Author: Breeana Shields
Publication Date: 28 September 2021
Publisher: Page Street
Page Count: 330
Reading Method: Physical Arc [thank you to the publisher!]
Dates Read: August 24 – 26
Synopsis:
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.
Review:
If you could have the experience of a lifetime – any experience of your choosing – what would it be? That’s exactly what you can expect from a visit to The Splendor, a magical hotel where your deepest desires are realized. But when Juliette’s sister returns from her trip completely different, Juliette knows she has to discover the dark secrets hidden at The Splendor.
Shields creates a unique and intriguing magical system, weaving in elements of illusion, memories, and mystique. The story is told through dual perspectives: Henry, the illusionist and Juliette, the girl who plans to break through the illusions. Of course, these two come together and must navigate their relationship while they each try to pull one over on the other.
The descriptions in this book are absolutely wonderful and it makes it easy to believe you are right there alongside Juliette and Henry in the most beautiful setting imaginable. Shields has a way with words that really pulls the reader into the emotions of Juliette and Henry and I found myself becoming quite attached. All of the twists, betrayals, and shocking reveals hit me a little harder than I’d like to admit, but it was absolutely fantastic.
Some sections did seems to be a little repetitive and drag on longer than necessary, but overall, this story was quite enjoyable. It was easy to get swept up into the magic and the drama and get lost for a few hours in a magical world where anything could happen.
