The Phoenix Keeper

The Phoenix Keeper is set in a magical zoo housing mythical creatures including dragons, unicorns, kelpies, and krakens. It is a cozy fantasy novel with a queer romance. Aila has spent her life dreaming of saving phoenixes. She worked through university to enter the competitive field of conservation, navigating social anxiety, failed relationships, and class presentations while managing a fierce rivalry with Luciana, a fellow student. She has now achieved her dream job as head phoenix keeper at the world-renowned zoo that inspired her childhood, responsible for rescuing the critically endangered Silimalo phoenix from extinction. However, she faces significant obstacles. She struggles to act sensibly around Connor, the charming dragon keeper. Her plans to revive the phoenix programme have become more precarious following a poacher attack at a neighbouring zoo. Most challenging, her best path to success requires partnering with Luciana, now the universally adored griffin keeper and star of the zoo's most popular exhibit.