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A review by stephbakerbooks
Hotel Magnifique by Emily J. Taylor
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!
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!
Graphic: Death, Gore, and Torture
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Violence, and Blood
Minor: Confinement, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail