A very enjoyable fantasy adventure, with action, drama and some unexpected twists. I was surprised that this edged into horror territory at times, but it didn't particularly bother me, especially when the rest of the story was so imaginative.

I really enjoyed reading this book - I alternated between the audio format and the ebook version. The audiobook was really well narrated and I felt completely engaged with the story while listening. 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.

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.

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.

I enjoyed a lot about The Last Phi Hunter. It wasn't the most compulsively readable, but I really loved the atmosphere and mythological aspects! I found some of the characters a little flat and the worldbuilding was a bit weird as there were more modern words thrown around and it didn't quite feel as if every aspect had been thought out, however, I really did enjoy the story and I would be interested to try more books by Goldenberg in future.

Thanks to Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for an audioARC in exchange for an honest review

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!

This book is such a good fantasy and it’s easy to get through. I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the action to being able to picture myself in these intense scenes watching them in real time. This book has the perfect balance of banter and adventure.

Thank you to NetGalley, Angry Robot, Dreamscape Media, Dreamscape Lore, Salinee Goldenberg, and David Lee Huynh (audio narrator) for the opportunity to read and listen to the audiobook of The Last Phi Hunter in exchange for an honest review.

Ex is a member of the Phi hunter's Order. Phi are ghosts or demons that generally do harm to mortals. As a hunter, Ex has an obligation and personal quota to fill. But beyond that, he seeks a recognitional glory. He seeks Shar-Ala, a demon of nightmares who seems to elude all hunters. If Ex can bring the eye of Shar-Ala back to the Order, he will have recognition beyond compare.

Along the way, he is actually saved by a very pregnant woman (close to due). She becomes a much endeared travel companion, but given her condition, Ex has a lot of questions as he tries to avoid falling in love with Arinya. Her secrets might end up leading to a fight Ex never expected.

While mostly from the third-person perspective of Ex, there are some chapters that go into the third-person perspectives of the various ghosts and demons encountered in the story. This adds an intriguing viewpoint in seeing their thoughts and what ultimately leads to some of their actions.

This novel is excellent as a stand-alone fantasy for an adult audience, but ends with so much possibility for more. For those who enjoy fantasy adventure, demon hunting, Asian folklore, and a dash or romance, this enthralling page-turner is for you!

Netgalley Review

Star Rating: ★★★☆☆

This was a good read. Wasn't my favorite, but by far wasn't my least favorite book either. I thought it was worth my time and I'm glad that I gave it a chance.

Like always read it and decide for yourself!

a9Note for anyone whose NetGalley Shelf App also keeps crashing and is unusable: absolutely cannot use it on my phone, but it works fine on my tablet? So it was weird carting my whole tablet around to listen to this as an audiobook, but I did it. If you have a tablet, you might give it a try. I have Android (phone and tablet).)

The audiobook narrator was fantastic. I would listen to them narrate any book. Very nice voice.

I loved the characters in this book. The main character isn't actually the last phi hunter so I was a little confused as to why people call him that and why it's the title of the book, but maybe it's meant to be tongue-in-cheek? Cause he's actually a quite a clumsy lead, but that's his charm. He's kinda young and inexperienced but has lofty goals and an ego to match. This book is really funny, and some of the funniest parts are where he's getting into trouble, which is pretty often.

Now, I love a good romance. However, this time I actually didn't think this book needed one, but we got one anyway. And even though I wasn't really invested in their relationship, the love interest is probably the most important character in the story and she was a lot of fun. She does and says whatever she wants, and her backstory is that she was a professional fighter, which made her a million times more interesting to me. She always has to save the hero (from other and himself), which was super refreshing.

The plot had me in its grip from the very beginning. The worldbuilding is woven seamlessly into the story, so there was never any point where I felt I was being subjected to an info-dump. Nothing is overexplained or vague. It's just simple and beautiful. This is exactly my favorite kind of storytelling. You don't have to tab things to reference later, you don't have to take notes, you don't have to phone a friend. You always feel immersed and understand what's going on.

This story had a lot of my favorite things in it: an epic quest, an adventure through a forest, exploration of other worlds, a tour through a city, a break to enjoy a festival, and a good old-fashioned kidnapping. Did I mention there's a talking dog and because this story involves a lot of reincarnation elements, it never truly dies? Cause that's a thing and I love it.

I can't say enough good things. This one had it all. Action from the start. Great pacing. Fun characters. Intriguing plot. Superb writing. An ending that made me tear up (in a good way). I'll follow this author to the ends of the earth!

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

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.

This is the first story I've read based on Thai folklore and I really enjoyed it. The story was rich and diverse, the characters were fun and interesting, and I loved the perspective it shared. The story was truly excellent and had everything you could want - whimsy, dark moments, demons, epic battles - it truly had it all. This was such a fun read and delightful surprise as I wasn't sure how much I would or would not love it. Really thrilled how enjoyable it was.

Enjoyed this book immensely! Fast-paced, action-packed, and funny; this was a joy to listen to. The characters are lovable and interesting. I loved cocky Ex and Arinya. Also loved the fact that it is based on Thai folklore which gives this book a unique edge ( I forgot how scary demons and monsters from South East Asian lore can be!). The world building and magic system demonstrated in this novel are exceptional. The narrator does an excellent job of narrating the story. (The pronunciation is great and the accent is not distracting.)

All my thanks and heart felt appreciation to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

"The Last Phi Hunter" is a captivating audiobook that transports listeners to a world brimming with Thai mythology and magic. Salinee Goldenberg's debut novel intertwines folklore, sorcery, and redemption to create an enthralling narrative.

David Lee Huynh's narration adds depth to the characters and atmosphere, though occasional mispronunciations and quirky sound effects may briefly interrupt the immersion. Despite these minor flaws, Huynh's expressive delivery keeps listeners engaged as they follow Ex, Arinya, and Narissa on their journey filled with political intrigue and supernatural encounters.

With its thematic depth and imaginative worldbuilding, "The Last Phi Hunter" promises an unforgettable listening experience that will leave fantasy enthusiasts eagerly anticipating more from Goldenberg.

Inspired by Thai folklore, Salinee Goldenberg’s debut novel is a gem. This is a vibrant, visceral and brutal tangled hero’s journey that I could not put down.
“ Ex “ our main man is just getting started in his demon/ghost hunting life and he’s determined to prove himself to his guild by slaying a mythic demon of nightmares. Just that enough would be a story worth reading, but Ex is a professional - so demon slaying doesn’t require the trial and error that it would for others. As he’s stalking his prey he meets a pregnant woman who needs his help (though she does seem to do a lot of saving of him as the story progresses). He wants to say no, feels he needs to say no; what she’s asking is going to push the very boundaries of his skills and comforts. He can’t say no. As his path and the woman’s become more and more entwined, Ex continues to confront demons and ghosts in the past and present, in order to secure a hopeful future, not only for himself but for the people he cares for as well.

As far as writing, it’s well constructed, with some variation in pace but no true slow spots and I didn’t note any plot holes in this demon slaying adventure. The world building is intense but spread through the novel in a need to know fashion, rather than a dreadful info dump at the start. Characters are immensely relatable despite being not so human at times, there’s even a “dog” who I absolutely fell in love with…(ok so this is my second book of this year where I’m gushing over a dog, so maybe it’s openly a selling point to me?) There’s a touch of romance, with a very satisfying ending, but one that I didn’t expect. Oh and there’s some gnarly ghosts and demons and fighting. It was… perfection.
I am absolutely looking forward to more from this author

Update to my original review to refect the audiobook: This narrator worked well for me and this story. It was an easy to understand audiobook, even at accelerated speeds. Would recommend it.

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.

From chapter 1 this audiobook had me hooked! Everything about the characters & setting came alive. This is a delightful adventure fantasy NOT based in Western European mythology.

Phi hunters hunt & kill the physical manifestations of what are essentially evil spirits of the dead. These Phi can eventually become demons if they do enough evil in this form. We follow Ex, who is the youngest of his guild as he aids a pregnant woman through a journey that would endanger both her & the unborn child.

Based on an Eastern folklore tradition this is a very refreshing and unique fantasy novel. Definitely worth the read or the listen!

Ex is happy with his simple life as a demon hunter. The youngest member of his hunting guild, he is content to spend all his time alone with his animal spirit friends, bartering with local witches and chasing his dream of capturing his world's most notorious demon. His chance at a quiet life are dashed when he comes across a pregnant woman named, Arinya, and begrudgingly agrees to escort her to safety.

This book includes:
- mysterious strangers
- witches, sorcerers, and other mystical magic wielders
- demon hunters
- instant love
- grumpy-sunshine dynamic where the girl needs to save the boy more than a few times
- connections to the spirit world and the divine "beyond"

I really enjoyed diving into the unique and spiritual world of "The Last Phi Hunter." I liked the way Ex navigated between his two worlds and how his role as a hunter instilled a deep appreciation for the natural world. Potentially, I could see the book doing well with older YA readers who are in the midst of transitioning to adult fantasy. It is very well-paced, and even the more unique elements are described in a way that makes them very easy to envision while reading. Ex is also a very likable protagonist. He can be clumsy and make silly mistakes, and that endeared him to me. I liked that he expressed his fear and was brave anyway.

I did feel that the romance lacked chemistry and kind of felt like it was built on nothing. I also wish we would have gotten a deeper look into Arinya's life at court and gotten a less cartoonish depiction of the prince. Did the prince treat her well? Did she ever love him? What about Ex was she attracted to? What is her relationship with the sorcerer and the king? Why is the "queen" evil? There were too many unanswered questions in the second half of the book. I would have thought these questions were to be answered in book 2, however, the final part of the book kind of brushes past all of these plot holes and sets up an entirely new plotline for the next book.

beyond that, I really enjoyed the audiobook narrator and the cover art is gorgeous!

I received this audiobook as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley, Salinee Goldenberg, and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to review this book. This review has been posted to GoodReads - check out my profile https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/62314863