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A review by path_through_pages
The Phoenix Keeper by S.A. MacLean
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
3.75
3.75!
This was a fun, light, and enjoyable piece of escapism I for sure needed right now.
We love the trans and LGBTQIA+ rep as well as the low stakes enemies to lovers subplot!
What I really enjoyed about the FMC was how he social anxiety was real, but it wasn't an excuse or a crutch for bad character design. Often, you'll see authors try to blame character flaws on things like anxiety. They write them in these annoying and shrill narratives, surrounding them with characters that don't seem to understand the difference between supporting and enabling. Personally, as someone with social anxiety, it can be insulting and frame use in an unfair light.
In the Phoenix Keeper, we have an FMC that, although she struggles with social anxiety, she surrounds herself with true friendships and support. She actively works to push herself out of her comfort zone while not alienating her personality, passions, and safety. She fights for what she believes and acknowledges her faults while also understanding that her anxiety is an ever-present part of her makeup.
Overall, I think it was well done!
P.s. no MC pregnancy tropes
This was a fun, light, and enjoyable piece of escapism I for sure needed right now.
We love the trans and LGBTQIA+ rep as well as the low stakes enemies to lovers subplot!
What I really enjoyed about the FMC was how he social anxiety was real, but it wasn't an excuse or a crutch for bad character design. Often, you'll see authors try to blame character flaws on things like anxiety. They write them in these annoying and shrill narratives, surrounding them with characters that don't seem to understand the difference between supporting and enabling. Personally, as someone with social anxiety, it can be insulting and frame use in an unfair light.
In the Phoenix Keeper, we have an FMC that, although she struggles with social anxiety, she surrounds herself with true friendships and support. She actively works to push herself out of her comfort zone while not alienating her personality, passions, and safety. She fights for what she believes and acknowledges her faults while also understanding that her anxiety is an ever-present part of her makeup.
Overall, I think it was well done!
P.s. no MC pregnancy tropes