Keeper of Emotions

-

The Phoenix Keeper

S.A MacLean

464 pages, Kindle Edition, Expected publication August 13, 2024

The bones of this book is that Aila is a phoenix keeper for a zoo, it has been her dream to have a successful breeding program and that possibility of that happening is not looking good. Until there is a theft of a phoenix and her eggs at another zoo and Aila is presented with a chance to realise her dreams. The layers of the story are in Aila’s relationships with friends, employers, potential romantic interests and overcoming her own internal challenges.

Aila as the central character is pivotal to whether you are going to embrace this story or not. MacLean has crafted a character who certainly runs the gauntlet of emotions. Aila is a perfectionist, obsessive, an introvert, struggles to interact in any social situation and task orientated. She is loyal to her friends but that single minded drive she has means she is unaware to their trials and tribulations. When she finally realises that she has been neglectful, it always comes through a major blow up or confrontation, rather than self-realisation of wrongdoing. Aila’s immediate circle of friends and family is small but over the course of the story it slowly expands.

Tanya is Aila’s constant and they are tight. You need Tanya, as she demonstrates the good of Aila, that she can be grounded and directed. Tanya helps Aila navigate friendships, social norms and the importance of having a social life.

There are two possible love interests Connor and Luciana. Connor is the handsome dragon keeper, who Aila has many an awkward moment with. Luciana, is her rival from College and the history between the two certainly creates the fireworks. It is here that the heart of the story truly lies as we want to discover just who Aila gives her heart to.

This is a slow burn of a read, it does take time for all the elements to come together and then there is the rush towards the end. The journey is in the character development and interaction, if you are vibing with Aila and her challenges, then this story will swallow you whole. For this story is about people, relationships and about rising above your fears and conquering your self-imposed limitations.

For more information on S.A MacLean head over to their website. 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Been some time

-
Image
Well being ill did not stop the reading but did stop all the posting. I managed to keep my goodreads reviews going but could barely find the energy to update here.  A list of what I made my way through is here . I did finish 72 books and my favourite was Helen Garner's 'Everywhere I look'. I did think 'The Girl on the Train' was a bit over hyped and I am not sure why it received so much attention.  So this year I am planning on making my way through 60 books. I am aiming to be more adventurous and look to read authors from outside my comfort zone.  There is a second hand book store near my parents and they certainly sell some stuff cheap. I managed to pick up some classic Australian reads for $1 and 'All the light we cannot see' by Anthony Doerr for $4 and the first book I have read for 2017.  This book really surprised me, really surprised me. I had put reading this book off for some time as to be honest I was really not ready for another World W
Read more

Paranormal murder done by a master of the genre

-
Image
Into the Thinnest of Air (Ishmael Jones #5) by Simon R. Green Expected publication: March 1st 2018 by Severn House Publishers I have long been a fan of the works of Simon R Green having first stumbled across Blue Moon Rising in the late 90s. As a fantasy novel it was something completely different with some risqué humour and really interesting characters. Over the years whenever I have seen any of Green’s works on the book shelves in Australia I have grabbed them. So I was really excited when offered the opportunity to read Green’s latest work. Two investigators Ishmael Jones and his partner Penny are attending the re-opening of Tyrone Castle and are hoping for a nice normal weekend. However, when you are staying at a castle that has a history of being a smugglers den and scene for a mass poisoning things quickly go astray. As something sinister is abducting the guests the question is supernatural or human at work. Green never fails to create characters that are imperfect, funny
Read more

Elliot is the best arsehole ever!

-
Image
In Other Lands by Sarah Rees Brennan Hardcover, 432 pages Published August 15th 2017 by Big Mouth House Sometime ago I was watching the ABC Book Show and the author CS Pacat was talking about this novel and highly recommended it. I was intrigued enough to make the purchase and I am glad I did.  You meet Elliot at the same time Elliot discovers that he can see a field in the middle of a field that none of his class mates can. Elliot is offered an opportunity to go over the wall and study in this ‘somewhat’ magical land. On this new land he meets Serene a beautiful elf and Luke who comes from the most influential families. Serene and Luke are warriors, whilst Elliot is a diplomat but in this land it might of the sword that counts.  Let me straight up say this is a corker of a novel. It is character driven and primarily from Elliot’s point of view. As the reader you are standing right next to Elliot and everything reveals itself as he discovers what happens. Normally I fin
Read more