Beautiful, unique setting filled with rich Thai inspired folklore and mythology, The Last Phi Hunter is a little bit different to the usual fantasy I find myself drawn too, and I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this. We follow Ex, a demon hunter who is enlisted to escort Arinya, a heavily pregnant woman through a cursed forest. I felt really immersed in the world, which was lush in it's descriptions of the surrounding forests and suitably atmospheric. If anything I would have liked more time in the Ever-Present as it had so much potential to expand the world in an interesting way.

I wasn't as intrigued by the characters. Arinya, given her obvious situation, felt a little flat compared to Ex who gets a great character arc and development. I liked the dynamics between the two, however the uneven character arc did make it difficult to root for Arinya and the romance elements of the story.

Fast paced, full of action and quick to get through with an easy writing style and lush folklore inspired story. This is ket down by the characters slightly, but overall this was a fun read and a great debut.

The Last Phi Hunter by Salinee Goldenberg is a refreshing addition to the fantasy genre, bringing some Thai folklore into the light. This book presents us the phis, spirits or demons that are a big part of Thai mythology.

The premise of the book was fascinating and the lore was well done. I felt like the characters were missing something and i was hoping a bigger depth specially because there were such a great world building.

This was a great book, and i recommend it to those that, like me, enjoy their fantasy with some folklore inspiration. And specially to those who are curious about Southeast Asia mythology.

The Last Phi Hunter by Salinee Goldenberg is a refreshing addition to the fantasy genre, standing out with its rich foundation in Thai folklore. The novel brings readers into a world teeming with phis (spirits or demons), each uniquely imagined and vividly described. The sheer variety of these supernatural beings is a highlight, offering an expansive and intriguing view into Thai cultural mythology.

While the premise is fascinating and the lore is a strong point, the characters felt somewhat underdeveloped. Their motivations and growth could have been explored further to match the depth of the worldbuilding. Despite this, the book's unique perspective and creative approach to fantasy make it a compelling read for those eager to dive into a different cultural lens.

A solid choice for fans of folklore-inspired fantasy, especially readers curious about Southeast Asian myths.

I really enjoyed reading this book - I alternated between the audio format and the ebook version. The characters were well fleshed out and relatable, the story itself was well-paced and engaging and I really liked the inclusion of lore and worldbuilding. Overall I thought this was a great read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Will definitely be reading more by this author in the future and I have purchased a copy of the book as I will definitely want to reread it one day. Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with an ARC for which I was able to write this review.

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.

So much fun! Love the world and the cover is GORGEOUS.

*Fiasco* by Constance Fay is an engaging and dramatic exploration of personal turmoil and the consequences of poor decisions. The story centers around characters whose lives spiral out of control, each facing the fallout of their actions. Fay's writing is sharp and raw, capturing the emotional depth and complexity of her characters. The plot unfolds with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers hooked as they witness the characters' unraveling. Themes of redemption, failure, and self-realization are thoughtfully explored. *Fiasco* is a compelling read for those who enjoy character-driven stories that delve into human flaws and the messy realities of life.

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