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A review by booksarethenewblack
The Phoenix Keeper by S.A. MacLean
4.0
You can see all my reviews here: Books Are The New Black
If you need a heartwarming and cozy book then this is for you! It does have a slow start, but I’m glad that I didn’t give up. I think that had more to do with my mood than anything. Once you get past a lot of the technical zoo jargon, there’s a charming story told.
One of my favorite things about this book is how Aila’s anxiety is front and center. She is much more comfortable around animals than people. Her lifelong dream has been to bring the Phoenix back to glory at her zoo. She has to learn that sometimes it takes a group effort, and being in front and center. We get to see her struggle and feel it. Not only is she a great character, but all of them. Maclean has the most wonderful supporting characters, which is why this works so well.
The slower start for me had a lot to do with the slower pace. We are introduced to her and she’s doing her zoo routine. There are many predictable moments, but I think it’s okay in this case. It sure didn’t take away from my enjoyment. Once some of the other characters come into play, even some animals, it picks up. This isn’t your everyday zoo either because these animals are magical. It was so fun seeing all the different magical creatures in this book and how well they cared for them. I will say that the Kelpie pages terrified me. haha. Not only do we have some of your typical creatures, but she also makes up many of her creatures. I bet that had to be such a fun process!
The romance in this book was so good! There is an enemies-to-lovers trope, and that’s my favorite trope! I did not like the miscommunication, but I’m glad it was handled quickly. I don’t want to say too much more because I don’t want to give spoilers. I will say that I enjoyed watching it play out.
Overall, I rather enjoyed this one! Besides the tiny issues, I would highly recommend it! It had some amazing heartfelt moments between friends, animals, and even lovers. The world and creatures are so fun and unique. I can’t wait to read more from this author!
Thank you, Orbit for a physical arc! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
If you need a heartwarming and cozy book then this is for you! It does have a slow start, but I’m glad that I didn’t give up. I think that had more to do with my mood than anything. Once you get past a lot of the technical zoo jargon, there’s a charming story told.
One of my favorite things about this book is how Aila’s anxiety is front and center. She is much more comfortable around animals than people. Her lifelong dream has been to bring the Phoenix back to glory at her zoo. She has to learn that sometimes it takes a group effort, and being in front and center. We get to see her struggle and feel it. Not only is she a great character, but all of them. Maclean has the most wonderful supporting characters, which is why this works so well.
The slower start for me had a lot to do with the slower pace. We are introduced to her and she’s doing her zoo routine. There are many predictable moments, but I think it’s okay in this case. It sure didn’t take away from my enjoyment. Once some of the other characters come into play, even some animals, it picks up. This isn’t your everyday zoo either because these animals are magical. It was so fun seeing all the different magical creatures in this book and how well they cared for them. I will say that the Kelpie pages terrified me. haha. Not only do we have some of your typical creatures, but she also makes up many of her creatures. I bet that had to be such a fun process!
The romance in this book was so good! There is an enemies-to-lovers trope, and that’s my favorite trope! I did not like the miscommunication, but I’m glad it was handled quickly. I don’t want to say too much more because I don’t want to give spoilers. I will say that I enjoyed watching it play out.
Overall, I rather enjoyed this one! Besides the tiny issues, I would highly recommend it! It had some amazing heartfelt moments between friends, animals, and even lovers. The world and creatures are so fun and unique. I can’t wait to read more from this author!
Thank you, Orbit for a physical arc! All thoughts and opinions are my own.