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kparrbooks's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
This was one of those books with a great concept - and a great cover - that wasn't executed super well. I never connected with the main character, and I found that some elements were over-described while other elements were under-described. The climax also felt a bit clunky, and I didn't fully understand the magic system by the end. Overall, it was an okay book, but I wouldn't fully recommend it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical trauma, Injury/Injury detail, and Violence
purplepenning's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Am imaginative YA fantasy adventure that ends up feeling a little haphazard.
Jani, our determined (and impulsive) heroine, is appalled to find that the mystical, magical, traveling hotel she's gotten herself and her sister into is not their passage to a safer, better future. The magic is dazzling, but the facade of safety wears thin and begins to rapidly crumble.
Similarly, the magical feats described throughout the book are dazzling but the plot is driven by an ill-informed but determined Jani stumbling and bashing her way through it all. It didn't feel as satisfying as it might if the characters, relationships, and magical foundations had been a bit more developed.
It's a fun world to plunge into, though! Fans of magical moving houses, vaguely French fantasy worlds, bigger-on-the-inside dimensionalism, sisters and orphans tales, sinister hearts lurking behind dazzling smiles, and posh magical amusements and amenities will thoroughly enjoy their time here!
Jani, our determined (and impulsive) heroine, is appalled to find that the mystical, magical, traveling hotel she's gotten herself and her sister into is not their passage to a safer, better future. The magic is dazzling, but the facade of safety wears thin and begins to rapidly crumble.
Similarly, the magical feats described throughout the book are dazzling but the plot is driven by an ill-informed but determined Jani stumbling and bashing her way through it all. It didn't feel as satisfying as it might if the characters, relationships, and magical foundations had been a bit more developed.
It's a fun world to plunge into, though! Fans of magical moving houses, vaguely French fantasy worlds, bigger-on-the-inside dimensionalism, sisters and orphans tales, sinister hearts lurking behind dazzling smiles, and posh magical amusements and amenities will thoroughly enjoy their time here!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Vomit, Blood, Confinement, Medical trauma, Emotional abuse, and Torture
Minor: Death of parent
marywahlmeierbracciano's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
In a historical, French-inspired country, headstrong Jani and younger sister Zosa move to the city in search of opportunity following the death of their beloved mother, but it is only when the fabled, exclusive Hotel Magnifique comes to town that things begin to change for them. A magical building that departs for a new destination each midnight, the hotel hires the sisters on as staff, but what was supposed to be a safe place for experiencing magic turns out to be a house of horrors. Jani must race against time to protect her sister, but not without the help of Bel, the mysterious doorman with whom she has burning chemistry and passionate arguments. Hotel Magnifique is a luscious magic carpet ride full of twists that will take your breath away!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Medical trauma
Minor: Death, Blood, Confinement, Child abuse, and Death of parent
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