Reviews with content warning for Gore - Hotel Magnifique

From the beginning, I was definitely digging the vibes of this dark YA fantasy. I haven't read Caraval, but from my understanding, it fits those overall vibes. A Hotel that travels around, showing up in different places with magical vibes. The first third was fascinating and I loved the way the world was developing.

I didn't like the second half as much as the first, as it felt like it dragged a bit in places. I think the overall pacing could have been done a bit better, and the plot took some interesting turns I wasn't necessarily expecting. These did add to the overall dark and forboding nature of the book, though!

All in all, I enjoyed this book for the most part, I just wish the pacing was a bit more even.

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stephbakerbooks's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

The premise for this one was really intriguing—a mysterious magical hotel that only appears in one place for twenty-four hours before moving somewhere new? Yes please, I would like to book a reservation! Unfortunately, the premise was the best part of this, as both the plot and characters are pretty formulaic and forgettable.

It's written in first person POV, and I think the main character's name is only said like five times—I kept forgetting her name! She also has that not-like-the-other-girls personality without actually having a personality beyond being sassy and stumbling into convenient-for-the-plot situations. Her sister is also a flat character and barely present in the story. There's insta-love of course, but thankfully the love story wasn't the main focus of the book. The love interest has a little bit more complexity, and some of the other side characters had potential to me, but all the action seems to just be in service to the plot rather than the characters.

The plot was okay, though predictable and a little nonsensical at parts. Overall, the book entertained me and I did enjoy the setting and the magic system; I think I would've liked more world building and character development, but those are my personal preferences. If you like a quick magical read and YA tropes, you'll probably enjoy this one!

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Teen for my ebook!

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kgeogheghan's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

I struggled a little to get going with this book. I thought the story would follow both sisters, but it's really focused on the elder sister, Jani, as she figures out the history of the hotel and it's staff. The first half I found a little slow, but the second half has a better pace. I was more interested once the story took a darker turn.

I liked the characters, and seeing their relationships with one another grow and evolve. I enjoyed the story overall, but I didn't warm to Jani and the ending fell a little flat for me.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC of this book, in exchange for an honest review.

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brandilovesbooks's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

Delightful new magical world. Great world setting. Great character development.

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marla_leonce's review against another edition

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

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