Way of the Walker, by Salinee Goldenberg

Way of the Walker is a grimdark fantasy novel written by Salinee Goldenberg, published by Angry Robot Books. A return to the Thai-inspired world of Suyoram, a standalone proposal that this time goes a bit darker, exploring themes such as colonialism, how mythology is formed and feminine rage, creating a story about following your own path and choosing it over those predetermined for you.

With her constant connection to the Everpresent, Isaree (Ree) was destined to be a Phi Hunter, a future determined by tradition, stalking the lands of Suroyam and slaying ghosts; but the more she learns about the Phi Hunter's Guild, more questions she has about tradition and doctrine. Her brother being injured by men in uniform is the spark she needs to start her own journey through swamps and deserts, discovering more about the spirits and getting in the middle of a war that is still in its early stages.

Goldenberg gives us a story that is definitely harder than her debut, mainly articulated around the figure of Ree and her journey. Somebody who was destined to be a Phi Hunter, but who started to question the narrative, discovering more about the legacy of the Guild; but it's colonialism and how it affects her brother that moves her to definitely act. Her interactions with phis also show somebody that ends being open to accept that there is more than a single version of a story; and seeing her grow and accept rage as something that can be canalized for greater purposes, to create her own path is certainly cathartic.
The rest of the cast is kinda outshined by how the protagonist steals the scene, but there is still space for the main secondary to slowly become part of the story, a Tan that represents the side of the colonizer but who grows into something more.

I loved returning to Suroyam, as Goldenberg continues expanding the world and gives us a better taste of how the phis can be really complex; folklore and tradition are questioned while still giving them some value.
The novel is really well paced, starting slow so we can get used again to this rich world, but soon picking and keeping us in tension; the writing is bolder than in Goldenberg's previous novel, and I certainly appreciated those sections that are less corporeal.

Overall, Way of the Walker is a great sophomore novel, a perfect choice if you are looking for a tale of feminine rage, carving your own path, and a richly woven world inspired by Thai culture. Simply amazing!