Hotel Magnifique is a stunning original YA fantasy that will have you dreaming of French ballrooms and magic. The story revolves around Jani, whose sister is chosen to work for the Hotel Magnifique, which magically transports itself to a different destination every day. Although Jani is not chosen, she bargains with the handsome doorman, and he allows her in on a trial basis. Once inside, she discovers that there are dark secrets behind the glittery exterior.
Here is an enchanting excerpt from the Prologue:
"The alley was gone. A strange, slender building stood in its place, squeezed into the narrow space, fitting in seamlessly with the crumbling structures on either side.
A figure peeled away from a shadow near the entrance.
The courier drew the boy behind her. “Are you the person I’m supposed to meet?”
Whoever it was raised a slim object. A blood-red taper candle flared to life, illuminating a young man’s cool blue eyes and pale face.
The courier searched for a match to explain the flame; no one could light a candle from nothing. Unless—Shimmering golden smoke billowed from the tip. It spilled onto the street, snaking around the courier. Tiny globes buzzed and flickered like fireflies or dust motes catching moonlight. Or something else. Scents gusted by: peppermint oil, then burnt sugar, as if caramel were bubbling too long on a stove, followed by a whiff of citrus left to rot."
Overall, Hotel Magnifique is a YA fantasy that will appeal to fans of Caraval or Studio Ghibli. In particular, there were elements on the fantasy that reminded me of Howl's Moving Castle and Spirited Away, which are my two favorite Studio Ghibli movies. One highlight of this book is the amazing worldbuilding and lovely descriptions. I was doubtful at first that this book would be able to deliver, but it absolutely wowed me. There are magical elements here that I had not seen in any other YA fantasy before. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of YA fantasy, I highly recommend that you check out this book, which is available now!
Here is an enchanting excerpt from the Prologue:
"The alley was gone. A strange, slender building stood in its place, squeezed into the narrow space, fitting in seamlessly with the crumbling structures on either side.
A figure peeled away from a shadow near the entrance.
The courier drew the boy behind her. “Are you the person I’m supposed to meet?”
Whoever it was raised a slim object. A blood-red taper candle flared to life, illuminating a young man’s cool blue eyes and pale face.
The courier searched for a match to explain the flame; no one could light a candle from nothing. Unless—Shimmering golden smoke billowed from the tip. It spilled onto the street, snaking around the courier. Tiny globes buzzed and flickered like fireflies or dust motes catching moonlight. Or something else. Scents gusted by: peppermint oil, then burnt sugar, as if caramel were bubbling too long on a stove, followed by a whiff of citrus left to rot."
Overall, Hotel Magnifique is a YA fantasy that will appeal to fans of Caraval or Studio Ghibli. In particular, there were elements on the fantasy that reminded me of Howl's Moving Castle and Spirited Away, which are my two favorite Studio Ghibli movies. One highlight of this book is the amazing worldbuilding and lovely descriptions. I was doubtful at first that this book would be able to deliver, but it absolutely wowed me. There are magical elements here that I had not seen in any other YA fantasy before. If you're intrigued by the excerpt above, or if you're a fan of YA fantasy, I highly recommend that you check out this book, which is available now!