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The Splendor
The Splendor isn’t just a glamorous hotel, it’s a magical experience that gives its guests the fantasy fulfillment of their dreams. But The Splendor didn’t make Juliette’s dreams come true. It ruined her life.
After a weeklong stay, Juliette’s sister, Clare, returns from the hotel changed. Her connection to Juliette―the special bond they once shared―has vanished. In a moment of hurt and frustration, Juliette steals their meager savings and visits The Splendor herself.
When she arrives, she’s taken in by the lush and sumptuous hotel. But as she delves more deeply into the mystery of the place, and how they make their illusions work, she grows more and more uneasy. The Splendor has a seedy underbelly, but every time she gets close to discovering something real, she seems to hit a wall.
Meanwhile, Juliette meets Henri, an illusionist who lives and works at the hotel. Henri’s job is to provide Juliette with the same Signature Experience he gives all the guests―one tailored fantasy that will make her stay unforgettable. As he gets to know her, he realizes that not only is he ill-equipped to make her dreams come true, he’s the cause of her heartache.
After a weeklong stay, Juliette’s sister, Clare, returns from the hotel changed. Her connection to Juliette―the special bond they once shared―has vanished. In a moment of hurt and frustration, Juliette steals their meager savings and visits The Splendor herself.
When she arrives, she’s taken in by the lush and sumptuous hotel. But as she delves more deeply into the mystery of the place, and how they make their illusions work, she grows more and more uneasy. The Splendor has a seedy underbelly, but every time she gets close to discovering something real, she seems to hit a wall.
Meanwhile, Juliette meets Henri, an illusionist who lives and works at the hotel. Henri’s job is to provide Juliette with the same Signature Experience he gives all the guests―one tailored fantasy that will make her stay unforgettable. As he gets to know her, he realizes that not only is he ill-equipped to make her dreams come true, he’s the cause of her heartache.
330 pages, Hardcover
First published September 7, 2021
25 people are currently reading
7320 people want to read
About the author
Breeana Shields
5 books420 followersBreeana Shields is an award-winning author of fantasy novels for teens including THE SPLENDOR, THE BONE CHARMER, and POISON'S KISS.
When she’s not writing, Breeana loves reading, traveling, and playing board games with her extremely competitive family. She lives near Washington D.C. with her husband, her three children, and two adorable, but spoiled dogs.
When she’s not writing, Breeana loves reading, traveling, and playing board games with her extremely competitive family. She lives near Washington D.C. with her husband, her three children, and two adorable, but spoiled dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 133 reviews
August 14, 2021
This was the Other Mother of YA fantasy.
You know - how in Coraline she goes through the creepy little door in her creepy pink apartment building to find her creepy little alternate life where she can eat corn on the cob and have a friend who shuts up once in a while? But ultimately she returns to her real life (after some incredibly high-stakes and skin-crawl-y quests and riddles) because this Other Life has no HEART?
That's what this book is all about.
This is a very cool story (girl goes to hotel to figure out why her sister returned different) with a very cool concept (magic hotel with water-based memory harvesting), but it had no HEART. No DEPTH. I didn't care about the characters, or the romance, or the friendships or sisterhoods or families or what have you, because there was no way I could have.
This felt very shallow. And so, like Coraline, I will be returning to my side of the apartment building, and also going to the grocery store and buying a bag of apples and a whole chocolate cake.
Bottom line: Now I want cake. And to have gotten what I wanted out of this book.
---------------
pre-review
the REAL magic was the inexplicable relationships we witnessed along the way!
review to come / 2.5 stars
---------------
challenging myself to read as many review copies as possible this month because i'm addicted to projects!
ARC 1: spaceman of bohemia
ARC 2: in search of us
ARC 3: aerialists
ARC 4: the sound of drowning
ARC 5: unleaving
ARC 6: the other side of luck
ARC 7: romanov
ARC 8: the storm keeper's island
ARC 9: gut check
ARC 10: when force meets fate
ARC 11: sisters in hate
ARC 12: before i disappear
ARC 13: big time
ARC 14: stolen science
ARC 15: have a little faith in me
ARC 16: invitation to a bonfire
ARC 17: the splendor
You know - how in Coraline she goes through the creepy little door in her creepy pink apartment building to find her creepy little alternate life where she can eat corn on the cob and have a friend who shuts up once in a while? But ultimately she returns to her real life (after some incredibly high-stakes and skin-crawl-y quests and riddles) because this Other Life has no HEART?
That's what this book is all about.
This is a very cool story (girl goes to hotel to figure out why her sister returned different) with a very cool concept (magic hotel with water-based memory harvesting), but it had no HEART. No DEPTH. I didn't care about the characters, or the romance, or the friendships or sisterhoods or families or what have you, because there was no way I could have.
This felt very shallow. And so, like Coraline, I will be returning to my side of the apartment building, and also going to the grocery store and buying a bag of apples and a whole chocolate cake.
Bottom line: Now I want cake. And to have gotten what I wanted out of this book.
---------------
pre-review
the REAL magic was the inexplicable relationships we witnessed along the way!
review to come / 2.5 stars
---------------
challenging myself to read as many review copies as possible this month because i'm addicted to projects!
ARC 1: spaceman of bohemia
ARC 2: in search of us
ARC 3: aerialists
ARC 4: the sound of drowning
ARC 5: unleaving
ARC 6: the other side of luck
ARC 7: romanov
ARC 8: the storm keeper's island
ARC 9: gut check
ARC 10: when force meets fate
ARC 11: sisters in hate
ARC 12: before i disappear
ARC 13: big time
ARC 14: stolen science
ARC 15: have a little faith in me
ARC 16: invitation to a bonfire
ARC 17: the splendor
June 11, 2023
Before I begin... can we just talk about how pretty that cover is? You might not be able to see it on GR, but in real life, it's gilded, and EEEEE, it's so prettyy <3
Packed with plot twists, magic, betrayal, and of course, illusions, The Splendor will keep you hooked from the very first page to the last.
THE ENDING THOUGH—AHHHHHHH!!! My heart is thrashing against my rib cage trying to escape 😭
**Just a note: I know this book is tagged as “LGBT” but it definitely does not have any aspect of it whatsoever. Idk why it’s mistagged.**
October 19, 2021
TW: childbirth, death of a parent, emotional abuse.
This was delightful!! One of the most warm, atmospheric books I've read in a while. It filled the hole Caraval left in my reading heart, especially after being let down by the rest of the trilogy.
The Splendor may have been a wee-bit predictable or familiar at times, but the atmospheric writing style and mystery were more than enough to distract from it. The alternating POVs really added so much to the book, especially as you begin to unravel the mystery of the Splendor hotel. It was one of those stories that pulls you in, right from the start. From the very first chapter, the book had the feeling of a cup of hot chocolate on a rainy day and there's no better description I can think of.
This was a story of sisterhood, magic, and the beauty of reality. I enjoyed every second of it and I recommend it to anyone looking for a cozy, magical read.
This was delightful!! One of the most warm, atmospheric books I've read in a while. It filled the hole Caraval left in my reading heart, especially after being let down by the rest of the trilogy.
The Splendor may have been a wee-bit predictable or familiar at times, but the atmospheric writing style and mystery were more than enough to distract from it. The alternating POVs really added so much to the book, especially as you begin to unravel the mystery of the Splendor hotel. It was one of those stories that pulls you in, right from the start. From the very first chapter, the book had the feeling of a cup of hot chocolate on a rainy day and there's no better description I can think of.
This was a story of sisterhood, magic, and the beauty of reality. I enjoyed every second of it and I recommend it to anyone looking for a cozy, magical read.
November 14, 2024
TW: French people :(
But aside from that, I understand how people tried to replicate Caraval and The Night Circus and failed, yet created nice, quick reads to pass the time. I appreciate it.
But aside from that, I understand how people tried to replicate Caraval and The Night Circus and failed, yet created nice, quick reads to pass the time. I appreciate it.
June 23, 2021
Thank you Edelweiss for the ARC. I wanted to read this ever since I saw the deal for it. Anything that is reminiscent of the Caraval world is a book I need to read. The Splendor was absolutely delightful. I loved the fantasy elements, the story, the writing and the characters. It was so much fun. This is my type of story with beautiful flowery writing.
It was perfect. You should read it.
5 stars
It was perfect. You should read it.
5 stars
June 23, 2021
"They'd heard the legends–everyone had. But was it true that The Splendor could make you feel like you were falling in love? Like you were singing on a stage in front of a thousand adoring fans? Like you were flying? Everyone said The Splendor could give you things you didn't even know you wanted."
Orphaned sisters Clare and Juliette have long looked to The Splendor for escape. Every time they passed by the hotel's grand front, they wished for a taste of the magic it promises. Dreams come true, fantasies fulfilled. So when Juliette saves up to buy Clare a reservation, she doesn't expect it to go so wrong. Clare comes back cold and unfeeling, as though she doesn't know who Juliette is, as though all of her love from Juliette is gone. Upset and angry, Juliette goes to The Splendor herself to get the answers she seeks.
Nothing there is what it seems though. The entire hotel runs on illusions and magic, kept up by a staff of illusionists and managed by a boy named Henri. As a last-minute guest, Juliette is his responsibility. He has to find out her greatest desire so that he can weave her Signature Experience, the grand illusion of her stay. Juliette is more complicated and unrelenting than he expected, and between them, The Splendor's greatest illusion begins to unravel.
The Splendor is filled with a particular kind of magic. Shields really gets into the descriptions, but she leaves enough room for the reader's mind to fill in the gaps, much like the magic system in the novel itself. I found myself defaulting to some type of Great Gatsby-style lavish decor–but that's one of my favorite types of splendor. The magic system is a little vague, and I'm not sure what the actual rules are. At some points, it seems like the illusions need a 'base', something to work off of. At other points, it seems like the illusions can just come from nothing. I do like the concept behind the magic system though.
The characters are fun! Juliette is plucky and curious and determined, which all make for good main character qualities. Henri is just the right amount of uncertain and reluctant to balance that out so the pair doesn't just go barreling through everything. I didn't have a good read on Clare. She isn't in much of the novel, what you get is through Juliette and her memories. It's fine, since overall the story isn't about just her, but it did mean that I wasn't really invested in the more personal aspect of the plot as much as I was the overarching question.
The insidious nature of the villain was great, just, fantastic. Completely understandable, believable, and realistic motivations.
I enjoyed this! I read through it fast because I had trouble putting it down, especially toward the end. The story really builds momentum and functions similarly to the hotel: It's an escape. Definitely recommend.
***I received this ARC in a giveaway***
Orphaned sisters Clare and Juliette have long looked to The Splendor for escape. Every time they passed by the hotel's grand front, they wished for a taste of the magic it promises. Dreams come true, fantasies fulfilled. So when Juliette saves up to buy Clare a reservation, she doesn't expect it to go so wrong. Clare comes back cold and unfeeling, as though she doesn't know who Juliette is, as though all of her love from Juliette is gone. Upset and angry, Juliette goes to The Splendor herself to get the answers she seeks.
Nothing there is what it seems though. The entire hotel runs on illusions and magic, kept up by a staff of illusionists and managed by a boy named Henri. As a last-minute guest, Juliette is his responsibility. He has to find out her greatest desire so that he can weave her Signature Experience, the grand illusion of her stay. Juliette is more complicated and unrelenting than he expected, and between them, The Splendor's greatest illusion begins to unravel.
The Splendor is filled with a particular kind of magic. Shields really gets into the descriptions, but she leaves enough room for the reader's mind to fill in the gaps, much like the magic system in the novel itself. I found myself defaulting to some type of Great Gatsby-style lavish decor–but that's one of my favorite types of splendor. The magic system is a little vague, and I'm not sure what the actual rules are. At some points, it seems like the illusions need a 'base', something to work off of. At other points, it seems like the illusions can just come from nothing. I do like the concept behind the magic system though.
The characters are fun! Juliette is plucky and curious and determined, which all make for good main character qualities. Henri is just the right amount of uncertain and reluctant to balance that out so the pair doesn't just go barreling through everything. I didn't have a good read on Clare. She isn't in much of the novel, what you get is through Juliette and her memories. It's fine, since overall the story isn't about just her, but it did mean that I wasn't really invested in the more personal aspect of the plot as much as I was the overarching question.
The insidious nature of the villain was great, just, fantastic. Completely understandable, believable, and realistic motivations.
I enjoyed this! I read through it fast because I had trouble putting it down, especially toward the end. The story really builds momentum and functions similarly to the hotel: It's an escape. Definitely recommend.
***I received this ARC in a giveaway***
November 11, 2021
Very twisty. I enjoyed it.
June 28, 2021
What could be scarier than losing all your memories? How about having your memories taken from you? Hotel guests at The Splendor spend their days and nights living out their wildest fantasies, but they pay a steeper price than they realize for having their dreams come true.
I couldn't help but think that the owner of The Splendor could have accomplished the same thing if she just paid her employees a living wage instead of providing illusions. Use your money to fix the place up instead of pretending the dump was a prestigious hotel. Maybe I'm letting the economic situation of today cloud my mind but it does seem like the owner could have spent a little on upkeep. And not make your employees available 24 hours a day and have to sleep in the attic. Sheesh, the exhaustion of poor Henri made working in an Amazon warehouse look good.
One of the ways to gain sympathy when writing novels is to make the protagonist an orphan. Here we have two orphan protagonists, at least one thinks he's an orphan. And, they are likeable characters. For awhile their lives and problems slogged along for me, but once their lives were in danger the pace really picked up and became exciting.
But, they did have a lip-biting problem. I think every character in the book bit his or her lip. My lip-bite-o-meter topped out. On top of that, the re-action to most things was to ball the hands into fists and dig the fingernails into the skin. I'm going to have to add a hurt-o-meter because the only way characters think in books today is when they intentionally hurt themselves. Why has this become a thing in YA? Are we all masochists now?
If I didn't burst into laughter every time someone bit their lip or dug their fingernails into their skin, I would have enjoyed the book more. At least there wasn't much eyeball rolling. Thank God for small favors.
Thanks to Netgalley for loaning me an ebook of The Splendor in return for an honest relationship...er, review.
I couldn't help but think that the owner of The Splendor could have accomplished the same thing if she just paid her employees a living wage instead of providing illusions. Use your money to fix the place up instead of pretending the dump was a prestigious hotel. Maybe I'm letting the economic situation of today cloud my mind but it does seem like the owner could have spent a little on upkeep. And not make your employees available 24 hours a day and have to sleep in the attic. Sheesh, the exhaustion of poor Henri made working in an Amazon warehouse look good.
One of the ways to gain sympathy when writing novels is to make the protagonist an orphan. Here we have two orphan protagonists, at least one thinks he's an orphan. And, they are likeable characters. For awhile their lives and problems slogged along for me, but once their lives were in danger the pace really picked up and became exciting.
But, they did have a lip-biting problem. I think every character in the book bit his or her lip. My lip-bite-o-meter topped out. On top of that, the re-action to most things was to ball the hands into fists and dig the fingernails into the skin. I'm going to have to add a hurt-o-meter because the only way characters think in books today is when they intentionally hurt themselves. Why has this become a thing in YA? Are we all masochists now?
If I didn't burst into laughter every time someone bit their lip or dug their fingernails into their skin, I would have enjoyed the book more. At least there wasn't much eyeball rolling. Thank God for small favors.
Thanks to Netgalley for loaning me an ebook of The Splendor in return for an honest relationship...er, review.
August 23, 2023
I just realized I rated two books five stars IN THE SAME DAY. WHO AM I????
Anyway…
I picked this book up on a whim. I’d seen it compared to Caraval which is one of my all time favorite books, so I picked it up.
The book did have major vibes of Caraval due to the enchanted nature of the hotel and the bond between the sisters, but the story was completely different. This book definitely had a more ominous feel to it. It’s full of glitz and glamor but like Juliette I was wondering what was under the surface the entire time.
It did not disappoint. The book kept me on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t wait to pick it up and see what would happen next. I’m still reeling from the ending.
So yes, I loved this. Definitely one of my favorite fantasies of the year, and definitely a must read for Caraval lovers.
Anyway…
I picked this book up on a whim. I’d seen it compared to Caraval which is one of my all time favorite books, so I picked it up.
The book did have major vibes of Caraval due to the enchanted nature of the hotel and the bond between the sisters, but the story was completely different. This book definitely had a more ominous feel to it. It’s full of glitz and glamor but like Juliette I was wondering what was under the surface the entire time.
It did not disappoint. The book kept me on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t wait to pick it up and see what would happen next. I’m still reeling from the ending.
So yes, I loved this. Definitely one of my favorite fantasies of the year, and definitely a must read for Caraval lovers.
December 22, 2022
4✰
this book is so cute!! i had a really nice time reading it. ⋆⑅˚₊
it’s very straightforward without a lot of world-building and heavy description. the splendor is definitely a good book if you’re looking more for vibes over detailed writing. that’s not to say the writing isn’t good; it’s actually quite beautiful!
the romance was also simple, but it fit the story very well! i believe there’s only like one kiss which isn’t that detailed, so this book is great for a younger audience!!
to conclude, i definitely recommend the splendor if you’re looking for a sweet, magical story with no spice!! *ੈ✩‧₊˚
➪ spice rating: 0/5!!
➪ age rating: 11+
this book is so cute!! i had a really nice time reading it. ⋆⑅˚₊
it’s very straightforward without a lot of world-building and heavy description. the splendor is definitely a good book if you’re looking more for vibes over detailed writing. that’s not to say the writing isn’t good; it’s actually quite beautiful!
the romance was also simple, but it fit the story very well! i believe there’s only like one kiss which isn’t that detailed, so this book is great for a younger audience!!
to conclude, i definitely recommend the splendor if you’re looking for a sweet, magical story with no spice!! *ੈ✩‧₊˚
➪ spice rating: 0/5!!
➪ age rating: 11+
July 16, 2021
I was in love from the very first chapter! The characters are lovable and the premise was absolutely fascinating. A beautiful book both inside and out!
September 27, 2021
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You can also read my review here: https://devouringbooks2017.wordpress....
Review: 4 Stars
You can also read my review here: https://devouringbooks2017.wordpress....
Review: 4 Stars
I picked up this book because I had just finished a long fantasy and I needed something fast paced and captivating. The Splendor grabbed my attention right away and I found it hard to walk away from. I really loved this magical read about the bonds of sisterhood and the allure of fantasy. I tore right through this book and I was really impressed with it. I expected a lighter read that was magical, but I didn't expect it to explore some deeper themes. The Splendor definitely reminded me of Caraval at times, but it was also very different and wholly unique.
Right away I loved Juliette because of her devotion and love for her sister Clare. While Clare is only present for a short period in this novel, the bond of sisterhood and Juliette's love for her sister is a driving force throughout the entire story. Juliette was a fun character to follow and she was easy to relate to. I really liked her relationship with Henri, it was easy to feel their connection and I wish that the romance was explored a little bit more. There was a lot going on in this novel and I feel like it could have been a little bit longer and would have had the time to explore certain things a bit more, like the romance.
I absolutely loved how magical this story was. It was so vividly written and the descriptions really brought the luxury of the Splendor to life. The magic system was really cool and I loved learning about how the illusions really worked. This book was very fast paced and the plot was really compelling. While there were some parts that were predictable the way it all came about still surprised me. I found myself emotionally invested in the plot and wound up ranting to my dad about the book because I was so distressed with what was happening.
The Splendor really was exactly what I needed, a fast paced book filled with magic and a plot that kept me invested from start to finish. I didn't expect much from this book, but it grabbed me from the very beginning and I finished it in a weekend. If you are a fan of Caraval, or if you enjoy magical books about the bonds of sisterhood I highly recommend that you check out The Splendor.
June 18, 2021
What's not to like about a hotel full of magic and illusion. People thrive on fantasy, so why not make sure they have an enjoyable custom experience. Extracting memories, what could possibly go wrong?
Vivid fantasy description intertwined with mystery and a unique plot concept peeked my interest early on! Once this story got going I couldn't put it down.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me a digital copy of this ARC for my review.
Vivid fantasy description intertwined with mystery and a unique plot concept peeked my interest early on! Once this story got going I couldn't put it down.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me a digital copy of this ARC for my review.
September 7, 2021
Thank you to the publisher for sending me an arc to review.
I have read every single book by this author and I can’t ever tell you how much I love her writing. It’s always beautiful and invokes a lot of emotion. This book was no different than her last duology that I adored. The Splendor is a unique hotel where your wildest dreams come true.
The book follows Juliette who has grown up with her sister by her side. They have that sibling bond that I always adore seeing until something goes amiss after Clare’s visit to the hotel. In this way it kind of reminded me of Caraval when Scarlett went off to help her sister. Even though their bond is a big part of the plot there is more than meets the eye.
On her first day at the luxurious hotel called The Splender, she meets an employee by the name of Henri. He does get his own point-of-view as well. I wasn’t sure how the dual perspectives would work since the blurb felt like the story would be more about the sisters but he does play a significant role in things and also realizing that maybe there is more to his past than he realizes. He is definitely a cinnamon roll and I loved the very small but sweet moments between him and Juliette. If you are looking for a book with romance this may not be for you since it’s very few and far in-between. I personally liked this since it meant there was more focus on the sisterly bond and the mystery surrounding the hotel.
The setting is very unique and one that I have not come across before. The Splendor is a hotel I would like to visit after all of the details the author included. Each guest gets their own personal experience and it makes me wonder what I would choose if given the chance. It’s very magical. Although if there is one thing that we learn from fantasy is that all magic comes with a price.
When it comes to standalones sometimes endings can feel a bit rushed but I didn’t have that issue with this one. Everything wrapped up and gave us a taste of what happened next for these characters. The ending was actually quite surprising, although the whole book was! Haha. I can understand the choices certain characters made and it makes me ask the question if I would do the same. Sometimes a character’s choice isn’t just black or white.
Overall, this held up to my high expectations as an anticipated read. It’s magical, mysterious, and makes me cherish my sisters even more.
August 30, 2021
The Splendor is a magical hotel where anything can happen, from a dream you’d like to a day’s adventure out anywhere you want. This book first pulled me in with the pretty cover, but the synopsis is what made me request a copy.
I’d definitely say that this author’s writing style is similar to Stephanie Garber’s. The characters read the same, had similar personalities, the worldbuilding was similar, all of it. However, the issue for me is that (especially after reading Once Upon A Broken Heart) I despise her style. The characters are annoying, the protagonists are flat, I just cannot personally stand it.
So, going into this book, I had high hopes. But after the first few chapters, the protagonist was whining on and on, and I wasn’t sure if I could finish it. I did manage, however, because the only semi-interesting characters are the villains. The magic system was meh, and didn’t have much depth to it, and as for everywhere outside of the hotel itself, well, not very interesting.
The book itself is short, but the plot is slowly drawn out, and only the ending was nicely paced. Since most of the story takes place in one small setting, I was expecting to have more of a personality, and it really didn’t. I was literally yawning trying to read it, and there was nothing sticking with me or helping make a connection.
So sadly, I’m not able to give a review as in-depth as I would’ve liked, because it plainly didn’t captivate my attention. I really wish I could say more, but there wasn’t anything that stuck out or made the book unique.
But as I mentioned before, if you like Stephanie Garber, then you might enjoy this one! Very similar in terms of story and tone, as well as characters, so it might just be the book for you. Personally, I’ll give it 2/5 stars, and hope other people enjoy it more than I did.
Thank you to Manda Group for the ARC! The Splendor is out September 7th, 2021.
I’d definitely say that this author’s writing style is similar to Stephanie Garber’s. The characters read the same, had similar personalities, the worldbuilding was similar, all of it. However, the issue for me is that (especially after reading Once Upon A Broken Heart) I despise her style. The characters are annoying, the protagonists are flat, I just cannot personally stand it.
So, going into this book, I had high hopes. But after the first few chapters, the protagonist was whining on and on, and I wasn’t sure if I could finish it. I did manage, however, because the only semi-interesting characters are the villains. The magic system was meh, and didn’t have much depth to it, and as for everywhere outside of the hotel itself, well, not very interesting.
The book itself is short, but the plot is slowly drawn out, and only the ending was nicely paced. Since most of the story takes place in one small setting, I was expecting to have more of a personality, and it really didn’t. I was literally yawning trying to read it, and there was nothing sticking with me or helping make a connection.
So sadly, I’m not able to give a review as in-depth as I would’ve liked, because it plainly didn’t captivate my attention. I really wish I could say more, but there wasn’t anything that stuck out or made the book unique.
But as I mentioned before, if you like Stephanie Garber, then you might enjoy this one! Very similar in terms of story and tone, as well as characters, so it might just be the book for you. Personally, I’ll give it 2/5 stars, and hope other people enjoy it more than I did.
Thank you to Manda Group for the ARC! The Splendor is out September 7th, 2021.
April 29, 2023
4,5 stars
September 28, 2021
You can find the full review and all the fancy and/or randomness that accompanies it at It Starts at Midnight
The Splendor has such a cool premise, and happily, was executed well to boot. It did not end up as I expected at all, but I was fine with how it did turn out, so yay!
Juliette goes to The Splendor hotel, basically to see if she can figure out what the heck happened to her sister while she was there. They used to be thick as thieves, and now Clare pretends Juliette doesn't exist. So... why? Upon entering, Juliette finds opulence beyond belief, and she's catered to beyond her wildest dreams. But she's not here for that, she wants answers. Only, no one at the hotel seems particularly forthcoming.
Enter Henri, an illusionist who is being raised by the hotel's owners. He probably has some answers for Juliette, but he is not exactly volunteering. They take a bit of a liking to each other, but they're both hiding a lot, so you know how well that will work. Without giving too much away, there is far more (or less) than meets the eye at The Splendor.
I quite enjoyed the story, it moved quickly, and I loved uncovering the secrets behind the hotel, the illusionists, and what exactly happened to Clare. Juliette was sympathetic, as Clare is really the only family she has, and she is so alone. She's also quite smart, and willing to do whatever it takes to get what she came here for. Overall, it was a win for me, despite a few minor questionable choices that I cannot explain for spoiler reasons, but I promise, they are not at all dealbreakers.
Bottom Line: A really unique story with a ton of twists and revelations.
The Splendor has such a cool premise, and happily, was executed well to boot. It did not end up as I expected at all, but I was fine with how it did turn out, so yay!
Juliette goes to The Splendor hotel, basically to see if she can figure out what the heck happened to her sister while she was there. They used to be thick as thieves, and now Clare pretends Juliette doesn't exist. So... why? Upon entering, Juliette finds opulence beyond belief, and she's catered to beyond her wildest dreams. But she's not here for that, she wants answers. Only, no one at the hotel seems particularly forthcoming.
Enter Henri, an illusionist who is being raised by the hotel's owners. He probably has some answers for Juliette, but he is not exactly volunteering. They take a bit of a liking to each other, but they're both hiding a lot, so you know how well that will work. Without giving too much away, there is far more (or less) than meets the eye at The Splendor.
I quite enjoyed the story, it moved quickly, and I loved uncovering the secrets behind the hotel, the illusionists, and what exactly happened to Clare. Juliette was sympathetic, as Clare is really the only family she has, and she is so alone. She's also quite smart, and willing to do whatever it takes to get what she came here for. Overall, it was a win for me, despite a few minor questionable choices that I cannot explain for spoiler reasons, but I promise, they are not at all dealbreakers.
Bottom Line: A really unique story with a ton of twists and revelations.
November 13, 2021
Picked this up on a whim because I needed a break from an overly intellectual book… and raced through it in under 24 hours! 🤣 It was a great story with really fascinating themes. At times I felt like the writing was trying a bit too hard (everything was described as butter or cream colored, and there were a TON of similes that didn’t add much). I didn’t feel super close to the characters, but I was swept away by the story and had to know how it ended!
I appreciated that Henri didn’t easily forgive his father and that the mother wasn’t forgiven for her abuse either. Definitely heavier themes than I expected for this book!
I appreciated that Henri didn’t easily forgive his father and that the mother wasn’t forgiven for her abuse either. Definitely heavier themes than I expected for this book!
May 13, 2022
4 stars. While I didn't enjoy this as much as her Bone Charmer series it was still filled with magic, mystery and what it means to truly feel alive and whole.
October 25, 2021
Thrilling and magical! A phenomenal read on fantasy, reality, power, and love.
November 25, 2021
An intriguing clean read surrounded in a grand illusion of mystery and magic.
September 4, 2024
A charming, twinkly Fantasy and a lovely surprise of a book.
I had trouble getting into this book initially and only stuck with it because I liked the world building, but I’m really glad I did. The sense of place here is tremendously well-rendered and imaginative, and the story turned out to be a far better one than I had anticipated.
It’s a good low-stakes sort of Fantasy novel, and isn’t overrun by a silly romance. At its core this is just a good story with a lovely setting, likable characters, and solid pacing.
I loved the hotel and the idea behind the illusions and what we really seek when we want to “escape,” and thought this one was more substantive in terms of story than a lot of the magic hotel YA novels that we get. In all, a lovely, sparkly read.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
I had trouble getting into this book initially and only stuck with it because I liked the world building, but I’m really glad I did. The sense of place here is tremendously well-rendered and imaginative, and the story turned out to be a far better one than I had anticipated.
It’s a good low-stakes sort of Fantasy novel, and isn’t overrun by a silly romance. At its core this is just a good story with a lovely setting, likable characters, and solid pacing.
I loved the hotel and the idea behind the illusions and what we really seek when we want to “escape,” and thought this one was more substantive in terms of story than a lot of the magic hotel YA novels that we get. In all, a lovely, sparkly read.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
September 18, 2021
When you first hear the words “magic hotel”, anyone’s first instinct is to experience the magic for themselves. However, in The Splendor by Breanna Shields (which comes out on September 28th), one girl realizes that sometimes separating fantasy and reality can be a dangerous thing.
This book was a really engaging read! The mysteries of The Splendor Hotel and the allure of magic was well written and the plot was entertaining. I can totally picture this book being made into a movie or something in the future since everything was so detailed.
Figuring out the secrets of the hotel through Juliette and Henri’s eyes was fascinating and made this YA novel a fun escape from reality (similar to The Splendor itself). I found some parts of it to be predictable, while others were shocking. However, to a younger audience, I think this book would be so enrapturing.
I think this is a great YA book for those just looking for a fantastical mystery, especially for younger readers on the YA spectrum. If you’re looking for a standalone fantasy that will be a quick read, then I highly recommend Shield’s novel!
*I received an ARC from Page Street Books in exchange for my honest opinion.
This book was a really engaging read! The mysteries of The Splendor Hotel and the allure of magic was well written and the plot was entertaining. I can totally picture this book being made into a movie or something in the future since everything was so detailed.
Figuring out the secrets of the hotel through Juliette and Henri’s eyes was fascinating and made this YA novel a fun escape from reality (similar to The Splendor itself). I found some parts of it to be predictable, while others were shocking. However, to a younger audience, I think this book would be so enrapturing.
I think this is a great YA book for those just looking for a fantastical mystery, especially for younger readers on the YA spectrum. If you’re looking for a standalone fantasy that will be a quick read, then I highly recommend Shield’s novel!
*I received an ARC from Page Street Books in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 19, 2021
The Splendor had me hooked by the second chapter...okay, so maybe the premise alone is what actually had me hooked, but those first few chapters grabbed me and told me to hold on 'cause this is going to be quite the ride!
Well, those chapters were right. The Splendor is quite the ride! It has beautiful, descriptive writing...missing no small detail of the world. Magic just oozes from this story and it makes you literally crave turning to the next page.
"She spoke sentences delicious enough to eat."
There are alternating POVs between Juliette and Henri so you get a good look into the story from both characters eyes which I greatly appreciated. You will literally be swept away into the wonder that is The Splendor.
But, be prepared for unexpected plot twists on top of plot twists and for your heartstrings to be pulled on as this book is heartbreakingly beautiful. I could not recommend it more.
Definitely pick this one up!
Huge thank you to Page Street Publishing for the ARC to read, enjoy, and honestly review.
Well, those chapters were right. The Splendor is quite the ride! It has beautiful, descriptive writing...missing no small detail of the world. Magic just oozes from this story and it makes you literally crave turning to the next page.
"She spoke sentences delicious enough to eat."
There are alternating POVs between Juliette and Henri so you get a good look into the story from both characters eyes which I greatly appreciated. You will literally be swept away into the wonder that is The Splendor.
But, be prepared for unexpected plot twists on top of plot twists and for your heartstrings to be pulled on as this book is heartbreakingly beautiful. I could not recommend it more.
Definitely pick this one up!
Huge thank you to Page Street Publishing for the ARC to read, enjoy, and honestly review.
July 25, 2021
I was lucky enough to be given an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and ended up reading it in 2 weeks. As a busy mom, I can tell you that had I not had my hands full with a little one I would likely have read this book in 2 days! And I'll tell you why - it is SOOOO good!!! It has been a long time since I devoured a book so quickly, with so much fervor and excitement. I could not put this book down. I absolutely loved it. I felt so invested in Henri, Juliette, and Clare's story. It was such an emotional and thoughtful book, yet also funny, playful, and sweet. It felt cozy and deliciously magical. But also with an air of turmoil, with a sinister secret hanging in the background. The mystery was so fun and sneaky. I couldn't wait to find out the answers to secrets. It was incredibly ROMANTIC without being raunchy or crass. The ending was better than I could have imagined between Juliette and Henri. I LOVED this book and can't recommend it more! In fact... where is the next one? I am ready for more of The Splendor.
July 30, 2021
A hotel that promises to give your heart a desire is a hotel I like to visit. Steeped in fantastic illusion, The Splendor is the fantasy trip of a lifetime. The book starts by showing us a genuine relationship between Juliette and her sister Clare. Clare has just returned from a week-long stay at this fabulous hotel, but something isn't right, and Juliette is determined to find out what has happened at all costs. What Juliette discovers at the hotel is far from what she imagined. The book alternates chapters between Juliette and Henri, an illusionist who works at the hotel. Together the two develop a friendship and, in the process, undercover the absolute truth behind The Splendor hotel. Don't miss the fantasy mystery out in September from Page Street Publishing.
November 4, 2021
Delightfully enchanting, THE SPLENDOR follows one girl’s search for the truth in a place where everything is an illusion. Breeana Shields so vividly brings to life her characters and their heart-felt dreams, and I absolutely loved immersing myself in the lush, imaginative setting of the mountaintop hotel—where nothing is as it seems! Highly recommend for fans of sweet romances and magical settings.
October 11, 2021
This is one of those books that is quiet, but sneaks its way into your heart and burrows deep into your soul. Once you’ve gulped in the last of its words and close it, you never want to forget it.
I have never heard of this book. I’ve never seen the cover. I’ve never even heard of this author. But, oh my word, this story was truly something else.
It made me feel so much. I haven’t felt true emotions from a book in a long time. A big theme throughout this story is loneliness and how it will eat a person from the inside out, twist their heart into something cruel, and hurt everyone around them.
If you were presented with an opportunity to visit a place so beautiful and magnificent, with the promise to make you forget all your sorrows and promise an adventure filled with pure happiness, but absolutely none of it was real, would you go to such a place? After reading this, I’m not sure if I would do it, even knowing all of it would be an illusion, but would absolutely feel just the opposite in every sense of the word.
This story is about grief, loneliness, and just wanting a place to belong and somewhere to call home.
Juliette and Henri have both lived vastly different lives, but both have the same sense of never feeling content with anything in life or being happy. Juliette, an orphan, adoring her sister, only to lose her to a strange place called The Splendor. Once her sister forgot their love for one another, she knew she had to get to the bottom of it and help her sister find her way back to Juliette.
And Henri. Sweet, loyal Henri. He’s lived a pretty lavish and comfortable life. But he’s always felt lonely and like something was missing. He’s able to weave these intricate fantasies for people and to make them happy, but all the while wondering where his happiness is. So much so that, most of the time, the only happiness and peace he experiences is through the eyes of other people. I felt for him the entire time throughout this story. Both him and Juliette were lovely, achingly lonely characters and I truly enjoyed getting to know them both.
I’ve become so attached to them that I truly feel as if I know them in real life. You know a story is powerful when you have to remind yourself several times that these characters and this world is not actually real.
The magic in this was unlike anything I’ve ever read and it was fascinating. The writing was lyrical and beautiful and I could picture everything in my head clearly. This book is worthy of every star I can give. I’m so, so glad I found this gem in a bookstore and brought it home with me. For just a little while, I felt pain that was not my own. And it was both beautiful and ugly. But it was worth every syllable on every page.
I urge you to pick up this stunning, broken, lonely, gorgeous magical, and somewhat of a mystery, story about two characters finding their way to each other and helping one another climb out of the aching loneliness that is their life.
I have never heard of this book. I’ve never seen the cover. I’ve never even heard of this author. But, oh my word, this story was truly something else.
It made me feel so much. I haven’t felt true emotions from a book in a long time. A big theme throughout this story is loneliness and how it will eat a person from the inside out, twist their heart into something cruel, and hurt everyone around them.
If you were presented with an opportunity to visit a place so beautiful and magnificent, with the promise to make you forget all your sorrows and promise an adventure filled with pure happiness, but absolutely none of it was real, would you go to such a place? After reading this, I’m not sure if I would do it, even knowing all of it would be an illusion, but would absolutely feel just the opposite in every sense of the word.
This story is about grief, loneliness, and just wanting a place to belong and somewhere to call home.
Juliette and Henri have both lived vastly different lives, but both have the same sense of never feeling content with anything in life or being happy. Juliette, an orphan, adoring her sister, only to lose her to a strange place called The Splendor. Once her sister forgot their love for one another, she knew she had to get to the bottom of it and help her sister find her way back to Juliette.
And Henri. Sweet, loyal Henri. He’s lived a pretty lavish and comfortable life. But he’s always felt lonely and like something was missing. He’s able to weave these intricate fantasies for people and to make them happy, but all the while wondering where his happiness is. So much so that, most of the time, the only happiness and peace he experiences is through the eyes of other people. I felt for him the entire time throughout this story. Both him and Juliette were lovely, achingly lonely characters and I truly enjoyed getting to know them both.
I’ve become so attached to them that I truly feel as if I know them in real life. You know a story is powerful when you have to remind yourself several times that these characters and this world is not actually real.
The magic in this was unlike anything I’ve ever read and it was fascinating. The writing was lyrical and beautiful and I could picture everything in my head clearly. This book is worthy of every star I can give. I’m so, so glad I found this gem in a bookstore and brought it home with me. For just a little while, I felt pain that was not my own. And it was both beautiful and ugly. But it was worth every syllable on every page.
I urge you to pick up this stunning, broken, lonely, gorgeous magical, and somewhat of a mystery, story about two characters finding their way to each other and helping one another climb out of the aching loneliness that is their life.
September 23, 2021
Despite a few elements that jarred me out of the fantasy of this book, I really enjoyed The Splendor.
What would you wish for if you could have anything you want? The Splendor is a hotel that makes its guests' dreams come true through magic. Some people come for a week once in their lifetimes, while others visit every year. The staff studies the lives of each person who is coming to see what their wildest fantasies and dreams are, and then use illusion to fulfill their wishes.
Juliette has come because she wants to know what happened to her sister Clare. Juliette had scrimped and saved to send Clare to The Splendor, to thank her for being a wonderful big sister and taking care of Juliette for many years after their parents died. But after Clare came home, she was distant and uninterested in Juliette. She even told Juliette it was time for her to move out, which shocked her. Juliette takes their savings and books her own week at The Splendor, in hopes she can find out what happened to Clare, and, if not, at least have a wonderful week of fantasy before she goes out into the world to try to make it on her own.
Henri is also an orphan, who lives at The Splendor with the owners of the hotel, his aunt and uncle. He is a master illusionist, and works every night to fill visitors' dreams with romance or adventure or whatever they desire. He uses magic to look into their memories and thoughts to find out exactly what would make their visit perfect and fulfill their fantasies. Each guest gets a Signature Experience - their most secret dream come true, and Henri is in charge of making that happen. After working, he goes below the hotel to the hot springs, where the magic comes from, to recharge.
When Juliette checks in, he is panicked. She is a late addition, and he hasn't had time to do the necessary research to know which dessert is perfect for her, what activities she'd like to do, and what her Signature Experience ought to be. When he talks to her, and senses her feelings, he realizes she is deeply unhappy, so much that the fantasy and illusion around her isn't anesthetizing her as it does the other guests. Henri's aunt Stella warns him that he must figure her out - the resort's reputation is at stake. So Henri tries harder and harder to figure out what will make Juliette happy, but in the process, falls in love with her and wants to help her figure out what really happened to Clare.
I really got caught up in Juliette's story. However, there were several times when things just don't quite make sense. Are the staff members seeing the illusions, or the real hotel? There are other plot holes that I can't reveal without spoilers, so I'll just say there were times where I thought, well that doesn't make sense. How would he/she know that?
But overall, this book was thoroughly enjoyable and a sweet, clean romance. Thanks to Netgalley for this advance reader's copy of The Splendor!
What would you wish for if you could have anything you want? The Splendor is a hotel that makes its guests' dreams come true through magic. Some people come for a week once in their lifetimes, while others visit every year. The staff studies the lives of each person who is coming to see what their wildest fantasies and dreams are, and then use illusion to fulfill their wishes.
Juliette has come because she wants to know what happened to her sister Clare. Juliette had scrimped and saved to send Clare to The Splendor, to thank her for being a wonderful big sister and taking care of Juliette for many years after their parents died. But after Clare came home, she was distant and uninterested in Juliette. She even told Juliette it was time for her to move out, which shocked her. Juliette takes their savings and books her own week at The Splendor, in hopes she can find out what happened to Clare, and, if not, at least have a wonderful week of fantasy before she goes out into the world to try to make it on her own.
Henri is also an orphan, who lives at The Splendor with the owners of the hotel, his aunt and uncle. He is a master illusionist, and works every night to fill visitors' dreams with romance or adventure or whatever they desire. He uses magic to look into their memories and thoughts to find out exactly what would make their visit perfect and fulfill their fantasies. Each guest gets a Signature Experience - their most secret dream come true, and Henri is in charge of making that happen. After working, he goes below the hotel to the hot springs, where the magic comes from, to recharge.
When Juliette checks in, he is panicked. She is a late addition, and he hasn't had time to do the necessary research to know which dessert is perfect for her, what activities she'd like to do, and what her Signature Experience ought to be. When he talks to her, and senses her feelings, he realizes she is deeply unhappy, so much that the fantasy and illusion around her isn't anesthetizing her as it does the other guests. Henri's aunt Stella warns him that he must figure her out - the resort's reputation is at stake. So Henri tries harder and harder to figure out what will make Juliette happy, but in the process, falls in love with her and wants to help her figure out what really happened to Clare.
I really got caught up in Juliette's story. However, there were several times when things just don't quite make sense. Are the staff members seeing the illusions, or the real hotel? There are other plot holes that I can't reveal without spoilers, so I'll just say there were times where I thought, well that doesn't make sense. How would he/she know that?
But overall, this book was thoroughly enjoyable and a sweet, clean romance. Thanks to Netgalley for this advance reader's copy of The Splendor!
December 3, 2021
2.5
I love hotels, I think they have a magic all of their own. Being somewhere new, feeling like a guest, but not being bothered. Being pampered from a far. I love going to hotels, so reading a book about a magic hotel that makes your dreams come true sounded like the book for me.
It wasn’t.
This was so Scooby doo, but not in a good way.
“We have to get my sisters memories!” *runs*
“Oh no! Something happened and we need to leave!” *runs*
“But we can’t leave without my sister’s memories” *runs*
“No we need to leave!” *runs*
And the biggest disappointment was the reveal Of the source of the hotel’s magic. The magic comes from an ancient temple ground! - that!!!! Right there was the biggest insult to books every where. That was the cheesiest answer for the source of the magic. That was the joke in most terrible horror movies in the 90’s. And it was used in all seriousness as a plot device. What’s worse, is that had that been given some space to work with, it could have been done well. What was the ancient temple part of? What race used it? What happened to them? But it was just left as such a bald fact with two or three sentences to further explain it, that I laughed and sort of didn’t care to continue from there.
But I finished it.
I will say that I thought the magic of the hotel in the first half of the book was done well. Seeing it through Juliette’s perspective, as she loved it and still understood there were sinister elements going on, but gave in anyway. I liked Henri’s character and Juliette’s. Both of their stories were compelling and I finished the book for them. The writing was meandering, and felt half conceived.
I wanted to like it so much. :( I didn’t.
I love hotels, I think they have a magic all of their own. Being somewhere new, feeling like a guest, but not being bothered. Being pampered from a far. I love going to hotels, so reading a book about a magic hotel that makes your dreams come true sounded like the book for me.
It wasn’t.
This was so Scooby doo, but not in a good way.
“We have to get my sisters memories!” *runs*
“Oh no! Something happened and we need to leave!” *runs*
“But we can’t leave without my sister’s memories” *runs*
“No we need to leave!” *runs*
And the biggest disappointment was the reveal Of the source of the hotel’s magic. The magic comes from an ancient temple ground! - that!!!! Right there was the biggest insult to books every where. That was the cheesiest answer for the source of the magic. That was the joke in most terrible horror movies in the 90’s. And it was used in all seriousness as a plot device. What’s worse, is that had that been given some space to work with, it could have been done well. What was the ancient temple part of? What race used it? What happened to them? But it was just left as such a bald fact with two or three sentences to further explain it, that I laughed and sort of didn’t care to continue from there.
But I finished it.
I will say that I thought the magic of the hotel in the first half of the book was done well. Seeing it through Juliette’s perspective, as she loved it and still understood there were sinister elements going on, but gave in anyway. I liked Henri’s character and Juliette’s. Both of their stories were compelling and I finished the book for them. The writing was meandering, and felt half conceived.
I wanted to like it so much. :( I didn’t.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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