also their moral compasses. As the trials progress, the line between virtue and vice blurs, revealing the dark (but not unsuprising) underbelly of a society obsessed with power and prestige.

"The Notorious Virtues" is a compelling reminder that the monsters we fear may not lurk in the shadows but could be hiding in plain sight, adorned with the trappings of virtue. When you dig a little deeper its also a reminder of the safety and security everyone takes for granted, even when they think they the opressed

For those who enjoy a story that delves into the complexities of human nature and the paradoxes of morality, "The Notorious Virtues" is poised to be on the top of the TBR pile. It stands as a testament to the idea that literature can be both an escape and a reflection, providing a space to confront the uncomfortable truths about ourselves and the societies we inhabit.

Thanks to Netgalley and Faber and Faber for a review copy of this book. Alwyn Hamilton further expands the world from her previous series in this new start of a series filled with rivals for magic power and riches. With the heir to the powerful family now dead it is clear that a new heir must be chosen from among the granddaughters of the current ruler of the family. It must be the granddaughters because there’s only one opportunity to claim the position and the heir’s children have had their chance. Nora, whose mother was the heir until her murder a few day’s previously, is the obvious candidate to win, but she knows that there are many scrupulous people out there who would give anything or do anything to see her fail. Especially her cousins. But the talents and power she does have, the magic rings and other spelled objects help give her an advantage and the protection from the large family of knights born to serve the family members puts her childhood friend Alex at her side most times all give her an advantage. Until her favourite aunt springs a surprise daughter on the family as a last minute contender. Lotte seems naïve and easily manipulated but as the days progress and Lotte finds her own power and talent of mind reading not an evil thing as she believed but something she can put to use. The tension builds as each cousin finds strategies as they await each new test that will eventually lead to the winner.

A tense plot built on confrontations and incidents that show each character with all their positive and negative attributes helps to give a richer understanding of the main characters in the story. The world building was solid enough and well established to navigate the issues and goals of the narrative. With multiple viewpoints the story presents many angles that shape the direction of the narrative and provide greater intrigue at times. It makes for a good start to a new series all in all and fans of the previous series as well as newcomers will definitely enjoy it and look out for the next instalment.

Sparkling, twisted, magical, spellbinding and so much more. A perfect book for book clubs. Sit down and prepare to be transported to another world.

Thanks to Netgallery for my ARC of this book, my first by Alwyn Hamilton. This book needs to be published now so I can own my own copy and read again. Fantastic world building, magic, money, power, treachery and so many twists and turns, it makes you breathless reading. And the ending… Need a sequel soon!

I received an arc copy of this via NetGalley before any corrections to be made. I didn’t think this book was going to be as long as it was. I felt that there was too much going on at once and I thought the multiple pov was very confusing, I kept getting them mixed up in the beginning. I didn’t feel the trials were seamless because of the other things going on it was all mushed up into one. Regardless of that I couldn’t put the book down, there is so much potential and I really did enjoy it when I was over half way, I think when all the corrections have been made this will be a great book and I will probably buy it so I have it on my shelf as a trophy. I do recommend this book 100%

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this book.

The Notorious Virtues is a fun 1920s inspired fantasy. It is part political intrigue, murder mystery and part magical trials; with the trials often taking a bit of a back seat throughout the plot.
We read through multiple different POVs and each of them had a distinct voice and perspective that helped me understand their world.

It is very obvious the author has put a lot of time and effort into crafting this world. However, the combination of 1920s aesthetic with fairytale felt jarring and often left me confused. In the same world we have cars, mechanical steampunk-esque wolves and fairytale creatures and curses.

Overall a fun book but not necessarily a world I’d want to return to.

As a fan of the Rebel of the Sands trilogy, I was really looking forward to finally reading this book! While it admittedly had quite a slow start, when the plot begins to unravel and the characters (specifically Nora) start to drive the story ahead, it really emerges as an engaging read.

Honora (Nora) was such a strong character in a band of different personalities. She was well-balanced, motivated and had the most entertaining interactions throughout the book - especially when she starts to develop her relationship with August. I would love for this to become a larger focus in the sequel.

Lotte took a bit more growing to, but I enjoyed her development after she accepted her Holtzfall heritage and started to take pride in it.

As a whole, the story was engaging with multitudes of narratives in terms of characters and plot lines, in which Alwyn has clearly added to the beginnings of her expansive universe established in her original RotS trilogy.

An astonishing read. You can't help but be captivated by the world and its characters. It was impossible to not want more.

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of The Notorious Virtues from the publisher.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time with TNV. I found the characters to all be very distinct, especially the four main POV characters, and didn’t struggle to know who was who at any given time. I think the characters were what really made the book for me. I loved their interactions as they learned who they could trust and built unlikely relationships with one another.

TNV is a twist on the ‘deadly games / tournament’ trope as a group of wealthy teenagers compete to see who will be the heir to their families fortune and magic. The plot largely follows two of these teenagers: with two of the others being largely irrelevant and another more of a side character who exists to irritate our protagonists.

The trials were all reasonably innovative and I really enjoyed that they could pop up at any point in the story. There were times where they felt like more of a side plot to the many other twists and mysteries going on in the background, but I think this helped TNV not fall into the trap of being too stale for me to want to keep reading.

There is a magic system however I think this is one of the weaker parts of the book. It wasn’t explained too well and the difference between innate inherited magic, special gifts and charms that could be used by anyone felt arbitrary to me. There were more than a few occasions that convenient magic and some well-timed run-ins with other characters meant that otherwise deadly situations were avoided.

Overall I really enjoyed my time with the book and can’t wait to get my hands on the next instalment in the series. I think anyone who likes reading about rich teenagers, family drama and deadly tournaments is going to really enjoy this one.

This really gripped me from the beginning

I loved all the characters and this book was so well written and can not wait to see what more the author has to offer