Midnight at the Houdini by Deliah S.Dawson

Release: August 3, 2023
Format: Ebook
Publisher: ‎ Felicia
Source: TBR and Beyond Tours
Find it at: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | IndieBound

A girl discovers a surreal hotel where no one ever leaves. When the clock strikes midnight she’ll be trapped there forever unless she’s able to break free from magic that in turn breaks all her rules. Perfect for fans of Caraval and The Starless Sea!

The night is perfect and glorious and sparkling, too beautiful to be real. Like magic.

Anna may have grown up in glitzy Las Vegas, but she’s stubborn that no one will ever call her shallow. While her older sister Emily is the star of the family, Anna is the diligent stage manager, making sure that both their lives go perfectly to plan. But when Emily reveals a startling betrayal, Anna flees in the middle of a raging storm and takes shelter in a boutique establishment she’s never seen before: The Houdini.

Inside, Anna discovers a magic hotel . . . and a magical boy. Earnest, curious Max has lived his entire life inside the Houdini. Over the course of one surreal evening, he becomes Anna’s guide to the curious building. For the first time in her life, Anna is center stage, in a place that anticipates her every desire, with a boy who only has eyes for her.

But that’s because the Houdini has no other guests. No one ever enters the Houdini . . . and no one ever leaves. When the clock strikes midnight, Anna will be trapped in the Houdini forever. If Anna’s ever going to find out who she is on her own in the real world, she’ll first have to make an impossible escape. But will she be able to do it if it means leaving Max behind?

About the Author:

Delilah S. Dawson is the New York Times-bestselling author of Star Wars: Phasma, Black Spire: Galaxy’s Edge, and The Perfect Weapon. With Kevin Hearne, she writes the Tales of Pell. As Lila Bowen, she writes the Shadow series, beginning with Wake of Vultures. Her other books include the Blud series, the Hit series, and Servants of the Storm.

She’s written comics in the worlds of Marvel Action: Spider-Man, Lore’s Wellington, Star Wars Adventures, Star Wars Forces of Destiny, The X-Files Case Files, Adventure Time, Rick and Morty, and her creator-owned comics include Star Pig, Ladycastle, and Sparrowhawk.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Midnight at the Houdini Review:

Firstly, I loved how the author wrote the story. The story blends elements of mystery, fantasy, and psychological tension, drawing readers into Anna’s disorienting and unsettling experience as she grapples with the mysteries of the Houdini Hotel and her own perceptions of reality. The plot explores themes of control, perception, and the unknown, keeping readers engaged and intrigued by the unfolding events.

Secondly, the author wrote the characters enigmatically. I loved Anna’s growing fondness for Max, her willingness to work with him, and her desire to uncover the secrets of the hotel. Similarly, the author also weaves together the emotional dynamics between Phoebe and Max, the mysterious nature of Houdini’s hotel, and Phoebe’s calculated and secretive plans. The juxtaposition of magic and human emotions creates a rich and intriguing narrative tapestry that keeps the reader engaged and eager to learn more about the characters’ fates. There are moments when the dynamics among the friends are tested, revealing their individual reactions to stress, their differing priorities, and their underlying tensions. The setting of the hidden casino adds to the surreal and unsettling atmosphere, mirroring the mysterious nature of the Houdini hotel itself. The author captures the complex emotions and conflicts that arise when facing uncertainty and danger while also highlighting the characters’ vulnerabilities and flaws.

Thirdly, I just loved how the author portrayed the Houdini Hotel. This author immerses readers in the surreal and enigmatic world of the Houdini Hotel. The writing captures Anna’s growing confusion and determination, as well as the eerie atmosphere of the crypt and the uncertainty of her mission. The interactions with the girl and the voice raise intriguing questions about the nature of the hotel and the characters’ connections.

Overall, “Midnight at the Houdini” is a fun young adult fantasy that you should definitely check out.