Hotel Magnifique
Emily J Taylor
Y/A
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Driven by desperation and the desire for a better life, sisters Jani and Zosa enter the world of the Hotel Magnifique but all is not as it seems.

I really enjoyed this booked and read it quite quickly. It's fast paced, the world building is nicely done and I liked how the characters developed.

The way the secrets of the hotel unfolded gradually kept me engaged and the relationships between certain characters changed in ways that kept me intrigued.

Overall I'd recommend this book if you're into magic, dark secrets and the struggle to overcome challenges.

*Thank you to @BookSirens for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review*

A fantastical tale about a young woman who wants a better life for her self and her younger sister. When the Hotel shows up in their town she decides she will do anything to get them it. The magical might seen exciting and awe inspiring but darkness and evil lurk everywhere and nothing in this enchanting place is as it seems. Jani will stop at nothing to discover all the secrets Alistair is hiding and free them from their nightmare. With a few loyal friends and more determination than sense Jani might just pull it off.

Caraval mixed with something else l can't quite place; with promises of magical mystery, curbed with a darker side and that stunning cover... I had to give it a read. So as soon as it popped up on my netgallery library I was overjoyed and started immediately!

At the start it took me a while to flow into the story itself, but once the adventure and mystery begun it was as if my mind had been enveloped by the hotel itself. We followed our brave female lead through every corridor, room, and dangerous situations she encountered. The wonder was the like of that when reading the ‘Night Circus’, completely enrapturing and spectacular but with pitch night shadows encroaching right on the edge of your vision warning you of the danger there.

I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this darkly dangerous book, and I do emphasise on the dark part of this as it is not for children as the cover may make you assume with its bright colours and enticing visuals. Not for the faint of hearted, all the same if this mysterious hotel does call to you I would recommend pre-ordering or buying this book and discovering the truth yourself page by page.

All I can say to finish this review off is that I wish and hope this book will be in our cinemas in the future for us to enjoy in all it's visual wonders come to life on screen!

A big thank you to net gallery, Pushkin Press, Penguin Random House, and Emily J. Taylor, for allowing me to read an early copy of the truly magnificent book.

Alas, this one was not for me. While I liked the concept of a mysterious, magical, moving hotel, it really didn't deliver. I didn't like the characters or the writing. It was scattered, juvenile and unpolished. It read like an early draft of Caraval fanfiction and could have benefitted from a few more rounds of editing. I did read an ARC so hopefully my issues were resolved for a better reading experience for others.

Recommended for fans of Caraval, Dangerous Remedy, The Court of Miracles, All the Stars and Teeth, Amber & Dusk, Incendiary, The Prison Healer

Thank you to Netgalley and Pushkin Press for the ARC.

WHAT AN INCREDIBLE BOOK! I knew I'd love this one when the tag line said it was for fans of Caraval and the Night Circus and it just BLEW ME AWAY!

I fell in love with the characters and the plot, I was drawn in by the story and swept away that I just didn't want the book to end and even though its wrapped up really nicely, I would not be opposed to a second book even if its a companion rather than a direct sequel!

Such a beautiful cover as well, I highly recommend this beauty and I will be grabbing a gorgeous finished copy once it's released!

Hotel Magnifique has a magical plot and enchanting setting, but for me the writing did not match up to it. I was taken by the storyline, but the writing did not elicit the same response in me.

I wanted more intrigue and magic with the hotel, as it truly did sound amazing, but I could not engage with the story. While the premise was great, I didn't feel connected to it or the characters (especially Zosa), so I think it just wasn't for me.

The world of Hotel Magnifique is enchanting but didn't quite bring enough magic to be truly magnificent.

Sisters Jani and Zosa are in search of a better life. And Hotel Magnifique offers this opportunity; never in the same place twice and only appearing on rare days, the hotel offers a two-week magical stay that means the lucky few offered tickets will see unimaginable delights and forget them as soon as they get back home. The only way to stay longer is to work and, with Zosa's beautiful singing voice, Jani schemes to get them both into employment so they can escape back to their hometown.

However, what Jani doesn't quite anticipate is that Zosa would be lucky, and she would not. Thus, when a worker in the hotel comes to take Zosa away to her new job, Jani has to fight not to be left behind. In the confusion, Jani signs a guest contract for the hotel and, in doing so, becomes able to see the magic around her without the manacles of employment in the traditional sense. Therefore, it is much easier for her to unravel the mystery of the hotel; why staff can't seem to leave; and what the maître really wants with all these artifacts...

This story is described as a combination of The Night Circus and Caraval which it certainly is - I just didn't find it different enough to be impactful. You've got two sisters, a mysterious love interest that doesn't reveal much, a villainous lacky who may or may not turn good, a crazy team of evil people and a moving magical establishment. Sounds vaguely familiar, right? And it is a cool concept that I did enjoy, especially with the spectacles of magic. But it wasn't overly compelling, and I didn't feel caught up in the allure.

I think I would put this down to Jani as the MC as a lot of her motivations felt rushed and I felt not enough time at the start of the novel was dedicated to investing in her motivations. Dare I say she felt a bit y/n? Especially with how trusting she was of Bel - suspicious. Frankly, I think Bel might have been the more interesting way to spin the story, especially as an unreliable narrator in the thick of it.

Despite this, it was lighthearted snappy read; an overall okay time.

This book had me hooked from Chapter 1, it has the same vibes as Caraval, so if you’re a fan of that book series, I would definitely give this one a try.

The story follows Jani a seventeen-year-old, who tries to make enough money to get her and her sister back to their homeland, but she is barely scraping by, until the Hotel Magnifique arrives in town. Soon Jani and her sister are whisked away on a great adventure, but once inside things are not as they appear. The hotel is hiding some dangerous secrets.

I really enjoyed reading this book, it definitely sweep me away into this story as there is some amazing world building for the Hotel and the development of Jani’s character and her determination to find out the truth. There are dark twists and turns, the romance all of this together makes for a thoroughly enjoyable read and one I’d recommend.

5⭐️ Breathtakingly Beautiful in every way- truly magnifique!!!!

Thank you to Netgalley and Pushkin Press for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.

All I can say is wow! Since first hearing about this book (and seeing the absolutely STUNNING cover) i’ve been so excited to read it and I was so happy when the publisher approved me for a DRC. A lot of books that I read after waiting in anticipation for months can be a bit of a let down and fail to live up to my expectations but this was not one of them!

Hotel Magnifique had everything I look for in a book: magic, mystery and romance as well as an immersive setting, a compelling plot and characters that were relatable enough that you couldn’t help but root for them- all executed beautifully. I could ‘t put it down, plus it gave me the fuzzy feeling in my stomach that’s a sure way of telling if a book is a 5⭐️ for me !

The descriptions really made the hotel, a place as haunting as it is enchanting, with secrets around every corner and a hint of the gothic, come alive and I also loved that although there was some romance, the relationship the book focused on the most was that between siblings.

The only thing even remotely close to a criticism I could give this book is that I was shocked that Zosa was only 13 as she seemed older to me at first but I think that’s more my interpretation and presumptions than a fault of the author!

I cannot wait to buy a physical copy of this book and I hope there’s a special edition available in the UK because I 100% want it in my collection! Overall an absolutely stunning debut and I can’t wait to read future books by this author🔮✨

3.5/5

This book follows the story of two sisters whom following the death of their mother travel to the city to live a better life but ended up working in a tannery. The girls, Jani and Zosa always dreamt of attending the mysterious Hotel Magnifique which appears in a different location (Elsewhere) every night but the only way to do that and afford it was to interview to work there except the hotel isn't what it seemed. The book follows Jani who discovers the hotel's secrets throughout the book and discovers they are dark and dangerous as she battles to free her sister and her friends.

I knew I was going to enjoy this book from the very first page. Taylor's writing is easy to follow and enjoyable to read. This book is filled with magic, friendships and romance. I could not put it down.

A magical travelling hotel, what more could I need? Escape. By this I mean, although Jani enter the world outside of the hotel, I felt stuck within the same hotel walls as she was. As a reader I need free roam into the world created by the Author and I just didn't feel this.
The premis of the book was great, I just couldn't get into this and felt the comparison with The Night Circus is apt. I did not enjoy that book either.
Each to their own, and I am greatful for the opportunity to read this book early.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Pushkin Press for the eARC in exchange for an honest review, I'm endlessly grateful

Summary:
The Hotel Magnifique appears in a different location every day at midnight. People flock around the building to catch a glimpse at the mysterious maître who runs the hotel and try to get an invitation to experience the magic that lies inside. So when Jani sees an advertisement to interview for a job at the hotel, she knows she can't turn down the opportunity and try to get her sister Zosa in too. But what awaits her inside the hotel, beyond the charming doorman Bel, is far more different than she could have ever imagined...

Opinions:
From the moment I discovered this book I had a feeling that it would be something special and wow, it did not disappoint! The plot was so intriguing, including various plot twists which I did not see coming, and I couldn't bear to put it down! I loved the characters, especially Bel, and the relationships between them. The sisterly bond between Jani and Zosa was admirable and the romance in the book was also everything I've ever wanted, including so much banter and tension (and also the forced proximity trope at times 🤭) which never seemed rushed or overdone. The epilogue was also amazing and it was one of the best parts of the book in my opinion.

The only thing I'd change about this book is that I'd include a map and more geographical context about the world to help visualize it more. We're given a lot of names for different places and mentions of lots of maps but we never get to see one, which is a shame since geography is so important in the story, especially for Jani. It's only a small piece of information but it would really add another layer of understanding to the book. However, the book never fell short on providing backstories for characters and lore about the suminaires and the world which was great.

In conclusion, this is an absolutely remarkable debut novel that I can't wait to get a physical copy of to reread and display when it's published! Also! I highly recommend rereading the prologue after finishing the book. It made much more sense after, since it's quite strange when you first read it.

Quotes I liked:
"He worried about me. Which meant he cared enough to worry in the first place"
""Will you … help me?" He asked it like I might say no. "Of course, you fool.""

Final rating: 5 ⭐
Picking up more books by the author?: 100%, I can't wait to read anything else Emily J. Taylor writes

just wow! when i tell you i had the best time reading this book. the magical aspect was so much fun to read about and just letting it unfold before my eyes was amazing! i can't even begin to describe how happy those scenes made me and how easily immersed i was!!

the characters were greatly developed. i loved Jani and Bel so much! same with Zosa, Beatrice, Hellas, Frigga, and Issig. i love the bond that Jani and Zosa have - i love me a good sibling bond.

the ending had me crying. i loved it so much. the plot twist as well was crazy! i did not see that coming!!!
my only complaint is that it wasn't longer lmao i did not want it to end.

i have written a spoiler review on goodreads that goes into more depth about what i loved about the characters and how certain scenes made me feel.

also i am so buying the physical copy because the cover is beautiful and i definitely see myself rereading this in the future!

Hotel Magnifique by Emily J. Taylor is a magical and enthralling ya fantasy that gives some vibes similar to the Caraval series.

Jani is our protagonist and she cares for her sister Zosa and they barely make ends meet. Hotel Magnifique is a place that is legendary and everyone knows of and wishes to see it for themselves. When the hotel actually visits their town, Jani does everything to ensure they can stay in the hotel and her dedication for this was extraordinary. Jani in general is a force of nature character and this made it difficult for me to sympathize with her.

You see the hotel from different perspectives in this book and that made it a unique experience to learn about it. For one you hear the tales about and then you actually see it from a guest, but also a worker’s perspective. Especially the latest gave a behind the scenes look and that was sometimes even very dangerous.

My favorite part of the book was the atmosphere. It was so glamorous, whimsical and enchanting and you wish to visit the Hotel Magnifique yourself. At the same time it also harbors secrets and mystery and during the book some of those get uncovered.

While these parts of the book were amazing, it also had a downside as it overshadowed the characters for me. They can quickly get lost in the hotel and I always need some characters I can feel for that guide through the book. And in this one this only happened sometimes and that is probably my main point about this book.

Overall, Hotel Magnifique is the perfect place and book to get lost in and I just wish I could have connected more to the characters. 3 stars.

(ARC kindly provided in exchange for a review.)

First of all: This COVER Is absolutely amazing. I instantly fell in love :D
But now to the book:
If you’re a fan of Caraval, then this is for you.
The beginning reminded me A LOOOT of Caraval. Two sisters trying to escape their lives and when this lovely hotel appears, they take the chance. The beginning made me question if I’ll actually end up liking this book but after getting a bit into it, it took a surprising turn and I was HOOKED. The magic and darkness was a nice factor and just really did it for me. The plot twist was unexpected and the character development was pretty good. All in all this book was a very nice read. Definitely recommend it! #Netgalley #HotelMagnifique

I was approved of an ARC of this one a long time ago, but I was absolutely terrified of the contents: it was pitched as caraval meets the night circus and with caraval as one of my all-time favourite books, I had really high expectations for this one and boy did the author not disappoint. I loved the setting, the characters, the pace, everything about it was *chef's kiss* I wish the problems weren't resolved so early on but since this is a standalone, I guess it is what it is!!

I really do not know what to say: I do not want to hurt the book and the idea seems great but I only managed to read like 40% of it as I could not force myself to finish. I am so sorry as the ideas is great is, the characters seem interesting (I really liked Zosa and Bel but the protagonist was, well... super annoying). Why could not I force myself to finish then, you may ask. Well, the language. They way it was written was not my cup of tea. It does not mean it was bad, no! Just not something I enjoyed.

A fun and engaging YA novel with strong female characters and a good story. A word of magic where anything is possible. Adventure, mystery and friendship.

This was a brilliant read with the most gorgeous cover. The writing grasped my attention from the first page and was so vividly interesting.

It’s only the beginning of March and I can already feel that this book is going to be a likely contender for my favourite book of the year! The Night Circus meets Nevermoor clash in this wonderfully, magical ride through realms that are full of terror-filled imagination!

The character depth was magnificent from page one and I feel as though I know (and question) each an every one.

The magical realism elements remind me so much of The Night Circus and it’s the closest book I’ve ever read that has come close to this masterpiece.

It be me an all-time favourite in the very first chapter and continued to rank throughout my reading experience. Absolutely wonderful and one I cannot wait to shout about to everyone!