This book was exactly what I expected and exactly what I wanted it to be! As someone who has always loved animals and zoos and started down the path to become a zookeeper and someone who loves fantasy and fantasy creatures this was the just the read for me!

 I adored the concept of this magical zoo, getting to see the parallels to our contemporary zoos and getting to see and learn about these magical animals. You can tell just how knowledgeable and well researched this book is and I appreciate that so much. I loved our main characters and the sapphic relationship. It was quite the slow burn and I wasn't sure how I was liking that for it being a stand alone book but in the end I think it was paced just right. I'm so used to reading insta-love romances so it was honestly quite refreshing. 

I can't deny that some plot stuff was a wee bit predictable, but even with me having an idea of where it was heading I still found myself feeling the same emotions I would if I hadn't seen it coming. I also got a bit annoyed and frustrated with some of Aila's choices and thought processes which knocked a smidge of enjoyment off for me along with the plot being a bit predictable but even with those things this still is up in the list of favorite reads of the year. 

If you are a lover of animals and or an avid lover of cozy fantasy I think this is definitely a book worth picking up and one you will really enjoy.