Scan barcode
A review by theverysleepygirl
The Last Phi Hunter by Salinee Goldenberg
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
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
I love this book so much that I finished it in 3 hours. Need I say more?
I will.
The Last Phi Hunter follows Ex, a monster (Phi) hunter on the quest to obtain the title of Something Slayer (sorry guys I have shit memory), which can only be achieved by defeating an ancient demon. He is on his way to a witch for her aid when a pregnant woman named Arinya saves him from a rough beating. She manages to convince him to escort her to meet the witch (by showing him a hefty pouch of money). The story unravels as Arinya's secrets do, thrusting Ex into the middle of a conspiracy that forces him to not only consider his feelings for his latest companian, but motivations behind his journey as a hunter.
The writing was incredibely well-done, as was the world-building which unveiled a unique magic system. There is a hiearchy to the spirits that roam their world, eventually graduating to demons, based on karmic energy. Themes of reincarnation and restorartion are weaved throughout, and intertwine with the characters' identities in such a beautiful way (I nearly cried).
The pacing was, to me, was perfect. Especially in the relationship between Arinya and Ex, which nearly made me tear out my hair at times but genuinely made me so happy for most of the time. There are also glimpses of friendship between Ex and side-characters that I found especially sweet to read about. I'll admit here though that I would have liked a bit more on Arinya, especialy a chapter in her POV. It would have added to the format that splits the chapters between Ex and the occasional insight of a side character that eventually becomes significant.
This book had it's moments: the epic ones, the funny ones, the emotional ones... and I ate every single one of them up. I could not reccomend this book more. I only wish that it were longer, because there was so much material to work with, and I wasn't ready to part with Ex and Arinya just yet.
This is an amazing debut from Goldenburg, and I am ecstatic to see what more she will share with us in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and Angry Robot for providing me with an eArc copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
I will.
The Last Phi Hunter follows Ex, a monster (Phi) hunter on the quest to obtain the title of Something Slayer (sorry guys I have shit memory), which can only be achieved by defeating an ancient demon. He is on his way to a witch for her aid when a pregnant woman named Arinya saves him from a rough beating. She manages to convince him to escort her to meet the witch (by showing him a hefty pouch of money). The story unravels as Arinya's secrets do, thrusting Ex into the middle of a conspiracy that forces him to not only consider his feelings for his latest companian, but motivations behind his journey as a hunter.
The writing was incredibely well-done, as was the world-building which unveiled a unique magic system. There is a hiearchy to the spirits that roam their world, eventually graduating to demons, based on karmic energy. Themes of reincarnation and restorartion are weaved throughout, and intertwine with the characters' identities in such a beautiful way (I nearly cried).
The pacing was, to me, was perfect. Especially in the relationship between Arinya and Ex, which nearly made me tear out my hair at times but genuinely made me so happy for most of the time. There are also glimpses of friendship between Ex and side-characters that I found especially sweet to read about. I'll admit here though that I would have liked a bit more on Arinya, especialy a chapter in her POV. It would have added to the format that splits the chapters between Ex and the occasional insight of a side character that eventually becomes significant.
This book had it's moments: the epic ones, the funny ones, the emotional ones... and I ate every single one of them up. I could not reccomend this book more. I only wish that it were longer, because there was so much material to work with, and I wasn't ready to part with Ex and Arinya just yet.
This is an amazing debut from Goldenburg, and I am ecstatic to see what more she will share with us in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and Angry Robot for providing me with an eArc copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!