What a great book! "Hotel Magnifique" by Emily J Taylor is certainly the kind of place you want to book into for two weeks of escapism, if it ever appeared in your town. However, working there is a whole different ball game. It reminded me a little bit of the Morrigan Crow series, and the ever-changing Hotel Deucalion but this hotel not only changes inside but travels to different locations. One to watch out for!

It has been a long time since I’ve read a YA novel that wasn’t a reread, so perhaps the break from YA fiction turned out to be helpful and reading this felt suitably refreshing. There are, of course, still YA tropes present, but they felt endearing rather than a chore (as mentioned, perhaps an effect of the break).

The writing was easy to follow, with no purple prose or many similes cluttering the flow. Any descriptions of setting or fantastical scenes provide enough information for the reader to visualise them without being too overwhelming with endless descriptions or explanations. The magic system and locations reminded me of the Grishas from Leigh Bardugo’s Six of Crows duology. Similar to the Grisha, the suminaires in Hotel Magnifique utilise magical items or artefacts. Instead of being amplifiers like in the Grishas case, the suminaires use magical items to channel their magic, so the items are mediums for them to use their magic in a controlled and rational manner (so they take the place of wands, basically).

What I liked best about Hotel Magnifique is how Jani is said to be powerful, but not in the ways I had expected. What I expected of her “power” would be standard YA fare, such as Jani possessing fantastic magical prowess, being the greatest magician of her time (or suminaire, as the book calls it), or being “the chosen one”. While Jani does possess strong magical powers, she’s not the best or most unique out of all the other magicians, who have had time to practice and hone their craft. As showcased in the book, Jani is powerful because of her determination, her resourcefulness, and her capability to adapt to new and varied situations.

Protagonists in YA fiction often have something or someone they want to protect, and that is usually their core motivation. It was a relief that Jani’s primary motivation – to save and protect her sister, doesn’t gradually diminish throughout the book. Some unfortunate YA protagonists’ romantic subplots take over and eclipse the main goal of the story, which ends up making their main goal feel false or stale. There is still romance, but it isn’t a “love at first sight” or oddly rapidly advancing affair. While romantic subplots can enhance a story and spice up the dynamics between characters, it felt nice to have a story where the romance was developing in the background and is implied to continue growing after the book ends. The romance is there and growing, but it’s not the focus, which leaves the spotlight on the fantastical settings and the tension between Jani and her surroundings.

Hotel Magnifique is compared to Caraval and The Night Circus, both of which I haven’t read but probably should. However, I can say that this book did remind me of Six of Crows and Sorcery of Thorns, which are both gripping and fun reads. I enjoyed it, and while I hope there are no more sequels or prequels to this novel, it would be interesting to see what the author may write next!

I received an ARC of the book from the publisher, via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This was a delightful read and I think it's greatest feat is in how Taylor skilfully blends different cultures and languages. Also strong is the relationship between Jani and Bel which is refreshing and cleverly developed. However, I do feel like the other characters are somewhat lacking. Beatrice for instance since I really don't get how her relationship with Jani became the way it is. There were also chapters (towards the end) that felt like pure info-dumping. Lastly, I was also not expecting this book to be this gory. The shift between the magical scenes to the creepier scenes were rather jarring and it comes across as though Taylor is relying on them to bring the book into the YA category as the overarching theme on family just doesn't seem that "mature" to me. Overall, it's still a great debut novel and I enjoyed reading it.

THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND THE PUBLISHER FOR THIS REVIEW COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.

I loved the Caraval when I read it a few years back. Although with time I started to see the flaws it didn't make me hate it. I might not like the characters of Caraval or that writing style anymore, but I can't deny that the world is magical and one of my favorite. As a Caraval fan, I was pumped to see this book and requested it right away.

From the first page, I started to see the resemblance of Caraval in everything, from world-building (islands and traveling ehm ehm), stupid characters (more than Caraval one's), poetic or should I say stupid writing(laughing that made MC toe curl? I mean Whatttt?). So it was just a knock-off cheap version of Caraval and It was BAD. The only good thing was I guess magical world. The hotel which traveled from one place to another at midnight, sounds interesting right? I thought too.

Whenever I start to think that YA Heroines are getting mature, some book throws a whiny, self-absorbed, stupid, and more stupid character in my face. Jani was such a pain in my brain. She is everything a  character should not be. Her sister was that character who acts as fuel to move to the story but doesn't really have any part in the main story. The romance was forced and other characters were bland (read fillers). The whole book made me really angry. It could've been a little bit better if Jani wasn't that STUPID.

When they recommend this book those who love The Night Circus and Caraval, they are not joking, however I actually enjoyed this book more than those, which you may be incredulous to believe. The book has a dynamic of Caraval with the magic of The Night Circus, and a tiny sprinkling of Harry Potter to boot (how the hotel changes is reminiscent of Hogwarts, which is what I mean when I say this).

We are introduced to our main characters pretty much immediately, do I immediately like them? No, however there is something that makes them very relateable - I like how honest she is about her feelings and I like that sisterhood (being sisters smh) these characters have - maybe it's because I'm a bit like that older sister and still protective over my siblings, that makes these characters so good. Jani also has great chemistry on page with Bel and I find their scenes really hard to stop reading, they are such equal forces.

Plot wise, I got to two hundred pages and was a little 'hmm', but the last two hundred, made me a damn believer. That plot moves fast and it moves well as this story's pace starts up and it is so good. People might say the magic system isn't neccesarily explained, but should magic be explained when it's written and painted so beautifully in words throught the scenery of this book? I don't know if explaining the unexplainable is always a good thing, the whole point of the hotel is not to think really.

Anyway, I think this is a very good book and if you do like the books at the top, you will love this book but maybe even if you didn't. Pacey, investing and fierce, this book will take you on many journeys.

I really enjoyed this magical book! I was intrigued from the first page and couldn’t put it down! I love this world that Emily J Taylor created around this intriguing and mysterious hotel!

Jani was a great main character who tried her best to create a better life for her and her sister Zosa. When she realized that the hotel was not what it seemed, she did whatever she had to.. what nobody else was willing to do to save her sister. She was brave, clever and selfless. I also love the other characters, especially Bel and Beatrice!

The only thing I’m not happy about is that this book appears to be a standalone, when I just want to stay in this magical world! I would definitely read a sequel if there ever is one, and look forward to reading other books from this author!

After the death of their mother, sisters Jani and Zosa travelled to the town of Durc hoping for a better life for them, but unfortunately, one couldn’t be found and they ended up working in a tannery. Upon hearing that the mysterious Hotel Magnifique is in town and they are looking for staff, the girls apply for jobs.

This is a book that is hard to review without giving any spoilers away, but I will try, hence I haven’t told you any more about it above. What I will say is that it is a truly amazing YA adventure novel. It is filled with magic, mystery, and mayhem. There is good and evil both at play and characters you will love and hate.

The hotel is unlike you will ever know, in that each day it lands in a different place in the fantasy world that has been created by the author. The guests pay a lot of money to stay there and are treated to the most enjoyable, out-of-this-world time whilst they are there. The staff though is a different kettle of fish and not everything is as it first seems, something more sinister is at play and Jani is determined to discover the truth.

I adored this book. It is fast-paced, exciting, unputdownable, enchanting, and totally unique. The hotel is brought to life on the pages and the descriptions make it easy for you to visualise what is happening.

Essentially this is a book of love, the bond between two sisters and the courage it takes to face anything or anyone, whether real or magical, who tries to come between them. It is a fabulous story and anyone who loves books filled with fantasy and magic should give it a read.

A wonderfully magical tale which has been compared to Caraval and The Night Circus. The hotel in the book does appear as if by magic but this is a unique story of its own. Wonderful world building and a delight for the senses. The ending was rushed and a second thought it seemed however but the overall story and characters were fun and exciting to read about. Magnifique but dark and mysterious too.

"A true gift tends to make itself known."

Hotel Magnifique is magical hotel that moves through oceans at the stroke of midnight. It is known to be the only place where people with magic in their blood have any control over their magic. And they use this magic to host a variety of guests and treat them with the time of their lives; with the only clause that guests will forget what they witness the moment they step out.

Jani approaches the Hotel Magnifique looking for jobs for herself and her little sister, Zosa. Her sister's beautiful voice awards her a job of a performer on spot, while jani is rejected. So as not to let her sister go alone, Jani forces her way into the hotel with help of her reluctant new ally Bel. But as days pass, she discovers there is more to the hotel that meets the eye. And she may never really find her way back home.

Hotel Magnifique is a spectacular adventure! The plot may be a tad predictable, but the novel still pleases you with a plethora of lovable characters, their adorable chemistry, the glorious magical elements of the hotel.


**Thank you NetGallery and pushkinpress for the ARC**

4.5 stars
Hotel Magnifique fell into my radar purely by chance and I ended up enjoying this more than I thought I would. Reading the beginning, I could see why its been compared to Caraval. It takes place in a spooky, mystical setting where things are not what they seem like. I honestly think Hotel Magnifique does that so much better. The world building was great, expansive and I thoroughly enjoyed the places that the book took us. The magic system was also easy to understand. Emily J. Taylor's writing is gorgeous and it really added to the suspense and thrill of the story. Jani, the main character, was well-written and even after everything that happened, her love for her sister really shines through. Jani's tension with Bel was also amazing and I was rooting for them, pretty early on.

The ending of the book was perfect and wrapped up things neatly. Hotel Magnifique works great as a standalone, but I honestly wouldn't mind a sequel just to experience this whole world again.

The blurb had me intrigued for its plot: two sisters escaping a difficult life until they find an enchanting hotel that could mysteriously appear from nowhere. This alone convinced me to add it to my anticipated books for next year, and I am glad that it did not disappoint. The mystery and glamour hooked me in from the first page til the very last. The magical system and world-building is vivid, descriptive, and exquisite. With its twists and turns, along with its satisfying ending, Hotel Magnifique is a very solid debut that fans of Caraval and The Night Circus would surely enjoy.

I really wanted to love this book, about two sisters who try to escape their lives by finding work at a mysterious travelling hotel, but I found the vibe was just a bit off. There were elements of fantasy that fell just short of creepy. The romance felt stiff and like it wasn't quite finished. And the mystery was a bit dull - I wasn't particularly keen to read the outcome. I didn't mind the writing for the most part, but something about the book just didn't resonate with me!

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Please take in mind it’s my opinion, and everyone is allowed to have

I absolutely love this story, might be one of my favorite reads of this year. From beginning I was enchanted and wandered me in this magical story. The way everything made sense, the plot, the characters.

Each character was so great and unique, the way they all had a story from beginning till the end. To learn about their magic was so cool. The tension between Bel and Jani, I loved it.

I honestly do hope we will get more books in this world, I’d love to read more.

Thank you to Netgalley and pushkin press for sending me an arc, this was one of my most anticipated releases of 2022, and I was so excited to read it.

Hotel magnifique was simply stunning. I was so engrossed in the story and the mystery of the hotel, that I couldn't put the book down.

The Hotel was described in so much detail that it felt real, the magic system was unique and made the story so much fun to read, whilst adding suspense to each chapter.

The characters were all really well developed, the main character, Jani, was reckless and determined, but had a fierce protectiveness that wasn't limited to her younger sister, Zosa, but to everyone, including people she barely knew.

Bel and beatrice were some of my favourite characters, and I was happy to learn more about what drew them to the hotel, and their jobs there. It was fun to see Jani navigate the hotel, discover secrets and build relationships with the other people in the hotel.

The darkness and tension throughout the chapters kept me intrigued, there were so many plot twists and unexpected moments, but they helped wrap the ending up nicely, despite it feeling rushed towards the end. I really enjoyed the book and cannot wait to buy it when it is released.

From the moment I began reading Hotel Magnifique it sucked me in, the world building is very reminiscent to Caraval and The Night Circus so I found it very easy and quick to read.

We follow sisters Jani and Zosa as they manage to secure jobs at the mysterious hotel which only appears in their town once a decade. However, we discover that behind all the enchantments and whimsical displays not everything is quite as it seems and Jani finds herself on a quest unlike any other to save herself and the friends she makes during her stay.

Thank you to Netgalley and Pushkin Press for the chance to read Hotel Magnifique.

When I read the blurb for this book I thought it sounded fantastic. A mysterious hotel that can just appeae from nowhere, The world building was detailed and vivid. It had a unique magic system which unfolded as you went along adding a different element in. It had a very Caravel-esque feel to it, and it was your typical YA cast throughout. All in all it was an enjoyable read, which was quick moving

3.5 stars

There is a lot of great ideas in this book.
A hotel that moves by magic being the main one.
But all the mysterious and magical things that happen inside are pretty exciting too... if you're a guest.
Not so much so as staff.
Where there's magic,there is nearly always darkness too,and this strikes just the right balance of wonder and menace.
Strong lead characters made it a breeze to read,and enjoy.
It's got a beautiful cover too.
Ticks a lot of boxes for me.

Hotel Magnifique takes place in a magical hotel where Jani and her sister Zosa work. It seems like a wonderful place at first, but gradually Jani starts to see beyond the magical facade and realise the danger she and her sister are in.

Comparisons to The Night Circus and Caraval are apt, although the problem with these comparisons are that they did highlight that this felt a little bit more of a freshman effort. While I enjoyed reading this, it was hard to ignore some of the issues with the worldbuilding. The author tries to paper over the cracks with pretty, magical descriptions, but I was left with a lot of questions. Additionally, Jani is infuriatingly unthinking. She would do very stupid things that typically anyone in an odd situation where they knew they didn't have all the information would avoid doing. Once was fine, but then she kept doing it. It was repetitive! And it might have been a little less irritating if she'd had a moment where she was all "oh, I keep rushing in without thinking and making everything worse, but I guess that's my fatal flaw" but she didn't seem to reflect on it once! I don't think the author intended for her to come across as dense, so this may have been an issue with the writing instead.

However, all that said, this was definitely a fun book to read! I enjoyed the world, despite the wobbly world building, and - until the rushed ending - I thought the pacing of the book and each reveal was handed really well. The twists were obvious, but not so obvious as to spoil my enjoyment, and the love interest was fine. I would have loved to spend more time getting to know characters like Frigga and Issig, or even Red, but that's a compliment to the author and the wonderful characters she's created.

I'd describe Hotel Magnifique as The Night Circus meets Caraval. It is an intoxicating blend of magic, mystery & sisters. It was impossible to put down!

The Hotel Magnifique is a magic hotel that appears randomly out of nowhere at random times and issues invitations to random guests seemingly without discretion. However magic it maybe it still requires employees so when poor orphan Jani sees an advertisement for staff she decides to thrust her thirteen year old singing sister through its doors and hopes they’ll take her too. Needless to say the hotel is not all it seems.
I’m pretty sure I am too old to be reading this book. It was fine. Slightly simplistic. The world building blurry, the characters sketchy. But Bel was hot so there’s that. I didn’t take to the faux French, why write things in French only to have to immediately translate it. The plot sort of unravelled towards the end and Bel disappeared for the last quarter of the book which was a bit weird but there was a make over!