Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Teens compete for power in epic, sweeping fantasy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 14+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
THE NOTORIOUS VIRTUES tells the story of the ultra-wealthy and powerful Holtzfall family, and the traditional competition each generation undergoes to prove who's worthy enough to lead the family. Nora's mother was the heiress, but she was murdered in a mugging gone wrong. Nora is the top candidate to succeed her mother, but in the brutal tests to come, anything can and does happen, and Nora's cousins are eager to edge her out. While the country's elite and middle class are enthralled by the competition, a mysterious faction is rising up among the economically disadvantaged, determined to stop at nothing to bring down the Holtzfalls and all the decadence and waste they represent.
Is It Any Good?
This is an epic, sweeping fantasy that brings together a wide range of influences and blends them into something unique. The Notorious Virtues seamlessly combines influences like folklore, the Roaring '20s, revolution, mystery, chivalry, and of course magic into an intriguing and compelling story. A lot of time and care are taken with building this vivid world and its large cast of characters, which sometimes slows things down a bit. But switching narrators and points of view helps keep the pages turning and helps immerse the reader in the world and its characters. A dark fairy tale told over many parts also keeps things going with a compelling origin story. The suspenseful ending will have fans hoping for another installment.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in The Notorious Virtues. Is it too much? Is it important to the story?
What about all the alcohol consumed in the glamorous world of the ultra wealthy? Does it make drinking seem fun or appealing? What are some downsides or dangers the story doesn't talk about?
Which characters are the best models of perseverance and teamwork? How do these strengths help them? What weaknesses get in the way of reaching their goals?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic , Fairy Tales ) , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Character Strengths : Perseverance , Teamwork
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Viking
- Publication date : April 1, 2025
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
- Number of pages : 512
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : June 24, 2026
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