Thank you Netgalley for the ARC. Well I am conflicted by this one. I thoroughly enjoyed the worldbuilding and mythology I struggled with many of the characters and the logic. I'm not one for age gaps for one and the way Arinya's beginning and her ending arc felt very conflicting. She mentioned how 'Love happened" between her and the prince only later we found out how cruel and twisted he is? Why did she never mention it? It just felt like it was last minute added and it made the romance feel tainted by cheating when if she had mentioned it beforehand it wouldn't have felt that way. I'm also conflicted by the POVs. Why did Narissa have a POV? She's a fairly minor character. Why didn't Arinya? That would have made more sense. There were just so many gaps in the logic I can't even call them plot holes but a lot of these characters just didn't make sense to me.

3.5
I enjoyed this. Was sometimes lost with the magical concepts and creatures but I enjoyed the world overall. Loved that there were women in powerful roles throughout.

Ex is a Phi Hunter—he feels no pain, can heal wounds at will, and draws magic from a spirit realm called the Everpresent. His life is devoted to hunting the Phi, humans reincarnated as gruesome demons from Thai folklore as punishment for their sins, and he wants nothing more than to kill Shar-Ala, the demon of nightmares—that is, until the pregnant Arinya pays him to serve as her escort through the forest. What begins as a job turns into a deadly quest, and Ex’s life, the future of the Phi Hunters, and freedom of the woman he might just love are at stake. 

I love immersive fantasy and unique world building, and The Last Phi Hunter truly delivers both. Goldenberg infuses the book with vibrant sensory language, from descriptions of mouth-watering Thai cuisine (seriously, I was craving some basil fried beef and rice noodles the entire time I was reading) to visions of the eerie and magical Everpresent. The Thai folklore that serves as the backbone (no pun intended—you’ll understand when you read it!) of Ex’s world is fascinating, and proves once again why diverse voices are so important in fantasy—the world feels fully realized, and Goldenberg’s love and respect for the mythology really shines through. 

This isn’t your standard, linear narrative—instead, the plot builds and releases and builds again, taking a new turn each time in a way that feels organic and keeps you interested from one beat to the next. There were moments that I wish had a bit more room to breathe and some central conflicts felt resolved too quickly, but I really just wanted to spend more time in the Phi Hunter world. Side characters like Narissa and The Hound were so much fun, and I hope we get more of them in future books! 

The Last Phi Hunter is definitely plot-based as opposed to character-driven, and as a result, the romance does feel slightly lackluster. I loved Arinya’s introduction and would have liked to see more of her emotional development with and without Ex throughout the story, but we don’t get much insight into her character during the second half of the book—I kept waiting for the chemistry to develop, but the romance never quite had that impact for me. 

That said, if you’re someone who enjoys dark fantasy with just a dash of romantic subplot, The Last Phi Hunter is a great pick! I was really reminded of The Witcher when reading, so if you’re a fan of monster-hunters or fantasies rooted in folklore, you should definitely check this one out.

Review also posted to Goodreads here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6413401264

I read a lot of Asian inspired fantasies and I fear no trigger warnings, but this was the baffling. I can’t decide what was more off putting: the out of place grotesque descriptions? A creature assaulting an unconscious woman to eat her unborn child? A woman shaming someone for not consenting to sexual relations with her? It all just gave me the ick.

There are so many things that did not go well with this story. The characters were obnoxious and the love story was forced and cringe worthy. Every step of the way I considered putting it down and never picking it back up, but like a multi car pile up along the side of the road after sitting in traffic for hours. You owe it to yourself to see what the hell happened. The action really picked up at the end, and it introduced ideas of reincarnation the would have made the book stronger if it hadn’t been so late in the book. If the story was more about the last 30%, and skipped the forced romance I would have quite enjoyed it. (2.75/5 stars)

I like the storytelling, But also the character, especially Ex. I never read a book about Thai culture and I was so interested, to be honest.
The only "but" to me is that the book is kind of slow at first. However, I am very interested in reading more about the author!

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an e-arc of this book in exchange for a review!

I was initially drawn to this book by the cover, which lived up to every expectation I had for it. This book is a thrill ride from start to finish, especially because the plot does not stop. Not for a second. Ex is a fun mc and the cast of characters built around him are just as engaging (I personally have a soft spot for The Hound). The magic system rocks, and I did not find myself confused or unsure of how it worked, so kudos to the author for describing/explaining it well. The part that I found cramped was trying to balance the character growth storylines in a book where the plot is so intense and moves so quickly. In a longer story, you may have some more breathing room to help develop more of the character's emotional states and changes. If you're looking for an in depth character study, this one may not be for you. But if you are looking for a beautiful setting with an equally exciting plot, pick this one up.

Wow, what a book, what a story.
I was starting to drift into a reading slump before picking up The Last Phi Hunter, but it drew me from the get-go. I just had to know what was happening next.
Over the last year, I've developed a love for any books based on the mythologies of other cultures. The Last Phi Hunter is based on Thai mythology/folklore.
The Last Phi Hunter follows Ex, who is the youngest Phi hunter in his guild. He is also told by many in the guild that he may be the last. He is after his true demon slayer badge by killing the true demon Shar-Ala. On his adventure to earn his badge, he meets Arinya, and his path forward complicates.
I devoured and savoured this book. It is very much a stand-alone book, but I think it could possibly lead into another book. I very much would be interested to find out what comes next for Ex and Arinya. As well as for Narissa and Astrama.

This is more of a 3.5 star, rounded up.

Overall Impressions: This had an absolutely fascinating world and plotline which was really done a disservice by its prose. It needed another pass or two with a strong editor, especially with some of the very modern language suddenly pulling me out of the story, run-on sentences, and clumsy foreshadowing. Still, it’s hard to argue with the unique and magical world the story takes place in. I’m torn on whether I would read another book by this author, given what I specifically had issues with.

Worldbuilding: A thai-inspired world where the food is lovingly described. The different levels of spirit world were interesting, as were the phi themselves. A lot of questions go unanswered about the world but nothing which left glaring plot holes. I loved the different mythology described, the types of phi, the types of magic, and the reincarnation concepts explored. Truly such a vast world with a lot to love about it.

Characters: I did not like the characters, if I’m honest. Ex was constantly making the worst decisions and felt so juvenile, and his love interest had a fascinating backstory but felt two dimensional in the actual dialogue and actions. I did love Narissa and the twice-risen hound, though, as well as the witch. It’s a shame the book didn’t have more of their POVs.

Plot: Long, with some mild but fairly predictable twists. still, interesting (especially with the spirit realm portions) and generally made sense. A little simplistic in the actual plotline but the worldbuilding was so complex that maybe that’s for the best.

Pacing/prose: I almost DNFed this book so many times because of the prose. It feels very YA; not just straightforward but lacking in nuance and interest. Clumsy dialogue was the absolute worst part but I also disliked how the author was constantly giving these summary sentences telling the reader how to feel instead of providing enough information and background to let you come to your own conclusions.

Thank you Angry Robot and NetGalley for providing me with this arc in exchange for an honest review.

What immediately drew me in was the stunning cover and the premises of a fantasy inspired by Thai mythology. Being a debut novel the story is overall well crafted, the mythology is very interesting and the world-building is well done, even though I would have loved if the author let us explore more of the history of the Phi hunters and the country they live in. Unfortunately, what didn't work for me was the romance: I didn't feel any chemistry between Ex and Arinya, so every romantic interaction felt very forced (especially the beginning of chapter 12, it was unnecessary and it didn't move the plot forward).
Having said that, I enjoyed it and I would recommend it if you're looking for a fantasy with a unique setting.

If I had to sell this in a single sentence, The Witcher meets Thai mythology with feels.

The worldbuilding felt so lush and inhabited. The magic system was something kind of new and the phi, at times, seemed truly terrifying.

The Last Phi Hunter is a compelling, fast-paced fantasy novel inspired by Thai folklore.

Before reading this, I was completely unfamiliar with Thai tales, but also very intrigued by the book description. While I was confused for a while about the types of creatures and rituals described, by a quarter of the book I felt like I was grasping more of the situation and got really caught up in the story.

The main character was entertaining and kept me intrigued, but the use of additional POVs in some chapters made the book even more interesting! Narissa's storyline was smaller than Ex's, but maybe even my favourite?! When one of our chapters ended, I always wanted another one to come as soon as possible! I also really enjoyed getting to know Arinya - a badass, brilliant and funny travel companion for the protagonist who really stood out in her own right!

The novel is written very matter-of-factly, with a very "direct" style - no play on words or going around things. We got told exactly what the characters saw and felt with limited flowery wording - It was somewhat unexpected but quite refreshing!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!

The Last Phi Hunter. A magical action-packed fantasy based on Thai folklore and culture that I wasn't expecting it to be saturated with so much crisp description – mesmerising and dark – of its worldbuilding, intriguing characters and story. This book will hit the hearts of those finding for a different kind of magic and adventure.

Truthfully, I decided to read this because of some positive reviews by individuals who truly enjoyed this unique story. The blurb wasn't enough to make me read this, I mean, an ambitious young man wanting to kill the hardest monster there is to kill is...too typical for a plot. But the reviews hooked me and I became curious on why. You'd also think the journey would be typical too, obstacles, defending her and etc. etc.

But no. All that gore, dark magic and horror only to help said pregnant Arinya...who is also a Muay Thai champion. She's an inspiration. I like how despite her strength, we are able to see the feminine characteristics that is in her being expressed in both her pregnant form and after when she becomes a mother - although not through the typical way.

Throughout the whirlwind of adventure with some light underneath all that darkness, we get to see the harmonious life between humans, hunters and the phi or what it should be. With the ever-expanding control of the main kingdom and royalty, all these old magic and the hunters themselves are beginning to dwindle. This part of the story is not being told but it is being witnessed and thought during passing moments by Ex our main character as we learn more about his world and the politics weaved in it.

I truly enjoyed reading this and I would highly recommend this to anyone up for an intense ride full of Thai mythology and culture at its richest. There are so many layers to this story, my mind is still reeling from experiences I've never thought I would get into. I don't think I would've survived in the deepest layer unlike Ex. He's truly a courageous boy (although he has no choice but to).

The Last Phi Hunter (truly, only the future and it's evolution of civilization would know) coming out 9 April 2024! Thank you to Angry Robot and Netgalley for the ARC.

Thank you Angry Robot and NetGalley for the ARC!

Ex is a phi hunter, protecting humans from ghosts, spirits, and demons. At only 24, he is the youngest phi hunter and possibly the last, as the world around him has deemed the hunters and their magic obsolete. Ex has big plans - he’s going to kill a true demon, Shar-Ala. On his way to find the demon, Ex is saved by Arinya, a mysterious pregnant woman during a bar fight. Arinya, a former fighter, asks him to escort her to a nearby witch. Once they reach the witch, Arinya’s secrets are exposed and Ex finds himself embroiled in not only the hunt for a demon, but the politics of humans as well.

The Last Phi Hunter is a story based in the folklore, which was something that really drew me to it in the first place. The folklore and world building is rich but isn’t really overwhelming, and the descriptions of the phi were well detailed. The plot felt fresh and was engaging, the characters were well developed and really enjoyable, and overall the pacing was solid. There were times I felt things were moving slowly, and the last 10% of the book seemed to fly by, but in looking at it as a whole I feel it was successful. There were aspects of the Buddhist religion that were central to the story and world building, however it’s all well enough explained or there are enough context clues that it doesn’t lose you if you’re not well versed in Buddhism. The magic system was also super interesting and felt unique - there was a balance and harmony to it that distinguished how the hunters used it versus other magic users in the world.

The Last Phi Hunter was, overall, a delightful read. If you’re a fan of magic, monsters, and mystery, this book has it all. This is a really solid debut novel!

3,75 stars.

Thank you so much to Angry Robot and NetGalley for the ARC!

This book was different from anything I've ever read before. I was instantly intrigued with Ex's story and loved how much happened in the beginning of the story. It's been a long time since I read a book where the main character is a man - but I really enjoyed getting to know Ex and his story. And of course very pregnant Arinya. Such a different way for two characters to meet and start off their journey together and I loved every second of it.

But if I'm being honest, my favorite character is probably Mali. I know she wasn't in the book a whole lot, but she was just a delight. Her and Ex's interactions were brilliant and fun and I wished we saw more of her.

I will say that it was a bit confusing at times with all the different kinds of magic and spirits, demons, lore and names of places and people. Sometimes it gave you the feeling that there had been a book before this where things were explained in a bit more detail. But everything started to make more sense the further you got into it, and I actually ended up liking the way not everything had to be explained the second we hear about it the first time. And maybe sometimes more details weren't really important and so you could just let it act as a great mystical and spiritual presence in the background, which really worked for the story.

I know that this is based on Thai folklore and I think it's so great to hear about creatures and cultures that I don't know a lot about. However, some of the monsters were just a bit too... strange for my taste. Especially the krasue. I think it's great to have a bunch of different and disturbing monsters in a fantasy novel - but I think they just threw me off a little bit.

Spoiler below:
Especially when Narissa assaults Arinya and wants to eat her unborn child. I know everything works out and the baby isn't there. I know it's an insatiable monster hunger. And I know Narissa doesn't actually have a sexual intent behind it. But that doesn't make it any less wrong and the whole thing was forgiven and forgotten way too quickly. The fact that she literally assaults an unconscious Arinya (who I don't think ever finds out about that specific detail) just didn't sit right with me. They say several times throughout the whole story, that "the body remembers". Well, the body remembers assault as well and I felt like it was brushed over as nothing.

But that's actually my only real complaint. I enjoyed the story and their journey. Loved hearing about the spirits and how beautiful and magical everything was in the Everpresent. And it was fun to sometimes get a glimpse at what Ex had gone through to become a hunter.

So all in all a great and quite different read.

The Last Phi Hunter is a fun and action-packed fantasy based off of Thai mythology. I thought the descriptions of the phi, hunters, and the land/magic was fantastic and vivid - the action scenes flow and are easy to follow. I think Ex's character is appropriately awkward but also extremely competent at his job; his dynamics with Arinya, the Hound, and his hunter seniors are realistic, and I ended up caring for most of the characters (especially Narissa).

Pacing-wise, I do think the last third of the book is the most solid and interesting. The first half was interesting but it took some time to get fully invested into the stakes and the characters. Likewise, I'm still not entirely convinced of the romance between Ex and Arinya. I would have loved to spend some more time developing their attraction for each other. Still, I would recommend The Last Phi Hunter if you're looking to explore Thai mythology, or if you are interested in a Witcher-esque monster hunter society.

3.5/5 rounded up.

Thank you to NetGalley and Angry Robot for the ARC!

70% into the book, I got anxiety.

Now, given that this book has a fair amount of gore as it has fantastical elements, it would have been understandable. I squirm during horror movies and could not finish a Last Destination movie without getting actual nightmares. But no, this time it wasn't due to its quite descriptive violent scenes. I realized just when I was about to finish through the epilogue... that it was because the book was ending. It was going to be over, finished.

I got so attached to this book without realizing it. I LOVED THIS BOOK.

Ex is a 24 year-old Phi hunter. I won't go into details about what the Phi are but know they are dark spirits that often cause grief in the mortal plane, so phi hunters exist to eradicate them. Phi hunters are "morally gray", one would say. They hunt and kill phi, yes, but only do so when the Phi actively causes strife in an area of the kingdom. They (or at least our MMC) never kill humans and are not considered murderers. They hunt efficiently by scavenging phi parts to sell to witches and apothecaries who need the phi parts.

Ex is on a journey to take our FMC, Arinya, to a well-known witch for... a ritual. It all starts there, the adventure, the romance, and Ex's journey to hunt the True Demon (greater Phi), Shar-Ala.

This book, I realized when I jumped into the audiobook at Chapter 1, is so similar to a game my significant other and I enjoy playing: Monster Hunter. The game requires you to hunt monsters and "farm" for parts for your armor. Usually, monsters that have caused trouble to the Village you belong to. Because of this connection, it was easy for me to imagine most of the fighting in the book, the appearances of the phi, and even the guild of the Phi hunters. Oh, and he has a best friend, who is a Hound, that I think is a cross between Cerberus and a Palamute.

The dash of romance was also very cute. I LOVED Ex and Arinya's dynamic, with him being a younger, more naive boy than his older counterpart (8 years apart, if I recall correctly), chaos and funny moments were likely to ensue. Though there are times when Ex would make decisions about his feelings and relationship with Arinya that would lead you to think he has 5 different layers of stupid in him, it was all understandable because he had no experience with love. All this guy thinks about is Shar-Ala, hunting Shar-Ala, and Spicy Bami noodles.

Until Arinya came.

I won't reveal more about their romance because it only gets better and better, just like their character development. Their love becomes so pure and sweet that it just makes me ache with happiness and envy. Oh, and I should add right now that this is a semi-clean romance, and I'm glad it is.

I'd like to share a quote that made me scream into my pillow, when the master asked Ex about his feelings for Arinya:

"It is a force of nature, boy. Sometimes it swells like a tsunami, and drowns you. Sometimes it grows as slow as a tree, and blooms like a flower. Which was it?"

Ex exhaled as his will faded into slush. "How the sun rises. And the stars come out."

Like??? I CANT!!! To him, their love is slow but inevitable!!!

Anyway, I digress.

A LOT happens in this book. After achieving one goal, you'd think the villain is defeated. Alas, there is not one villain, but TWO. The real one, being the second, is such a character. Think Jafar from Aladdin or Tzekel-Khan of El Dorado. THOSE VIBES.

The story touches briefly on other planes of existence, reincarnation, ambition, Karma, and all that good stuff. This is the first novel I've read with a background in Thai culture and mythology, so most of it went over my head, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I love elements of reincarnation--or an implication of such a phenomenon.

All in all, Goldenberg has weaved a new and exciting prose, not despite Thai culture and mythology, but because of it. The way each character is flawed and finds peace with those flaws is so achingly human despite half of them not being one. The political and social issues, such as the fading of magic and the declining need for phi hunters have not been resolved at the very end simply because it is inevitable. Their world, much like ours, will simply move on and progress, and myths and legends will soon cease and become superstitions until finally, they become pages in a storybook.

With how the story ended, it might be true that Ex is indeed THE LAST PHI HUNTER... it is inevitable. And that's okay.

SOLID 5 STARS.

Dear author, if you're reading this, I'm asking for HELP. What in the 5 realms was THAT ENDING?! Can we have a long, nice chat over coffee or tea while I interrogate you about it and all the other theories that have kept my mind occupied for the last 8 hours!? Please and thank you!

P.S, my boyfriend is dying to read your book. :)

THANK YOU netgalley and angryrobotbooks for giving me the ARC! love yall!

Thank you Angry Robot and NetGalley for providing me with this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Amazing cover and an impressive debut!

Ex is a 24 year old Phi Hunter, the youngest in the guild and keen to earn the respect and recognition he deserves by killing a true demon he’s been hunting for 2 years. A demon called Shar-Ala, a legend who attacks in dreams and hasn’t been heard of in decades. Phi are hungry ghosts and demons who had all been human once. Phi hunters can enter a realm of spirits and magic called the Everpresent and speak voiceless words. Reading about Ex traveling through there and the different kinds of Phi and the animal spirits, was fascinating! I also loved the connection and respect Phi Hunters have with and for nature.

When Ex returns from killing a Phi and ends up in a fight with a drunken farmer who doesn’t like his kind, in a village that disrespected him by not giving him the reward he should have gotten for getting rid of a Phi that was eating villagers, an unexpected person saves him. A pregnant lady with a connection to the throne, called Arinya. She asks him to escort her to a witch he was already going to visit anyway and when they get there, we are witness of an incredible ritual called a soul-capture. Arinya is running from certain people and they end up traveling together. Arinya, Ex, his sometimes partner The Hound (part spirit/part wolf) and his two horses with very opposite behaviors, make an entertaining little crew. Along the way we get to meet the guardians of the Emerald Forest and of the swamp, who were beyond fascinating, we get glimpses of strange ancient empires and even walk into the Deva realm (which I can’t stop thinking about).

Ex is a very awkward boy and often kind of an idiot but he grew on me and I really liked him by the end. Arinya didn’t have much depth as a character so I didn’t feel the romance between them but that didn’t really matter to me because the world building was incredible and the fast paced story very engaging. The different kinds of magic and magic users and the guild’s home and their habits, were things I really enjoyed reading about too. And I almost forgot to mention Narissa! An intriguing Phi who helps them and wants to become human. Although her Phi form was the only thing that was a little too gross for me in this book, she became one of my favorite characters. I think that ew moment and the several men along the way who were disgusting in forcing themselves onto women (once very close to rape) and the amount of vulgar talk in this book, was what actually almost stopped me from reading on at one point but I’m glad I kept reading. I really enjoyed this one and I was completely sucked into the story.

The Last Phi Hunter, the debut novel by Salinee Goldenberg, is a fantastical journey inspired by Thai folklore and history. I most enjoyed that aspect of the story—the parts where we got to explore the Phi and this unique world Goldenberg has created. While the characters were interesting, I found I didn't care to follow their stories as much. Parts of their character arcs felt disjointed and underdeveloped. The plot was unpredictable at times, which made it hard to put the book down.

Overall, an interesting debut! I'd be interested to see what the author writes next, hoping they have a chance to grow and fix some of the weaknesses of their craft expressed in this.

I thought that this was a unique fantasy novel that captured my attention. I will say that sometimes I got a little lost, but the action and the whole background of the spirit world/other world that the hunter traveled through were fascinating.

I didn't know what to think of Ex for most of the novel, but I grew to like him by the end. I adored Arinya and her personality. It was cool to see more and more of the depth of her character.

When there was a somewhat descriptive mention of gore early in the novel, I was worried that it would pass my comfort level throughout the book, but it wasn't too gory for me, which says a lot.

I think that overall, it was a solid book that I would recommend to people who read a lot of fantasy, but it just wasn't quite the book for me. I would probably give it between 3.5 and 3.75 stars.

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

An engaging and fast-paced adventure through a world of mystique and magic. This book is based on Thai folklore, which is excellent, because I have been meaning to read more South-East Asian fantasy.

I find that debut fantasy novels struggle with introducing new concepts to readers, and either end up with huge chunks of exposition or with the characters verbally explaining things in a way that doesn't feel natural, but I found none of that with this book. The author does an excellent job of balancing well-timed and concise exposition with character dialogue in a way that feels organic without breaking my suspension of belief. I know nothing of the folklore, but I was able to easily grasp all the concepts. The world-building is vivid and lush, and the magic system and lore goes so hard, there's mutliple realms and different planes of reality, different types of magic, ancient civilisations, different religions, and I get the sense that the phi that appear on page are only a fraction of the vast variety of phi in this world.

Moving on, the characters seem interesting, but I feel that we don't get as much depth from them as the world-building does. The main character, Ex, has a funny and engaging narrative voice, but aside from flashbacks to when he was younger, I don't feel like he shows a lot of depth. Arinya also seems really cool, but she remains kind of unknowable for most of the story; it's hard to discern her motives or get a sense of who she is. The romance also came off as really forced, I never rooted for them to get together. They could have just stayed friends and the story would be exactly the same.

Overall, a great read, highly entertaining and immersive.