The Phoenix Keeper is such a fun and cozy fantasy set in a magical zoo with all kinds of mythical creatures, from phoenixes to griffins. Aila, the head phoenix keeper, has to work with her former rival, Luciana, to help save the endangered firebirds. The story is sweet and heartwarming, with just the right mix of tension and adventure. And honestly, the magical animals are the real stars here!

Stephanie Bentley’s narration is spot on. She really brings Aila’s character to life and captures all the emotions perfectly. If you’re into cozy fantasy with a dash of romance and love unique magical settings, this audiobook is a great pick. It left me smiling and wanting more, so I’d highly recommend it for a feel-good, magical escape.

The Phoenix Keeper is a super cute and cosy fantasy debut about a phoenix keeper in a magical zoo who has to work with her biggest rival for the good of animal conservation and education.
I LOVE animals and reading about the MCs connection to zoo residents and her deep love for them all was so sweet and heart-warming. While most cosy fantasies have low stakes, I was on the edge of my seat, tears in my eyes, so concerned for the fictional animals who steal the show in this book.
My only bone to pick is that I love the enemies-to-lovers trope but get so irritated when it is solely based on miscommunication. JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER!
After listening to The Phoenix Keeper, I'll definitely be keeping an ear out for more narrations from Stephanie Bentley; her voice and bright energy embodied Aila exactly as I imagined her.

This Cozy Fantasy has all my love! It's set in a zoo for magical animals and has a beautifully diverse cast.

Aila takes care of the zoo's single female phoenix. She loves these animals and is passionate about her job. When she gets the chance to apply for a breeding program and have a male phoenix move in, she is beyond nervous. Helping the phoenix to survive is her life goal!

Aila is an interesting heroine. She is very single-minded and can, at times, come off as unlikable. This also burdens her relationship with her best friend as well as her male colleague who asks her out on a date.

But then there's also Luciana, the griffin keeper, who constantly challenges Aila, but gives it her all to help Aila get accepted into the phoenix breeding program.

This book completely pulled me in and I loved the Fantasy setting that is very similar to our real world (with webcams and phones), but also has these magical animals like unicorns and dragons. Sounds perfect to me!

Stephanie Bentley did such an excellent job with the audio version. She brought Aila and the gang to life and kept me absolutely hooked on this amazing Cozy Fantasy audiobook!

I absolutely loved this! I am a complete animal nerd and this is exactly how I would be if there were zoos for mythical creatures. This book was so fun and cozy with a great rivals to lovers romance. There was also a great underlying mystery. Overall this was just a great cozy fantasy! I can not recommend this enough!

After some really deep and emotional reads, I was looking for something light and fluffy to cleanse the palette. This is described as being for fans of House In The Cerulean Sea and Remarkably Bright Creatures, both of which I enjoyed, so I thought this might be just what I needed. I’m pleased to say that I genuinely enjoyed this.

The premise is that our MC is the Phoenix keeper at the local zoo, but their breeding program has long since been defunct. When a robbery at another zoo leaves the breeding program in danger, our MC steps up and suggests her zoo as the replacement. There’s just a few problems. The Phoenix center is decrepit and needs major updates in an insanely short period of time. But worse than that, the potential breeding program thrusts our MC into the spotlight and she has crippling social anxiety. In order to save this endangered species and have a shot at her dreams, she must overcome both physical and emotional obstacles.

So if you’ve read my previous reviews, you’ll know that I really appreciate books with deep themstic exploration. This is meant to be a fluffy read, so I wasn’t expecting a ton of depth. I was really surprised with its portrayal and handling of mental health. Our MC deals with severe social anxiety, but the book also touches on depression and burnout. It didn’t lean into stereotypes either.

I also loved the diverse cast of characters. I can tell that MacLean did her research when writing this book. It wasn’t jarring or forcefully shoved into the book for brownie points. Instead, the characters felt fleshed out and genuine. This is, imo, a really solid example of how to provide a realistic cast of characters reflective of the real world within a fantasy world.

Another thing that I thought was really good in this book was the amount of info about Phoenixes, griffins, kelpies, dragons, and other mythical animals. It really made the zoo environment come to life and helped me immerse in the world.

I’m typically not big into romance and there is a significant romance plot. It’s even a trope that I don’t traditionally enjoy, but I will concede in this instance that I did enjoy it. This is very sweet romance and its given plenty of time to develop over the course of the story. It felt closer to what real life love can be like.

The audiobook narrator was also fantastic and really added to the story. She really brought this beautiful world to life and I would highly recommend this audio production.

All in all, I’m really happy that I picked this book up. It was just the right mix of fuzzy, cozy, and a touch of deep themes to make for a satisfying read.

My ARC timed out before I could finish so this review is based on about 25%. In that first quarter, I was a bit confused: this romantasy didn’t seem to have much romance or fantasy (beyond magical creatures). I struggled to connect with the MC, perhaps because the narrator made her sound a bit young, so her thoughts felt very judgmental like a high school mean girl. I think this was an unintentional consequence of the narrator unfortunately. I also expected a sapphic romance based on the blurb, but that hadn’t materialized by the time my ARC ended. The animals were delightful, however!

For a book with the tagline "Falling in love never burned so bright" I was severely underwhelmed and disappointed by this book.

This is not cozy. This is boring. There is a distinct difference. In a cozy fantasy you still care about the characters and want them to succeed. Aila is incredibly annoying and whiny and judgemental. She holds grudges and has so much anxiety she's barely functioning. She doesn't feel 28. She feels about 15.

I mean, I have so much anxiety that I'm barely functioning. But she's not doing anything about it? And being judgemental and not like other girls is not quirky.

Also this is at least somewhat marketed as a sapphic love story but Aila spends at least half of the book lusting over a man but too terrified to talk to him. And it's a *stretch* to call someone your enemy when you disagreed over a group project once in college.

There is so much exposition that somehow never gets around to actually describing the interesting things - the magical creatures. It's a zoo for magical creatures and yet they're hardly described.

I tried reading this twice and put it down in irritation each time. It was making me actually angry and I really didn't want to force myself to hate read it.

The narrator was ok but didn't help with Aila's tendency to whine.

*Thanks to Orbit for providing an early copy for review.

Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by NetGalley, and Hachette Audio in exchange for an honest review.

The Phoenix Keeper by S.A. MacLean was an outstanding read! Everything about this book was so much fun and I didn't want to put it down. I was fascinated by all the magical creatures, the concept of a zoo with these animals, and the efforts these characters main to preserve wildlife and different species. Aila helped remind me how important this work is. Her passion was contagious! As you fall into this magical world, with hints of our own, we follow along as Aila grows into herself and falls in love.

I would say this story is fantasy first, with romance elements. I was initially expecting this book to feel like more of a romance novel (I might just have romance brain rot at this point) but I was far from disappointed. This story was everything it needed to be. I honestly couldn't recommend it enough! I would say this story is great for someone looking for a faster read, likes fantasy, interest in preservation, and of course those who like a sweet romance.

I really enjoyed this book, the topic of animal poaching and restoration is incredibly intresting and the author did a good job of exploring it the mystical aspect of it.
The start was really slow and the story itself is not a fast-paced, action packed sort of story so it fits with the narrative and plot.
The main character, Aila is a really enjoyable character and the representation of anxiety was really well done and enjoyable to read about.
My only criticism is that the sapphic romance that gets advertised and marketed only really start after the 50% mark, and as a reader you are aware that it's going to happend and you are able to predict it fairly easily, meaning that the relationship that is introduced at the beginning with the guy is almost irrelevant as we know it won't work out, which makes you think what is the point?
The narrator did a really good job and have no criticism on the quality of the audiobook.

Overall a really enjoyable listen and will potentially buy a copy.

I somehow missed that this was WLW romance, so when the first hint of queer longing appeared, I was elated. Not just queer, but rivals-to-lovers. Nice.

While we don’t get the exact words “autistic” for out main character, Aila, she’s clearly written with the spectrum in mind. Phoenixes (and birds in general) are her hyperfixation. She has a few instances of sensory overload. She doesn’t feel comfortable with many of her interpersonal relationships, and constantly questions if she’s the problem, or if her feelings are valid. I quite enjoyed her as the MC!

The world MacLean builds up is fantastic. Obviously, being about a fantasy zoo, the animals are important, but there’s different SPECIES for many of these animals! And they can vary wildly. For example, there’s big peacock griffins, large enough to ride (and not even the largest griffin species!), but there’s also griffins small enough to be comfort animals in school counselor offices. Some animals may be highly endangered, while others of their same type are practically as common as pigeons. And a large part of why some are endangered is that these are actual magical creatures, and thus their body parts are highly valued for illegal medicines. You know. Like the real world. Except they actually work.

There’s not too many human characters to follow, but the zoo animals expand the cast greatly, working as secondary and tertiary characters. Most of them have names and established personalities. Loving, ornery, mischievous, or just sleepy.

I also love that there’s a species just called “purse rat,” which is probably a variation on rats, but my heart says little yappy-type dog.

The book does take a bit of time to really get rolling, which kept it from a full 5-stars. It’s not until Aila is prepping for a zoo inspection, about a third of the way through the book, that the stakes get interesting. And the romance doesn’t get moving until about 2/3rds through the book. However, I was having fun just hearing about the animals and zoo life.

A nice summer read. Especially since it’s the perfect weather to get out to your local zoo, as a little treat when you’re done. And make sure to donate to their conservation and breeding programs! Who knows what animals they may some day discover and care for. ;p

Thank you to NetGalley and Orbit Books for an arc of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I love a cozy fantasy. I love an LGTBQIA romance. The premise of this particular cozy fantasy romance sounded completely adorable and right up my alley.

First of all, the setting was always going to be a win. A magical zoo? Yes, please. However I didn’t really connect with the main characters, Ails and Luciana, I found Alia very whiney. Luciana’s rude and disdainful manner seemed way over the top.

I always say the hard thing about cozy fantasies is getting the balance between propelling the plot and keeping the stakes fairly low. I would say this book strayed a little too far onto the more cozy, less plot side. And for some people, this will be perfect balance! This is just not my preference.

I also felt this ran a bit long for a cozy fantasy. I like when they can be listened over the course of a day or two, but with the Phoenix Keeper coming in at over 14 hours (!!!), this is not the case here.

There is a lot of great elements to love in this cozy romantasy and I’m sure many will love it. It wasn’t for me, but I still look forward to seeing what else this debut author writes.

I would like to thank NetGalley for giving me an audio-arc in exchange for an honest review.

That's it, it's official. Cozy fantasy is my vibe.

Let me start with the coziness -- this whole book revolves around a zookeeper who loves her phoenixes and wants to restart the breeding program, so we get the trials and tribulations that revolve around animal breeding, what she goes through to get the transfer, and her daily life as a zookeeper. The only bit of action, which wasn't crazy and stuck with the cozy genre was at the end and it wasn't jarring or intense but also kind of intense? Mostly because our MC has anxiety.

There was literally nothing I didn't like about this. I loved the romance that starts as rivals to lovers, I loved the world we're in of zoos with fantastical beasts, I loved the characters, the best friend was actually great and I loved how she was in the MC's life. And I loved the ending.

All in all, great book with a great narrator. Definitely recommend this one.

A cosy book I wanted to throw myself into. Who could resist spending a day at the San Tamculo Zoo?

Where to begin? Has to be the animals.
I really enjoyed the variety of species we were introduced to in a way that felt natural and avoided info-dumping. The fantasy creatures were familiar enough to not be overwhelming, but just that bit more, which perfectly suited the zoological setting.
Speaking of which, I adored the setting. I have aphantasia (I don’t have a mental image) but the way the exhibits were described meant I could still vividly imagine them - the smell and feel of a humid tropical jungle, delightful!

I adored the cast of characters. Aila’s anxiety rep felt very relatable to me, and I loved how you could see her growing in strategies and support throughout the book.
Did I see the villain coming a mile off? Yes. Do I mind? No; it’s a cosy fantasy and I always think if I can work something out ahead of time it’s just well signposted and makes sense in the story.

Overall, I absolutely adored The Phoenix Keeper and can’t wait to see what S. A. MacLean will write next!

This one was super cute! It follows Aila, a walking bundle of nerves, as she lives her dream as head zookeeper for endangered phoenixes at the (fictional) San Tamculo Zoo. Aila is bad with people, but amazing at handling animals. This leads her to several instances of misunderstandings as she tries to relate to her coworkers, navigate an almost non-existent dating life (she is bi so she should have a lot of options... right? Sadly, dating means actually talking to people), and avoid her nemesis, beautiful and confident Luciana (aka the antithesis of Aila). When poachers steal phoenix chicks at a neighbouring zoo, the focus shifts to Aila and her phoenix. She must revive the breeding program at San Tamculo for the survival of the species. But, unfortunately for Aila, this feat will include working with people, including her nemesis.

I'm not sure that I would label this one a romantasy, more a cozy contemporary set in a fantasy world with some magical creatures. It’s character-driven and contains some mental health rep.
The main character can be kind of frustrating and self-absorbed, but it’s a good lesson for all of us with anxiety. Sometimes we get “so caught up the anxiety haze” that we miss the things that are going on around us. We don’t see people’s true intentions because we’re sure they’re judging us and we get defensive, or we miss points of conversation because we’re stuck spiraling inside our own heads. I appreciated that Aila realized that she had some issues and was in therapy for them.

This one has a generally slower pace for most of the book, and it's not short. It does pick up significantly near the end, however, so I recommend sticking with it and just enjoying the story. I would say that people who enjoy slower paced cozier novels like Jane Austen and Travis Baldree would like this book a lot.

hank you NetGalley for the AudioARC! The audiobook was very well done! I appreciated the intonation of the narrator, and I was able to listen to it sped up with almost no distortion.

I am always eager to read a new queer cozy fantasy and the fact that this one is set in a magical zoo (and not a bookstore or coffee shop) had me very excited to read it!

Because this is a review for the audiobook I will start there. I thought Stephanie Bentley did a fantastic job with the narration and lended emotion and good voice to all of the characters.

This book is the story of Aila who works at a magical zoo, but in a contemporary setting - i.e. they have security cameras and cell phones. Totally my bad for not realizing this before I read the book but in all honesty that didn’t really affect my enjoyment. I think because the world was so unique and well built that I didn’t mind a modern world setting. And truly, the world building actually was my favorite part of the entire book. The attention to detail was fantastic and totally had me believing this magical zoo actually exists in the real world.

The story itself was fairly entertaining, like all cozy fantasy the stakes are on the lower side, though slightly higher than just opening a successful coffee shop. Again, all felt believable and you can tell the author either did a ton of research or had experience working in real world zoos/animal parks.

The thing that I liked the least about this book were the characters themselves. Aila has a pretty negative view of herself and the other people she works with. In a cozy fantasy the characters are always my favorite part (hence why a slow, low stakes plot line works well) but I just never really found myself rooting for the MC. She uses a lot of ableist language (internal and external) and that really became a bummer after a while. I loved Tanya (Aila’s best friend) but she was basically there as a side kick to Aila and to knock some sense into her.

I also hate reading books where the MC dates someone else before the main LI because you just know things aren’t going to work out and it feels so pointless. Plus I guessed about Connor right away. Luciana did grow on me despite Aila constantly trash talking her, and I did root for them to end up together by the end of the book. Just took like 5/6 of the book to do it.

This was a solid 4 for me for really cool world building and a fairly interesting plot. Characters kinda let me down.

I enjoyed The Phoenix Keeper. The story was cute, and I liked hearing about the magical creatures. I was more invested in the journey for the Phoenix transfer and whether or not they would mate.

S.A. MacLean did a good job showing an anxiety disorder and someone being stuck in their head. Sometimes, I thought, "Is this what I sound like?" Aila came off a little young, but I realized it's because she doesn't know how to interact with people. The love between Aila and Luciana felt rushed after they apologized and cleared the air. Tanya was my favorite character.

I would definitely read something else from MacLean.

what a read guys! thank you so much to netgalley and hachette audio for providing me an audiobook!

audiobook:
i think the narrator did a stunning job at keeping you hooked throughout and i really loved listening to them and it was easily to follow which character was speaking!

the book itself:
this was such a cosy fantasy read and i loved every moment of it. usually i'm not the biggest fan of cosy fantasy but S.A. MacLean might have turned me! i loved getting immersed into this world and follow Aila throughout (also as someone who used to have stage fright when i was younger and still lowkey do at times, i relate to her so much). Aila is such a great MC and i couldn't help but root for her throughout! i loved the phoenixes too and you could really feel Aila's love for them which was really beautiful. also the romance was 10/10 with the cute enemies to lovers vibes!
i think S.A. MacLean's writing style is so wonderful and cosy and easy to get immersed into. i already miss this book!!

I really enjoyed this one!! The storyline and characters were refreshing and unique. I desperately want to visit a magical zoo!

The narrator kept my attention very well. I felt that the emotions of the FMC were well captured. The narrator was immersive and I felt she did a great job with all of the different voices.

Aila is a zookeeper in charge of phoenixes at a magical creatures zoo. When she's tasked with bringing the species back from the verge of extinction, she'll need all the help she can get. That includes Luciana, Aila's arch-nemesis, but the mistress of publicity at the zoo. Can these two work together to save this beautiful species?

So I read another cozy fantasy book this year, and I thought maybe cozy fantasy just wasn't for me. This book managed to prove me wrong. I loved this story and couldn't help but root for Aila and her phoenixes. This is an adorable enemy-to-lovers, LGBT extravaganza! Aila is such a relatable character.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this book. Stephanie Bentley was a great narrator and she really brought Aila and her story to life. I cannot recommend this book enough!

If you are a fan of Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries, this is the book for you. It has the same vibes but in a zoo setting and with mystical creatures instead of fae.
This was a perfect little cozy urban fantasy and I enjoyed every page!
This is more of a 4.5-star book for me than a 4-star because I loved it so much
the characters were great and they felt real. I loved how we can fully understand their dynamics and their backstories with each other in a well-timed manner in the story just enough not to reveal any plot twist.
If I'm being honest I cried two times during this book so if it's not enough to show you how much I cared about these characters I don't know what will.
I really loved the romance aspect in this, I didn't know it had an LGBTQ+ romance subplot (because I like to not know everything before reading to have the feeling of surprise) and I can say I was actually rooting for them.
As for the setting of this book, I really liked it. I liked the zoo ambiance and how every animal and creature was described, it really made the world setting feel even more real.

As for the narrator, I felt like she did a great job at voicing Aila and I could easily differentiate all of the other female characters. And when reading the male characters part she didn't do the usually cringy lower voice that a lot of narrator does in fantasy romance and for that I'm so grateful.

I want to thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author to have allowed me to listen to the arc audiobook.