The Phoenix Keeper, S. A. MacLean
The Phoenix Keeper, S. A. MacLean
List: $31.99 | Sale: $22.40
Club: $15.99

The Phoenix Keeper

Author: S. A. MacLean

Narrator: Stephanie Bentley

Unabridged: 14 hr 10 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Orbit

Published: 08/13/2024

Categories: Fiction, Fantasy, Romance, Dragons


Synopsis

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. 

Reviews

Goodreads review by samah on March 18, 2024

this was a nice reminder that books don’t always have to be about murder and trauma. sometimes they can be about a silly 28 year old teenage girl and her birds......more

Goodreads review by Robin on May 26, 2024

the coziest fantasy debut about a phoenix keeper working in a zoo filled with magical animals. while attempting to save an endangered species of phoenix, she’ll have to work with her (hot) enemy from college in order to pull it off. the perfect blend of fantasy, romance, and heart! thank you to orbit......more

Goodreads review by Rosh on March 14, 2025

In a Nutshell: Officially, a cosy fantasy with shades of queer romance. Practically, a YA fantasy with a whiny, immature main character and minimal appearance of the promised lesbian-love track. I would have gone easier on this book were it actually a YA novel to compensate for my lack of affinity f......more

Goodreads review by Jasmine on August 13, 2024

The Phoenix Keeper is a cozy fantasy novel that follows the day-to-day life of an earnest zookeeper. Since childhood, Aila has wanted to be a caretaker for the dwindling population of magical phoenixes. Now that her dream is a reality, Aila is determined to revive the zoo’s breeding program after th......more

Goodreads review by Charlie on December 30, 2024

The Phoenix Keeper was a slice of cozy fantasy joy. Perfect for animal lovers, this book follows Aila, a keeper of magical birds, primarily the Silimalo Phoenix, Rubra. Aila leads the breeding programme, and her dream is to save the Silimalo Phoenix species from near extinction. The first portion of......more


Quotes

"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