by S.A. MacLean
Orbit, 2024. 496 pages. Fantasy
As head phoenixkeeper 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 heist sabotages the flagship initiative at a neighboring zoo, Aila must prove her derelict facilities are fit to take the reins. But saving a species from extinction will require help from the hotshot (and hot) griffinkeeper at the zoo's most popular exhibit, who happens to be her archrival from college. With the world watching and the threat of poachers looming, Aila's success is no longer merely a matter of keeping her job: the future of a species – and her love life – now rests on her shoulders.
This work struck just the right chord for me: funny and relatable characters, fantasy creatures amid a surprisingly pedestrian life with emails and DVDs, intrigue and suspense in trying to prevent a heist, and of course queer romance involving our female protagonist and characters of differing genders (although I still think she should have dumped that white man a bit earlier). MacLean has some very poignant messages about wildlife conservation and animal trafficking, entitlement and privilege, introversion and mental health. I also loved the bisexual and trans representation where it's just a part of life, no justification required. The LGBTQ+ elements are woven in naturally without being a slap in the face, which is the queer rep we deserve. Don't let the page count startle you; this character-focused book has a gentle (and intensifying) pace, but with a writing style engaging enough to keep the pages turning.