Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Intriguing fantasy is lavish and magical, dark and chilling.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
What's the Story?
HOTEL MAGNIFIQUE is where orphaned sisters Jani (17) and Zosa (13) find themselves suddenly employed after most of their childhood was spent barely scraping by. Not only is the hotel magnificent, but it's staffed by magicians who perform unimaginable wonders for the dazzlingly wealthy guests. They also use their magic to move the hotel to a new location, anywhere in the world, every midnight. Of course, things are almost never what they seem, including the sisters' employment contracts, which have powerful enchantments that prevent them from leaving the hotel. Ever. Jani won't rest until she finds a way to get herself and her sister back home safely, but the more she learns about herself and others at the hotel, the more hope fades away.
Is It Any Good?
This is an intriguing, richly realized fantasy that will delight fans of the genre who enjoy their magic with a bit of a dark edge to it. The world building in Hotel Magnifique vividly conjures the feeling of the early 20th century, with a French flair and a bit of steampunk. Debut author Emily J. Taylor is at her best describing dazzling illusions performed in an atmosphere of ultimate luxury.
The characters are well developed and have complex motives and relationships. Teens will root for Jani as she tries to discover the truth about the world she finds herself in. The story's twists and turns, along with budding romance, keep the pages turning to a satisfying end that leaves room for more adventure.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence and scariness in Hotel Magnifique. Is reading about violence different from seeing it in movies, games, and other media?
Why are stories about dark magic, or magic used for dark reasons, popular? What do some people love about them?
If you could, would you want to live in a building that took you someplace new every day? Or would you rather have a stable home base? Why?
How do the characters demonstrate communication, curiosity, and perseverance?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : Fantasy ( Magic ) , Adventures , Family Stories ( Siblings )
- Character Strengths : Communication , Curiosity , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Razorbill
- Publication date : April 5, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 12 - 17
- Number of pages : 400
- Available on : Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
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