marylu412 's review for:

The Phoenix Keeper by S.A. MacLean

3.5

emotional funny inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

---

The Phoenix Keeper was such a cozy, heartwarming read with a premise that totally grabbed me from the start. A magical zoo filled with mythical creatures? Yes, please. I loved the worldbuilding—it had that soft, comforting feel while still exploring real stakes, such as species conservation, burnout, and the pressure to succeed when everyone is watching. 

Aila is easy to root for—passionate about her work, totally devoted to her phoenixes, and trying her best even when she’s overwhelmed. The romance with Luciana had that classic rivals-to-lovers tension, but I’ll admit it didn’t always hit as hard as I wanted. The slow burn was cute, and their history gave the relationship weight, but sometimes their dynamic felt a little too understated for me. I wanted just a bit more fire (pun intended) between them. 

The pacing also wobbled in places. Some moments were so soft and quiet that I found myself wishing the tension would return, especially during the middle stretch. However, the final act brought everything together in a truly satisfying way, and the emotional payoff made it worthwhile to stick with the slower moments. 

Overall, this is a sweet and whimsical read with strong themes of care—for animals, the planet, and for one another. It didn’t blow me away, but it definitely warmed my heart. If you're looking for gentle fantasy with a soft queer romance and a cozy setting, The Phoenix Keeper is a lovely choice.