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bookshelf_of_alex 's review for:
The Phoenix Keeper
by S.A. MacLean
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sometimes you don’t need high-stakes battles or epic quests. Sometimes it is just really lovely to read about the day-to-day life of a magical zookeeper, and The Phoenix Keeper delivers exactly that with all the cosy vibes.
Aila has always been fascinated by animals, especially phoenixes. As head phoenix keeper at her dream job, she is determined to restart a struggling breeding programme for this critically endangered species. When phoenix chicks are stolen from a sister zoo, she becomes even more focused on making it a success. The only problem is that she has to work closely with her old college rival to make it happen.
This book was truly delightful. Listening to it felt like a warm hug. I seriously wish this zoo was real because I would visit in a heartbeat.
Aila is such a relatable protagonist. She is socially awkward, dreads public speaking, and often finds it easier to be around animals than people. I have never related to a character more.
The side characters are all well developed, and there is some really great LGBTQ+ representation throughout.
My only issue is that the pacing dips a little in the middle, but it really picks up towards the final third.
Even though this is a cosier fantasy, it still has real emotional stakes and a story that keeps you invested.
Sometimes you don’t need high-stakes battles or epic quests. Sometimes it is just really lovely to read about the day-to-day life of a magical zookeeper, and The Phoenix Keeper delivers exactly that with all the cosy vibes.
Aila has always been fascinated by animals, especially phoenixes. As head phoenix keeper at her dream job, she is determined to restart a struggling breeding programme for this critically endangered species. When phoenix chicks are stolen from a sister zoo, she becomes even more focused on making it a success. The only problem is that she has to work closely with her old college rival to make it happen.
This book was truly delightful. Listening to it felt like a warm hug. I seriously wish this zoo was real because I would visit in a heartbeat.
Aila is such a relatable protagonist. She is socially awkward, dreads public speaking, and often finds it easier to be around animals than people. I have never related to a character more.
The side characters are all well developed, and there is some really great LGBTQ+ representation throughout.
My only issue is that the pacing dips a little in the middle, but it really picks up towards the final third.
Even though this is a cosier fantasy, it still has real emotional stakes and a story that keeps you invested.