Cosy fantasy is very hit or miss (usually miss) for me, but I'd been interested in this one for a long time because a) my two favourite things as a kid were animals and magic, and not much has changed; and b) the author is an actual biologist, so I had hopes the magic animal stuff would at least be cool. And boy oh boy, were my hopes not only met but bashed right out of the park--and not just when it came to the magical creatures (though I will say, the inventiveness in magical species was probably my favourite part. To quote my partner: 'Yes, you've told me about the mouse griffins three times. Please stop telling me about the mouse griffins.' (In my defence: there are MOUSE GRIFFINS!!)). This title is proof that a book can have a gripping plot, narrative tension and a proper character arc WHILE ALSO hitting the warmth, charm and low stakes (though for me, an animal lover who also has a bio background, the stakes were ANYTHING BUT LOW, oh my god) of cosy fantasy.

I was so invested in poor, disastrous Aila, with her crippling social anxiety and deep love for her animals. I loved how her anxiety was handled with real compassion, while the narrative also held her to account for her actions; I loved how rich and real both she and the whole cast felt, and how while this is billed as a romantasy, the central relationship is really between Aila and her best friend (and the true hero of the story) Tanya. That being said, I also loved the romance, or rather romanceS, and the way they were used narratively to highlight Aila's own development, and to show what it looks like to allow someone to see you for yourself, and help you grow into the best version of yourself. I loved the gentle way the narrative slipped in teaching moments about zoos and conservation. And, of course, I loved loved loved the animals, and the obvious both knowledge and love with which they were imagined and brought to life.

All in all, this was both a brilliant debut and, for me, the platonic ideal of what a cosy fantasy can look like. I had a wonderful time from the first page to the last, and can't wait to see what Sarah MacLean does next.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Hachette Australia for the eARC in exchange for my review!