The Phoenix Keeper

By: S.A. Maclean

Narrated by: Stephanie Bentley

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 ofThe House in the Cerulean Sea and Legends and Lattes.

As head phoenix keeper at a world-renowned zoo for magical creatures, Aila's childhood dream of conserving critically endangered firebirds seems closer than ever. There's just one glaring caveat: her zoo's breeding program hasn't functioned for a decade. When a tragic phoenix heist sabotages the flagship initiative at a neighboring zoo, Aila must prove her derelict facilities are fit to take the reins.

But saving an entire species from extinction requires more than stellar animal handling skills. Carnivorous water horses, tempestuous thunderhawks, mischievous dragons... Aila has no problem wrangling beasts. But mustering the courage to ask for help from the hotshot griffin keeper at the zoo's most popular exhibit? Virtually impossible.

Especially when that hotshot griffin keeper happens to be her arch-rival from college: Luciana, an annoyingly brooding and insufferable know-it-all with the face of a goddess who's convinced that Aila's beloved phoenix would serve their cause better as an active performer rather than as a passive conservation exhibit. With the world watching and the threat of poachers looming, Aila's success is no longer merely a matter of keeping her job...

She is the keeper of the phoenix, and the future of a species– and her love life– now rests on her shoulders.

Critic reviews

"Filled with mystical creatures so vivid I could swear they’re real, two endearingly relatable zookeepers, and the coziest possible combination of intrigue and romance, THE PHOENIX KEEPER is a sparkling debut. I’d give anything for a ticket to the San Tamculo Zoo, and MacLean’s transporting book made me feel like I’d truly gone for a visit. I look forward to whatever’s next from this magically creative new voice in fantasy."—Laura R. Samotin, author of The Sins On Their Bones

"Fresh, funny, and fantastical, S.A. MacLean's debut introduces an imaginative and authentic new voice to cozy fantasy. By turns witty, poignant, and joyfully romantic, The Phoenix Keeper is utterly transportive!"—Lyra Selene, author of A Feather So Black

"This book has it all: pining, a healthy amount of nerdiness, a cast of characters you'll consider friends, one amazing griffin keeper– and at its heart, a warming story about passion, preservation, and childhood dreams... Spiritually, I'm still at San Tamculo Zoo. Don't miss out!"—Vanessa Le, author of The Last Bloodcarver

"Sparkling with wit and dazzling with joy, The Phoenix Keeper is a delightfully romantic and richly imagined debut. A perfect cozy fantasy!"—K. M. Enright, author of Mistress of Lies

Very cute

This was like a warm hug. You know where it’s going but you’re excited none the less

Like a warm hug

I didn’t expect to love this book as much but it was fun to enjoy a cozy low stakes fantasy about a 28 year old girl who just loves her birds.

Disappointing & Frustrating, Could Have been so much more

The basic idea was fun … but I struggled with all of the expo dumping, but especially with the main character who is supposed to be 28 but through actions seems like 18-21 and way too often behaves like she was 14. It made me feel that the good vibes at the end were unearned. I had contemplated DNF-ing at 25% but someone in book club said it got better - and it did, but I’d still rate it as 2.5.

Great story and narration

It started a little slow but it’s worth staying with it. Great story and highly recommend.

Stellar!

The author brilliantly shows the growth of the main character over the book. In the beginning, I found Ayla to be wholly unlikeable. She was quite the curmudgeon and selfish and sometimes a bad friend. As she learned healthier coping mechanisms and communication, it was impossible not to root for her. Luciana’s character was also very well developed. Tanya’s too. LGBTQ representation is seamless throughout. Story was very cute! Wished for Luciana’s POV in many many parts.