"Hotel Magnifique" by Emily J. Taylor

  

Hotel Magnifique (Apr. 5, 2022) by Emily J. Taylor.

*This appears to be a standalone novel.*

When an ad appears in the paper in bold purple ink for the legendary Hotel Magnifique, 17-year-old Janine (Jani) Lafayette sees it as a way out for her and her 13-year-old sister, Zosa. Jani makes a pittance working in a tannery and is committed to applying for jobs when Hotel Magnifique shows up in an alley in Durc. Alastair, the maître d'hôtel, is mysterious and is known as the most powerful suminaire. The hotel is a safe place for suminaires, those born with magic, to safely perform magnificent magical feats. Jani is convinced that the hotel will hire Zosa on with her singing ability, and they do. Jani; however, is not initially granted a job, but she is very persistent, and Bel, whom she initially thinks is no more than the Magnifique's “vexingly handsome doorman,” has her sign a contract. Jani is a maid, but Bel essentially has her on probation. He sets Béatrice in charge of her, and though she tries to be strict, she also cares for those she oversees. It doesn't take long for Jani to realize the hotel, magical and impressive as it is, is not all fanfare and delight. Jani is soon separated from Zosa, and they are each trapped. For a time, Jani is known as Mol, though she remembers her own name. Jani decides that she must find a way to the infinite ledger so that she can cancel ALL the contracts, but who will help her? Why does she still have all of her memories when no other staff member does? Is it because she supposedly signed a guest contract instead of a staff contract?

            A fantasy novel featuring magic that's steeped in French culture, traveling within a place called Elsewhere with grand world-building, a multitude of diversity, an immersive plot and characters ranging from enigmatic to winsome to cruel to just-trying-to-keep-their-eyes? Yes, please! This debut YA novel is sumptuous and enchanting, but also gritty and determined. “Hotel Magnifique” had me spellbound from the first chapter and the fast pace held onto me through the book's end. It's such a well-crafted novel that has a proportionate balance of dazzle and darkness, spectacle and strife. Greedy maître notwithstanding, I would happily visit the wonderfully imaginative Hotel Magnifique with its whimsical rooms and magic in the air. It's a gem of a story!