The Phoenix Keeper by S.A. MacLean

This early review copy was won through a Goodreads giveaway from Orbit Books. This in no way impacts the rating of the book. All of my reviews contain my honest opinions.

Title: The Phoenix Keeper

Author: S.A. MacLean

Release Date: August 13, 2024

Publisher: Orbit Books

Genre: Fantasy, Romance

Source: digital, Goodreads

TW: mental illness, panic attacks/disorders, confinement, animal death, bullying, death of parent, gun violence, trafficking

Synopsis

Set in a magical zoo teeming with mythical beasts from dragons and unicorns to kelpies and krakens, The Phoenix Keeper is a fierce joy of a cozy fantasy novel with a soul-restoring queer romance at its heart, for fans of The House in the Cerulean Sea and Legends and Lattes.

As head phoenix keeper at a world-renowned zoo for magical creatures, Aila's childhood dream of conserving critically endangered firebirds seems closer than ever. There's just one glaring her zoo's breeding program hasn't functioned for a decade. When a tragic phoenix heist sabotages the flagship initiative at a neighboring zoo, Aila must prove her derelict facilities are fit to take the reins.

But saving an entire species from extinction requires more than stellar animal handling skills. Carnivorous water horses, tempestuous thunderhawks, mischievous dragons... Aila has no problem wrangling beasts. But mustering the courage to ask for help from the hotshot griffin keeper at the zoo's most popular exhibit? Virtually impossible.

Especially when that hotshot griffin keeper happens to be her arch-rival from Luciana, an annoyingly brooding and insufferable know-it-all with the face of a goddess who's convinced that Aila's beloved phoenix would serve their cause better as an active performer rather than as a passive conservation exhibit. With the world watching and the threat of poachers looming, Aila's success is no longer merely a matter of keeping her job...

She is the keeper of the phoenix, and the future of a species– and her love life– now rests on her shoulders.

Thoughts

If Care of Magical Creatures was your favorite class in Harry Potter, then you’ll greatly enjoy The Phoenix Keeper. The setting of the zoo, teeming with magical creatures, was an absolute delight. From phoenixes and peacock griffins to maned dragons, each creature was brought to life with vivid detail and a sense of wonder. As an animal lover, I found it incredibly enjoyable to see the world from the perspective of a zoo keeper, particularly one so dedicated to the conservation and breeding efforts needed to keep endangered species alive and well.

What I loved most about this book was the way it combined the fantastical elements of magical creatures with the very real-world issues of conservation and animal welfare. The dedication and passion that Aila and her colleagues have for their work was inspiring and gave a real sense of purpose to the story. The detailed descriptions of the various magical creatures, from carnivorous water horses and tempestuous thunderhawks to mischievous dragons, added a layer of enchantment and excitement that kept me thoroughly engaged.

The tension of the poacher threat added a thrilling undertone throughout the entire book, creating a gripping layer of mystery and danger. The stakes felt real and high, not just for Aila's career, but for the future of an entire species. This sense of urgency and the constant looming threat kept me on the edge of my seat.

Additionally, the romance between Aila and Luciana was incredibly enjoyable. Their enemies-to-lovers arc was beautifully developed, adding an extra layer of depth to the story. Luciana, the hotshot griffin keeper, is initially Aila's arch-rival, with a brooding and insufferable know-it-all attitude. However, as the story progresses, their relationship evolves in a way that felt natural and deeply satisfying. Their banter and eventual connection added a much-needed emotional balance to the high-stakes plot.

Overall, The Phoenix Keeper is a fresh, enjoyable fantasy that beautifully showcases the amazing creatures we love. S.A. MacLean has crafted a world that is both magical and grounded in real-world issues, making it a compelling read for anyone who loves animals, fantasy, and a good romance. If you're a fan of magical creatures and a well-developed love story, this book is definitely worth a read.