An entertaining adventure which tackles themes like conservation and responsibility, as a trio of teens work together to survive when stranded in a magical wildlife preserve. Tolcser addresses issues of class and privilege as well, but never loses sight of the big picture, weaving in plenty of action, danger, and fanciful magical creatures.

This was a fun magical creatures adventure/mystery. Hattie is an orphan who works in the lodge of magical animal preserve. She tries hard and wants to do a good job. When a new group of guests arrive, Hattie is asked to be the companion of the niece of the owner. It's not as much fun as you might imagine-Evelyn is not the most pleasant guest. Hattie and Evelyn and the rest of the group end up out in the preserve when things start to go awry, starting with a train crash. Hattie and Evelyn join forces to solve multiple mysteries. It's a super fun read.

Majestica by Sarah Tolcser is a middle grade fantasy that takes place at a hotel with magical creatures. Hattie has grown up at the hotel after being orphaned when her father was killed saving the owner of the hotel from a dragon. Evelyn is the niece of the hotel owner who is on a special trip through the wilderness park around the hotel for her 13th birthday. Hattie is enlisted to go with Evelyn and unexpectedly the two are caught in the midst of an adventure to save each other and the future of the hotel.

This is the first book I’ve read by the author and think it would be one students who enjoy fantasy would be interested in. Definitely one I will add to my fall purchasing list.

13-yearold Hattie is an orphan and maid in training. She lives at Majestica, the magical preserve under the care of the preserve. When the owner’s spoiled niece, Evelyn, comes to visit, Hattie isn’t happy. When Hattie gets forced to go on Evelyn’s train tour as her maid, the two don’t get along. As they are on the train, things seem off. The two girls hear two men talking about poaching magical creatures. Soon, a bridge is blown up right as the train stranding all the people on the train. With the preserve owner dead and the two girls separated, they must find a way to survive in the jungle. With magical creatures running amok, the two must contend with man-eating plants, dragons, and other magical creatures. Can the two reunite and save the preserve? Can the two learn to get along?

The plot is well-developed, engaging, and full of magic. The characters are likable, relatable, and bring the story to life. The world building is well done and draws readers into Hattie and Evelyn’s world. Readers who like fantasy, mythology, fairy tale creatures, and books like Brandon Mull’s Fablehaven series will want to pick this one up. Recommended for most library collections. Gr 3 to 7, 5 stars.

Please note: This was a review copy given to us by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. No financial compensation was received.

Majestica is a like a magical version of Jurassic Park. Uncle Clive owns and runs Majestica, a resort with an attached “sanctuary “ for magical creatures. Evelyn is his spoiled niece, Hattie is Evelyn’s reluctant maid and Jacob is the apprentice of a visiting dignitary. All three find themselves on the train tour of the preserve when everything goes south. There are bad guys, powerful relics, violence and unexpected friendships. The book is constant action from start to finish.

I would recommend this book for middle grades on up. There are some deaths and violence.

I received an advance reader copy for free, but all opinions are my own.