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A review by cas_reads_anything
The Last Phi Hunter by Salinee Goldenberg
2.75
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.
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.