The Virus of Beauty

The Virus of Beauty by C.B. Lyall is a compelling YA fantasy that delivers a complex tale of magic, political intrigue, and personal identity. The story follows Wilf Gilvary, a teenage boy living in Hong Kong, who discovers he is the son of a powerful wizard. After a series of dramatic events, Wilf is thrust into a hidden magical realm called Mathowytch, where witches and wizards clash in a deadly war that threatens to wipe out witch magic. As Wilf battles to understand his true nature, he must deal with treacherous alliances, confront his fears, and decide whether to accept his magic or reject it altogether. Losing his father has been hard, but when his friend contracts the virus, he must make a difficult choice. Accept what he is or suffer more losses. 

Lyall masterfully develops a cast of memorable characters, notably Wilf, whose internal struggle with his identity and powers forms the emotional underpinning of the story. Myra, his stepsister, offers a foil—steadfast and protective, yet torn between her loyalty to her family and her secret plans. Ermentrude Wakefield, a powerful witch with a complex moral compass, is mentor and antagonist, exemplifying the ambiguities of magic and authority. The richly described setting shifts from bustling Hong Kong streets to the shadowy, mystical city of Mathowytch, creating a vivid contrast between the mundane and the magical. Wilf’s refusal to accept his magic, the political machinations of the Wizard and Witch Councils, and the deadly Pulch Virus, which symbolizes the destructive potential of unchecked power, are the points that fuel the conflict. The Virus of Beauty is a captivating read that leaves you eager for the next installment in the series — balanced, deft, and hugely imaginative.