The Notorious Virtues - by Alwyn Hamilton (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Bestselling Rebel of the Sands author Alwyn Hamilton is back with a glittering fantasy thriller about a glamorous media darling, a surprise heiress, and the magical competition of a lifetime.

This gorgeous hardcover first edition features emerald hued edges, creating a lush look for this stunning fantasy.

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.

While the dangers of the Veritaz competition threaten each of the Holtzfall girls, and the stark class differences turns political outrage to terrifing violence--the new cousins must fight to stay alive, no matter what.

Incredible tests, impossible choices, and deadly odds await both girls. But there can only be one winner.

Review Quotes

"A secret heir? A battle for a glamorous inheritance? An intricate whodunit? This book has everything I love about the best stories. Most of all, Lotte and Nora will burrow beneath your skin and make you laugh and cry alongside them. Hamilton's writing is transportive and full of rich detail. I was lost in her world of wealth and intrigue; but most of all, The Notorious Virtues is a tale of family tragedy across generations, spun by a masterful storyteller. I can't wait for the next one."--Renèe Ahdieh, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author of The Beautiful

"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."--Samantha Shannon, New York Times bestselling author of The Bone Season and The Priory of the Orange Tree

"A decadent, whip-smart treat of a novel full of mystery, intrigue and adventure. Aesthetically rich with intricately crafted fairytale, The Notorious Virtues had me in a chokehold."--Bea Fitzgerald, author of Girl, Goddess, Queen

"Hamilton's The Notorious Virtues is an absolute triumph. The world of the Holtzfalls is a glittering realm of treachery, wonder and charm. Lotte and Nora are exquisitely drawn characters whose verve and determination will ensnare readers. I read this in one sitting and cannot wait to return to this dizzying, dazzling, devious world."-- Roshani Chokshi, New York Times bestselling author of the Pandava Series

"An irresistible feat of stunning world-building and first-class storytelling, The Notorious Virtues is so glitteringly good, it sparkles. I devoured every single page!"--Catherine Doyle, author of the internationally bestselling The Dagger and the Flame

"Hamilton is back with a galloping, glittering, twisty treat of a book. This world felt like Gossip Girl meets Gladiator and I can't wait to read the next instalment."--Kiran Millwood Hargrave, bestselling and award-winning author of The Deathless Girls

"A glitzy and sinister blend of fairy tales, murder mystery and dazzling socialites. Combining old fables with modern glamour, Alwyn Hamilton has created a more-than-magical start to a series that readers are sure to devour!"--Alexandra Christo, author of the internationally bestselling To Kill a Kingdom

"I love this book! The world building is brilliant, the stakes are high and the character chemistry is off the charts. The mix of fairytale magic with the thrill of deadly trials, all shaken together with a decadent 1920s inspired setting makes for an absolutely intoxicating, irresistible read."--Katherine Webber, bestselling author of Twin Crowns

"A fabulous, addictive blend of magic, gangsters, and 1920s glamour, packed full of family feuds and fairy tale references that had me hooked from the very first page - every fantasy fan is going to adore The Notorious Virtues."-- Katharine Corr, bestselling author of Queen of Gods

"A masterful blend of fairytales, family politics and murder mystery evoking the glamour of the roaring twenties, with stunning prose and characters you can't help falling in love with."-- A. S. Webb, author of Daughter of Chaos

"A sparkling concoction of family rivalry, propulsive plot, fairytales, charm magic and revolution against the backdrop of a city divided. Like Gossip Girl with magic, I adored it."-- Rachel Greenlaw, author of Compass and Blade

"A twisty and clever fantasy thriller that combines classic fairytales with betrayals, politics and murder-mystery to create a page-turning treat of a book. I loved every second I spent in this stunning world."-- Ravena Guron, author of This Book Kills

"A captivating story filled with magic, mystery and betrayal. Prepare to lose yourself in this glamorous, dangerous world!"--Lauryn Hamilton Murray, author of Heir of Storms

About the Author

Alwyn Hamilton was born in Toronto and lived between Canada, France, and Italy until she was three, when her family settled in the small French town of Beaune. She studied history of art at King's College, Cambridge, graduated in 2009, and lives in London. She is the author of Rebel of the Sands, Traitor to the Throne, and Hero at the Fall.