ExlibrisJessica

Book 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 Legends and Lattes.

Aila, head phoenix keeper at a renowned zoo, faces a critical challenge: reviving her zoo’s dormant breeding program to save endangered phoenixes. When a poaching incident at a rival zoo jeopardises the species, she must prove her facility’s viability. Adding to her troubles is Luciana, her college rival and griffin keeper, who believes the phoenixes should be used for performances, not conservation. Aila must overcome her zoo’s failures, her rivalry with Luciana, and the looming threat of poachers to ensure the phoenixes’ survival and protect their future.

The moment I saw the words ‘magical zoo’, I knew I was the target audience for this book. I’m an animal lover with a passion for conservation and welfare (who also loves a romance).

One of the book’s greatest strengths lies in its vivid portrayal of the magical zoo and its inhabitants. Maclean’s detailed descriptions of each creature, from mischievous thunderhawk Archie to the majestic phoenixes, are a delight. I found myself immersed in the daily routines of the keepers and the intricate biology of these fantastical animals. This impressive world-building felt like a nostalgic trip to the zoo, complete with detailed visitor map at the start- a particular highlight for me!

The book convincingly portrays anxiety’s overwhelming impact on Aila’s life, from her work to her relationships. At times, her fear-driven behaviour was genuinely frustrating, which I found to be an authentic reflection of dealing with my own anxiety. However, while I appreciated the realism, I felt her focus on her own struggles often overshadowed her consideration for others and made her unlikeable in her misjudging. Despite this, her growth, especially through her connection with Luciana, remains a compelling central theme.

I am a big slow-burn rivals to lovers fan so the romance was a draw for me. However, the timeline was very slow-paced and Aila spends a good amount of the book pining for the wrong person. This means that the ACTUAL romance doesn’t take off until the last quarter of the book (although there is some not-so-subtle foreshadowing as to this change in direction). ‘Romance’ seems the wrong label for this story. It is a theme but I would not say its a particularly prevelant one.

Tanya, Aila’s best friend and a trans woman, is a standout character. Her role as the voice of reason with a golden retriever personality and unwavering support is crucial to Aila’s journey. I thought that Aila and Tanya’s friendship ending being a bigger part of the story than either romance and it was more compelling. The book’s inclusive representation, also including Aila’s bisexuality, is integrated seamlessly, making these identities a natural part of the story due to the queernorm world.

The book’s cozy vibe, combined with a touch of mystery and action, made for an enjoyable reading experience. The mystery, while present, is not particularly complex, and I did guess the twists early on. I will also mention that whilst this book was advertised as adult age fiction, it read more like a YA fantasy. However, I had no issue with that and enjoyed the pacing, characters, and plot for what they were.

Overall:

The Phoenix Keeper is a charming and enjoyable cosy fantasy with a strong focus on animal conservation and character growth. While pacing and characterisation may not be for everyone, it offers a unique and heartwarming experience for those who appreciate detailed creature descriptions, slow-burn romance, and inclusive representation. It’s a perfect pick for animal lovers and those seeking a gentle read to escape into.

Which magical creature would you want to see most?