Darkly Enchanting Read

Book: Hotel Magnifique

Author: Emily J. Taylor

Synopsis

All her life, Jani has dreamed of Elsewhere. Just barely scraping by with her job at a tannery, she’s resigned to a dreary life in the port town of Durc, caring for her younger sister Zosa. That is, until the Hotel Magnifique comes to town.

The hotel is legendary not only for its whimsical enchantments, but also for its ability to travel—appearing in a different destination every morning. While Jani and Zosa can’t afford the exorbitant costs of a guest’s stay, they can interview to join the staff, and are soon whisked away on the greatest adventure of their lives. But once inside, Jani quickly discovers their contracts are unbreakable and that beneath the marvelous glamour, the hotel is hiding dangerous secrets.

With the vexingly handsome doorman Bel as her only ally, Jani embarks on a mission to unravel the mystery of the magic at the heart of the hotel and free Zosa—and the other staff—from the cruelty of the ruthless maître d’hôtel. To succeed, she’ll have to risk everything she loves, but failure would mean a fate far worse than never returning home.

Review

Emily J. Taylor’s “Hotel Magnifique” offers readers a decadent and darkly enchanting journey into a world of magic and mystery. With its lush world-building and captivating premise, this novel will appeal to fans of Caraval and The Night Circus. However, while it boasts many strengths, it also falls short in some areas, leaving readers with unanswered questions and a desire for more depth.

Set against the backdrop of a Belle Époque-inspired hotel that travels to different destinations each morning, “Hotel Magnifique” follows seventeen-year-old Jani as she embarks on a life-changing adventure with her younger sister Zosa. The allure of the hotel’s whimsical enchantments draws them in, but once inside, they discover the dark secrets lurking beneath the surface.

Taylor excels in creating a rich and immersive world, enhanced by the use of French words and names that add to the mystical ambiance of the hotel. The lore surrounding the hotel and its magical properties is intriguing, drawing readers deeper into the story. However, despite the captivating setting, the pacing of the novel feels uneven, with the ending wrapping up too quickly and leaving many unanswered questions.

One of the novel’s weaknesses lies in its characterization. While Jani is a compelling protagonist, her relationship with Zosa lacks depth, and readers may find it difficult to connect with their bond. Additionally, secondary characters are underdeveloped, with little exploration of their backstories or motivations. This lack of depth hampers the emotional resonance of the story, leaving readers wanting more from the supporting cast.

Furthermore, while the novel takes a darker turn in its later chapters, it feels as though much is happening without significant plot advancement. The magical experiences promised to guests of the hotel are mentioned but not elaborated upon, leaving readers wanting more insight into the enchantments at play.

Overall, “Hotel Magnifique” is a captivating read that will enchant fans of fantasy and magic. While it excels in world-building and atmosphere, it falls short in character development and pacing. With its unresolved questions and potential for further exploration, it would perhaps have been better suited as the first installment in a series rather than a standalone novel.