What do you think?
Rate this book
The Notorious Virtues #1
The Notorious Virtues
Not yet published
Expected 3 Jun 25A glamorous media darling, a surprise heiress, and the magical competition of a lifetime.
At sixteen, Honora “Nora” Holtzfall is the daughter of the most powerful heiress in all of Walstad. Her family controls all the money–and all the magic–in the entire country. But despite being the center of attention, Nora has always felt like an outsider. When her mother is found dead in an alley, the family throne and fortune are suddenly up for grabs, and Nora will be pitted against her cousins in the Veritaz, the ultimate magical competition for power that determines the one family heir.
But there’s a surprise contestant this time: Lotte, the illegitimate daughter of Nora’s aunt. When Lotte’s absent mother retrieves her from the rural convent she’d abandoned her to, Lotte goes from being an orphan to surrounded by family. Unfortunately, most of them want her dead.
And soon, Nora discovers that her mother’s death wasn’t random–it was murder. And the only person she can trust to uncover the truth of what happened is a rakish young reporter who despises everything Nora and her family stand for.
With everyone against her, Lotte’s last hope is hunting for the identity of her father. But the dangerous competition–and her feelings for Theo, one of the Holtzfalls’ sworn protectors–turns her world upside down.
At sixteen, Honora “Nora” Holtzfall is the daughter of the most powerful heiress in all of Walstad. Her family controls all the money–and all the magic–in the entire country. But despite being the center of attention, Nora has always felt like an outsider. When her mother is found dead in an alley, the family throne and fortune are suddenly up for grabs, and Nora will be pitted against her cousins in the Veritaz, the ultimate magical competition for power that determines the one family heir.
But there’s a surprise contestant this time: Lotte, the illegitimate daughter of Nora’s aunt. When Lotte’s absent mother retrieves her from the rural convent she’d abandoned her to, Lotte goes from being an orphan to surrounded by family. Unfortunately, most of them want her dead.
And soon, Nora discovers that her mother’s death wasn’t random–it was murder. And the only person she can trust to uncover the truth of what happened is a rakish young reporter who despises everything Nora and her family stand for.
With everyone against her, Lotte’s last hope is hunting for the identity of her father. But the dangerous competition–and her feelings for Theo, one of the Holtzfalls’ sworn protectors–turns her world upside down.
320 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication June 3, 2025
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
Want to read
August 4, 2018i don't know what this is but i'll read anything alwyn hamilton writes
Want to read
March 23, 2021One day, I'll stop adding books to my TBR based entirely on their glorious covers. This is not that day.
Update-
is this book even going to released anymore? It doesn't appear anywhere (on Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, Etc.) and it no longer has a release date. Does anyone know the deal with this?
Update-
is this book even going to released anymore? It doesn't appear anywhere (on Amazon, Barnes & Nobles, Etc.) and it no longer has a release date. Does anyone know the deal with this?
Want to read
June 29, 2020Sooo...when is this book ACTUALLY releasing???
- Amazon says 4 January 2050
- Book Depository says 1 June 2021
- IndieBound says 4 January 2050
- Waterstones says 18 August 2020
- and it's disappeared from Barnes & Noble's website
WHAT IS GOING ON??? Goodreads also says 18 August 2020, so I'm rather confused...
- Amazon says 4 January 2050
- Book Depository says 1 June 2021
- IndieBound says 4 January 2050
- Waterstones says 18 August 2020
- and it's disappeared from Barnes & Noble's website
WHAT IS GOING ON??? Goodreads also says 18 August 2020, so I'm rather confused...
June 24, 2024
Trust me when I say this book is absolutely worth the wait. My quote:
‘The Notorious Virtues is a sparkling cocktail of fairy tales, family conflicts, mysteries and magic, bubbling with rebellion and vibrant characters. Beneath the intoxicating glamour of Walstad, you’ll soon find a dark fable about power, the importance of storytelling, and our primal fear of what lies in the woods. Alwyn Hamilton is back and better than ever.’
Note: I received an early copy from the publisher.
‘The Notorious Virtues is a sparkling cocktail of fairy tales, family conflicts, mysteries and magic, bubbling with rebellion and vibrant characters. Beneath the intoxicating glamour of Walstad, you’ll soon find a dark fable about power, the importance of storytelling, and our primal fear of what lies in the woods. Alwyn Hamilton is back and better than ever.’
Note: I received an early copy from the publisher.
Want to read
January 19, 2022huh? 2025? huh? ma'am do you realize maybe by then I won't be alive? THAT'S TOO FAR. OMG.
-------
I'm simple, I saw Alwyn Hamilton I clicked & I want.
-------
I'm simple, I saw Alwyn Hamilton I clicked & I want.
Want to read
February 5, 2018I’ll read everything that this woman brings to the table!
Want to read
June 25, 20216/24/2021
June 2025?
Man, this book must be something in the making...
- - -
12/18/2020
I'm confused as to why I got an email that this book was released today and yet it's not actually available anywhere? Like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Book Depository all say it's not available...
I've never seen this happen before
---
5/12/2020
Okay, August 18, 2020, that’s way more reasonable lol
-
Umm...I swear this was listed as a May 5, 2020 release but now that date has been related from this page and when I click the Amazon link it says January 4, 2050!? Like wtf happened lol
June 2025?
Man, this book must be something in the making...
- - -
12/18/2020
I'm confused as to why I got an email that this book was released today and yet it's not actually available anywhere? Like Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Book Depository all say it's not available...
I've never seen this happen before
---
5/12/2020
Okay, August 18, 2020, that’s way more reasonable lol
-
Umm...I swear this was listed as a May 5, 2020 release but now that date has been related from this page and when I click the Amazon link it says January 4, 2050!? Like wtf happened lol
Shelved as 'unreleased'
July 16, 2024UPDATE: we got told something!!! alwyn has informed us that the notorious virtues will be released in late march (27th) 2025!!! there was a number of delaying factors, but at least we’ve finally got a set date, and i cannot wait to finally read this book. it’s real!
~~~
this is never going to be released.... half the book websites don't have it, goodreads says 2025, i keep watching the countdown on book depository but whenever it hits 0 it says 'unavailable'... i've given up. someone just tell me something!
~~~
this is never going to be released.... half the book websites don't have it, goodreads says 2025, i keep watching the countdown on book depository but whenever it hits 0 it says 'unavailable'... i've given up. someone just tell me something!
Shelved as 'not-yet-released'
September 9, 2024OH MY GOD IT'S ON NETGALLEY?? https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/boo...
the true casualty of the pandemic, this has now been pushed back from may 2020, to august 2020, to december 2020, to... 2025
I wonder how many Prime Ministers the UK will go through between this book's original release date and when it's actually released (FOUR. WE WENT THROUGH FOUR)
the true casualty of the pandemic, this has now been pushed back from may 2020, to august 2020, to december 2020, to... 2025
I wonder how many Prime Ministers the UK will go through between this book's original release date and when it's actually released (FOUR. WE WENT THROUGH FOUR)
Want to read
September 14, 2019After reading that synopsis I’m more confused than before but honestly between the lines it screams intrigue and who am I to say no to that.
Want to read
November 6, 2019Because I will read anything she writes, I immediately followed the link from her most recent newsletter here, only to find I'd already added it to my to-read list. Since I have no memory of this event, the only logical conclusion is that I've been sleep-goodreadsing again.
I'm not gonna lie, this is a proud moment for me.
I'm not gonna lie, this is a proud moment for me.
Want to read
February 14, 2018I don't know or care what this is, but Alwyn Hamilton is writing it so it must be good.
Want to read
February 28, 2018Please tell me more!
Want to read
November 14, 2019this cover is notoriously beautiful
Want to read
August 2, 2021Pre-review/pre-read thoughts: Okay so I hope this book comes out before 2025 because that's what the release date is saying on GoodReads right now and apparently, it keeps changing all the time. The fact that this book may potentially come out after I graduated pharmacy school in 2024 is so crazy to think about because that seems like centuries away so I hope that's just a placeholder date.
The cover and the premise are giving me The Inheritance Games vibes (I haven't read the book yet but it's sitting on my bookshelf in my room waiting to be and I know what it's about to an extent), but make it YA high fantasy.
The cover and the premise are giving me The Inheritance Games vibes (I haven't read the book yet but it's sitting on my bookshelf in my room waiting to be and I know what it's about to an extent), but make it YA high fantasy.
November 4, 2024
** I received a copy of this book via NetGalley **
I've read this, my long personal national nightmare is over - review to come.
So, I love Alwyn Hamilton's writing - The Rebel Sands is one of my all time favourite trilogies. And I have been waiting (so patiently, I promise) for this book since it was announced - everyone knows that this book has been my white whale since at least 2020. So when the ARC's went up on NetGalley, I was tagged immediately, and here we are.
I say all of that to say I don't think this review is entirely objective - on the whole (though maybe if you already know the backstory) you can feel at times that Hamilton did struggle with this book, but that didn't interrupt my enjoyment of the story. The concept, world building and plot are excellent here - minor spoiler:
On the character front: I appreciated (for the most part) the split POV, meeting all the key players separately was great. However, even though the POV is all close 3rd person, I don't know that you really get to fully know or connect with any of them (probably with the exception of Nora - my love). I really appreciate Hamilton‘s commitment to all of her main characters always been complicated and they never perfect.
Anyway, really enjoyed this, very excited to see where it all goes next.
I've read this, my long personal national nightmare is over - review to come.
So, I love Alwyn Hamilton's writing - The Rebel Sands is one of my all time favourite trilogies. And I have been waiting (so patiently, I promise) for this book since it was announced - everyone knows that this book has been my white whale since at least 2020. So when the ARC's went up on NetGalley, I was tagged immediately, and here we are.
I say all of that to say I don't think this review is entirely objective - on the whole (though maybe if you already know the backstory) you can feel at times that Hamilton did struggle with this book, but that didn't interrupt my enjoyment of the story. The concept, world building and plot are excellent here - minor spoiler:
On the character front: I appreciated (for the most part) the split POV, meeting all the key players separately was great. However, even though the POV is all close 3rd person, I don't know that you really get to fully know or connect with any of them (probably with the exception of Nora - my love). I really appreciate Hamilton‘s commitment to all of her main characters always been complicated and they never perfect.
Anyway, really enjoyed this, very excited to see where it all goes next.
Want to read
January 24, 2022i tracked down chloe gong's cover designer (because that's a normal thing to do on a monday) and TBR'd this book solely because it's the same designer so uh. there's that
Want to read
November 2, 2024just got accepted for the ARC! read the desc and looks like it's similar to the inheritance games? very intrigued
Want to read
December 15, 2020Is it just me, or does this sound similar to The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes? I mean, even the cover looks the same...
Like, look at The Inheritance Games’ cover and then scroll up to look at that one:
The Inheritance Games
I clicked on this book because I genuinely thought it was the sequel to Barnes’ book.
Confused.
Guess I have to read it to see.
Like, look at The Inheritance Games’ cover and then scroll up to look at that one:
The Inheritance Games
I clicked on this book because I genuinely thought it was the sequel to Barnes’ book.
Confused.
Guess I have to read it to see.
November 13, 2024
I do not know why this was delayed like, five years, but holy *shit* was this worth the wait! I have read over 130 books this year so far and this is absolutely top 5, if not higher.
This book is a beast. It is an intricate, clever, entertaining, and clearly well-planned fantasy that kicks off a trilogy I will NOT be missing. It's set in a magical 1920's style (to me) world with the disgustingly rich Holtzfalls at the centre of the city's power, magic, and status. There are dangerous monsters, jaw-dropping political implications, a revolution brewing in the wings, and an ancient magic that drives the wants and whims of everyone.
Told from four POVS, but primarily from the viewpoint of Nora, the heiress presumptive until a week ago, and Lotte, a girl forced to grow up at a convent. There is something so compelling about each girl and their character arcs. Nora is the typical spoiled rich girl but she is smart and always three steps ahead. Lotte is a country lass with something to prove. For a story so focused on virtues, there was something so deliciously morally corrupt about them at times, and I just loved seeing what they would do next. I enjoyed Nora's and August's storylines the most.
I loved every second of this and I really hope the second book doesn't take as long to publish as this one because I am desperate to continue!
This book is a beast. It is an intricate, clever, entertaining, and clearly well-planned fantasy that kicks off a trilogy I will NOT be missing. It's set in a magical 1920's style (to me) world with the disgustingly rich Holtzfalls at the centre of the city's power, magic, and status. There are dangerous monsters, jaw-dropping political implications, a revolution brewing in the wings, and an ancient magic that drives the wants and whims of everyone.
Told from four POVS, but primarily from the viewpoint of Nora, the heiress presumptive until a week ago, and Lotte, a girl forced to grow up at a convent. There is something so compelling about each girl and their character arcs. Nora is the typical spoiled rich girl but she is smart and always three steps ahead. Lotte is a country lass with something to prove. For a story so focused on virtues, there was something so deliciously morally corrupt about them at times, and I just loved seeing what they would do next. I enjoyed Nora's and August's storylines the most.
I loved every second of this and I really hope the second book doesn't take as long to publish as this one because I am desperate to continue!
Want to read
November 3, 2024ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
April 18, 2024Been dying to read this for almost five years and can't believe it's Finally Happening! (Actually might not believe it until a physical copy is in my possession)
August 28, 2024
ARC provided by Edelweiss:
I’ve been waiting a long time for this book and so worth the wait.
Love this world the author created combining magic, rivalries, mystery and more.
Now hope I don’t have to wait as long for the next one.
I’ve been waiting a long time for this book and so worth the wait.
Love this world the author created combining magic, rivalries, mystery and more.
Now hope I don’t have to wait as long for the next one.
Shelved as 'anticipated'
January 7, 2022Soooo it just went live today and I preordered it after reading the first sentence of the newsletter 😂 I’M SO EXCITED!!
December 9, 2020
Lol, so....... it is actually coming out? Should I be worried a trick is being played?
November 8, 2024
ARC review of The Notorious Virtues. This review is based off the first stage of printer's proofs, which has not been corrected by the author, publisher, or printer. It's based on the uncorrected text.
This book game me the vibe mixture of The Inheritance Games, The Great Gatsby, and a fairy tale mix, combined with magic, and dare I say, monsters?
This book took me a bit to get into. I was intrigued by the Veritaz Trials, which stretched back centuries, and that is explained as well as the tale from which the Trials were derived from. It was a little confusing when switching pov's as it didn't feel some were smooth transitions. The characters grew on me, especially Lotte (she was my favorite, and Nora)
I do think once this has been through its stages of edits, etc, this story will be so good. I liked the magical elements, and the cool things they did (I can't give it away, folks!) and how those pieces were used throughout the story.
The characters were entertaining and interesting. Some annoying, and some kick-ass.
If you're looking for spice, this is not the book, y'all. This is pure entertainment, mystery, whodunit, nobility, and backstabbing sort of fun.
Will I read the final printed version, most likely. I'd like to see what magical spin they put on this. AND, that ending... C'mon, Alwyn! I about threw my kindle! (and I noticed that connection with Rebel of the Sands connection... nice!)
A big thanks to NetGalley, Viking/Penguin Random House
This book game me the vibe mixture of The Inheritance Games, The Great Gatsby, and a fairy tale mix, combined with magic, and dare I say, monsters?
This book took me a bit to get into. I was intrigued by the Veritaz Trials, which stretched back centuries, and that is explained as well as the tale from which the Trials were derived from. It was a little confusing when switching pov's as it didn't feel some were smooth transitions. The characters grew on me, especially Lotte (she was my favorite, and Nora)
I do think once this has been through its stages of edits, etc, this story will be so good. I liked the magical elements, and the cool things they did (I can't give it away, folks!) and how those pieces were used throughout the story.
The characters were entertaining and interesting. Some annoying, and some kick-ass.
If you're looking for spice, this is not the book, y'all. This is pure entertainment, mystery, whodunit, nobility, and backstabbing sort of fun.
Will I read the final printed version, most likely. I'd like to see what magical spin they put on this. AND, that ending... C'mon, Alwyn! I about threw my kindle! (and I noticed that connection with Rebel of the Sands connection... nice!)
A big thanks to NetGalley, Viking/Penguin Random House
November 13, 2024
In The Notorious Virtues, we follow the perspectives of four very different characters: Nora – the presumed next heiress of the Holtzfall family who appears to just be a spoiled brat; Lotte – an orphan deserted at a convent who discovers she’s not only part of the Holtzfall family, but a contender at being the next heiress; Theo – a knight whose family has a blood oath to protect the Holtzfall family; and August – a young journalist hoping to break a big story so he can have a better life.
I’ll be honest, it took me a bit to get into this book, I think because on the surface Nora seemed so unlikeable. But as I continued on, Nora’s character grew on me, and I enjoyed getting to know the other main characters better as well. The story had a lot of depth to it and went in directions that I often didn’t expect or see coming, keeping me guessing until the end. There were complicated relationships and challenges that characters had to face. It was interesting to see the social hierarchy, battles for power, and political atmosphere from the different perspectives, and there were so many intricacies to it all that made it feel like so much more than a typical young adult story. It appears that this book is the first in a series. I’m honestly not sure where this story is heading from here, but wherever it is, I’m looking forward to it.
Thank you to Penguin Teen and BookishFirst for the advance review copy of The Notorious Virtues! All opinions are completely my own.
I’ll be honest, it took me a bit to get into this book, I think because on the surface Nora seemed so unlikeable. But as I continued on, Nora’s character grew on me, and I enjoyed getting to know the other main characters better as well. The story had a lot of depth to it and went in directions that I often didn’t expect or see coming, keeping me guessing until the end. There were complicated relationships and challenges that characters had to face. It was interesting to see the social hierarchy, battles for power, and political atmosphere from the different perspectives, and there were so many intricacies to it all that made it feel like so much more than a typical young adult story. It appears that this book is the first in a series. I’m honestly not sure where this story is heading from here, but wherever it is, I’m looking forward to it.
Thank you to Penguin Teen and BookishFirst for the advance review copy of The Notorious Virtues! All opinions are completely my own.
November 16, 2024
This book feels like the next boom in the YA fantasy genre. I rarely read a 5-star fantasy book, but this one has blown everything else out of the water! The character development, plot, political intrigue, family dynamics, and everything in between was absolutely stellar. The only issue I have with this book is that the rest of the series hasn’t come out yet. I’m truly on the edge of my seat, biting my nails, invested deeply into the Holtzfall family. I IMPLORE you, if you enjoy fantasy, to read this one immediately!!
** I received a free ARC copy of this book and I leave this review willingly.
** I received a free ARC copy of this book and I leave this review willingly.
November 16, 2024
This book had me hooked from early on. The fairy tale-inspired plot was also rich in illustrations of the evils of capitalism. The despotic family who run the city are also subject to a fairy tale trial of their virtues. The characters are fully fleshed out and you really care what happens. I can't wait for the sequel.
October 20, 2024
WORTH THE WAIT
.
Honora Holtzfall could step on me and I would thank her.
.
RTC
The DARC of this book was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review
.
Honora Holtzfall could step on me and I would thank her.
.
RTC
The DARC of this book was provided by the publisher via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review
Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews