Review: The Notorious Virtues by Alwyn Hamilton
As a book lover, I’ve often been drawn to stories that promise intrigue and magic wrapped in layers of family drama, so The Notorious Virtues by Alwyn Hamilton certainly piqued my interest. With its promise of a powerful heiress competition and magical exploits, I was excited to jump into this world. However, after almost half a decade of anticipation, I found myself with mixed feelings as I turned the last page.
At its heart, The Notorious Virtues explores themes of power, classism, and the struggle for identity through the eyes of two main characters: Honora "Nora" Holtzfall and Ottoline "Lotte" Holtzfall. When Nora’s mother is murdered, she must compete in the Veritaz, a deadly contest against her cousins to claim her family’s legacy. Meanwhile, Lotte—who has spent sixteen years in a convent—is thrust into the cutthroat world of the Holtzfall family, battling not only for acceptance but survival. The dual perspectives create a compelling push and pull, with Nora’s entitlement clashing against Lotte’s underdog narrative.
Yet, I found the narrative’s pacing a bit jarring. Initially, I was thrown into the action without much context, which made the intricate family dynamics hard to grasp. The extensive info dump that followed was overwhelming, especially as characters with names like Clemency and Modesty flitted in and out of the story. A family tree upfront would have been a welcome addition, as I found myself struggling to remember who was who amidst the chaos.
The magic system intrigued me but was also a source of confusion. While the concept of charms reminiscent of runes from other fantasy series felt promising, the inconsistency in how magic works muddied the waters even further. It left me scratching my head, particularly in moments where the characters’ abilities didn’t seem to align with the lore provided.
On the character front, I found glimpses of depth in Nora and Lotte. Nora’s transformation from a seemingly pampered heiress to a determined investigator was satisfying. I adored Lotte’s journey as the outsider striving for acceptance. Unfortunately, August, the young reporter, felt one-dimensional, and Theo’s rigid understanding of duty felt outdated and stifled any potential chemistry with Lotte. For a story brimming with drama, romance felt forced, as if there were separate narratives vying for attention rather than an integrated whole.
While some elements were problematic—such as classist dialogue and an unsettling line regarding Nora’s appearance—what resonated most with me was the idea of self-discovery. The narrative ultimately leaves readers at a cliffhanger, promising more to come. I found myself curious about the direction of the story and eager for the forthcoming installments in what is planned to be a trilogy.
Ultimately, I believe The Notorious Virtues will resonate most with fans of young adult fantasy searching for rich world-building and strong female leads. While it may stumble in places, the potential for development remains bright, and as a passionate reader, I’m curious to see where Alwyn Hamilton takes these characters next. If you’ve enjoyed series like The Inheritance Games or The Cruel Prince, this may just be the enchanting journey you didn’t know you needed. Happy publishing day, The Notorious Virtues! Let’s see what happens next.
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