I actually loved this book, especially the worldbuilding. It was really good. I loved the idea of the honourable axe cutter and his descendants cutting a safe place out of the world and then the corruption that followed.

The characters were also fantastic. I loved Nora, Lotte, Theo, and August. The more we saw of them, the more developed the characters became. My only real complaint for the book was that, at the beginning, it took a while to warm to them. The chapters jumped too quickly between them to get a real sense of them so it took a while to warm to them.

The characters are flawed. They aren't perfect, and that's something I enjoy. I like that they make mistakes and are human.

The plot twist wasn't really one that I saw coming. I had pieced together some things but not all of it, and there were still surprises at the end. The cliffhanger was decent. Even though I'm not a massive fan of cliffhangers, I felt that this one kind of ended the book pretty well. I really look forward to the next one.

The Notorious Virtues by Alwyn Hamilton, takes the YA genre to a whole new level, delivering an engaging and twisty narrative that will capture audiences across the YA and adult genre. From the start I was captured by the characters and story, and totally immersed in the world born from fairytale beginnings. Hamilton takes on class war, inequality, a magical dynasty, and enmeshes it within a murder mystery tale and narrative of family and societal division and conflict, providing a view directly into the rotten heart of Holtzfall rule over their domain.

Honora ‘Nora’ Holtzfall’s mother was the heiress of the Holtzfall family, destined to inherit and rule over Walstead, a ‘kingdom’ where the family dominate, own and control everything from the land people occupy to the energy they use, the money and of course the magic. Until Nora’s mother is found murdered and the Veritaz trials to find the next heir to the Holtzfall family fortune are triggered. The trials themselves are routed in the family origins and with the death of Nora’s mother trigger a multitude of events, conflict and danger as Nora finds herself in competition with her cousins for the ultimate prize, to be named heir.

The trials themselves are pivotal to the conflict and danger within the family but, running across these are Nora’s investigation into her mother’s murder, aided and abetted by August, a journalist from a newspaper that opposes her family’s position and direction. And then to add further intrigue and challenge is the sudden appearance of Ottoline ‘Lotte’ Holtzfall, Nora’s aunt’s illegitimate daughter, who grew up in a harsh and strict rural convent, beyond the knowledge of the majority of the Holtzfall family. A new contender in the trial for Nora to face but, as events unfold, Nora and Lotte find themselves working together to solve the family mysteries and ultimately, survive.

This is by no means a short read but, within a few chapters I was totally immersed in the storyline, between the Veritaz trial and the intertwined plots of murder, conflict and plots within plots. I found myself rooting for both Nora and Lotte, not only for their efforts to pass the trial tests but, also for them to survive the ever growing tension and conflict that was building across Walstead. There is so much more to this story than just family conflict and a competition to gain the position of heir, and it was that which totally pulled me in and kept me reading way past my bedtime!
I will admit I was a little frustrated by the cliff hanger ending but, I was also pleased as it meant that there wasn’t a sudden and tidy wrap up to conclude the story, which in reality is only just starting and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. If you’re looking for a YA fantasy that goes beyond the realms of magic, that has fairytale origins and real world societal problems to challenge the protagonists, then I wholeheartedly recommend picking up a copy of The Notorious Virtues.

The Notorious Virtues is a fantasy novel set in a world driven by power, politics and family legacies. There was a lot of theads to this story, including a murder mystery, a magical competition, and a lot of family secrets. Overall it was an enjoyable read and I will definitely be picking up further books in this series!

Thank you to Alwyn Hamilton, NetGalley and the the publishers for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

DNF at 25%.

I requested this because of the premise and the jazz age inspired setting. While I think it delivered on the latter, the tournament still hadn't started by the time I stopped reading and the magic and fantasy aspects were low-key and not very interesting.

Every chapter was slowed down by lots of exposition about the city and the Holtzfalls, but none of it was complex or interesting enough to warrant so much info dumping. I was actually invested in the two main characters' stories, and when the book focused on them it was good. There was just too much extraneous stuff going on. The little fairytale chapters about the origins of the Holtzfall magic were particularly annoying and completely unnecessary.

I'm enjoying less and less YA these days so I might just be the wrong audience, but this is not for me. Thanks to NetGalley for the digital ARC.

3.5 Stars

How do I describe how I feel about this book? I think the best word to describe it would be 'frustrated'.

I love the concept of this book, and the fact that the trials aren't as formulaic as in other books, and that they tested the virtues of the characters.

I enjoyed seeing the growing relationship between Nora and August, and Nora and Lotte. I loved watching the relationship between Nora and Lotte develop and face its challenges, especially with both of them realising the true value of family by the end of the book.

I enjoyed the Grims and the threat that they posed, and the subplot with Theo and Alaric. The real letdown of this book for me was the ending, or lack thereof. The ending was so sudden, and not in a way that is satisfying, which does such a disservice to an otherwise strong book.

It took a while to get into this book and to create some sort of bond with the charcters. By the time August comes into the picture I was invested and could tell in which ways the stories were going. Will have to give book 2 a try and see how it develops.
3.5 stars

The Notorious Virtues is a strong YA novel that has an interesting and winding narrative full of false starts and unexpected discoveries, a mostly strong set of characters and an interesting if perhaps slightly unexplored magic system. There's also a lot of world building that manages to drop you very much into the heart of the world, and whilst most of the characters and the action is from the upper echelons of society, there are enough that aren't to give a dark glance at the rot at the centre of the society the Holtzfall rule over.

This is one of those books that hooked me early and refused to let go. It's got an interesting hook right from the start as privileged Nora finds her place as heiress under threat when her mother is murdered and the heir-ship suddenly open to all her cousins. Things get more complicated however when Otte appears out of nowhere, a fifth contender for the heirship that none of the cousins knew about. After being raised in a convent under strict supervision and punishment for her unusual gifts, Otte is very much a fish out of water in this new world. But both Nora and Otte will find themselves swept up not only in the Veritaz trials, but also in the quest to find the killer of Nora's mother and uncover the secrets behind Otte's heritage.

This is a young adult novel that is very much suitable for adults. The narrative was intriguing and the trials were different enough that I didn't feel that I was re-reading a mini-me of The Hunger Games. The characterisations are strong and I particularly liked how August was given a POV and brought to life the less glamourous life of those not in the top echleon of society. There's several underdog stories here to dig your teeth into alongside the main show of the Veritas trials and Nora's quest to keep her inheritance. It's well written, full of characters that leap off the page and offers some unusual twists on the usual 'trials' sub-genre of fantasy.

All in all, one I very much enjoyed. It's my first Alwyn Hamilton book and it won't be my last.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my free review copy of this title.

Honora ‘Nora’ Holtzfall is the daughter of the most powerful heiress in Walstead. When her mother is found dead in an alley, Nora is no longer assured of her position and finds herself pitted against her cousins in the Veritaz trials to determine the next heir. When it becomes clear her mother’s death wasn’t random but was actually murder, Nora teams up with a young reporter to uncover the truth. Meanwhile she faces a new rival: Lotte, the illegitimate daughter of Nora’s aunt. Plucked from the rural convent where she’d been abandoned, Lotte is thrust into a family that doesn’t want her, and forced to compete for power and status. Finding themselves caught up in events much bigger than family rivalry, Nora and Lotte must battle to survive, no matter what.

Having loved the Rebel of the Sands trilogy, I was ecstatic to see a new Alwyn Hamilton book. This is a big story at 500+ pages, and this shows. It took me a bit to get into the book, to orient myself in this world and get a handle on the characters. It felt like there was a lot of information to understand early on and the pacing of the first third or so was quite slow as a result.

However, once I was in, I was fully in. There’s something so engaging about a trials/competition storyline, and I loved that this one wasn’t just about strength or survival. They also focused on displaying particular virtues, which made them feel original. I enjoyed trying to work out how the trials linked to the virtues they were assigned.

The book follows four POVs: Nora, Lotte, August (the reporter) and Theo (a knight – Holtzfall bodyguard). This worked well and offered a good contrast between the privileged world of the Holtzfalls and the oppressed world of the working classes. I personally found Nora and August’s POVs more engaging – probably because of the murder-mystery element – but I appreciated the different perspectives as they offered a well-rounded picture of the world and helped me see the bigger picture.

I really enjoyed this and it felt very unique, not only in the trials but also the magic system, although I’d have liked to have seen this explored more. I do also think it was a bit long but I was invested and I’m already excited for the sequel following that ending. A really solid start to a new series and I can’t wait to see what comes next!

Thank you to Faber and Faber via Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review ahead of publication in exchange for an honest review.

This was stunning. Beautifully written and paced. The world building is immersive and convincing. Can't wait to read more from this talented author.

What an amazing read. With a gentle paced start I then found myself really racing through as I enjoyed it so much and the pace really got going. Really engaging story with great world building, can't wait to read more.

Excellent! Loved this, and I took my time over reading it - an incredibly wealthy magical family (I loved the origin story too), corrupt with wealth, a game to be won, with all to be lost, an unhappy populace, knights bound by blood, an orphan….

Stick those all together and you get one heck of a story.

This is exciting, tense, twisty…and this is only the first book.

I can’t wait to read more.

My thanks to Netgalley and Faber and Faber Ltd for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Magic, mystery, murder, fabulous lives and glamour, with plenty of familial rivalries, jealousies and artful dialogue. A grandmother who reminds the would-be successors to the throne of their table manners when they gather to discover their tests to ascend brought back memories … and made me laugh. A surprise contender adds to the fun. This a romp and a bit, filled with guileful and sinuous events and betrayals, describing the dangers of power. The writing is lickety-split and splendid, a treat for fantasy lovers.

The Notorious Virtues is a book wholly unlike anything that I have read before. Well-known tropes are flipped on their heads as we follow members of the Holtzfall as they prepare and compete in the Veritaz Trials to decide who will become the next heiress of the family all whilst the previous heiress apparent desperately tries to uncover the secrets behind her mother's death.

There is a real freshness to this take on the story and we are exploring themes of class division however rather than following some plucky poor girl, we are following one of the richest women in the city who has never had to want for any material thing. The character of Honora 'Nora' Holtzfall is exquisitely realised as she is not spoiled but she is absolutely drowning in privilege, she is someone who is very aware at all times of the image that she needs to portray but also doesn't really care what people think of her.

There are many twists and turns to this story and plenty of red herrings so the reader feels as though they are getting answers when instead they are being lead on a merry chase through Walstad. The secrets and lies are so expertly woven to feel believable that Nora with all of her smarts would be deceived so wholly as well as ensuring that it is an engaging read. I particularly enjoyed the nods to classic fairytales that have been sprinkled throughout the story.

I am absolutely desperate to know what happens next for the Holtzfalls and the city of Walstad.

I started out enjoying this book. A very 1920s-style heiress in a London-adjacent city, with a vibe of a Mike Flanagan TV series - lovely! But as the story went on, I found it harder to engage with, as I just didn't like any of the characters as much as I thought I would. Perhaps its my age, but I found myself getting frustrated by their actions, wanting to shout at the page because of what seemed like ridiculous decisions or contrived drama. Sadly this was a DNF, as I simply wasn't enjoying the story. I've no doubt it'll find a home with more patient (and potentially younger) readers!

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