The Beast Keepers
Available at Bookshop.org
4/5
For fans of: Babe, Dr. Doolittle, cozy fantasy, rural life, farm life, veterinarian life
The Big Questions:
What genre is this in? fantasy, magical realism
Are there any swoon-worthy characters? Nope, not that kind of story
Is it spicy? There’s romance, but it is secondary
Is it violent or gory? Some action rounding up the more dangerous animals, but nothing gory
Should I buy, borrow, or pass on this book? If you are looking for comfy/cozy fantasy, borrow or buy it!
Synopsis: The Beast Keepers is the story of Jonathan F. St. Roche, a young veterinarian who takes a job in the rural Ohio town of Carrollton. He soon discovers it is a safe haven for a menagerie of mythical creatures (including a pregnant pegasus, a flying monkey with a sprained wing, a centaur with Cushing’s disease, and a unicorn with a sweet tooth) who rely on him for their medical care and shelter from the outside world. When a deadly basilisk threatens the town, Jonathan and his new friends must balance the dangerous creature’s needs against the risk to the community.
Review: It’s been a while since I’ve read a stand alone and I was definitely in the mood for a comfy, low stakes story. If that is something of interest to you, I highly recommend The Beast Keepers. As someone who grew up driving throughout rural Virginia, the descriptions of rural Ohio hit home. I felt like I had been transported to the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with its small towns, beautiful valleys, and the mountains on the horizon. The characters are very Hallmark, which is perfect for the mood of the story. The mythical creatures were so delightful and the idea that these creatures are hidden in the vastness of America’s rural communities protected by generations of families near and dear to them was so sweet. I had a great time with this story and if you are looking to build up your comfy autumn TBR, I highly recommend adding this to the list! Thank you Netgalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.