The Phoenix Keeper by S.A. Maclean Book Only (Illumicrate 'Magical Menagerie' Exclusive)

As head phoenix keeper 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 phoenix heist sabotages the flagship initiative at a neighbouring zoo, Aila must prove her derelict facilities are fit to take the reins.

But saving an entire species from extinction requires more than stellar animal handling skills. Carnivorous water horses, tempestuous thunderhawks, mischievous dragons... Aila has no problem wrangling beasts. Inspiring zoo patrons? That's another story. Mustering the courage to ask for help from the hotshot griffin keeper at the zoo's most popular exhibit? Virtually impossible.

Especially when that hotshot griffin keeper happens to be her arch-rival from college: Luciana, an annoyingly brooding and insufferable know-it-all with the grace of a basilisk and the face of a goddess who's convinced that Aila's beloved phoenix would serve their cause better as an active performer rather than as a passive conservation exhibit.

With the world watching and the threat of poachers looming, Aila's success is no longer merely a matter of keeping her job... She is the keeper of the phoenix, and the future of a species now rests on her shoulders. There's just one thing she has to remember: she is also not alone.

Against an epic fantasy backdrop teeming with all your favourite mythical beasts from dragons and unicorns to kelpies and krakens, The Phoenix Keeper combines the cozy fantasy stakes of TJ Klune and Travis Baldree with the heartwarming contemporary romance of Alice Oseman and Casey McQuiston.

Our Illumicrate Exclusive edition is a Royal hardback and features:

• An exclusive cover (from the publisher)
• Full colour printing on the hardback (by @hopechristofferson)
• Digitally printed edges (from the publisher)
• Illustrated endpapers (by @carasalexandra, different front and back)
• Bound-in author letter
• Signed by the author

The book at a glance:

• Standalone adult fantasy debut
• Featuring: exclusive cover; full colour printing on the hardback; digitally printed edges; illustrated endpapers; author letter; signed by the author.
• F/F main relationship; bisexual main character with anxiety; diverse queer side characters; women in STEM

Photo credit: @prisandherbooks & @bewareofthereader