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A review by sarahscupofcoffee
The Phoenix Keeper by S.A. MacLean
4.0
If you're looking for a cozy fantasy that combines magical beasts, zoology, and a hint of romance, The Phoenix Keeper has to be your next read! I absolutely adored this book and to think that it's a debut is kind of insane.
I loved the setting, the LGBTQIA+ rep (we have a bi main character and a trans best friend), the anxiety rep, and the themes of conservation. I think I'm going to buy a membership to my local zoo after reading this book. It's a fantasy, but there are so many parallels... it's hard to ignore.
My only issue was the main conflict at the end. I didn't like who the 'bad guy' turned out being. I saw this coming a mile away, so I wanted to be wrong. I thought maybe the ending could've been a bit more creative, but altogether I adored my reading experience.
I also think that maybe this book was a bit mismarketed? The blurb on the cover makes it sound like it's a lot more romantically involved than it is. "Falling in love never burned so bright..." made me think we were going into a slow burn enemies or rivals to lovers romance, but it wasn't all that tense. The romance I feel like could've been rewritten a bit, but I did love all of the characters individually.
I especially appreciated Aila and her anxiety. As someone diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, I related to Aila on a deep level. People and I don't get along and I tend to jumble my words a lot. Crowds terrify me. I loved reading about her pain because it sounded a lot like my own. I also loved how Luciana was supportive, but also pushed her outside of her comfort zone. She never (intentionally) made Aila feel small. I also love that she showed her what conversations were supposed to be like: that she did deserve to be listened to and cared about.
*** The audio is amazing, this book has a map, and is set throughout the seasons (but it gives summer vibes in my opinion) ***
I loved the setting, the LGBTQIA+ rep (we have a bi main character and a trans best friend), the anxiety rep, and the themes of conservation. I think I'm going to buy a membership to my local zoo after reading this book. It's a fantasy, but there are so many parallels... it's hard to ignore.
My only issue was the main conflict at the end. I didn't like who the 'bad guy' turned out being. I saw this coming a mile away, so I wanted to be wrong.
Spoiler
I hated Connor from their first date. I hated the way he always talked down to her, belittled her passions, and seemed uninterested (even though he's also a zookeeper... that part didn't make sense to me). It clicked that he fed his own hatchlings to the poachers with this disinterest. I knew that someone was going to make a pass at stealing the chicks when Aila say a blip on the security camera in an unrelated scene. When that turned out to be nothing, I knew that someone was going to try to steal them. From there, I figured it was going to be Connor because he knows the program from the inside out and he doesn't even care about his own animal's, much less hers.I also think that maybe this book was a bit mismarketed? The blurb on the cover makes it sound like it's a lot more romantically involved than it is. "Falling in love never burned so bright..." made me think we were going into a slow burn enemies or rivals to lovers romance, but it wasn't all that tense. The romance I feel like could've been rewritten a bit, but I did love all of the characters individually.
I especially appreciated Aila and her anxiety. As someone diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, I related to Aila on a deep level. People and I don't get along and I tend to jumble my words a lot. Crowds terrify me. I loved reading about her pain because it sounded a lot like my own. I also loved how Luciana was supportive, but also pushed her outside of her comfort zone. She never (intentionally) made Aila feel small. I also love that she showed her what conversations were supposed to be like: that she did deserve to be listened to and cared about
Spoiler
(stupid Connor)*** The audio is amazing, this book has a map, and is set throughout the seasons (but it gives summer vibes in my opinion) ***