The Last Phi Hunter

by Salinee Goldenberg

Ambitious Phi Hunter and perpetual lone wolf, Ex, finds his road to glory interrupted when a heavily pregnant runaway enlists his help to escape through the ghost-infected forest…

Ex, the youngest member of the Phi Hunters Order, has spent his life slaying the ghosts and demons of Suyoram Kingdom. While he takes great pride in his mystical trade, collecting dwindling bounties and peddling butchered spirit organs lacks the glory he craves. He’s determined to hunt down Shar-Ala, a demon of nightmares, of madness – who has eluded even Ex’s masters.

In a provincial village along the way, Arinya, a charming muay-boran champion, saves him from an ass-kicking, despite being nine months pregnant. In return, she asks him to escort her through the dangerous, spirit-filled forest, where ghosts salivate over the scent of the unborn.

But as more of Arinya’s secrets emerge, and the elusive demon nears, Ex must face dangers from both men and monsters, or lose not only the respect of the Phi Hunters, but the Hunters themselves, along with the woman he’s trying not to fall in love with.

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Adult, Mythology, Fiction, Audiobook, Asian Literature

384 pages, Paperback

First published April 9, 2024

Reviews

[Krysta ꕤ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Phi Hunter set up a very unique world based on Thai folklore, shared through the lenses of the two main characters Ex and Arinya. Ex is a demon/ ghost hunter who is on a mission to kill a legendary monster Sha-Ala to gain his badge and increase his ranking in the Hunters Order. Arinya enters his path by way of saving his life (while also heavily pregnant btw.. like ok girl exactly lol). I’m not a fan of the pregnancy trope so i was nervous about that going in, but it didn’t bother me much. i loved the witty banter between these two and Ex’s internal monologue had me dying of laughter. the atmosphere and world building with the many spirits and monsters was so fascinating as well. i was pleasantly surprised by what the author managed to accomplish with this debut. 🐉💛

the only things i didn’t fully connect with were in the later half of the book and the direction it took. to be honest, i started to get a bit lost in what was happening and who was who, along with the romance reaching a conclusion that felt abrupt even though i did like the dynamic they had together. but other than that this was a lot of fun and unlike anything i’ve read before. i’d be willing to reread this again in the future at some point when i can get the full scope of the story in the finished copy.

➾ many thanks to NetGalley and Angry Robot for the arc, all opinions are my own.

[ivanareadsalot · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank Edelweiss and Angry Robot for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.



⚜️⭐💮Thai folkloric spec fic is an absolute monster and I could not get enough of this! ✨DO YOURSELF A FAVOUR AND GET👏🏽 ON👏🏽 THIS👏🏽 BECAUSE THIS FLEX WAS EVERYTHING WONDERFUL IN THE WORLD OF FANTASY AND WE NEED MORE OF THIS QUALITY MAGIC ASAP!!!✨

Salinee Goldenberg is an astounding talent, and I cannot wait to read anything and everything she releases in the future! This book was probably the most jaunty demon slayer action I've read in my life, and coupled with the most arresting fantasy landscape that stole my heart just as quickly as the narrative -style and content- captured my soul!!? My mind was blown! This was pretty much ALL Aces!! The worldbuilding was beyond excellent, and just the offering of something NOT medieval gave me more than enough reason to break out my tambourine and celebrate! You couldn't stop this joy train if you tried!!⚜️⭐💮

🗡️👑Ex was a chef's kiss MC, engaging and delightfully fallible at the weirdest most inconvenience times and when not absolutely horrifying, in the most goofy ways! Personally, I could have done without the romance as I prefer my fantasy without it, but I was able to swallow that because my gawd this story was engaging on soooo many levels that I was hooked regardless! The action was proper gory, the layers and execution of the Phi hunter magic/Everpresent made me weep with its spiritual bent, and the Phi themselves were phenomenally realized entities with energetic personalities and compelling horror stories!🗡️👑

⚜️⭐💮Overall this was exciting and enthralling top-tier fantasy, and Salinee Goldenberg has created an outstanding story that my brain cannot celebrate enough! I want MORE of this and I am very happy that Angry Robot has given me a new favourite author I cannot at this time imagine ever getting enough of! Impressive, superb and absolute brilliant fun!⚜️⭐💮

[Jade Ratley · Rating 4 out of 5]

7.43 on CAWPILE!

[Sarah (berriesandbooks) *semi hiatus* · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been hunting for a fantasy novel based on Thai folklore for years. It's so fascinating and full of thrilling stories, terrifying demons, and epic battles. It's how I learned to read Thai.

The Last Phi Hunter provided all I wanted in that aspect and more. The author did a wonderful job incorporating many types of demons and their stories/backgrounds. I went into this novel able to recognize most of the creatures introduced, but those who know nothing about Thai folklore can still easily grasp the world. The demons and magic system are described in vivid and precise details. I felt like I was right along with the fearless Ex, hunting down demons to prove himself.

The author shines in building the atmosphere, but the character arcs are clunky. Ex is a fun MC. Sarcastic with a jaded sense of humor, his POVs are engaging. Yet, his overall arc was all over the place. His personality isn't bland but is built more on traits than background. Aryina, our other MC, was super hard to get any read on. While I liked what I saw of her personality, she's a bit underdeveloped, and her motivations are murky. This made it hard to buy the romance between them. Their banter was funny, but the connection was superficial and rushed.

At not one point did the plot go where I guessed. From the synopsis, it sounds like a straightforward quest, yet it's anything but. I like it when several plot lines are built around and on top of each other, but here, it jumps from plot line to plot line, not connecting them. That said, I was never bored with where the story went, just confused at times.

I had so much fun with The Last Phi Hunter. It's a unique story that will shine a light on Thailand's beautiful and rich history. I highly recommend it if you want to learn more about Thailand in a fun and engaging novel! Anyone who enjoys Asian fantasy novels will be pleased with the unique world and directions The Last Phi Hunter took.

Thank you so much to Angry Robot and NetGalley for the advance copy! All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

[River · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5

Phi were different. They could be sadistic, but only because they were once human.

I absolutely adored the world we discovered in this book. The Thai-inspired landscape and unique blends of folklore and mythology were entirely captivating. I wanted to devour every tiny piece of this world, I wanted to constantly know more.

I loved Ex's character and I also loved learning about the phi hunters and their rituals, and all the intricacies of their world. It's such an intriguing story and the world is constantly pulling you in. I always longed to discover even more of it.
I preferred the first half of this book because of this. It was much more focused on these aspects, on the spiritual world and the phi, although I still enjoyed the more political second half.

I liked Arinya, but never fully connected to her, I would've loved to see more of her thoughts and her deeper character. However, there were many other characters I came to care for; Ex was always interesting, even when—or, especially when—he'd get himself caught up in all kinds of trouble; Narissa was an incredible addition that I wish we'd gotten to see more of, her story was so fascinating; the small glimpses we got of side characters like the Hound or the Masters of Ex's guild instantly added depth and heart to the story.

He should have been gone, but like most legends, he persisted.

It's such a spell-binding world we get to jump into and discover here, and Goldenberg's writing is utterly absorbing. I'm now desperate to find more stories with Thai-inspired worlds or that delve into its mythology and folklore, if you have any recs please let me know!

Thank you Angry Robot for an arc.

[Zana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Call me a new fan!

I'm more critical when it comes to my favorite genre (fantasy), but a couple of my friends liked this, so I came in excited to read it.

And boy, I had fun! Definitely read this if you love playing RPGs, especially something along the lines of The Witcher.

There was a great mix of comedy and lightheartedness, along with much more serious and darker moments. The author really excelled in balancing the two and I applaud her for that. I think it's a difficult balancing act, and more often than not, I haven't seen this work out in previous books I've read.

I absolutely loved the Thai-inspired setting and how the author incorporated her heritage into an action fantasy story. When it comes to this specific fantasy subgenre, I'm more used to typical Western settings, so to have something different (yet with similar underlying themes of heroism and sacrifice) was such a breath of fresh air.

I loved the MCs, Ex and Narissa. I also loved the Hound. The author definitely excels at writing flawed characters you can root for.

I think the novel would've been better with an additional POV from Arinya, the love interest. Her background (a concubine who used to be a muay-boran boxer) sounded really cool, so seeing the whole story with her POV would be even cooler. Instead, she didn't really feel as well-rounded as she could be.

Also, the final boss battle seemed way too easy and I wanted more oomph. But everything else that led up to it was pretty cool, especially for action-adventure RPG lovers like myself.

But despite my complaints, I still had a lot of fun!

This is one of those novels where I wish there was a special edition because I'd love to see illustrations of the characters and the setting.

Anyway, I can't wait to read more from Salinee Goldenberg!

Thank you to Angry Robot and NetGalley for this arc.

[Mogsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 of 5 stars at The BiblioSanctum https://bibliosanctum.com/2024/04/25/...

Everyone, I present to you the hidden gem of the year! I had absolute blast with The Last Phi Hunter by Salinee Goldenberg, which took me by surprise in the best possible way, throwing open the doors to a fantasy world unlike any other.

The book opens with our protagonist stalking his prey. Ex is the youngest member of an order of demon slayers protecting the Suyoram Kingdom from the ghosts and monstrous spirits known as Phi, and he’s about to fulfill another contract. But as usual, the rural village that hired him ends up being unable to pay in full, leaving Ex in a bit of a jam. His path takes an unexpected turn, however, when he encounters Arinya, a pregnant warrior heading into the demon-infested forest search of its resident witch. Since Ex is going the same way, he agrees to escort her.

As it turns out, Arinya was looking for someone to perform a spell that would safeguard the soul of her unborn baby. In the process, Ex discovers the truth behind Arinya’s identity and why she needed the protection ritual, leading to his vow to keep her safe. As the two of them venture deeper into the treacherous wilderness, Ex’s feelings for his traveling companion begin to deepen, throwing his entire mission into disarray. His hunt for a legendary demon remains his ultimate goal, but his burgeoning affection for Arinya is also forcing him to confront his own vulnerabilities.

This is a story that takes readers on a whirlwind adventure that’s both thrilling and entertaining. The Last Phi Hunter grabbed my attention right away with its breezy prose and witty tones. It also excels in its pacing, unfolding quickly and organically while revealing details about the world, its magic, and its Phis without missing a beat. Even though it’s a lot to take it, there is no sign of the dreaded infodump here—instead, it’s just one amazing discovery after the other.

The characters are another highlight. I loved Ex, a young man who thrives on solitude, but finds his world turned upside down when he crosses paths with Arinya. Their shared experience on the road fosters a bond that transcends their initial circumstances, though their relationship does hit a few speedbumps along the way. The dialogue though was sublime and, in some cases, made me laugh out loud. Fantasy fiction involving demons and monster hunters often leans heavily into bleakness, which makes the unexpected humor a breath of fresh air.

Indeed, for a fun read that defies expectations, I highly recommend The Last Phi Hunter. The plot twists and turns on a wild journey that’s unpredictable as it is exciting. The Southeast Asian inspired world-building is particularly impressive and would delight readers who enjoy stories threaded with rich folklore and tales of mythological creatures. A must-read for anyone seeking an inventive, captivating fantasy adventure!

[Billie's Not So Secret Diary · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Phi Hunter
by Salinee Goldenberg
Fantasy New Adult
NetGalley Audio ARC
Pub Date: Apr. 9, 2024
Dreamscape Media
Ages: 17+

Branded as a child because of his parents' deeds, orphan Ex found his way to the Phi Hunters Order and became the youngest Phi Hunter, and with the gifts of magic the order trained him to use, he is now a slayer of ghosts and demons of the Suyoram Kingdom. But he wants to become a demon slayer and spends part of his time searching for the demon, Shar-Ala.

On his way to trade with a witch, a young woman asks him to escort her through the forest for she is also going to see the same witch. Reluctantly, Ex agrees, mostly because the woman is nine months pregnant and the scent of the unborn child would draw the spirits of the forest right to her, and they would devour her and the child.

I was quickly drawn into this story. The narrator did a good job with voice changes and emotions, though there were times it was obvious of a cut to a major volume increase and voice changes. While the world was typical, the 'other world' is really interesting to the point I wish there was more to it, like a little more history and time spent in it. (And because of other happenings, I wonder if there will be another/related book, which I would be interested in.)

The characters and their struggles were relatable, though some could have used a little more backstory.

I liked the story but was a little disappointed that the cover, which grabbed my attention, really doesn't match the story. I don't remember any descriptions of a cool dragon like that.

Then there was a major slowing of the story towards the end. While I get the point of why, I didn't feel as if it related to the situation/setting. (Vague because of spoilers.) I think it was just filler for word count and I feel it was the worst part of the book.

And for the ending... eh. It was just too simple, quick, and convenient. Not a lot of action so it was a letdown. However, at the very end was a wide-eyed... OH!!

4 Stars

[Danny_reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐

In the Last Phi Hunter, we follow an ambitious young demon/ghost hunter, Ex, as he journeys to kill a legendary demon Shar-Ala. His mission soon becomes all the more difficult as he is enlisted to escort a heavily pregnant woman, Arinya, through a spirit-infested forest.

I really enjoyed this - I was highly intrigued by a fantasy novel based on Thai folklore, and this certainly did not disappoint.

Truly, the worldbuilding and magic system is truly where this book shines. The world of phi was so interesting, and I loved learning about all the different spirits, and different plains of existence. I was fascinated by the idea of slipping into the "Ever Present" and by all the different rituals of the phi hunters. I adored how the magic system and world were fundamentally built around the idea of Karma and reincarnation.

My only wish is that I had felt more connected to the characters. I liked Ex well enough, but never really cared about Arinya - thus, I also wasn't the biggest fan of the romance featured in this book. The plot, which I found kind of dull at first, really picked up in the second half.

I would definitely read from this author again, and look forward to see more of their work in the future.

Thank you so much to Netgalley for providing me with an ALC of this book in exchange for my honest review!

[Rachel (TheShadesofOrange) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0 Stars
I am always on the lookout for a good ghost/demon hunter fantasy story and I am thrilled to have finally found a good one.

The worldbuilding was rich and interesting. The narrative was interesting with the right amount of action. I liked the characters but did not find them quite as compelling as they could have been. The magic, monsters and world were easily the best parts.

This is currently listed as a standalone on Goodreads but I really hope there is more to come in this universe. I would recommend this one to anyone looking for a fresh fantasy story.

Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.

[Kitty G Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

* I was sent this one on NetGalley by the publisher to review *

I definitely requested this book more for the cover than anything, as this is a new author and I didn't know how it would be, but I am glad to have read it because it had some interesting themes and setting, and some non-Western magic and influence which I liked a lot. I definitely think that Salinee has a nice tone of writing and can do some very visual descriptions and imagery which conjured up pictured in my mind as I read, however there were also some sections of the actual plot which felt a little rushed or less defined than I would have liked. I think some of this comes from it being a debut and I have no doubt that as the story goes on the writing quality will also get stronger in all areas.

The story follows Ex, who is the youngest and possibly the last of the Phi hunters. The tale draws heavily on Thai culture and Buddhism features as a key part of the backdrop at times. Some of the portrayal of ghosts and phi follow beliefs in Buddhism and spirituality, and I really liked seeing a look into the author's portrayal of this in her Fantastical world. Ex is determined to chase down one particular demon called Shar-Ala, a demon of nightmares. Ex knows he can succeed where his masters haven't and he can slay Shar-Ala, and he works tirelessly to achieve this aim, but he also stumbles into a plot and a story of a vital character whose fate may jeopardise his own life and ambitions.

The story is a fun one and felt as though it moved along at a good pace so I wasn't ever bored by what was happening before me. I definitely predicted some things as I went along through the story, but I don't think it took too much away and I still enjoyed reading it.

Overall, a solid start to a series and an impressive debut overall. The story has potential and seems like it would progress into a wider story too, but I am not sure I'd rush to buy the next as it didn't really hook me enough on the character-development. 3*s

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC. It hasn't affected the content of my review.

This was an interesting debut. Not perfect, 3.5 stars, but I enjoyed myself!

Before I talk about the book itself, regarding the audio, I wish I had done the hard copy instead. The narrator wasn't bad necessarily, but he didn't bring anything to the narrative, either. It was a pretty meh listening experience, and I'm pretty sure he negatively affected my enjoyment of the book, so keep that in mind as I continue the review.

The Last Phi Hunter is an adult fantasy debut that is set in a world based on Thai folklore and religion (Buddhist themes are prevalent). Our main character is Ex, a Phi (Thai demon) hunter, who is currently on a mission to hunt and kill a True Demon (a soul that is so entrenched in evil that it cannot be reborn to a better life) named Shar-Ala when his life is sidetracked by a heavily pregnant muay-thai fighter who needs his help. Well, first she saves him from being beaten to a pulp, then she asks him for his help. She needs someone to escort her to the witch that lives next to the lake, the same witch that Ex is on his way to see in order to sell her goods collected during his hunts.

From there, the plot goes lots of other places, and I was surprised several times by the pacing and some reveals that I've seen other books do in different places, and a couple of things that I've never seen in fantasy before! This is most likely because I've never read anything by a Thai author that features Thai folklore, customs, or mythology. I'm not sure actually that I've ever read anything by an author that has Thai ancestry at all (although, I probably have). So there's a possibility that's why this felt so fresh. It could also just be that the author has a great imagination. I'm sort of in the dark as to which it is, but either way I liked it.

I would recommend this one, but not necessarily the audio. I'm interested to see what this author does in the future.

[3.5 stars, rounding up bc it was a debut]

[✶meow for heals✶ · Rating 2 out of 5]

23 Mar. '26
Crying right now because I really, really, really wanted to love this book. Instead here I am, wallowing between one or two stars. I decided to round up to two because of:

🗹 The mythology and world. Money talks, and I bought this book because I'd love to see more under-represented cultures to seep into the publishing industry. So while I did like the foundation and set-up of The Last Phi Hunter, I fear this might've been boosted by my own partiality and biases for the source material.
The world of the Phi Hunter is rooted in Thai and Buddhist beliefs and mythology. While Buddhism is abundantly used as source inspiration in SFF, most tend to skew towards the spiritual and traditional aspects of the religion. So seeing its more supernatural side explored in combination with the Thai culture and ambiance was a breath of fresh air.

... and that's it, I guess? Oh, and I suppose because of the Hound. It says a lot that I didn't care for any of the characters except maybe a tiny bit for the Hound.


and no, not that one.

And since I've mentioned characters, I'll start there. UNTAGGED SPOILERS AHEAD! you have been warned.

Much of my issues with The Last Phi Hunter (Pie? Fye? Fee? Pee?) lies with the fact that (1) there was absolutely no tension in any part of it. And I mean, none in its story arc, and none in its character arc. This is due to two things:

☒ Our MC is literally indestructible and we see this repeatedly in action. In one part of the book, he will have his neck literally slashed to ribbons, and in another, he runs himself clean through an actual sword. And these are just two instances of many. Whatever his injury, he can heal himself in record speed simply by slipping into another plane—which they call the Everpresent—and draw upon the powers of the spirits.
Added on top of this is the fact that he does not feel pain. This means that whatever injury he suffers, he still has enough time and wherewithal to finish the battle and later heal himself, or at least run away and then heal himself.
The seedling of a pitfall was introduced: the purpose of pain and what might happen when one is incapable of pain but very much capable of bleeding out. Unfortunately, this seedling was only acknowledged but never actually sprouted into anything at all.

And what happens when your MC neither feels pain nor is even capable of suffering any lasting damage? Your readers don't give a shit is what.
How can we, when we know (short of a contrived twist that has never been introduced before) that he will come out unscathed? And now that I've come to it—

☒ Contrived twists that has never been introduced before is exactly how the plot unfolds. The most egregious occurs at a major turning point in the story, where the MC is prevented from outright thrashing everyone by way of a voodoo doll. Did we know voodoo dolls existed prior to this event? No. Was it even hinted at? No. And yet this one introduction disrupts everything, and now he has to rescue the FMC and recover his stolen MacGuffin in the process.
But how does he overcome the voodoo doll, you ask. What does he need to do to break free of it? Nothing. He needs to do absolutely nothing. Much later on, we discover that his mentors had simply tattooed a curse-breaking script on his skin. It was not even clear whether they knew the villain had a voodoo of him and had given him the "right" tattoo on purpose. We did not even know that curse-breaking tattoos were possible.

In fact, after the voodoo doll was introduced, the MC did not even spare a moment to worry or think about how he's going to solve this little predicament. He just plodded on. And when your characters don't even have tension for the plot points, why should the readers?

Since I'm on the topic of plot, this was my second issue with The Last Phi Hunter. While it had a nice backdrop, (2) the story itself left much to be desired . The author did themselves a great disservice by adding all the sex and horniness for so, so many reasons. It contributed nothing to the story- or character arc, they all came so randomly at the most inappropriate scene breaks, and—most unfavourable of all—bumps the whole book up to an adult category.
This plot does not belong in an adult category! Something so unserious, so light and facile as this can easily, easily be enjoyed by younger audiences. In fact, I highly suspect a much younger demography would love the emphasis on action and adventure, and the severe lack of depth and politics contained within (as the MC reminds us of his disinterest in such tedium time and time again). Yet by adding all that useless, inconsequential fellatio or what have you, we've successfully cut off a large chunk of what otherwise should have been the main target audience.

But the sex and romance were the last of the problems I had with the plot. It's all a matter of taste, but I simply do not enjoy these types of stories:

☒ Moving goalposts. Stories where the character starts off needing to do A, and then in the course of achieving A (or once they have achieved A), they discover they now need to do B, and then before you know it, we're suddenly on the path towards Z.
This can be done well, but it requires foreshadowing and world-building and masterfully building the attachment and investment of your readers. Z cannot come out of nowhere. Z needs to be introduced, its significance and value to the MC at least hinted at, from earlier on.
Otherwise, it all reads as an author writing everything as they go and neither planning ahead nor having the skill to go back and effectively content-edit a manuscript.

Everything that happens in this story is a sheer by-product of the MC's actions. This would be fine if these actions were made with intent, with motivation. But the MC has no motivation. His only driving force was to "graduate" from regular phi hunter and become a recognised "True Demon Slayer". In order to attain this, he needs to ... well, slay a "true demon". In Ex's case, he has chosen to slay the demon Shar-Ala. Who no one has ever seen, and whose existence they even question to begin with.
So why Shar-Ala specifically? No idea. Just because. I thought it might have had something to do with his past and the slaughter of his village, mysterious death/fate of his mother, whatever ... nope. This story is simply Not That Deep, Bro.

He meets the FMC (Arinya) by chance, escorts her to location A, and then literally gets talked into further escorting her to location B, which so conveniently happens to take him through Shar-Ala's location. So of course he manages to finally slay his demon and collect his trophy (how he is purportedly such a dangerous and difficult-to-slay demon, I'll never know, because the way he was disposed of could've been done by any group of hunters).
Soon after, he has both his trophy and lady stolen from him, which sends us onto a pursuit to location C, but in order to get in there he needs to go through a detour of fever-dream D, and so on and so forth, you get the picture.

☒ Unclear drive. I don't simply mean character motivation. A story is generally character-driven or plot-driven. In cases where it is neither, it is then generally atmospheric or world-driven. Stories where we are simply immersed in the environment, the ambiance, the mood and sensory details.

This story was neither character- nor plot-driven, but the author treated it as such, which was why the whole world fell flat whilst the story failed to cover for it.

It isn't character-driven, because what little motivation our characters had was not the crux upon which the plot unravelled, nor the overall target we were moving towards. Nor is it plot-driven, because the plot did not propel the characters forward; in fact, the plot never would have happened in the first place if the MC had simply done nothing. The world would have kept spinning, and it would have even spun peacefully, dare I say.

The entire climax, the whole conflict of the book never would have happened if our MC never killed this demon in the first place. Nothing would have happened had he not slain the creature and taken his eye! The villain only acquires and learns about the eye because he—Ex—had it in his possession! And then the last climax of this book ONLY TRANSPIRED THE WAY IT DID BECAUSE HE HAD THE EYE!!!!!

This is the most haphazard, aimless sequence of events that we would all have been spared from had the MC simply stayed home that one day or simply chosen to slay a different demon.

Beyond the slaying of Shar-Ala, there is no further motivation in this wild goose chase. Even Arinya's motivation remains so absurdly unclear. First it was to capture her unborn child's soul and "delay her birth". Later this is revealed to be because her husband had planned to use this child and turn it into a kuman thong "for his own power". What does this mean on so many levels? What is a kuman thong and how can the prince use it "for his own power"? Who fucking knows.
I mean, I know what a kuman thong is in MY world, but in the context of this one? Do YOU, reader outside the culture, know what it is without googling? Because if you don't, this book won't tell you, either.



And once she "delays" her child's birth and traps its soul in a necklace (so she can give birth to it later "when it's safe"??), what is Arinya's goal then? First it was to return to her husband (why????????????) but SIKE, actually she had planned on running away to another country and hide from her husband all along, in which case... why bother trapping your child's soul in the first place? You weren't ever planning on going back to hubby anyway, so how are you protecting your child by shoving her into a necklace??
Also, a kuman thong is made by using a stillborn fetus, so, uhh, by giving birth to your child alive and well, it would have prevented your husband from using it as a kuman thong in the first place?? Please, this is the kind of confusion you get when you give no context to how the mythology works in your constructed world.

☒ No logical cohesiveness. This story and its characters constantly forgets about itself the further along it progresses. If you're not convinced that this was written on the fly without thorough content editing afterwards, here is but one example:

☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅⋅•∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅⋅•⋅∙∘☽
She put Armaa down and picked up the last one, a lacquered gold idol in the shape of a strange little boy with an oversized head and a big, mischievous smile. “And who is this is[٭] cute little guy?”

“Budin. He’s a kuman thong, which is similar to…” Ex eyed her necklace. “He’s made by cutting a stillborn fetus out of his mother, which then goes through a graveyard ritual where they roast the bones over a pit and then cover with a lacquer–”

“Black magic!” Arinya gasped, dropping him. She shoved the group of idols back towards Ex and wiped her hand on her pants. “It’s forbidden.”
☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅⋅•∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅⋅•⋅∙∘☽
[٭]ᵧₑₛ ₜₕᵢₛ ₜᵧₚₒ ₐₚₚₑₐᵣₛ ᵢₙ ₜₕₑ ᵦₒₒₖ

In the above exchange, it sounds as if Arinya doesn't know what a kuman thong is. Her revulsion towards it is filled with surprise. Why? She does know what a kuman thong is, as she's running away from her husband exactly to prevent him from turning their child into one.
The revulsion shouldn't be laced with surprise. Who is she play-acting for?

Her motivation to "protect" her unborn child isn't even a strong one to begin with, and I say this with caution after having read the ending.

After all has been concluded, what does she do with her child's soul? She literally lets the MMC decide.

☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅⋅•∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅⋅•⋅∙∘☽
“Oh, Ex,” Arinya sniffled, and her voice grew soft. “Listen. I had a dream last night, clear as daylight.” Her fingers tightened around the jewel. “I saw her.”

Something stirred in his chest, warm. An image in his mind. A flash of gold, a glow of twin red rubies. He grasped at it, desperate to remember something important, but it faded when Arinya placed her cheek on his hand. He met her gaze, and her eyes glistened with tears.

“Let her go.”

He searched her expression for doubt, but there was none. “Are you sure?”

“Yes.” Arinya pressed the amulet back into his hands.
☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅⋅•∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅⋅•⋅∙∘☽

Basically allowing a man, and one who is not even the father of her child at that, decide whether to keep or abort HER child. I don't care that she learnt that her unborn child's soul is the reincarnation of Ex's mother. You are telling me that she no longer holds any of that attachment she had before?? AND ALLOWS AN UNRELATED MAN MAKE THE DECISION OF ABORTION FOR HER?
This is absurd at best and problematic at worst. But to me—and looking at it from a purely story-telling perspective—it only reinforces the lack of character individuality or motivation. The world and everyone in it is simply there for the MMC's entertainment and whim.

Finally, (3) the story itself wasn't the only problem, but also its story-telling . Part of it is down to personal tastes (duh), so I'm sure there are people out there who enjoy this... unserious? blithe? type of prose.
But character voice isn't enough to make me down-rate a book. I can read insufferable, where it is true to the character's personality. But it also needs to be true to situational context, and often in this book, it treats serious matters with the same triviality that further sucks what little tension we were given in the first place. I like whipped cream, but I don't want a whole can of it sprayed straight in my mouth in one sitting.

The world seems to be set somewhere in a pre-industrial, feudal sort of setting somewhat akin to Japan's Muromachi period or perhaps Thailand's own Ayutthaya period? By this I mean that it seems there is a growing trade and connection to outside worlds but not quite there yet that foreigners are flooding your own realm. There was the early usage of gunpowder but no other mention of the more modern inventions.
So my mind envisioned everything transpiring during an equivalent of the 15th-17th century, and yet... why are the characters talking like 21st century brats? Why do we have the pre-modern concept of "euthanasia" as the mercy-killing of an otherwise unviable life? Coinage such as "xenophobia", which would've only ever been developed as a social concept AFTER the introduction of enormous amounts of foreigners entering one's nation? The description of people as being a "psychopath" or "anally retentive" in a world where its social sciences would not yet have advanced into the more complex theories of psychology?

While the tone of the story is out of balance and incongruous, the prose also reads flat and clumsy. It seems like content- was not the only kind of editing that had been skipped. Here are just a few choice lines:

● The crack of a book slamming shut sounded.
The redundancy, discrepancy, and awkwardly passive voice in this one speaks for itself. Is it a crack or a slam? Both make very different sounds, plus we all know they make sounds. You don't have to further tell us it "sounded".

● (...) he commanded a severe presence that granted him an air of unshakable authority.
Command, severe, unshakeable ... these all convey the same tone and atmosphere and altogether adds nothing more informative than "his presence alone commanded authority" does in much fewer words.

● A metal hammer tapped. With it, a tapping pressure on his arm.
You mean, a metal hammer tapped along with a pressure on his arm? Why the clunky repetition?

But my biggest peeve of all was the constant misuse of "laid" instead of "lay":

● Ex leaned in, snapping its jaw in half. The phi twitched once, then laid still.
☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅⋅•∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅⋅•⋅∙∘☽
● Amongst the twisted cords where the trunk touched the ground, laid small bones, wilted flowers, fruit seeds, and shiny rocks.
☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅⋅•∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅⋅•⋅∙∘☽
● In a sudden panic, Ex searched for the Hound. He laid on his belly a few feet away, panting hard, too angry and proud to whimper.
☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅⋅•∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅⋅•⋅∙∘☽
● His chainblade laid loosely in her hand. Her posture was cramped and couldn’t have been comfortable in any sense of the word.
☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅⋅•∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅⋅•⋅∙∘☽
● Bowls of tribute laid before it, some of it twitching and squirming with maggots and leeches. Candles burned all around the room, wax shaped into uneven lumps, the stink of corpse fat wafting from their flames. ☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅⋅•∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅•∙∘☽༓☾∘∙•⋅⋅⋅•⋅⊰⋅•⋅⋅⋅•⋅∙∘☽

My friend, this goes on and on and on and on and on... SO MUCH SO that I become enraged thinking this was published the way it was. It sabotages the entire work! I wanted so much to root for this book!

So. Here's the thing. "Laid" isn't just the past tense for "lay" and shouldn't be treated as such.
Lie/lay/lain ➝ to rest upon something ➝ lay (2nd form/past tense)
Lay/laid/laid ➝ to put something down ➝ laid (2nd form/past tense)

LAY/LAID/LAID requires an object. You LAID the chainblade loosely in her hands, but the chainblade itself LAY loosely in her hands.

Also, Bowls of tribute lay before it, some of THEM twitching and squirming.

Any basic editor should've caught all of these basic errors.

I could go more into the specifics of plot points and how things failed where, but even they suddenly hold no weight in comparison to everything else I've already critiqued. I don't even hate this book. I'm not even mad. I'm just so, so, so saddened that I wasn't given even a little more crumbs to praise.



26 Jan. '26
Willing to overlook that "romantasy" tag because let's be honest, the subgenre has been nothing but romantaslop this past decade because THAI FOLKLORE??! Yes, please??

[Lezlie The Nerdy Narrative · Rating 4 out of 5]

I requested a copy of the ARC from the publisher, Angry Robot Books, and was approved in exchange for consideration of a review. All opinions discussed are my own and are subjective to myself as a reader.

The cover art is what initially caught my attention, yet it was a phrase in the book description, "a stunning world with Thai demon folklore" that resulted in my request to review!

'Folklore' is one of my buzz words when it comes to book selection. I was especially eager to pick this one up because I've never read any Thai inspired books of any kind, so this was a golden opportunity to learn. I was familiar with most of the creatures introduced during the course of the story, but there were several I was not - Salinee Goldenberg was wonderful with the descriptions, so I was able to 'picture' the beings in my minds eye. I thought the author took great care to be descriptive with the world building and explanations of the different types of beings and Thai lore so that anyone would be able to read it and enjoy without feeling lost.

The world building - both the living world and the spirit realm - was positively magnificent. When I first learned about the Everpresent - the realm of spirits and magic that existed between the physical world and those of the devas - I wanted to experience it for myself. To see the brilliant colors of the Everpresent, to hear the difference in sounds between the realms - the atmosphere was incredible. Well, I wanted to experience it until I read further about the trials and tests our main character, Ex, had to endure to be able to enter the spirit realm. I changed my mind after that because I'm a weenie.

In addition to the world building, the mythology and folklore were next on my list of favorite things about this book. Goldenberg exposes readers to a healthy dose of Thai spirits/demons/gods - but not overwhelmingly so.

I enjoyed Ex's character a lot - there was a gradual growth over the course of the novel as he was gradually broken from his shell of isolation - which made him realize how lonely he was. Coming out of that shell also shone a light on his single mindedness in regard to his quest for glory, or what he thought would bring him glory and recognition. Between Ex and the Hound, I was constantly smiling and chuckling at the snark and humor. Arinya, our other main character, was a bit of an enigma. Her character actions made me feel like I had picked up a second book in a series on accident. While I could accept Ex's crush on Arinya, her reciprocation of his attention came on rather suddenly, so I didn't find it believable. (Maybe I'm just a weirdo - I was best friends with my husband for almost 3 years before we even started dating, lol)

One thing I found myself wishing for was more about the history of the Suyoram Kingdom. I would have loved to learn about Suyoram before the King outlawed black magic, when Hunters were respected and valued, the rebellion against the Crown and how new magic came into practice. (This would make a fantastic prequel, right?!!) I always say that if an author leaves me wanting more, that's an excellent indicator that I enjoyed myself, which I did!

I would love to read more from this world, even if it was a short story collection of hunts that Ex and The Hound did together. Gosh, let me just be greedy and say I'd love more about the history of the Hunters too. Their rituals, the ceremony of receiving their Hunter name and mask - I'd love to nerd out on all of that.

THE LAST PHI HUNTER is full of fascinating mythology, a gorgeous exploration of the physical and spiritual realms while delighting readers with humor, action, adventure and friendship.

If you enjoyed series such as Shadow of the Leviathan by Robert Jackson Bennett, Gael Song by Shauna Lawless, or the Needle and Leaf series by Andrew D. Meredith, then you will equally enjoy this book!

You can find this review along with other reviews spanning multiple genres at The Nerdy Narrative or if you prefer video format, I do have a BookTube Channel

A heartfelt thanks to my Patrons on Patreon for their support towards my enthusiasm for reading and reviewing!

Special thanks to my highest level Patrons: Ev, Amanda L., Sharon, Andrew, Star, Kate, Gail, Amanda F., Lourdes, Tara, John, Ann, Chad K., Ashley E., & Jennifer M.

[Peter Davies · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is by far my favorite book of 2024! Salinee Goldenberg is an incredibly talented author! This book had everything you need want! Demons, loveable characters, a villan, forbidden love and adventure.

I loved that the demons are basted on demons from various folklore and of course I had to google each one. As I read I could picture the whole story in my mind and this only happens in truly exceptional books!

I hope you write more Salinee!

[Yamini · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just when I was boasting about my experimental readings going well, this happened. I picked this up because of my interest in Thai folklore and anticipation to see a unique angle to the Phi.

The story started out well with a magical feel and urban setting, though it claims to be in a provincial one, that gradually diluted into multiple plot twists which somehow lost the essence of the story. For a very long time, this just felt like a travel adventure with conversations. Even after pushing myself through the end, I only feel I should have DNFed this book.

There is also an underlying love angle that's slowly brewing which was slightly bearable. I gave this 2 stars for the following two things that went through well in this story:
• The narration style
• Ex's character buildup

Genre: #fantasy #thai
Rating: 2/5 ⭐️

[Ai Jiang]

The Last Phi Hunter is witty, quirky, and episodic adventure filled with Thai folklore, ghosts, and demons, following a bumbling protagonist named Ex. This would be the perfect read for fans of The Witcher, but where the humorous bard is the one with the powers and becomes the hero rather than the stoic and powerful. Outside of the action-packed story, The Last Phi Hunter also explores what we want versus what we need, the ways of goals may shift unconsciously as we come to realize what is truly important in life outside of external validations, medals, rewards, badges, acknowledgement.

A big thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for and ARC of the book!

[Nicole Sweeney · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Phi Hunter is a hugely entertaining fantasy tale that follows Ex, a young man who spends his days hunting down Phi – ghosts and demons that plague the citizens of Suyoram. Ex dreams of earning the title of demon slayer and he has his sights set on a particular demon – the infamous Shar-Ala, demon of nightmares. As Ex embarks on his quest he meets Arinya, who asks him to accompany her through the forest. Arinya is heavily pregnant and the spirits have a taste for the unborn. As Ex and Arinya travel together Ex learns there is much more to the woman than meets the eye and in helping her he might have got a whole lot more than he bargained for.

The Last Phi Hunter is an incredibly gripping story and one I read in just a few sittings. The book has such an intriguing premise and it was so well executed. I really enjoyed Goldenberg’s writing style and the plot kept me glued to the book right till the very last page. There’s plenty of action and I loved the dynamic battle scenes between Ex and Shar-Ala.

One of the things I liked most about The Last Phi Hunter is the worldbuilding. It was excellently developed and I was so captivated by the magic and all the different kinds of spirits. The Ever-Present was also really interesting and I loved the moments Ex spends there. The story also has really terrific characters and the relationship between Ex and Arinya was developed really well. Both characters had really interesting back stories and while I’m not a huge romance person, I really enjoyed this aspect of the story.

Overall The Last Phi Hunter is a gripping fantasy tale full of action and adventure. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and hope there will be more books featuring Ex and Arinya in the future. If you’re looking for a a fantasy story with magic, romance, demons and more you’ll definitely want to check this one out.

[Sandra Bruxvoort]

Omg this looks BEAUTIFUL!

[Sahitya · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been so long since I’ve actually sat down to write a review that I feel like I don’t know how to do it anymore. But this book has been on my radar for a while and I was very glad to receive both the eARC and the audio arc, so I am excited to have finally finished this and can’t wait to share my thoughts on it, however rustic my words might seem.

The first draw for me about this book was that gorgeous cover, with so much intricate gold detailing and then the thought of reading my first Thai folklore inspired fantasy book was very exciting. And turns out I was right to pick this up. The author creates a very vivid and lived in world full of demons and ghosts (phi in this case) who are stuck in their endless hunger due to their past sins and can’t escape the karmic cycle & the guild of phi hunters who take their job very seriously and train extensively to be able to hunt the monsters that hurt people, but are increasingly losing favor in a world which is becoming more modern and eschewing their existence as superstition. The way the phi are described in their gory detail was pretty gruesome to read about, and getting to know the details about how phi come to be and the different kinds of phi that can exist was very interesting. I was also delighted to see the crossovers between Thai folklore and Indian mythology, especially with mentions of devas and Vanaras and more. The writing is pretty easy to breeze through despite the underlying mythology being unknown to me, and despite the explicitly gory bits, the story felt much more slice of life and character exploration than a fast paced adventure.

That’s not to say the adventure isn’t present. Ex, our protagonist is the youngest phi hunter in the guild and determined to kill a true demon, which many believe is just a myth. He is young and brash and impulsive, socially awkward and pretty naive, but definitely good at his job. The author does a nice job balancing out all his characteristics, while also delving into the inherent loneliness of his vocation, and how it materializes in him really bonding with his horses and his hunting partner, the Hound.

It’s not surprising he falls for Arinya when she is beautiful and fierce in equal measure, letting him experience the kind of companionship that he never had before. Her survival instincts seem to be top notch, so it’s actually surprising why she too starts being a bit impulsive after her bonding with Ex. To be honest, their relationship was the most unconvincing part of the book because I felt we didn’t get enough time to delve into their feelings, and it was too quick to declare undying love for each other. Narissa on the other hand is a phi living while impersonating a human, hoping to achieve redemption for her sins, and it was actually so intriguing to understand her perspective in this narrative. While their interactions felt too limited, I wish we had instead gotten more time with Ex and Narissa trying to understand each other and realizing that while they are supposed to be enemies, they have too much in common as well. We only get very limited POV of the Hound but let me tell you, impressed I was.

Overall, this is an excellent fantasy book to pick up if you want to explore a new world of mythology/folklore and it will suck you in with its impressive writing and very intricate world building. While the characters may frustrate you a bit, and the payoff of the action wasn’t always worth the build up, I enjoyed my time reading this book and just wanted to know more about everything that inspired this story. I also listening to the audiobook for the most part and the narrator David Lee Huynh does a wonderful immersive job, letting me feel like a part of this world. Can’t wait to see if the author writes another story in this setting, coz I would love to know more.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, but in the first half the characters felt flat, especially Arinya, I just couldn’t get a read on her personality or emotions and that is my biggest issue with this novel.

This book really surprised me, because I thought the plot was going to be pretty straightforward, but I was relieved to find that I couldn’t predict what was going happen next and that really kept me intrigued and immersed in the story.

All around I would recommend this book if you’re looking for a good story based upon Thai folklore.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

[Elena L. · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a Thai-inspired world, this is a story that centers around a Phi (demon) hunter - Ex - who is determined to accomplish the post-hunt ritual. Until he is saved by a heavily pregnant runaway - Arinya. And in turn, she asks him to escort her to see a witch.

This adult fantasy is loaded with Thai demon folklore - the pages are infested by spirits, demons, hungry ghosts and humans. Struggling between falsehood x truth, characters of cursed existence try to change their fate, while others embrace their journey. Told from multiple POVs, the perspectives were equally engaging. The demon slayer (Ex) is a well-defined character - he clings to his childhood memories and his character arc is interesting. Goldenberg celebrates her Thai heritage, including elements of Buddhism and modernization. The author examines identity, race, loneliness and (forbidden) love, seamlessly woven in a fantastical narrative.

Different kind of magic is incorporated in the story, although this is less worldbuilding and plot and more character-driven. The story is effective at keeping up the good pacing, alongside a fluid prose. The romantic subplot felt just right, it might be a bit fast for some readers yet I didn't find it cheesy. What I love most is the execution of an exhilarating fantasy into a single volume and I applaud the author for this (the ending does allow room for a possible sequel). If I had any issue with this book, it's that some points felt too resolved while other things are not meant to be comprehended. Furthermore, I wouldn't have minded to dive deeper into some themes.

With humorous tone, I really liked THE LAST PHI HUNTER. If you enjoy an Asian-inspired dark fantasy with mythic imprint, this book is for you. In short, a fun debut.

[ I received an ARC from the publisher - Angry Robot . All opinions are my own ]

[Dom · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was one of those weird books where, although I would say I enjoyed it, it took me a much longer time to get through than its pagecount would suggest. It was written well enough, but I just couldn’t seem to get through many pages in each sitting for some reason.

This is a Thai folklore inspired fantasy involving demons, or Phi, and a hunter who goes around hunting them. On the one hand, this is to protect people, because these demons will hunt people in turn, but on the other hand it's for his own benefit and the benefit of his guild. When a hunter kills one of these demons, they harvest it, taking the claws, the tongue, various body parts body parts, and so forth to sell for use in medicines or as talismans etc., so it’s a dangerous but well-paying profession.

The story evolution is when the hunter comes across a young lady and takes on a contract to escort her through the demon-infested forests. Although I don't think it had the most expansive plot—it didn’t have too many twists and turns and side plots—it was still enjoyable enough as it allowed for an exploration of the folklore and the world.

The worldbuilding itself was really interesting with some really weird demons, but they are taken from real Thai folklore, so most things in here, as far as I understand, do have a basis in that folklore. It’s an area that I have no knowledge of, however, so it was quite fresh and interesting to me.

It was a good book overall, there were some little parts of the writing that I didn't get on with quite so much, but on the whole it was an enjoyable read.

[Madison ✨ (mad.lyreading) · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me, The Last Phi Hunter is the Thai version of The Witcher, but done significantly better. (I am a Witcher book hater but Witcher concept lover) The Last Phi (that's pronounced "fee") Hunter follows Ex, who is a (shocker!) hunter of Phis, which are essentially demonous monsters. He is looking to kill the lengendary Sharala when he comes across Arinya, a pregnant woman who needs his help. Their fates become tied, and he must complete her mission to complete his.

I compare this to the Witcher because (shocker) he kills monsters for money. A lot of people hype the Witcher for being funny, and this really hits that mark well. I laughed out loud quite a few times, which I don't normally do when reading. Also, because this is written by a woman, the women are not written in a gross way! I thoroughly enjoyed Arinya and when Ex began lusting over her it was written in a way that wasn't disgusting to me as a woman!!! Gotta love that.

For some reason I read this thinking it was the beginning of a series, and my biggest disappointment is learning it is a standalone. I really loved this world and the characters. I know very little about Thai mythology, but this got me so interested in it. The creatures were so interesting, and the magic felt so unique. I thoroughly enjoyed this!

Thank you to Angry Robot and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[sakurablossom95 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a journey this book was! I can't even begin to describe how much I adored it. The world-building, characters, action, and plot were all magnificent, the story felt new and original which i loved and ate up!

The settings and the diverse cast of characters, particularly Ex and the formidable (pregnant) female MC which is something I haven't seen alot in a fantasy novel. Their partnership, amidst the perils of a treacherous forest and the complexities of royal politics, added layers to the story. I enjoyed the novel's pacing, it never felt rushed, keeping me turning pages until its satisfying conclusion.
The story ended beautifully, but I won’t mind a sequel if there is one in the future.
Thank you, NetGalley and Angry Robot for this Arc in exchange for an honest review!

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars

The Last Phi Hunter is a brilliant new Thai-inspired dark fantasy filled with Thai demon folklore and Buddhist references. Ex is a phi hunter, people who have moved beyond humanity through rituals and sacrifices in order to gain powers to hunt malicious reincarnated spirits and demons called phi. When a pregnant runaway seeks his help to escort her back to safety, Ex is dragged through ghost-infested forests, unwelcoming towns, and a conspiracy within the palace and the royal family that threatens the existence of the order he is part of.

I went into The Last Phi Hunter blind with no expectations (I just wanted to support Asian fantasies), and I walked away completely blindsided by how much I enjoyed it. Yes, it is dark, but it delivers an ultimately uplifting story about identity, belonging, and love. The book achieves the perfect mix of lighthearted and grim with humor that balances out the grittier aspects of its story. It builds a world inspired by Thai folklore and Buddhist sentiments that is evident throughout (but I can’t speak more on since I am unfamiliar with either). Even with its grotesque imagery of ghosts and demons, necromancy, and sacrifices, it never strays too far from its message of hope and heart.

In Ex, we get a sharp and sympathetic lead that draws you in with his dry wit and sarcastic personality that was molded but not tainted by his own tragic history. Born to rebel parents, he was marked early in life for exclusion by the empire. He finds a place within the order of the phi hunters. And despite this path leading him down a lonely life, he was still able to make a home for himself there as the youngest of a dying calling. I was won over by him almost instantly even before any of his background is revealed.

What I did not expect was how flirty the book ended up being in the interactions between Ex and Arinya, the pregnant woman he is escorting. While not crossing into romantasy territory, this central forbidden romance really shines bright and allows for the banter, fun, and yearning common to that genre. They often brought a smile to my face, and I could not help be drawn in by them and their romance despite never quite getting a grasp on Arinya who remains a mostly distant figure in this nearly single POV narrative.

With a sympathetic lead, a charming forbidden romance, a fast-paced quest, and a dash of court politics, The Last Phi Hunter delivers the grit and heart in this fantastical Thai-inspired dark fantasy.

*Thank you to Angry Robot Books for providing me an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[myfriendsarefantasy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Last Phi Hunter by Salinee Goldenberg was a wild ride, jammed with Thai folklore, hungry ghosts, demon hunters and spine ripping savagery, literally. Ex, the last recruited phi Hunter, works alone hunting and banishing demons with the hope of finding a legendary illusive demon and gaining his demon slayer badge. However all those plans get interrupted when Arinya, a pregnant woman, needs his help.

He performs magic that should not be allowed in order to help save her and her baby and becomes tied to their fate.

I really enjoyed the humorous tone of this story while also being able to create a dark, grim atmosphere. I also enjoyed the other point of views which featured briefly.

If you like stories full of demons and close escapes with a side of love, then this is for you.

Thank you to angry robot books for the opportunity to read this in exchange for an honest review.

[disz · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 4 stars

This book is a fresh and new Asian-inspired fantasy that I’ve finally read. It’s based on Thai mythology, featuring a world of whimsical fantasy that includes action and spirits. The plot itself has elements that I liked, such as the ghosts and spirits that are part of the folklore. The journey and friendships along the way kept my interest and made me continue reading. The world-building is well-written; I adore how the author immaculately portrays the forests, caves, and other settings.

Although I enjoyed all the action, I feel that the character development, especially for the main characters, is lacking. They are likable, but I didn’t deeply feel their emotions or relationships. By the end, one of the main characters left me with many unanswered questions. The romance subplot was not really to my liking either. It’s as if you could remove the romance from this book, and the plot would still hold up.

The ending left me a bit surprised because it hinted at a possible sequel, or maybe the author just wanted to finish it that way. Still, I liked the book overall, and considering this is a debut novel, it’s a really good start.

[greta · Rating 3 out of 5]

this was my 5 star prediction and sadly it didn't live up to my expectations 😭 it was still fun for the most part.

i didn't fully connect with the characters for some reason, but i did absolutely love the hound and wanted to see more of him.
something about ex was so juvenile though and while at times he was funny, he was also quite naïve. for a phi hunter that was a bit jarring.

the writing style was okay. for some reason at times it did make the story feel like it was dragging. i think the way it was told didn't quite work for me later in the book.

i really loved the magic system in this book and wish it was explored even more, especially the unborn soul part. that was interesting to see ! shame it wasn't as prominent in the story.
the beginning was really fun and enjoyable for me but then from the middle towards the end of the book something happened that the pace switched and the plot became really boring. i felt like i was reading this book for ages, i just wanted to be finished with it. i definitely think the beginning was the strongest part of the book.

now that i'm finished with this, i can't wait to get to way of the walker and see what my thoughts will end up being on that one !

[K.D. Marchesi · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Last Phi Hunter was an action packed Asian inspired fantasy that was beautifully vivid, brutal and entertaining all at the same time.

Ex is the youngest Phi Hunter of the Order and he has his sights set on the biggest prize imaginable. Bringing back a trophy from a notorious monster. One that will grant him the esteemed badge of Demon Slayer. On the way back from a successful hunt he crosses paths with Arinya, a woman who has now saved him one too many times. Desperate to flee and find a magic user to store the soul of her unborn child, Arinya enlists the help of young Ex. Feeling indebted, he agrees, having no clue the horrors that are about to unfold for the both of them.

This book pulled off some really, really cool elements. The mix of horror in this experimental sci-fantasy were ... awesome. Bloody, brutal, spiritual, and captivating. If you like monster hunting on another plain, you are in for a real treat. I also really liked the ideas and execution behind the Everpresent, a spirital in between for hunters and gods, or spirits to reside, heal and battle. These scenes felt so unique and were an absolute blast to read.

Something else I really enjoyed were the side characters that had little snippets of page time, they were woven beautifully into the main story and ended up having impacts that I did not expect. My personal favourite was the Hound. But I don't give too much away, you'll have to read it yourself to find out.

Where this fell down for me personally was some of the the sexual scenes, tension and language which didn't add all that much to the story (in my opinion). I also wasn't overly invested in the romance between the two main protagonists. There were times where it was cute, but it felt somewhat choppy and disingenuous to me. The last thing I will mention is that there were also a few scenes which felt built up for chapters and chapters only to be resolved in a minute of reading time. Don't get me wrong, those scenes were cool (like I said earlier, the horror elements in this story were awesome), I just think they were short lived.

Overall, The Last Phi Hunter had enough to keep me interested should their be another instalment, although I would argue that this could be consumed as a standalone and the reader be left satisfied.

Thank you Netgalley and the author for providing an ARC copy of The Last Phi Hunter.