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A review by nclcaitlin
The Phoenix Keeper by S.A. MacLean
4.25
Quite possibly the cutest, most heart-warming book I have read!
I was squealing and kicking my feet the whole way through and I rarely do that. Cozy never evokes each strong feelings in me.
Alia has her childhood dream job as a phoenix keeper in San Tamculo Zoo. Her wish is find a partner for the critically endangered Silimalo phoenix, Rubra, in her care and lead a breeding programme.
This book, despite being fantastical, had some of the most profound character insight and realistic internal struggles I have read.
Alia is extremely introverted. Diabolically shy. Terrified of public speaking and interaction.
She never feels good enough, constantly scared of failure, and always scared of how she might come off to others.
In other words, I found Alia relatable in certain aspects. She’s the girl who had her nose in a book at school. Who prefers being home, in her pyjamas after 7pm. Who surrounds herself with non-judgemental animals rather than humans.
She made the mistake of wearing mascara one time in high school. Every kid in her class pointed her out. Who was the quiet girl trying to impress? Who was she trying to be?
She never wore make-up again.
Add quirkiness, the most supportive, fellow zookeeper kickass best friend, and an enemies-to-lovers plot that I adored (and you should know that that troupe is normally an instant turn-off and avoid for me); this book was perfect book, right time.
Yes, okay, some of the twists were glaringly obvious, but did I still gobble it up faster than the kelpie in this book? YES!
“I was.. gonna go for something from the heart? Whatever comes to my brain?"
Teddy's brow rose higher.
“Shit. You're right, "Aila groaned. “That's a horrible idea. I'm a horrible idea.”
If you still need convincing, there’s a mischievous archibird called Archie who loves theatrics, and who can say no to that scheming adorable face?
Thank you to Gollancz for providing a physical copy and a delightful goodie box in exchange for a review!
I was squealing and kicking my feet the whole way through and I rarely do that. Cozy never evokes each strong feelings in me.
Alia has her childhood dream job as a phoenix keeper in San Tamculo Zoo. Her wish is find a partner for the critically endangered Silimalo phoenix, Rubra, in her care and lead a breeding programme.
This book, despite being fantastical, had some of the most profound character insight and realistic internal struggles I have read.
Alia is extremely introverted. Diabolically shy. Terrified of public speaking and interaction.
She never feels good enough, constantly scared of failure, and always scared of how she might come off to others.
In other words, I found Alia relatable in certain aspects. She’s the girl who had her nose in a book at school. Who prefers being home, in her pyjamas after 7pm. Who surrounds herself with non-judgemental animals rather than humans.
She made the mistake of wearing mascara one time in high school. Every kid in her class pointed her out. Who was the quiet girl trying to impress? Who was she trying to be?
She never wore make-up again.
Add quirkiness, the most supportive, fellow zookeeper kickass best friend, and an enemies-to-lovers plot that I adored (and you should know that that troupe is normally an instant turn-off and avoid for me); this book was perfect book, right time.
Yes, okay, some of the twists were glaringly obvious, but did I still gobble it up faster than the kelpie in this book? YES!
“I was.. gonna go for something from the heart? Whatever comes to my brain?"
Teddy's brow rose higher.
“Shit. You're right, "Aila groaned. “That's a horrible idea. I'm a horrible idea.”
If you still need convincing, there’s a mischievous archibird called Archie who loves theatrics, and who can say no to that scheming adorable face?
Thank you to Gollancz for providing a physical copy and a delightful goodie box in exchange for a review!