S.A. MacLean transports readers to a modern world where mythical beasts are not only real, but in many cases, deeply endangered. Imagine a modern zoo where you can visit dragons, kelpies, unicorns, and manticores, and where the standard falconry show is replaced by breath-taking peacock griffins. While MacLean draws from well-known global mythology, folklore, and ancient beasts, she treats these creatures like real, biological animals rather than magical plot devices. The result is a world that feels incredibly grounded, realistic, and utterly original.

(Fun Fact: I learnt that a carbuncle is a mythical creature from South American folklore, not just a name for a cluster of boils)

The conservation of these mythical beasts, particularly the phoenixes, who take centre stage, feels like something straight out of Chester Zoo. MacLean dives deep into the logistics of modern zoology, detailing intricate breeding programs, animal behaviours, specialised habitats, strict protocols, and tedious paperwork. The meticulous setup of the San Tamculo Zoo and the distinct characteristics of its keepers immediately immersed me in the story.

It made me wish this zoo existed in real life so I could visit it myself, though I’d be sure to hold tightly onto my phone when visiting the Aviary. I certainly wouldn’t want to lose it to a mischievous Archibird like Archie, a creature whose magpie-like stealing tendencies and metal-welding saliva allows him to build a giant silver tower just to impress potential mates.

Our protagonist is Aila, the head phoenix keeper. The easiest way to describe Aila is that she is an absolute phoenix super-nerd who happens to be incredibly shy, awkward, and anxious. She works in the Aviary department alongside her supportive best friend, Tanya. Early on, we are introduced to her college nemesis, Luciana, the seemingly perfect griffin keeper, and her recent crush, Connor, the charming dragon keeper.

My opinion of Aila shifted throughout the story. Having been a very shy child myself, I initially sympathised with her social awkwardness. However, that sympathy occasionally gave way to frustration when her hyper-focus on the phoenix project caused her to be a less-than-stellar friend to Tanya. While she does achieve growth and resolution by the end, I found myself internally shouting at her for being a bit of a dick before ultimately rooting for her again.

Refreshing character arcs extend to Connor and Luciana as well, with the reader’s perceptions of them shifting dramatically by the final pages. In the build up to Aila and Connor’s first date, I was practically squealing with excitement, ready for a swoon-worthy romance with the hot dragon keeper boy. But when the date goes poorly and Connor’s behaviour veers off-course, the hopeless romantic part of me was deeply annoyed. Thankfully, MacLean makes up for it (I won’t say anymore to avoid spoilers).

While I occasionally struggled with Aila’s personality and felt a slight pacing lull in the middle of the book, the narrative kicks into overdrive as the threat of poachers looms and the highly anticipated phoenix eggs begin to hatch. The final chapters switches tone immediately, delivering a sharp plot twist followed by high-stakes action. It had me frantically flipping the last few pages, desperately hoping for the happy ending these characters and their magical animals deserved.

Ultimately, while the human drama left me a bit detached, the mythical animal kingdom completely stole my heart. MacLean’s world-building is so rich that I find myself desperate to return to this universe; I’d love to see what lies beyond the San Tamculo Zoo. There is so much potential to expand this world, whether that means touring a high-security dragon reserve, uncovering the inner workings of a magical animal rescue society, or visiting international zoos to see how different cultures tackle regional poaching and conservation issues.

The mythical zoology is the true star of the show, and I’m not ready to leave it behind.