ABSOLUTELY LOVED! Oh my god, I need more of this story! I was gripped immediately and devoured this book in two days!!!

Ill be honest, the cover of this book is what drew me in, but then I read the description and just wanted it even more.
Isaree is a phi hunter, but unlike her fellow noviciates she was born with the ability to see the Everpresent, the beautiful world of spirits and Magic.
But when circumstances shake her faith in the rule of law, she starts to question her own beliefs about phi hunters and begins a journey to find out who she's meant to be.
In an epic tale of self discovery, empathy, and fighting against opressive systems. The Way of the Walker shines harsh but meaningfull light on colonization and how helplessness can turn into hope.

A very good high fantasy book!
It was slightly hard to follow in the start but got much better and easier as it went on.

Thank you to NetGalley and Angry Robot for the ARC.

Plot 3.75/5
Characters 4/5
Ending 3.5/5
Interest 3.5/5

Overall 3.5/5

-No matter how much I really wanted to pay attention and like this book, I couldn’t really do it. I’m not sure if it’s the writing, the pacing or the plot itself but I could not get myself to focus and enjoy this book. I could tell that it was an interesting plot line and a unique world but it might be because I hadn’t realised that this was a sequel. I feel like it could be read as a standalone however, the reader would probably miss some lore about the world and the way it works with the phi hunters.

-The characters were indeed interesting. I liked seeing both of their perspectives on their respective journeys but also how they kind of interweave and blend in some points. The romance itself was fine, not a main plot point which I appreciated but still very much present and integrated into the story.

-The ending didn’t really hit for me. It was quite focused on the romance by the ending but still very much related to the plot line rather than making one take over the other like in many other book. I’m not sure I would read further books in this world, but I might if I get a chance to the read the first one and actually get a sense of the whole thing beforehand.

Many thanks to Angry Robot for providing me with a copy of Way of the Walker in exchange for an honest review.

Gosh what a second book!! This is the sequel to The Last Phi Hunter. You could technically read this as a standalone, but I highly suggest reading The Last Phi Hunter fist (it’s also VERY good). There’s lots of returning characters and easter eggs that were fun to see.

I really appreciated how we got a dark, gritty, look into Suyoram. Very different to the more humorous tone of The Last Phi Hunter.

The plot was THICK. There’s lots of things going on. Places, armies, characters, world building, the works. The world building in the first half of the book is a really good set up (even if the plot was a bit slow) for the latter half, where things pick up quickly. I found the pacing to be a little all over the place times, but there is a lot of time to cover in this one book.

Ree and Tan were great main characters. I do wish we got a little more time to see their relationship blossom. Agira was by far my favorite, such a well done side kick.

Way of the Walker reminded me of The Poppy War in many ways. Rin and Ree would honestly probably be frienemies 😅

If you’re into burn the world down feminine rage, high fantasy world building, and a lot of kick-ass action, go right on ahead and add Way of the Walker to your tbr.

Salinee Goldenberg’s *Way of the Walker* returns to the Thai‑inspired world of Suyoram with a story steeped in mythology, colonial tension, and fierce personal awakening. Isaree’s natural connection to the Everpresent makes her a gifted Phi Hunter, but as she uncovers the Guild’s troubling legacy and feels the pressure of Grisland’s expanding influence, her path becomes far less certain.

The book stands out for its atmospheric worldbuilding, its blend of folklore and action, and its exploration of feminine rage and institutional control. A few introspective stretches slow the pace, but the emotional depth and cultural richness make it a compelling read.

A strong 4‑star fantasy that builds beautifully on the foundations of *The Last Phi Hunter*.

Way of the Walker by Salinee Goldenberg
4.25 rounded down to 4 🔮🔮🔮🔮 orbs
Pub. Date: Jan 27, 2026
Angry Robot Publishing

On the outskirts of Suyoram…

💡Orbs Prologue: Haggardly I sit. Somewhere within the folds of my sweat-soaked linen, my heart still beats, or at least I think. Cultural rigor mortis has clawed hungrily at my people, and now we are nothing more than slaves to a game of moral debauchery. Our “partnership” was for our own good, they said. Yet, those words come from people who want for nothing. As I stare into the flames of the fire, through the mists of smoke, the outlines of an unusual hero begin to take shape. Her name is Isaree, daughter of Ex, a long-traditioned phi hunter; the blazing redness of her eyes shines hope into an otherwise futile existence.

🔩Nuts & Bolts: Ree trains exhaustively to be a phi-hunter like her father. Completing task after tedious task in hopes of following in his footsteps. Along this path of unyielding rules, Isaree is tested. When a trial goes awry, Isaree finds herself on a new adventure, conspiring with the enemy, people might say. Salinee Goldenberg’s sequel to The Last Phi Hunter leaves no stone unturned in the fight between the people of Suyoram and the invaders from Grisland. The spiritual tone will leave readers in a meditative state, leaving a sense of wonder and fulfillment. As cunning as a fox, Isaree uses her abilities to harness those creatures buried within the land to help stave off the slow evaporation of those people who can’t fight for themselves. The need for a presence, for a messiah to return and give them reason to break the cycle of a silent tyranny being wrought against them, is paramount. Within the pages, a complex battle of wit moves to the forefront, like chess pieces on the glossy walnut board. Behold, dear reader, a tale steeped in a mystical plume of wondrous nature, and one that you will soon not forget.

👍Orbs Pros: Otherworldy! An out-of-body experience within the confines of the reading vernacular. Ethereal! Ree’s journey allows readers to enter different dimensions filled with deities and higher powers, resulting in an epicness not always captured in novels of the genre. Isaree is a captivating protagonist, a strong female presence throughout, yet compassionate in her decision-making, which lent to my love for the character. I may not have felt this type of connection since Kvothe in The Name of the Wind. High praise indeed!

👎Orbs Cons: With so much world-building and traveling through spiritual dimensions, there are bound to be some moments of uncertainty. Finding exactly the right piece to fit in the puzzle eluded me at times, and I had to backtrack to find a foothold. That said, I did not read the first novel, The Last Phi Hunter, which made me wonder if that would have shed light on any of the question marks that popped up.

<b><i><u>Highly Recommended!</b></i></u>On the surface, this would appear to be a standard good vs. evil affair, to which you would be 100% entirely correct. However, this is only a small portion of what this novel by Goldenberg offers. This fantasy book touched me in a way that is difficult to put into words. I can liken it to that feeling of attending a hot yoga class, the taxing of the muscles, and the sweat-drenched clothes from the exertion, concluded by stepping outside and feeling the warm sun and cool breeze, a euphoric sense of serenity enveloping the mind. I won’t soon forget my time in Suyoram!

💡Orbs Epilogue: I can’t help but think I am being watched. Those lonely creatures are abandoned deep within the dark forest landscapes, seeking redemption as well. Those phi are often seen as the evil beings that we ought to eliminate. Yet the true enemy lay beneath our noses the entire time, masquerading as a crown-wearing liar with a fortuitous royal lineage. The Gris “foreman” shouts at me to get back to work, and my creaky bones force a protest. Isaree, can you help us? Can you remove this oppression so that I can live in harmony with my brethren? Can you teach us to accept what we don’t always understand? So simple, yet so complex in the same breath…

Many thanks to the publisher Angry Robot for the ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC! It was such a treat being back in this world. I loved this book even better than the first one. Isaree is a complex character with powerful motives!! I loved seeing Ex again! A MUST read!!

This is the first book I have read by this outstanding author. I hope to read many more.
The worldbuilding is excellent, and unlike many, she doesn't over-explain any of it. Nor does she make any character without flaw.
The mythology is new and unfamiliar, whether almost wholly in the author's mind or a mythos that I'm unacquainted with it made it a most enjoyable
read Two thumbs up.

✧˖°.˗ˏˋ WAY OF THE WALKER ˊ˗˖°.✧
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!! NOTE TO READERS ON NETGALLEY - This Version was Cut due to the nature of not being able to hide text. Content that are considered Spoiler were removed from this review, please refer to my review on GoodReads or StoryGraph to see them fully. Happy Reading !!

<blockquote>[ Quote will be revealed on the 27 January 2026! ]</blockquote>
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Characters: ★★★☆☆
World Building: ★★★★★
Plot: ★★★★☆
Tension: ★★★☆☆
Writing style: ★★★★☆
Entertainment: ★★★☆☆
Romance/Smut: ★★★☆☆

Overall Score: ★ 3.7/5.0 ★ 7.5/10 ★

˗ˏˋ ✧ I will thank NetGalley and the publisher 'Angry Robot' for this unique chance to get a early glimpse into this story in form of an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy)! Please note, no quotes will be provided, until the (edited) official release! ✧ˊ˗

I saw a pretty (Well defined Art style and contrast) and read 'Thai-inspired world', so sign me up. Sounds unique and intriguing enough from the masses of books coming out.
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˗ˏˋ The Story ˊ˗

As a young girl, Ree, was born with the ability to walk in the Everpresent, using this ability many years ago for the first time. Now on the ceremony of the hunters, she wished to complete it, despite her gift. And even against the favor of the people, she passed it. Walking the path of becoming a phi huntress with time... Yet as the news carried home, she was confronted with the worst. Her brother, Kit, was brought in injured from men in uniforms.

Her journey leads her from the dark mossy swamps, to the smoke ridden and burning sea. From the revelations of her discoveries and the crushing weight of a war in its infancy state. A burning ship, wooden shard's flying from the impact of the enemy fire.

From wise words of the greater sprits, to the tender moments between lovers... A mysterious prophecy whispered in common folks mouths, after seemingly years of ash and despair.

On the other side a young man on a ship, on his way to a new land, clear of the dangers, he and his crew still push into the land of 'demons'.
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˗ˏˋ My Two Cents ˊ˗

Although the start into the novel was a tad harder with a fever and lacking concentration on the letters and words. Yet i was immediately captivated into this strange world, with foreign concepts. I needed to reread the first part, to get my head back into place. Switching around characters made me trouble a bit, making myself a small map of em'. On her Trial in the Swamp, she eventually meets a great naga, the immortal Guardian of the Swamp. Gosh i love these creatures, needed to mention that (´｡• ᵕ •｡`) ♡ Snek (Snake) inspired characters are lovely.

Even if we look in the multitude of characters, which all get some screen time and even they are portrayed as living beings, than plot devices. We follow both Ree's view (The Natives of the land, the Jinburi) and the perspective of a lad, named Tan, who is on the side of the colonizing power. Their paths intertwine in the later half of the book. Love how she (SPOILER CONTENT REMOVED).

Although it is no explicit work of romance, there were relationships (strongest string holding any story together). If youre a 'spice' girly, this will not break it for you, The scenes of intimacy are written well, its hits the sweet spot, being subtle yet fully conveying the moment. Unless we talking about (SPOILER CONTENT REMOVED).

I wont spoil the end! (You gotta read for yourself Hehe~) But i can say it was satisfying and truly bittersweet...

All in All! I may speak for myself, i had a good time reading the novel, i might have not been the biggest fanatic of the romance, as it felt a tick to fast to fall for each other. Yet the grandios fantasy setting and setting kept me on my toes. Will i look more into Thai inspired/related content? Yep, Salinee Goldenberg could really convince me to dive deeper! Will i check more books from her past and future? Surely! May have i gone overboard with the length of the review. Most certainly... *Nervous laugh in the background*

I just put “Way of the Walker” down and I can’t shake the feeling that I’ve been on a journey with Ree. It feels like a quiet promise of hope mixed with a wild, almost mystical sense of change. Goldenberg weaves spirituality and redemption together, letting the clash between right and wrong sit at the heart of the story. What struck me most is how Ree refuses to follow the road others laid out for her—she carves her own, even when it means facing tough choices and making sacrifices. It’s a reminder that legends aren’t born from destiny alone, but from the courage to walk your own path. If you’re looking for a tale that feels both intimate and epic, this one hits the mark.