The Last Phi Hunter came onto my radar when Lezlie from The Nerdy Narrative shared the cover on Twitter. This started as a cover read, for sure. I fell in love with the arc cover (it’s gray, not this one). Now that I finished it, I am glad I fell in love with the cover because this book is an absolute blast. I enjoyed it a lot.
The Last Phi Hunter takes place in a Thai-myth-inspired world and follows Ex, an ambitious, young, a little bit over his head(?) hunter. He is a lone wolf until he meets Arinya, a pregnant woman who needs his help.
Salinee Goldenberg’s world is downright mesmerizing. Dark forests, eerie spirits, and ancient mysteries lurk around every corner. It’s like stepping into a whole new realm of imagination. So much so, even the color of the world changes! I was hooked from the get-go.
This was a cover read, but in the end, what really grabbed me about The Last Phi Hunter is just how darn original it is. I mean, we’ve all read our fair share of fantasy tales, right? But this one? It’s like nothing I’ve ever come across before. Goldenberg’s story is fresh, vibrant, and rich with vivid descriptions that bring the world to life. I couldn’t put it down if I tried.
Now, let’s talk about the tone. You’d think a story with dark themes and gory scenes and, body horror would be pretty heavy, right? But not this one. Goldenberg manages to weave in a healthy dose of humor that keeps things light and entertaining, even when things get downright spooky. It’s like watching your favorite horror flick with a side of laughter – the perfect balance.
And I also want to take a moment to appreciate the characters. Ex, our main protagonist, is a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, he’s got good intentions and an ambitious spirit that’s hard not to admire. But on the other hand, he is seriously flawed. Sometimes his ambition gets the best of him, leading to some pretty disastrous outcomes. And there are times when he veers dangerously close to Mary Sue territory. But hey, despite his flaws, there is something undeniably charming about him. But it’s not Ex who shines – every character, from Phi to the spirits, is so likeable and complex. I am itching to learn more about their backstories and what makes them tick. I’d love to read novellas about them, tbh. I hope she writes more about this world.
While the Last Phi Hunter boasts an enchanting world inspired by Thai demon folklore and interesting characters, it’s not without its flaws. Like, Salinee Goldenberg’s descriptive prowess shines through, her fight scenes often leave much to be desired. Unlike the visceral intensity of authors like John Gwnne, the action in Goldenberg’s novel feels somewhat lackluster, especially considering Ex’s role as a demon hunter.
One more downside of the book is that, as the story progresses, things begin to feel a bit repetitive, particularly towards the end. It’s as if the narrative hits a plateau, spinning its wheels without much momentum. And while the romance subplot adds a touch of sweetness to the tale, it can’t quite shake off the feeling of being rushed, much like the ending itself. There’s a sense that certain elements could have been given more room to breathe, allowing for a more satisfying conclusion.
By extension, the balance of the story feels a bit off. Some aspects are dragged out while others, such as the rich political background (or, more like, the life in the palace) are left underdeveloped. It’s a missed opportunity to weave in deeper layers of intrigue and complexity, which could have added depth to the overall narrative.
But in the end, Salinee Goldenberg’s debut, The Last Phi Hunter, is a very impressive book. It is immersive, rich, and colorful. It is dark and bloody. It is funny and heartfelt. I found myself thoroughly immersed in its pages and eagerly wait more from Salinee Goldenberg. It is a great read.
Huge thanks to NetGalley, Angry Robot and Salinee Goldenberg for granting me early digital access in exchange for my honest review! The book will be out on April 9th 2024, don’t miss it!
Have you read any other Thai demon folklore inspired fantasy novels? Any recommendations? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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