Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me access to this arc in exchange for an honest review. I must admit that I'm a sucker for a great cover and this one is phenomenal. I'm a huge fantasy fan, I love reading non-Western narratives, especially when exploring magic. I enjoyed the characters and the pacing but I struggled with the author's tone throughout the book. As readers are learning Goldenberg's writing style, I think that is what's most jarring to people. I think that The Last Phi Hunter was a solid debut and I look forward to reading more of the author's work.

I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.

I honestly don't know quite what to say about this book. It was so average in every way and I only persisted because it was a NetGalley ARC and not because I was enjoying myself much. Even 3/4 of the way through I just had no steam or interest in the events playing out and I'll admit to letting my mind wander. But I finished it so I will pat myself on the back and move on.

I cannot in good conscience recommend this book to anyone, but it wasn't a bad book at all. I'll have forgotten about it by tomorrow.

2.5 stars rounded up to 3.

I thought this was very good and I will have to add this to the shop shelves. Thank you for the chance for us to review.

"The Last Phi Hunter" by Salinee Goldenberg is a mesmerizing debut novel that skillfully weaves Thai folklore into an engaging fantasy narrative. The story follows Ex, a demon and ghost hunter on a quest to slay the legendary monster Sha-Ala, and Arinya, a mysterious, heavily pregnant woman who saves Ex’s life and becomes his unexpected companion. The book is a delightful blend of humor, action, and rich cultural lore, creating a unique and captivating read.

Goldenberg’s world is deeply rooted in Thai mythology, bringing a fresh perspective to the fantasy genre. The intricate details of the various spirits, demons, and their backstories are vividly portrayed, immersing readers in a fascinating and magical landscape. The spiritual aspects and rituals of the Phi hunters are well-crafted, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative. The setting, while fantastical, feels grounded in cultural reality, making it both exotic and relatable.

The characters in "The Last Phi Hunter" are richly developed and memorable. Ex, the young Phi hunter, is a compelling protagonist with a blend of bravery, wit, and vulnerability. His sarcastic humor and internal monologues add a layer of relatability and charm to his character. Arinya, though less developed than Ex, is intriguing and her mysterious background adds to the story's allure. Their dynamic, filled with witty banter and evolving trust, is one of the book’s highlights. However, some readers might find Arinya's character arc and motivations somewhat underdeveloped, making it challenging to fully connect with her.

Goldenberg’s writing is engaging and fluid, seamlessly blending humor with darker themes. The witty dialogue and Ex’s humorous internal thoughts provide levity amidst the action and tension. The narrative style is fast-paced, keeping readers hooked from start to finish. However, the latter half of the book can become somewhat convoluted, with multiple plot lines that are not always seamlessly connected, potentially leading to some confusion.

The novel explores themes of heroism, cultural heritage, and the struggle between duty and personal desire. The tone is a balanced mix of lighthearted and serious, reflecting the dual nature of Ex’s journey. The use of Thai folklore not only enriches the narrative but also highlights the importance of cultural preservation and storytelling.

The pacing is generally brisk, with a well-structured plot that keeps readers engaged. The initial quest-driven storyline evolves into a more complex narrative involving political intrigue and deeper character relationships. While the fast pace maintains excitement, it occasionally sacrifices clarity, especially in the latter chapters. The romance between Ex and Arinya, while adding emotional depth, can feel rushed and somewhat forced.

One of the book’s significant strengths is its unique incorporation of Thai folklore, which sets it apart in the fantasy genre. The characters, particularly Ex, are well-crafted and engaging. The humor and lighthearted moments balance the darker elements, creating an enjoyable reading experience. However, the book’s ambitious scope sometimes leads to a lack of coherence in the plot and character development, particularly in the second half. The romance subplot, while adding to the character dynamics, may feel underdeveloped to some readers.

"The Last Phi Hunter" is a refreshing and entertaining addition to the fantasy genre, offering a rich tapestry of Thai folklore and a compelling protagonist in Ex. Despite some narrative and pacing issues, Salinee Goldenberg’s debut novel is a promising start, showcasing her talent for storytelling and world-building. Fans of mythological fantasy and those seeking a unique cultural perspective will find much to enjoy in this vibrant and engaging tale. Goldenberg is undoubtedly an author to watch, and her future works are eagerly anticipated.

This book. Wow. It is simultaneously gruesome and beautiful. Fair warning, it is pretty graphic when it comes to the more violent scenes. This is a unique story with adventure and romance. The worldbuilding and magic system are so interesting. The characters are really likable, I was rooting for them to succeed, and the romance was a slowburn and just really lovely.

The world building was epic and beautiful, but the characters fell short for me. I don't feel like I connected with them as much as I would have liked for as much as we got them

Salinee Goldenberg's The Last Phi Hunter, which is based on extensive Thai tradition, presents a novel interpretation of dark fantasy. Ex, a lone Phi Hunter, and a pregnant martial artist must navigate a haunted woodland together in this fascinating premise. The folkloric components are intriguing, and the world-building is amazing. But the plot drags a bit, with side missions that don't really advance the main narrative. The fighting sequences aren't as exciting as they could be, and the pacing is awkward. Although the story has potential, it is not executed well enough. I would rate it a 3 overall due to its inventiveness and inconsistent delivery.

This was certainly the first Thai mythology inspired fantasy I've ever read and I'm so glad I did. The story was pretty interesting and it was fun to be immersed in a new kind of world with new lore.

This book was a fascinating fantasy read inspired by Thai folklore. It’s an original story filled with mythical ghosts and creatures. It would be even better if we were given more context and information about the different types of monsters the heroes encounter. Even though I quickly researched Thai folklore, I felt like I missed something. The plot also seemed to meander and focus on side quests that did little to further the story.

To sum up, this is a unique novel that would be treasured by those more familiar with the folklore it was inspired by.

Okay, this was great! I don't think I've read anything before with Thai folklore and I hope this won't be the last. I can find fantasy a little hit or miss lately but this one did NOT disappoint. I throughly enjoyed the characters and action and didn't want to put it down. I can't wait to read more from this author. A fabulous debut. Highly recommend.

Even though this book does feel like a debut novel, I absolutely loved how refreshing it felt. Salinee Goldenberg did a fantastic job blending elements of interesting (and at time disturbing) creatures, genuinely fun and funny moments, and a budding romance that you're definitely rooting for. The best way to describe The Last Phi Hunter is Legends of Korra fused with Thai mythology and culture.
My only criticism comes with the combat. I think this is where Goldenberg shows her inexperience, but that gives more room to grow as an author. I truly look forward to what she will bring to the table next

This was so interesting. I had no idea I needed the Witcher, but make it Thai. I really enjoyed all of the Thai demons and spirits and also the food. I liked how determined the main character was, how cheeky all the side characters were and how much they had their own agendas. I really liked a pregnant character just existing as a person rather than being defined by the fact that they were about to give birth.

The whole thing was very enjoyable and I liked all the twists and turns.

⭐️: 2.5/5
🌶️: 1.5/5
Format: 📱

This was extremely middling for me. I read it as an ARC, but it ran so slowly for me.

Things I struggled with:
- The plot didn't flow very well. It really felt like there was like, two main plot events, and the build-up felt bigger than the event itself.
- The romance was very hot and cold. I didn't see any true development, just a yo-yo between "she loves him" and "she's mad at him."

Things I really enjoyed:
- The world-building was really cool! Descriptions were strong so I could easily picture everything!
- The magic system was really unique, and relatively fleshed out, so I enjoyed that!

Overall, I don't think I'll read again, because I needed more to drive the book forward, but just because it didn't work for me doesn't mean it won't work for others!

Not for me unfortunately. I was intrigued in the first couple of chapters but was let down after that. I really disliked the characters, and honestly, the way women were written and discussed was not it. Had potential and a pretty cover but was ultimately disappointed

So initially I was having trouble getting into this book but that amazing cover kept pulling me back so I decided to follow along with the audiobook and I'm so glad I made that decision. This is a Thai inspired fantasy that I’d compare The Witcher because of some of the monster hunting elements that are present. We have a character who is traveling through the human world and spirit world and encountering demons and spirits. The writing style is definitly different but having it read aloud and just sinking into it really helped. Highly recommend the audiobook!

A stunning cover with an extremely interesting concept based on Thai mythology and folklore that fell really flat for me. The biggest issue I had with this was that the presentation of the characters seemed extremely prejudiced against women. Which is quite surprising as based on my research the author is a cis, bisexual Asian-American author.

Both the MMC and the love interest (and the world?) seemed to lean into the absolute misogyny of it all. There's just so much of this I didn't like.
- He out of the blue tries to kiss her cause she was.... looking in his direction.
- One moment they're traveling and the next she's offering him oral sex in exchange for his services. While I don't have a problem with sex work, there was no reason for this to come out of the blue when she could've like... asked?
- The love interest also throws a tantrum when at one point the MMC turns her down then proceeds to constantly lie and manipulate the MMC and he just took it for no reason while simultaneously looking down at her and judging her choices.
- The love interest also lies about her abusive past and manipulates the MMC to transfer the soul of the fetus in her womb.
- There was also this scene where the MMC was looking back on his first time having sex, which happened to be in a brothel. He goes in and changes his mind and doesn't want it anymore but the lady grabs him goes for it cause she's like, already paid so he just sits there waiting for it to end.... like bruh????

There's honestly so many other instances but it's been months since I read this. At the end, I didn't understand any of their motivations and couldn't empathize with their characters. He's presented as a himbo but not a lovable one just a clumsy, incompetent fool. Their interactions gave me the serious ick and their characters as a whole have me worried about how someone can write people like this.
I did enjoy the world building and the prose. Everything else. idk. Personally, a disappointment.

A really solid standalone fantasy that was equal parts quest, love story, and kind of a coming of age? Or coming into… Hunter?

I love the Thai elements in the story, particularly the mentions of food had me lowkey hungry. Xe is such a ridiculous but endearing main character, and I loved his sense of humor in some very untimely and slightly gross moments. He was very easy to root for!

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.

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…

Really well-written. I loved the characters and the dynamic between them. The world building was also really well-done. Loved it!

Thank you, NetGalley, for the early arc! I know very little about Thai folklore, and this is the first time I've read a book about it, but I'm eager to hear and read more. Pretty fast-paced plot with some good action scenes involving demon slaying. I really enjoyed this novel, and Ex's inner monologue was extremely entertaining. Really Arinya as character and she was funny as well.


#NetGalley #Arc