Parents' Guide to

Hotel Magnifique

By Andrea Beach, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Intriguing fantasy is lavish and magical, dark and chilling.

Book Emily J. Taylor Fantasy 2022
Hotel Magnifique Book Cover

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

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age 11+

Based on 1 parent review

Annusalya S.
Annusalya S. Parent of 11-year-old
January 26, 2023
age 11+

Filled with adventure and mystery.

Loved everything about the book, from the way the characters were written, and the mystery behind the whole story. A little bit of romance here and there, but nothing a 12 year old and above cannot handle. Definitely worthy of reading.
See all 1 parent review

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?

Our review:
Parents say: (1 ):
Kids say: Not yet rated

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

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