Our main character, Aila, is one anxious girl. She has severe social anxiety and a generalized anxiety disorder all into one. She's extremely passionate about animals, particularly the magical creatures entrusted in the care of the San Tamculo Zoo. Above all, Aila has a deep fascination and respect for the Samilio Phoenixes, an endangered species due to illegal poaching. Aila and I share a common thread there- I also love animals with all my heart. Both domestic and wild creatures hold a special place for me! That's premise alone was enough to draw my interest to this book. 

The book itself was good, but at times the slow pacing of the story was difficult to hold my interest. This is a very sloooow paced, character led plot. There is a romantic subplot with two different love interests, which was fine if a bit underdeveloped. The entire plot is Aila trying to be a functioning adult in a sociable profession while trying to save a dying species. No big deal or anything! Finishing this book was a tense affair. Of course I knew the "final showdown" (for lack of better term) was coming and I was trying to remain optimistic that the chicks would be safe. However the stakes were HIGH and I was genuinely scared! I didn't want to read about more animals dying to the greed of human beings :( Luckily that wasn't the case. 

Overall, a good book! It featured some diverse characters, in both sexual orientations, gender identity and races. If you can, splurge for the Illumicrate edition of this book which features some of the most stunning character art work in the end pages. The naked hardcover hosts a stunning image of the Similio Phoenixes as well! The digitally printed edges match beautifully to the vibrant colors of the cover. A stunning edition for anyone's bookshelf!