The Virus of Beauty by C.B. Lyall
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wilf Gilvary is a young man living in Hong Kong and is obsessed by soccer, but his family, not so much, they would much rather he focuses on his magic, but that is the last thing he wants. It is something he argues with his father about a lot and the more his father pushes him, the more he pushes back, one day in particular they have a huge argument while Wilf is looking for something, especially since while he is sneaking around looking for it, the Mages Crystal which has been in his family for generations shatters.

Later on that morning, while he is at soccer practice, his father mysteriously dies and leaves his magical heritage to Wilf, he now has a decision to make, meanwhile in the magical world there is a political battle raging between the witches and wizards and this has led to a mysterious virus attacking the population. This virus is causing both witches and wizards alike to change, it is also causing them to lose their magic as the virus progresses, the main symptom is a change in appearance, instead of the ugliness this community prizes, the victims are becoming beautiful as well.

As Wilf speaks to one of the witches about his fathers journal, he realises that it holds the key to curing this virus, but it turns out that his father has spelled it so that the only way it can be read is for Wilf to develop his magical skills. This becomes even more stressful for Wilf when the one friend he has made since moving to the magical community is infected by the virus and he knows the only way to help is to embrace his magic and carry out his fathers wishes, but can he do it in time? This is a magical adventure filled with political intrigue, as well as emotional ups and downs as a young man comes to term with his future and the changes he needs to make. It is a gripping tale which will keep you reading as you become invested in the story and the characters within it.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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