The Hotel Magnifique by Emily J. Taylor (2023) – Magic is a power both dangerous and feared. The only place that it is controlled is at the Hotel Magnifique, a decadent hotel that appears at random points around the world. If you have enough money, you can enjoy all the opulence of the hotel. The catch is that you will remember none of it when you leave. For those hired to work at the hotel, there are other dangers that are hidden away. When Jani and Zosa, orphan sisters looking to escape their life in poverty, join the staff, they discover those dangers are just below the glittering surface of the hotel.

Why I Liked It – A little dark, and a little daring.

As the year winds down, I felt the need for some fun escapism, and Taylor provides that to perfection. “The Hotel Magnifique” offers plenty of familiar touchstones. There’s a taste of Harry Potter in the poor young person suddenly thrust into an elite world of magic. As a fan of older science fiction, the hotel’s sudden appearances in random locations, offering a product that carries a taboo, reminded me of A. E. Van Vogt’s classic “The Weapon Shops of Isher”. It’s a tale of siblings struggling together, and there’s a touch of romance centered on a young man with a touch of Emily Bronte’s Heathcliff.

From that foundation, the author creates a story that is fascinating, novel, and nicely paced. It explores the challenges of a strong-minded young woman trying to protect her gifted younger sister. She will discover how power can corrupt, and face difficult choices in her battle against the powers arrayed against her. The story doesn’t beat over the head with the deeper meanings, but they are clearly defined throughout.

Jani and Zosa are alone in the world following the death of their mother. Jani is the older sister and works to feed and house the two, hoping she can save enough money for a return to their home village. Life in the port city of Durc makes that nearly impossible. Then a flyer announces that the legendary Hotel Magnifique is coming to Durc, and is hiring. Zosa is hired for her singing, but Jani has to con her way onto the staff. She is quick to discover that the gilded surface of life in the hotel has disturbing underpinnings. No one seems to remember where they came from, or how long they’ve worked for the hotel. Poor behavior merits harsh punishment.

There’s plenty to enjoy in this YA novel. It was a quick read for me, because the story carried me along. Jani is a strong character while being prone to the headstrong decisions of a teen thrust into the role of parent. The adult characters get some dimension as well. A little dark, and a little daring makes this a fun read.

Rating – **** Recommended