The Phoenix Keeper

Bookseller recommendation

“This delightful tale will warm your heart and fill you with nostalgia for the magic of a zoo, despite our lack of phoenixes this side of reality. Alia's love for her aviary and all the mischievous charges therein perfectly captures the wonderment of exploring a zoo and revelling in the sight of so many amazing animals. I enjoyed the immersive prose down to the details of noisy zoo merchandise and stale popcorn. In this lovely world, there's an MVP of fictional best friends, an enjoyable slow-burn of enemies-to-lovers, and a super satisfying ending that the author sets up perfectly. A must read for any cozy fantasy lover.”

— Danielle • Books Inc.

Bookseller recommendation

“Peacock griffins, Sapphic love, and fusion fantasy food that I need immediately. What a wonderfully queer, immersive story! MacLean gives us a diverse cast in terms of queerness, neurodiversity, race, and identity. The world feels teeming with life, with excellent descriptors of its creatures and food. It's definitely cozy fantasy, but has a depth to it that I rarely see in the genre. I was truly hooked from the first scene. If you're an animal lover, you especially need to read this.”

— Kiera • Fulmer House Books & Collectibles

Bookseller recommendation

“An endearing and lovely meander through San Tamculo Zoo with a dash of drama, a hint of romance, and a whole menagerie of strange and beautiful creatures. This debut novel is a tender tribute to anyone who has ever been made to feel like they are too much for being passionate about a niche interest. Find the people that allow you to burn your brightest with The Phoenix Keeper.”

— Jericha Macie • Northshire Bookstore

Bookseller recommendation

“I don't think I've ever wanted to be a main character more than I do Aila. Not only is she a zoo keeper... it's a MAGICAL zoo and Aila is fighitng for conservation of her phoenixes. I loved the setting, the plot, and the romance is super cute and queer!”

— Ava • Blacksburg Books