The Phoenix Keeper
by S.A. Maclean
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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 ofThe 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 caveat: her zoo's breeding program show more 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 college: 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. show less
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DNF 20%
I really wanted to like this one. It's been on my to-read list since before it was released. However, I simply cannot make myself like the main character. Aila is, allegedly, an adult with severe social anxiety - which would be relatable, if she wasn't also a brazenly unpleasant person who spits insults at the drop of a hat. She also has a pretty shit understanding of how ambassador animals contribute to funding for conservation efforts, despite allegedly being an expert in said conservation efforts.
I admittedly only got 20% into this book, but where I'm at, I see no chemistry between Aila and Luciana. On the surface, Luciana acts like a bully toward Aila (which is a dynamic I don't like on principal) but if you actually look at show more how Aila talks to and treats her in response, you can see why all Aila gets to see is her bitchy side. Luciana is just returning the same energy she's getting. Also, Lucaina is objectively correct on multiple counts, and their disagreements seem to stem from Aila being stubborn. show less
I really wanted to like this one. It's been on my to-read list since before it was released. However, I simply cannot make myself like the main character. Aila is, allegedly, an adult with severe social anxiety - which would be relatable, if she wasn't also a brazenly unpleasant person who spits insults at the drop of a hat. She also has a pretty shit understanding of how ambassador animals contribute to funding for conservation efforts, despite allegedly being an expert in said conservation efforts.
I admittedly only got 20% into this book, but where I'm at, I see no chemistry between Aila and Luciana. On the surface, Luciana acts like a bully toward Aila (which is a dynamic I don't like on principal) but if you actually look at show more how Aila talks to and treats her in response, you can see why all Aila gets to see is her bitchy side. Luciana is just returning the same energy she's getting. Also, Lucaina is objectively correct on multiple counts, and their disagreements seem to stem from Aila being stubborn. show less
The Phoenix Keeper is the story of zoo keeper Aila overcoming her anxiety to get a Phoenix breeding program established at her zoo. As someone who seriously considered a career in zoo keeping I really loved all the detail we got on the daily routines of taking care of magical animals and glimpses of the other magical animals at the zoo. I also appreciate that it focuses on something other than dragons, which are everywhere in fantasy.
I really liked seeing the main relationship develop in this, the characters have a history together and the story did a good job of unraveling that and showing their relationship develop. That being said a good chunk of the book is taken up with the main character dating someone else. I understand why it's show more there for plot and character development reasons, but since the book is marketed as a sapphic romance I knew it wasn't going anywhere and it just felt like wasting time.
On the whole, this is a nice, cozy read that gives a peek at what a zoo full of magical animals would be like with just a dash of action at the end to really highlight the main characters growth throughout the book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review. show less
I really liked seeing the main relationship develop in this, the characters have a history together and the story did a good job of unraveling that and showing their relationship develop. That being said a good chunk of the book is taken up with the main character dating someone else. I understand why it's show more there for plot and character development reasons, but since the book is marketed as a sapphic romance I knew it wasn't going anywhere and it just felt like wasting time.
On the whole, this is a nice, cozy read that gives a peek at what a zoo full of magical animals would be like with just a dash of action at the end to really highlight the main characters growth throughout the book.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review. show less
When I read the cover text my first thought was, this will be either really good or a real mess.
Well, it started out decent, I liked the LGBTQ+ representation, which was delivered as a matter of fact, very nice, that's how I like it and how it should always be done. I liked the social anxiety aspect of the main character and I liked the setting, the world in general the story played in, and that the story basically only took place in the zoo.
But oh boy, did it go downhill fast.
The over describing of all the magical animals that inhabit the world, why? I do appreciate that Ms MacLean had so many ideas about all the creatures but describing each one of them in every detail made the whole thing very tedious, it would have been much more show more enjoyable if she would have handled the creatures like the people, where less is more.
Also, Aila as having social anxiety and being and introvert, that was decently described in the beginning, but then she turned into a whiny overly self-centred person.
And then the vilain, omg, hit us with a 2x4 very quickly, didn't he?
All in all, there is not much happening in the 450+ pages, the majority goes for describing the animals and the every day work load in a zoo. And all of a sudden we find outthat Aila always had a crush on Luciana very heavy handed character development, and a bit lazy as well.
In the Illumicrate edition Ms MacLean writes that every writer brings sometimes something from themselves into the story, and of course that is true, but a good writer cuts a lot of their own personal stuff out again in the first or second edit, something Ms MacLean has to learn going forward in her writing career, because this book didn't read like a novel but as a fantasy work expose of her own life. (I guess minus the animal haist.)
That is not to say that she doesn't have potential, she does, but she also needs more editing (and maybe a bit more critically beta readers). show less
Well, it started out decent, I liked the LGBTQ+ representation, which was delivered as a matter of fact, very nice, that's how I like it and how it should always be done. I liked the social anxiety aspect of the main character and I liked the setting, the world in general the story played in, and that the story basically only took place in the zoo.
But oh boy, did it go downhill fast.
The over describing of all the magical animals that inhabit the world, why? I do appreciate that Ms MacLean had so many ideas about all the creatures but describing each one of them in every detail made the whole thing very tedious, it would have been much more show more enjoyable if she would have handled the creatures like the people, where less is more.
Also, Aila as having social anxiety and being and introvert, that was decently described in the beginning, but then she turned into a whiny overly self-centred person.
And then the vilain, omg, hit us with a 2x4 very quickly, didn't he?
All in all, there is not much happening in the 450+ pages, the majority goes for describing the animals and the every day work load in a zoo. And all of a sudden we find out
In the Illumicrate edition Ms MacLean writes that every writer brings sometimes something from themselves into the story, and of course that is true, but a good writer cuts a lot of their own personal stuff out again in the first or second edit, something Ms MacLean has to learn going forward in her writing career, because this book didn't read like a novel but as a fantasy work expose of her own life. (I guess minus the animal haist.)
That is not to say that she doesn't have potential, she does, but she also needs more editing (and maybe a bit more critically beta readers). show less
The bones of this book is that Aila is a phoenix keeper for a zoo, it has been her dream to have a successful breeding program and that possibility of that happening is not looking good. Until there is a theft of a phoenix and her eggs at another zoo and Aila is presented with a chance to realise her dreams. The layers of the story are in Aila’s relationships with friends, employers, potential romantic interests and overcoming her own internal challenges.
Aila as the central character is pivotal to whether you are going to embrace this story or not. MacLean has crafted a character who certainly runs the gauntlet of emotions. Aila is a perfectionist, obsessive, an introvert, struggles to interact in any social situation and task show more orientated. She is loyal to her friends but that single minded drive she has means she is unaware to their trials and tribulations. When she finally realises that she has been neglectful, it always comes through a major blow up or confrontation, rather than self-realisation of wrongdoing. Aila’s immediate circle of friends and family is small but over the course of the story it slowly expands.
Tanya is Aila’s constant and they are tight. You need Tanya, as she demonstrates the good of Aila, that she can be grounded and directed. Tanya helps Aila navigate friendships, social norms and the importance of having a social life.
There are two possible love interests Connor and Luciana. Connor is the handsome dragon keeper, who Aila has many an awkward moment with. Luciana, is her rival from College and the history between the two certainly creates the fireworks. It is here that the heart of the story truly lies as we want to discover just who Aila gives her heart to.
This is a slow burn of a read, it does take time for all the elements to come together and then there is the rush towards the end. The journey is in the character development and interaction, if you are vibing with Aila and her challenges, then this story will swallow you whole. For this story is about people, relationships and about rising above your fears and conquering your self-imposed limitations. show less
Aila as the central character is pivotal to whether you are going to embrace this story or not. MacLean has crafted a character who certainly runs the gauntlet of emotions. Aila is a perfectionist, obsessive, an introvert, struggles to interact in any social situation and task show more orientated. She is loyal to her friends but that single minded drive she has means she is unaware to their trials and tribulations. When she finally realises that she has been neglectful, it always comes through a major blow up or confrontation, rather than self-realisation of wrongdoing. Aila’s immediate circle of friends and family is small but over the course of the story it slowly expands.
Tanya is Aila’s constant and they are tight. You need Tanya, as she demonstrates the good of Aila, that she can be grounded and directed. Tanya helps Aila navigate friendships, social norms and the importance of having a social life.
There are two possible love interests Connor and Luciana. Connor is the handsome dragon keeper, who Aila has many an awkward moment with. Luciana, is her rival from College and the history between the two certainly creates the fireworks. It is here that the heart of the story truly lies as we want to discover just who Aila gives her heart to.
This is a slow burn of a read, it does take time for all the elements to come together and then there is the rush towards the end. The journey is in the character development and interaction, if you are vibing with Aila and her challenges, then this story will swallow you whole. For this story is about people, relationships and about rising above your fears and conquering your self-imposed limitations. show less
“The Phoenix Keeper,” by S. A. MacLean
This was a really good book. I loved the entire concept. It is a slice of life for MC who works at a zoo full of magical creatures and her trying to fulfill her dream of breeding Phoenix’s. She fights her internal thoughts and fears of failure and trusting other people. The entire book was very cozy and cute with great character development. 4 out of 5 stars.
-Magical Zoo
-Mythical Creatures
-Slice of Life
Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.
This was a really good book. I loved the entire concept. It is a slice of life for MC who works at a zoo full of magical creatures and her trying to fulfill her dream of breeding Phoenix’s. She fights her internal thoughts and fears of failure and trusting other people. The entire book was very cozy and cute with great character development. 4 out of 5 stars.
-Magical Zoo
-Mythical Creatures
-Slice of Life
Thank you for the ARC, Netgalley.
In a Nutshell: Officially, a cozy fantasy with shades of queer romance. Practically, a YA fantasy with a whiny, immature main character and minimal appearance of the promised lesbian-love track. I would have gone easier on this book were it actually a YA novel, to compensate for my lack of affinity for the genre. However, it is promoted as an adult fantasy and hence I cannot suppress my disappointment. The magical creatures and Tanya saved the book from a lower rating. This is an outlier opinion.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
Had the story been exactly as I have written above, it would have crossed the four-star mark. However, the main character, the straightforward plot, and the pseudo-YA writing style ensured that my rating didn’t come near 3 stars even once throughout.
Bookish Yays: show less
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
Aila has been fascinated by phoenix birds since her childhood visit to the zoo. At present, she is living her dream job as the head phoenix keeper at a zoo focussed on saving endangered magical creaturesshow more
and creating awareness. The only problem is that there hasn’t been a successful phoenix breeding programme in her zoo in almost a decade.
When there is a heist at a nearby zoo with the phoenix mother and hatchlings stolen, Aila knows that her run-down zoo must step up to the challenge if the beautiful creatures are to be saved. As she hated most people with all her heart, she knows she can count on fellow keeper Tanya for help. But can just the two of them manage such a gargantuan responsibility? She must, especially when her college rival and current colleague Luciana is always ready to laugh at her incompetence.
The story comes to us in Aila’s third-person perspective.
Had the story been exactly as I have written above, it would have crossed the four-star mark. However, the main character, the straightforward plot, and the pseudo-YA writing style ensured that my rating didn’t come near 3 stars even once throughout.
Bookish Yays: show less
In a Nutshell: Officially, a cozy fantasy with shades of queer romance. Practically, a YA fantasy with a whiny, immature main character and minimal appearance of the promised lesbian-love track. I would have gone easier on this book were it actually a YA novel, to compensate for my lack of affinity for the genre. However, it is promoted as an adult fantasy and hence I cannot suppress my disappointment. The magical creatures and Tanya saved the book from a lower rating. This is an outlier opinion.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
Had the story been exactly as I have written above, it would have crossed the four-star mark. However, the main character, the straightforward plot, and the pseudo-YA writing style ensured that my rating didn’t come near 3 stars even once throughout.
Bookish Yays: show less
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Plot Preview:
Aila has been fascinated by phoenix birds since her childhood visit to the zoo. At present, she is living her dream job as the head phoenix keeper at a zoo focussed on saving endangered magical creaturesshow more
and creating awareness. The only problem is that there hasn’t been a successful phoenix breeding programme in her zoo in almost a decade.
When there is a heist at a nearby zoo with the phoenix mother and hatchlings stolen, Aila knows that her run-down zoo must step up to the challenge if the beautiful creatures are to be saved. As she hated most people with all her heart, she knows she can count on fellow keeper Tanya for help. But can just the two of them manage such a gargantuan responsibility? She must, especially when her college rival and current colleague Luciana is always ready to laugh at her incompetence.
The story comes to us in Aila’s third-person perspective.
Had the story been exactly as I have written above, it would have crossed the four-star mark. However, the main character, the straightforward plot, and the pseudo-YA writing style ensured that my rating didn’t come near 3 stars even once throughout.
Bookish Yays: show less
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- 2024-08-13
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