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melsmagicalreads's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
mrs_hs_favourite_books's review
5.0
I loved this unique and enchanting fantasy. Ex was a brilliant main character. Witty and chaotic. He kept me entertained throughout. I also loved the strong and feisty Arinya. They made a fantastic team. Brilliantly written and with an interesting take on Thai mythology. It was fabulous.
neimillis's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
snowwhitehatesapples's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Also on Snow White Hates Apples.
Set in a world lush with Thai mythology, Buddhist concepts, and magic, The Last Phi Hunter is an action-packed standalone fantasy book that mainly follows Ex, the youngest Phi hunter who’s determined to make a name for himself by hunting the elusive Shar-Ala, a true demon of nightmares and madness, and to a lesser extent, Narissa, a phi seeking atonement so that she may be reborn as a human again.
Ex’s story is one we’re all familiar with: he comes across a (rather capable) damsel in distress while working on his main quest of slaying Shar-Ala, gets tangled up with whatever’s going on with her and ultimately, they get together. Truthfully, despite liking the relationship between Ex and Arinya, I was also the least interested in their romance. It felt a little forced and cringe, especially since it feels more fueled by physical attraction than anything else.
Moreover, it could be just me but I felt that Ex’s part of the story was too convenient at times. Like, the parts where Shar-Ala was involved. Ex has been hunting the true demon for two years, unable to find more than its footprint but just when he and Arinya are only given one day left to live by the swamp’s guardian, Shar-Ala finally shows up? I mean, sure, I had expected something like this to happen but not so quickly and easily. Plus, the ending of the book was too neat — satisfying, but still too neat.
Narissa’s story, on the other hand, was intriguing and filled with emotion. After accidentally eating the only man she has ever loved, she sets out on a painful and difficult journey of redemption, hoping that by abstaining from eating humans and thus, starving herself for 30 years, she will be born again as human. She meets Ex and Arinya later in the story and I greatly appreciate how her character (and Astrama’s) added a different dimension to the entire human VS monsters aspect of the story.
Aside from the above, since I listened to the audiobook, I think the narrator did a good job of bringing the story to life. Although I had some trouble understanding some of the words due to the accent (I’m from Southeast Asia), the flow of the narration was steady. The distinction between the voices of different characters, particularly the females, was done well too. I was absorbed in the story and rarely realised how much time had passed while listening. However, I must admit that the sound effects the narrator did for the creatures were…I’m incredibly sorry to write this, but they had me burst out laughing. It would’ve been better for those parts to have been done with proper sound effects.
All in all, The Last Phi Hunter is a solid debut. I loved the representations here and can’t wait to read more of the author’s books!
Set in a world lush with Thai mythology, Buddhist concepts, and magic, The Last Phi Hunter is an action-packed standalone fantasy book that mainly follows Ex, the youngest Phi hunter who’s determined to make a name for himself by hunting the elusive Shar-Ala, a true demon of nightmares and madness, and to a lesser extent, Narissa, a phi seeking atonement so that she may be reborn as a human again.
Ex’s story is one we’re all familiar with: he comes across a (rather capable) damsel in distress while working on his main quest of slaying Shar-Ala, gets tangled up with whatever’s going on with her and ultimately, they get together. Truthfully, despite liking the relationship between Ex and Arinya, I was also the least interested in their romance. It felt a little forced and cringe, especially since it feels more fueled by physical attraction than anything else.
Moreover, it could be just me but I felt that Ex’s part of the story was too convenient at times. Like, the parts where Shar-Ala was involved. Ex has been hunting the true demon for two years, unable to find more than its footprint but just when he and Arinya are only given one day left to live by the swamp’s guardian, Shar-Ala finally shows up? I mean, sure, I had expected something like this to happen but not so quickly and easily. Plus, the ending of the book was too neat — satisfying, but still too neat.
Narissa’s story, on the other hand, was intriguing and filled with emotion. After accidentally eating the only man she has ever loved, she sets out on a painful and difficult journey of redemption, hoping that by abstaining from eating humans and thus, starving herself for 30 years, she will be born again as human. She meets Ex and Arinya later in the story and I greatly appreciate how her character (and Astrama’s) added a different dimension to the entire human VS monsters aspect of the story.
Aside from the above, since I listened to the audiobook, I think the narrator did a good job of bringing the story to life. Although I had some trouble understanding some of the words due to the accent (I’m from Southeast Asia), the flow of the narration was steady. The distinction between the voices of different characters, particularly the females, was done well too. I was absorbed in the story and rarely realised how much time had passed while listening. However, I must admit that the sound effects the narrator did for the creatures were…I’m incredibly sorry to write this, but they had me burst out laughing. It would’ve been better for those parts to have been done with proper sound effects.
All in all, The Last Phi Hunter is a solid debut. I loved the representations here and can’t wait to read more of the author’s books!
Thank you so much Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this in exchange for an honest review! The Last Phi Hunter by Salinee Goldenberg is available at all good bookstores.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual content, Injury/Injury detail, Sexual assault, and Gore
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Pregnancy and War
danreadsitall's review
adventurous
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Thanks for including me in the tour for Salinee Goldenburg's (@gosalgo) "The Last Phi Hunter" @angryrobotbooks!
Hunting spirits, ghosts and demons is a rough job. Especially when the kingdom you live in doesn't really care for the Phi (pronounced Fee) Hunters and their brand of magic. Gets even more awkward when you are the youngest member of the guild and trying to make a name for yourself. Enter Ex, tired of hunting small fry he has spent years trying to find a demon with a name, Shar-Ala. With his skills, some stubborn horses, and a hound that seems too mocking, what could go wrong? Apparently a lot, because Ex's path crosses with a heavily pregnant woman named Arinya who saves him from a beating. She just needs him to escorts her through the spirit filled forest...who all want to eat the unborn child.
Might have also snuck the audio, Narrated by David Lee Huynh because I wanted to check my pronunciation and the idea that a certain character came off the way they did in my head. Very happy.
Reasons to read:
-I didn't know the myths behind any of the creatures in the story and not knowing means I can be surprised
-All three of the protagonists are great
-Great ending
-Comeuppance, love to see it
-An organization that has plans
Cons:
-Maybe don't eat when some of the spirits are doing their thing
Hunting spirits, ghosts and demons is a rough job. Especially when the kingdom you live in doesn't really care for the Phi (pronounced Fee) Hunters and their brand of magic. Gets even more awkward when you are the youngest member of the guild and trying to make a name for yourself. Enter Ex, tired of hunting small fry he has spent years trying to find a demon with a name, Shar-Ala. With his skills, some stubborn horses, and a hound that seems too mocking, what could go wrong? Apparently a lot, because Ex's path crosses with a heavily pregnant woman named Arinya who saves him from a beating. She just needs him to escorts her through the spirit filled forest...who all want to eat the unborn child.
Might have also snuck the audio, Narrated by David Lee Huynh because I wanted to check my pronunciation and the idea that a certain character came off the way they did in my head. Very happy.
Reasons to read:
-I didn't know the myths behind any of the creatures in the story and not knowing means I can be surprised
-All three of the protagonists are great
-Great ending
-Comeuppance, love to see it
-An organization that has plans
Cons:
-Maybe don't eat when some of the spirits are doing their thing
brunchatiffanys's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Lore for this ARC Audio Copy!
This was an interesting book, interesting story and idea but I just wish there had been more of the world and the reasonings behind the Phi. There were multiple different kinds of Demons and Spirits in the world and they were all so interesting and I really just wanted to know more about them and I just wish there had been more detain in the world building.
I also understand that the character was a hunter and raised a certain way to perform his duties but I just never found a way to connect to the characters throughout the book and for that reason I don't think it was able to keep me as invested as I would have liked.
All in all it is a great story and though maybe it was not for me, it is still definitely going to be loved by many.
This was an interesting book, interesting story and idea but I just wish there had been more of the world and the reasonings behind the Phi. There were multiple different kinds of Demons and Spirits in the world and they were all so interesting and I really just wanted to know more about them and I just wish there had been more detain in the world building.
I also understand that the character was a hunter and raised a certain way to perform his duties but I just never found a way to connect to the characters throughout the book and for that reason I don't think it was able to keep me as invested as I would have liked.
All in all it is a great story and though maybe it was not for me, it is still definitely going to be loved by many.
afloodofbooks's review
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Phi Hunter Ex is a lone wolf on his path to becoming a demon slayer. One day, his journey is interrupted when his is enlisted by a pregnant woman on the run seeking the help of a witch. The Last Phi Hunter is based on Thai history and mythology and weaves a magical tale of ghost and demon slaying throughout the Suyoram Kingdom with the charming muay-boran champion, and consort of the prince, Arinya. Together, Arinya and Ex embark on a fantastic and dangerous journey to slay the elusive demon of nightmares, Shar-Ala, and protect Arinya's unborn child. Through the book they travel through Suyoram encountering interesting and perilous characters, and danger lurks around every corner.
The Last Phi Hunter absolutely blew me away and is an absolute DELIGHT of a debut novel by Salinee Goldenberg. The story was well paced, the world was fascinating and interesting and Goldenberg really brought the various spirit realms and nature of Suyoram to life. Throughout the book we are slowly given deeper insight into Arinya and Ex and some of their companions and have a front row seat to Ex's development as he comes to better know himself and what he truly wants. The book features themes of colonialism, environmental degradation, and the affects of losing traditional knowledge and trades. I can not recommend this debut enough. Thank you to Angry Robot for a digital ARC of The Last Phi Hunter.
The Last Phi Hunter absolutely blew me away and is an absolute DELIGHT of a debut novel by Salinee Goldenberg. The story was well paced, the world was fascinating and interesting and Goldenberg really brought the various spirit realms and nature of Suyoram to life. Throughout the book we are slowly given deeper insight into Arinya and Ex and some of their companions and have a front row seat to Ex's development as he comes to better know himself and what he truly wants. The book features themes of colonialism, environmental degradation, and the affects of losing traditional knowledge and trades. I can not recommend this debut enough. Thank you to Angry Robot for a digital ARC of The Last Phi Hunter.
bookish_martina's review
adventurous
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
river24's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
4.0
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.
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.
sherborne's review
I felt like the plot was all over the place, and I got the feeling that the story was going to unravel in a way that wouldn't interest me.
I also have some trouble with the first "smutty" scene. It came out of nowhere, but seemed consensual, until the protagonist said no, and the female character tried to convince him to keep going. He wanted to have sex, he told us so, but he didn't want to do it in these circumstances (for personal ang magical reasons). To make the fmc stop, he started saying that if he wanted to fuck, he could go to any whore, and that she wasn't different from the rest : I found that quite harmful. He also choose to keep silent about a thing she probably doesn't know and that could have an impact on here life.
I liek the Thai folklore, even if I think it is not well introduced for people who don't know a thing about it.
I'm not vibing with the book, I've been reading it for more than a week and didn't manage to get past the 50% mark, so it's a dnf :(
I also have some trouble with the first "smutty" scene. It came out of nowhere, but seemed consensual, until the protagonist said no, and the female character tried to convince him to keep going. He wanted to have sex, he told us so, but he didn't want to do it in these circumstances (for personal ang magical reasons). To make the fmc stop, he started saying that if he wanted to fuck, he could go to any whore, and that she wasn't different from the rest : I found that quite harmful. He also choose to keep silent about a thing she probably doesn't know and that could have an impact on here life.
I liek the Thai folklore, even if I think it is not well introduced for people who don't know a thing about it.
I'm not vibing with the book, I've been reading it for more than a week and didn't manage to get past the 50% mark, so it's a dnf :(