In “The Notorious Virtues,” Alwyn Hamilton crafts a meticulously detailed society where magic and money form the ultimate currency of power. Unlike her desert-drenched “Rebel of the Sands” trilogy, Hamilton transports readers to the opulent world of Walstad—a place where aristocratic families wield both magical abilities and financial influence with equal measure. The Holtzfall family stands at the pinnacle of this hierarchy, controlling not only the nation’s wealth but also its magical resources.
Hamilton’s worldbuilding shines brightest in her depiction of Walstad’s stratified society. The stark contrast between the glittering wealth of the Holtzfall estate and the humble convent where Lotte was raised creates a compelling backdrop for examining issues of privilege, birthright, and social inequality. The magical system feels fresh and consequential—magic isn’t merely decorative but deeply integrated into the power structures of this world, creating genuine stakes for those who possess it and those who don’t.
Characters: Complex Portraits of Privilege and Resilience
Hamilton excels at creating morally complex characters whose motivations evolve throughout the narrative:
- Nora Holtzfall: Born into privilege as the daughter of Walstad’s most powerful heiress, Nora presents initially as the quintessential “poor little rich girl.” However, Hamilton skillfully peels back layers to reveal a young woman grappling with isolation despite her public visibility. Her journey from entitled heiress to determined investigator tracking her mother’s murderer shows remarkable character development.
- Lotte: The illegitimate daughter raised in obscurity represents the classic “hidden heir” trope, but Hamilton imbues her with unique personality traits that transcend the archetype. Her perspective as an outsider thrust into a cutthroat family provides fresh insights into the Holtzfall dynamics. Lotte’s quiet strength and adaptability make her instantly sympathetic.
- Theo: As one of the Holtzfalls’ sworn protectors, Theo occupies a fascinating liminal space—intimately connected to the family’s inner workings yet not truly one of them. His conflicted loyalties and growing attraction to Lotte create compelling tension throughout the narrative.
Plot and Pacing: A Magical Tournament with Deadly Stakes
The novel’s central construct—the Veritaz competition—provides a brilliant framework for exploring both character and world. This magical tournament to determine the Holtzfall heir cleverly combines elements of competition narratives (reminiscent of works like “The Hunger Games” or “Throne of Glass”) with a murder mystery that keeps readers guessing until the final pages.
Hamilton masterfully balances multiple storylines:
- The high-stakes magical competition with its increasingly dangerous trials
- Nora’s investigation into her mother’s murder
- Lotte’s search for her mysterious father’s identity
- The budding romance between Lotte and Theo
The pacing accelerates consistently throughout, with early chapters establishing the world and characters before the momentum builds toward a thrilling conclusion that satisfyingly resolves immediate threats while laying groundwork for future installments.
Writing Style: Elegant Prose with Moments of Brilliance
Hamilton’s prose strikes an effective balance between accessibility and elegance. Her writing features:
- Vivid sensory details that bring Walstad’s opulent society to life
- Crisp dialogue that reveals character while advancing plot
- Thoughtful integration of themes through imagery and metaphor
- Skillful perspective shifts between Nora and Lotte that provide complementary views of key events
Particularly noteworthy is Hamilton’s talent for crafting memorable scenes that blend magic, emotion, and tension. The first trial of the Veritaz stands out as a masterclass in building suspense while simultaneously developing character and world.
Themes: Power, Identity, and Family Legacy
“The Notorious Virtues” explores several resonant themes:
- The corrupting influence of power: Both magical and financial power are shown to twist family relationships and societal structures
- Identity beyond inheritance: Both protagonists struggle to define themselves beyond their family connections
- The complexity of female relationships: The interactions between Nora, Lotte, and the extended female family members avoid simplistic rivalry
- Class privilege and its blindspots: Hamilton deftly illustrates how wealth shapes worldview and opportunity
These themes are woven organically throughout the narrative rather than feeling heavy-handed or didactic.
Critical Assessment: Strengths and Weaknesses
What Shines
- World-building: The magical society of Walstad feels fully realized and internally consistent
- Character development: Both Nora and Lotte undergo meaningful growth arcs
- Thematic depth: The exploration of power and privilege adds substance to the fantasy adventure
- Balanced pacing: The novel maintains momentum while allowing for necessary character development
What Could Be Stronger
- Supporting character development: While the protagonists are well-drawn, some secondary characters remain somewhat two-dimensional
- Familiar tropes: Certain elements (magical competition, hidden heir) tread familiar YA fantasy ground
- Romance pacing: The relationship between Lotte and Theo occasionally feels rushed given the life-threatening circumstances
- Exposition handling: Early chapters sometimes rely too heavily on explanation rather than demonstration of the world’s rules
Comparison to Hamilton’s Previous Work
Fans of Hamilton’s “Rebel of the Sands” trilogy will recognize her talent for creating determined female protagonists and immersive fantasy worlds, but “The Notorious Virtues” represents a notable evolution in her storytelling:
- The setting shifts from desert adventures to aristocratic intrigue
- The magic system feels more structured and society-integrated
- The dual protagonist approach allows for greater narrative complexity
- The murder mystery element adds a new dimension to her storytelling repertoire
This new direction showcases Hamilton’s versatility while maintaining her signature strengths in character work and worldbuilding.
Similar Reads for Fantasy Fans
If you enjoy “The Notorious Virtues,” consider these comparable titles:
- “The Cruel Prince” by Holly Black: For its exploration of dangerous aristocratic politics and outsider protagonists
- “Throne of Glass” by Sarah J. Maas: For competition-based narratives with deadly stakes
- “Three Dark Crowns” by Kendare Blake: For its examination of magical competitions within royal families
- “Caraval” by Stephanie Garber: For richly imagined magical competitions and family mysteries
Final Verdict
“The Notorious Virtues” is a good read for its imaginative worldbuilding, compelling protagonists, and skillful integration of competition narrative with murder mystery. While occasionally relying on familiar YA fantasy tropes, Hamilton elevates the material through nuanced character work and thematic depth.
The novel will particularly appeal to readers who enjoy:
- Fantasy worlds with well-developed magical systems
- Female protagonists navigating complex family dynamics
- Murder mysteries with magical elements
- Stories exploring themes of privilege, identity, and inheritance
As the first installment in a promising new series, “The Notorious Virtues” successfully establishes a compelling world and characters while delivering a satisfying standalone story. Alwyn Hamilton continues to prove herself as a significant voice in YA fantasy, and readers will eagerly anticipate the next chapter in this magical saga.
Note for readers of Hamilton’s previous work: While “The Notorious Virtues” represents a departure from the desert setting and rebellious themes of the “Rebel of the Sands” trilogy, Hamilton’s talent for creating determined heroines and immersive magical worlds remains constant. This new series demonstrates her growth as a storyteller while maintaining the elements that made her previous work so beloved.