Hotel Magnifique

In Hotel Magnifique, magic manifests as uncontrollable power that can cause harm if left unharnessed. Artéfacts are objects that make magic safer to use. They serve as “reservoirs for magic. Every suminaire is given one [to] pull magic from [their] blood and transmute it into a single spell before it can hurt anyone” (114). The Société des Suminaires claims that an artéfact reflects its user’s “soul’s desire.” This contributes to characterization in the novel, as magic wielders’ driving impulses are symbolized through their artéfacts.

Bel’s desire to find Home and Belonging is suggested by his ability to transport the hotel via his key. His power complements Jani’s, whose affinity for the cosmolabe reveals her need for adventure. Béatrice is characterized by her tin of mechanical gears. As Jani tells her, “You genuinely care about the people who work for you. I think your desire to always keep us together, to fix any of us who feel broken, manifests in your gears” (336).

The narrative’s villains are also characterized by their chosen artéfacts. Yrsa’s teacup inflicts pain, while Madame des Rêves’s talon turns people into birds. Madame des Rêves also uses the hand mirror, which drains suminaires of their magic, revealing her greed and cruelty.