Hotel Magnifique

Gr 8 Up–The timing couldn’t be better. Seventeen-year-old Jani and her younger sister Zosa need to leave their current life when the Hotel Magnifique comes to town. The magical hotel changes locations at midnight allowing guests to experience places all over the world. Jani and Zosa can’t afford to be guests, so they apply for jobs instead. Once they are hired they meet Bel, the doorman, who becomes a delightful ally. Jani spends the days cleaning themed guest rooms, experiencing magical dining, and learning the secrets of the hotel, as well as wondering who she can trust. The action draws readers in quickly with entertaining surprises throughout the novel and magic that is fun and unique. Jani eventually learns that her contract is unbreakable which leads her to a mission to save her sister and members of staff from the cruel intentions of others. Taylor has built an enchanting world that draws readers into a believable setting of magic steeped in French culture. While Bel is the most interesting and trusted character, Jani will win readers over with her charm and smarts even though the action and magic upstage her at times. The characters are diverse in skin color and described as olive, tan, and golden and most have dark hair.