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The Hurricane Wars #2
A Monsoon Rising
Win a free print copy of this book!
12 days and 14:46:58
100 copies available
U.S. only
Two hearts circle each other in the eye of the storm in this highly-anticipated follow-up to The Hurricane Wars—prepare for more enemies-to-lovers romance, magical adventures, and political schemes in this Southeast Asian-inspired world.
After a lifetime of war, Alaric and Talasyn were thrust into an alliance between their homelands that was supposed to end the fighting; however, being married to their sworn foe feels far from peaceful. Now Talasyn must play the part of Alaric’s willing empress while her allies secretly plot to overthrow his reign. But the longer the couple are forced together, the harder it becomes to deny the feelings crackling like lightning between them. When the time comes to act, can she trust him, or must she ignore her heart for the sake of so many others?
As the master of the Shadowforged Legion, Alaric has trained for battle all his life, but marrying a Lightweaver might be his most dangerous challenge yet. With tensions between nations churning, he needs to focus on the greater threat—the Moonless Dark, a cataclysmic magical event that could devour everything. Only he and Talasyn can stop it, with a powerful merging of light and shadow that they alone can create together. But saving their world from this disaster is a mere preface to his father’s more sinister schemes, and his wife is a burning flame in the darkness, tempting both his loyalties and his desires.
The Hurricane Wars aren’t over. It’s time to choose what—and who—to fight for. The world holds its breath amidst a whirlwind of new magic and old secrets that could change everything.
After a lifetime of war, Alaric and Talasyn were thrust into an alliance between their homelands that was supposed to end the fighting; however, being married to their sworn foe feels far from peaceful. Now Talasyn must play the part of Alaric’s willing empress while her allies secretly plot to overthrow his reign. But the longer the couple are forced together, the harder it becomes to deny the feelings crackling like lightning between them. When the time comes to act, can she trust him, or must she ignore her heart for the sake of so many others?
As the master of the Shadowforged Legion, Alaric has trained for battle all his life, but marrying a Lightweaver might be his most dangerous challenge yet. With tensions between nations churning, he needs to focus on the greater threat—the Moonless Dark, a cataclysmic magical event that could devour everything. Only he and Talasyn can stop it, with a powerful merging of light and shadow that they alone can create together. But saving their world from this disaster is a mere preface to his father’s more sinister schemes, and his wife is a burning flame in the darkness, tempting both his loyalties and his desires.
The Hurricane Wars aren’t over. It’s time to choose what—and who—to fight for. The world holds its breath amidst a whirlwind of new magic and old secrets that could change everything.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication December 10, 2024
About the author
Thea Guanzon
3 books1,633 followersTraveler, fangirl, dungeon master, cat lady, and iced coffeeholic residing in Metro Manila. Somehow also a New York Times, USA Today, Indie List, Sunday Times, and international bestselling author!
The Hurricane Wars is out now from the Voyager imprint of HarperCollins. Its sequel, A Monsoon Rising, will publish this December.
The Hurricane Wars is out now from the Voyager imprint of HarperCollins. Its sequel, A Monsoon Rising, will publish this December.
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September 28, 2024
Read My Honest Book Review on My Blog:
A Monsoon Rising
FINISHED: *wails uncontrollably* HOW COULD THIS BOOK END THE WAY IT DID!?!?! WHY!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!
Review to come.
8/22/2024: FINALLY!!! Got time to read this. From what I hear so far, I am not ready for this.
6/10/2024: feeling grateful! Approved for an ARC
5/23/2024-FINALLY A COVER! This is gorgeous
AHHHH I can't wait to see this cover!! 😱😱😱😱😱😱
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August 7, 2024
"Whatever better world you think you’ll build, it will always be built on blood."
“One word from you and I let my guard down. I couldn’t kill you, either, all those times before . . . What am I, if I’m not a weapon? What have you done to me?”
I was hoping the sequel would blow me away, but I really need to remind myself that this is a romantasy series first and foremost.
So, if you’re looking for romance, then this is it.
Since I’m an idiot who wanted more politics in her romantasy, this ain’t it.
This installment was a lot more romance-focused than the first book. There’s still a hint of enemies in this enemies-to-lovers romantasy, but it’s more lovers than enemies at this point. Our two favorite idiots are in love, but there’s tons of denial and a helluva lot of colonizing politics cockblocking them from actually fully giving themselves into each other.
I’m not usually one for love stories, but I definitely want to see how this will all pan out. Will there be an ultimate sacrifice on someone’s part??? Tell me, Thea Guanzon!!! I’m begging you!!!
Other than the love story going hardcore (the sex scenes weren’t too bad but there were too many fade to black scenes for my liking. And somehow Alaric, who's a virgin, knows how to finger her AND make her cum?? BFFR lmfao), the actual bigger plot points were just okay.
No spoilers but the action scenes were on point! I loved the fight scenes and any scene where Talasyn and Alaric combine their light and shadow magic. (Okay, I’m a huge sucker for shadow daddies. Whatever. Judge me.) The author is really descriptive when it comes to the magic and the worldbuilding. I could feel myself being there, either on the Continent or Nenavar.
But sad to say though, since the focus was heavy on the romance, it felt like there was less politicking this time around. I wanted more backstabby political schemes and behind the scenes plotting. In the next novel, maybe?
And while the whole sevenfold eclipse, and the major preparations for it (including Talasyn and Alaric combining their powers) was super cool, the conclusion to that huge plotline felt like a letdown. Like the author wasn’t sure what to do with that huge piece of info, so she just said peace out and left that plot point for the next book. (I’m trying really hard not to mention any spoilers here lol)
It was great to get back into this world, but I wanted more backstabbing and less lovey dovey true love pining. With the enemies part dialed down, it felt like I was reading a fanfic of a fanfic.
But then again, that’s my bad for going into a romantasy series wanting more out of it.
Here are some of my favorite corny ass lines that are supposed to be romantic lol:
"He yearned to talk to her, but what could he say to his wife of political convenience, a wife he had already inconveniently orgasmed with?"
"The woman he had reluctantly married was in possession of the loveliest breasts on Lir."
"Let the Nenavarene see their Lachis’ka ride the Night Emperor’s face."
Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for this arc.
———
Your approved request to view A Monsoon Rising from Avon and Harper Voyager
☀️🌑
Want to read
March 6, 2024chop chop thea
A TITLE!
A TITLE!
August 3, 2024
"It would be so easy to love you in a different life."
(3.5⭐)
okay im going to be so real but that was unexpectedly much more disappointing of a sequel than i ever imagined?? i was literally BEYOND hyped to read AMR but honestly? this felt like it got hit with second book syndrome and im so disappointed--and that's not to say that it was *bad* but i was really hoping for another 5 star like i gave THW🥲
reading AMR was truly a strange experience. on one hand i did adore talasyn's and alaric's interactions BUT on the other?? where was that spark i felt in their relationship back in THW?? it felt as though there was a constant glass wall in front of me while reading where i couldnt fully be invested in their relationship as i was in THW--i would literally have the silliest of grins and that heart-pounding excitement whenever i read their scenes. but here? while there were a few moments that made me laugh or go aww, it just didn't feel the same.
one thing i will say that was really well done though was the inner conflict in talasyn and alaric. individually it did feel as though their characters grew... otherwise i just didnt feel the same *obsessed* feeling i did while reading THW and honestly that just makes me really sad.
another thing is that where was the plot??😭 i genuinely feel like nothing happened really except in the last 25%ish but for the whole world being at stake, i didnt really feel any sense of urgency or high stakes while reading? and i couldve possibly ignored the lack of plot had there been something to keep me invested but there wasnt really?? its just crazy because while THW had me gripped from beginning to end and filled with tension and excitement in literally every scene, i did NOT get that same feeling at all here.
i will say the ending did make me gasp but also WHERE DID THAT EVEN COME FROM??? IT FELT SO RANDOM??? and thats all ill say about that. otherwise im feeling a whole lot of nothing after finishing this book?
still, there were some cute moments and progress in talasyn and alaric's romance and individual characters! and while im forever disappointed this didnt live up to my expectations, im definitely still going to be reading book 3 and hope that its a brilliant and amazing book to make up for book 2.
Many thanks to Avon and Harper Voyager for gifting me an ARC via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review!!
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edit [June 10, 2024]: oh my god??? SCREAMING. thank you so much harpercollins for the eARC im gonna cry this just made my week🥹 ALARIC AND TALASYN MY BELOVEDS🫶
__________
ON MY KNEES BEGGING NETGALLEY TO ACCEPT MY ARC REQUEST PLEASE🙏
i need more of my loves alaric and talasyn asap
August 16, 2024
Star Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice Rating: Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Read the full review on my blog!
Synopsis
A continuation of the first book in the Hurricane Wars. Alaric and Talasyn continue their adventure to prevent the night of the world eater to save the realm from destruction.
Thoughts
When I first applied for the ARC of this book, I hadn’t yet read the first one, though I had it on loan from the library. I’ve been in a major reading slump for the past few months, but this series jolted me right back into reading. I rarely order a physical copy after reading an ARC, given the limited space in my library, but after finishing this book, I immediately ordered both the B&N US Special Edition and the Waterstones Special Edition. Now, I’m on the hunt for the special edition of the first book.
The first 30% of the first book was a bit hard to get into with all the new information and characters being introduced, but after that, I couldn’t put either of these books down. I read both in a two-day span. My only regret is starting another incomplete series and having to wait a year to find out how Alaric and Talasyn’s story ends.
Spice Rating: Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Read the full review on my blog!
“What have you done to me”
Synopsis
A continuation of the first book in the Hurricane Wars. Alaric and Talasyn continue their adventure to prevent the night of the world eater to save the realm from destruction.
Thoughts
When I first applied for the ARC of this book, I hadn’t yet read the first one, though I had it on loan from the library. I’ve been in a major reading slump for the past few months, but this series jolted me right back into reading. I rarely order a physical copy after reading an ARC, given the limited space in my library, but after finishing this book, I immediately ordered both the B&N US Special Edition and the Waterstones Special Edition. Now, I’m on the hunt for the special edition of the first book.
The first 30% of the first book was a bit hard to get into with all the new information and characters being introduced, but after that, I couldn’t put either of these books down. I read both in a two-day span. My only regret is starting another incomplete series and having to wait a year to find out how Alaric and Talasyn’s story ends.
September 2, 2024
I was very looking forward to a sequel in this series, and this book did not disappoint! In fact, this book features even greater writing, a more vivid universe, compelling people, and deep connections than the first one.
This book mostly focuses on Talasyn and Alaric's relationship and how they come to see each other for who they really are. As we learn more and more about each of them and how their pasts and present influence their behavior, it becomes increasingly tragic and amusing at the same time. Additionally, the sexual tension between them is expertly handled, and it is quite enjoyable to read when they finally give in. I must admit that Alaric's plot and character development in this book are the greatest in the whole.
The cliffhanger conclusion is going to drive me crazy because there are still so many unresolved questions and story points. I am in desperate need of the next book in this series!
Everything I could have wished and anticipated from "A Monsoon Rising" was well exceeded. This book was incredible, and I read it all at once. You'll be thrilled with this book if you enjoyed the first one. And if you haven't read this series yet, I heartily suggest it to anybody who like fantasy novels with captivating romance, thrilling action, and amazing fantasy realms.
This book mostly focuses on Talasyn and Alaric's relationship and how they come to see each other for who they really are. As we learn more and more about each of them and how their pasts and present influence their behavior, it becomes increasingly tragic and amusing at the same time. Additionally, the sexual tension between them is expertly handled, and it is quite enjoyable to read when they finally give in. I must admit that Alaric's plot and character development in this book are the greatest in the whole.
The cliffhanger conclusion is going to drive me crazy because there are still so many unresolved questions and story points. I am in desperate need of the next book in this series!
Everything I could have wished and anticipated from "A Monsoon Rising" was well exceeded. This book was incredible, and I read it all at once. You'll be thrilled with this book if you enjoyed the first one. And if you haven't read this series yet, I heartily suggest it to anybody who like fantasy novels with captivating romance, thrilling action, and amazing fantasy realms.
September 4, 2024
My two little idiots were so hot and dumb in this second book too. I love them so much!
The plot: amazing
The romance: amazing (I’m screaming)
The cliffhanger: amazing (I’m dying inside)
The tension: amazing (I’m kicking my feet)
The worldbuilding: amazing
TEN TEN TEN ACROSS THE BOARD.
Thanks to HarperVoyager US, Netgalley and the author for providing me with this ARC!
Full review to come.
The plot: amazing
The romance: amazing (I’m screaming)
The cliffhanger: amazing (I’m dying inside)
The tension: amazing (I’m kicking my feet)
The worldbuilding: amazing
TEN TEN TEN ACROSS THE BOARD.
Thanks to HarperVoyager US, Netgalley and the author for providing me with this ARC!
Full review to come.
Want to read
February 29, 2024Update: EVERYBODY STAY CALM. WE HAVE A TITLE! A Monsoon Rising 🌊⚡️⛈️
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Not me lurking! 👀
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Not me lurking! 👀
July 1, 2024
I got this book as an ARC through Net Galley and Harper Voyager and wow what a phenomenal follow up to the hurricane wars 👏🏻 the tension once again was absolutely scrumptious; the push and pull was SO good!!! I read through this book at a breakneck speed; I just simply could not put it down. The plot was so engaging with political intrigue and complicated dynamics where you kinda don’t know who/what you’re rooting for (the greyness of it all) but you just have to keep reading to see what happens. So many scenes had me absolutely BLUSHING, kicking my feet, and giggling so much. The chemistry and banter between Talasyn and Alaric absolutely EATS!!! I liked the first book but I LOVED this book and cannot wait to see where the author takes the rest of this series, I will be SAT and waiting for the next book
Want to read
June 19, 2024Pre-ordered this so fast
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Gimme this book NOW
gotta wait till december this year, sadly
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Gimme this book NOW
gotta wait till december this year, sadly
August 26, 2024
Alright, so I literally shrieked with joy when I woke up to an email with an ARC for A Monsoon Rising. This was definitely one of my most anticipated reads for the year and for once, a sequel didn’t disappoint.
A Monsoon Rising was so freaking good. I usually devour books in a day, but I forced myself to slow down with this; I simply didn’t want it to end, and that’s truly saying something for me.
In all honesty, I think AMS was better than The Hurricane Wars. I loved the continued character development and I loved the emotional depth we got to see in both main characters. I think trauma and its aftereffects were really well written, and I liked the honesty and rawness behind some of the more emotionally charged scenes. I also really loved seeing Talasyn come into her own as a person and as a leader instead.
I am so thankful to NetGalley and HarperCollins for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Well, mostly thankful, anyway… now I have to wait an eternity for the final installation in the series, and I don’t know if my heart can make it that long AFTER READING THAT ENDING.
Please tell me Book 3 is mostly already written? Please?
If anyone needs me, I’ll be off in my denial-bubble re-reading The Hurricane Wars and A Monsoon Rising in preparation for the 3rd book. Which is obviously releasing very soon. 👀
A Monsoon Rising was so freaking good. I usually devour books in a day, but I forced myself to slow down with this; I simply didn’t want it to end, and that’s truly saying something for me.
In all honesty, I think AMS was better than The Hurricane Wars. I loved the continued character development and I loved the emotional depth we got to see in both main characters. I think trauma and its aftereffects were really well written, and I liked the honesty and rawness behind some of the more emotionally charged scenes. I also really loved seeing Talasyn come into her own as a person and as a leader instead.
I am so thankful to NetGalley and HarperCollins for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. Well, mostly thankful, anyway… now I have to wait an eternity for the final installation in the series, and I don’t know if my heart can make it that long AFTER READING THAT ENDING.
Please tell me Book 3 is mostly already written? Please?
If anyone needs me, I’ll be off in my denial-bubble re-reading The Hurricane Wars and A Monsoon Rising in preparation for the 3rd book. Which is obviously releasing very soon. 👀
July 31, 2024
YES YES YES!! this book was exactly what i needed and i am so grateful to have received an arc for it🩷 this is the kind of book that you can’t put down but force yourself to because you don’t want it to end. i was captivated by the plot and characters every second and i know this book will live rent free in my head for the foreseeable future. this book isn’t even out yet and i’m FERAL for the third one, that ending- WHAT?! how am i supposed to go on living my life after this book??! don’t even get me started on my love for tala and alaric. the tension, the pining, the SPICE- seriously one of my all time favorite enemies to lovers romances ever!!
August 7, 2024
In an absolutely EXPLOSIVE follow-up to The Hurricane Wars, Thea Guanzon delivers searing angst, grueling feats of magic, intense politicking, and the most frustrating, beautiful, perfect love story.
Talasyn and Alaric are so beautifully written as each other’s mirrors, and their relationship’s even footing serves as a delicious foundation for their mutually agonizing attraction. How can you love someone who was once such a bitter enemy, and for good reason?
Something I appreciate so much about this story is how valid and understandable the characters’ actions and motivations are. Of course Talasyn loathes herself for her attraction to Alaric. Of course Alaric is constantly walking a wobbling tightrope stretched between his father and his wife. The gray morality of this book and the characters is so. well. done. I can feel sympathy for Alaric while also being horrified at what he’s been part of. But we, the reader, just like Talasyn, cannot help but hope for his soul to turn for the better.
This surpassed all my expectations and hopes for the sequel to one of my favorite books of last year. I fucking loved it so much. It’s hot, it’s interesting, the stakes are perilous from the personal to the global, the imagery is lush and mystical, the writing is full of heart, and I loved every single second.
I cannot wait for the world to get their hands on this and I ESPECIALLY cannot wait for the third book. Thank you Thea for feeding us so well, I adore you.
Talasyn and Alaric are so beautifully written as each other’s mirrors, and their relationship’s even footing serves as a delicious foundation for their mutually agonizing attraction. How can you love someone who was once such a bitter enemy, and for good reason?
Something I appreciate so much about this story is how valid and understandable the characters’ actions and motivations are. Of course Talasyn loathes herself for her attraction to Alaric. Of course Alaric is constantly walking a wobbling tightrope stretched between his father and his wife. The gray morality of this book and the characters is so. well. done. I can feel sympathy for Alaric while also being horrified at what he’s been part of. But we, the reader, just like Talasyn, cannot help but hope for his soul to turn for the better.
This surpassed all my expectations and hopes for the sequel to one of my favorite books of last year. I fucking loved it so much. It’s hot, it’s interesting, the stakes are perilous from the personal to the global, the imagery is lush and mystical, the writing is full of heart, and I loved every single second.
I cannot wait for the world to get their hands on this and I ESPECIALLY cannot wait for the third book. Thank you Thea for feeding us so well, I adore you.
June 9, 2024
absolutely everything I wanted. I was scared to keep reading, I was an emotional wreck. I didn’t sleep and when I did I dreamed of this DAMN BOOK. Talasyn and Alaric in my veins!!!! Like I’ll never be the same
October 3, 2024
The cliffhanger?!!!!!! I liked this so much more than the first book it was full of lore, tension, and steam. It picks up directly where the first book ends. I think the writer is very expressive with her words which can sometimes feel world-building heavy but there was less of this in this book and most of it was in the beginning of the book. I really enjoyed the enemies to lovers and the steamy hate scenes lol. I did think that there was so much miscommunication between them though. I do really like the main characters though and I liked the little sweet scenes we got between them. I liked the family politics, alliances, training, and getting more about both families, especially the fmc. Overall I think this was a good read and we finally get more romance and intimacy between the characters. Thank you Avon for this arc for an honest review.
Read if you like:
- Romantasy
- Diverse characters and worldbuilding
- Alliances and political intrigue
- Arranged marriage
- Betrayal and secrets
Read if you like:
- Romantasy
- Diverse characters and worldbuilding
- Alliances and political intrigue
- Arranged marriage
- Betrayal and secrets
August 2, 2024
3/5
So saddened to give this book a lower rating than the first one but I truly just did not enjoy it as much. The story lacks urgency and the stakes feel so low.
The writing is beautiful as always, but I didn’t feel an emotional connection to any of the characters this time around.
I felt like there was very little plot to be found in this book and that the ending came out of nowhere with characters I had little memory of from book 1 suddenly becoming very important.
The ending made zero sense to me and I don’t know how any of those events will feed into book 3 or how any of these plot lines will eventually connect.
I unfortunately just felt like this book had a lot of filler and limited character development to justify the whole lot of nothing that happened.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the e-ARC!
So saddened to give this book a lower rating than the first one but I truly just did not enjoy it as much. The story lacks urgency and the stakes feel so low.
The writing is beautiful as always, but I didn’t feel an emotional connection to any of the characters this time around.
I felt like there was very little plot to be found in this book and that the ending came out of nowhere with characters I had little memory of from book 1 suddenly becoming very important.
The ending made zero sense to me and I don’t know how any of those events will feed into book 3 or how any of these plot lines will eventually connect.
I unfortunately just felt like this book had a lot of filler and limited character development to justify the whole lot of nothing that happened.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the e-ARC!
June 12, 2024
A Monsoon Rising
__________________________
The Monsoon comes in and it comes in HOT!
The Important Stuff
Rating: 5 stars without a doubt but Thea has broke the scale, 10,000 out of 5 stars! Everything in this book was just perfect
Spice: 5 out of 5. Omygosh this book had me ON FIRE. The tension, the banter + the spice? And them fighting it every step of the way?? This is illegal bestie.
Romance: GOD TIER. Nuff said
Plot: *chefs kiss* This world is so refreshing and beautiful, the characters are so intriguing, the relationships are PERFECT. I could read anything by Thea Guanzon just for the simple fact her plots are going to be plotting
Emotional Damage: WHAT WAS THAT ENDING. MISS MAAM. I am wrecked.. destroyed.. not that it was a bad ending of course but THE MOTHAFLIPPIN CLIFFHANGERS.
My Ramblings and Thoughts
I genuinely did not think it could get this much better than the The Hurricane Wars but gosh did it! The build up we experienced in book one exploded in book two. A Monsoon Rising has topped all of my reads this year and I can't picture anything topping this.
If there was a kingdom to enemies to lovers this would be on the throne. Everyone dreads reading those books that advertise "enemies to lovers" but you proceed to get five minutes of the enemies and nothing but the lovers. We need angst, tension, banter, and fighting in a true enemies to lovers book and this brought it all. Literally two books of enemies fighting an undeniable attraction for the other while also being so determined to follow the paths set out for them and hate the other. This right here is what I mean when I say I WANT enemies to lovers! Alaric and Talasyn are the blueprint!
A Monsoon Rising (THE MONSOON *swoon*) is an action packed romantasy that keeps you emerged from page 1 to the end. We get so much more background and growth in book two. It is so hard to see Alaric so locked into his ways throughout this series but we finally get to see him breaking out of this shell that his father encased him in. The same goes for Talasyn as she has done nothing but follow orders for some semblance of guidance of what to do in her life but now she has started wanting for herself and making her own choices. The way these characters BUILD onto each other and Grow together is just so beautiful to watch unfurl on these pages. I have never quite read of a relationship like this. This is how soulmates should feel like. They inspire each other and push each other to greater heights and I am just obsessed with this dynamic because they are so compelled to hate the other at the same time.
When it came to plot this book absolutely served it. Book one was definitely a lot slower when compared to this. This book had a lot less of them trying to kill each other and more of everything else trying to kill them which forces them to work together in more ways than one which makes it so much harder for my favorite married couple to stay apart.
The romance is what I am here for. What I live for. I have been following this story since its fanfiction format and this has surpassed even that. If you are looking for angst, tension, steam, and spice? *smacks book* This right here is for you.
Thank you Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for giving me the opportunity to read this E-arc in exchange for an honest review!
__________________________
The Monsoon comes in and it comes in HOT!
The Important Stuff
Rating: 5 stars without a doubt but Thea has broke the scale, 10,000 out of 5 stars! Everything in this book was just perfect
Spice: 5 out of 5. Omygosh this book had me ON FIRE. The tension, the banter + the spice? And them fighting it every step of the way?? This is illegal bestie.
Romance: GOD TIER. Nuff said
Plot: *chefs kiss* This world is so refreshing and beautiful, the characters are so intriguing, the relationships are PERFECT. I could read anything by Thea Guanzon just for the simple fact her plots are going to be plotting
Emotional Damage: WHAT WAS THAT ENDING. MISS MAAM. I am wrecked.. destroyed.. not that it was a bad ending of course but THE MOTHAFLIPPIN CLIFFHANGERS.
My Ramblings and Thoughts
I genuinely did not think it could get this much better than the The Hurricane Wars but gosh did it! The build up we experienced in book one exploded in book two. A Monsoon Rising has topped all of my reads this year and I can't picture anything topping this.
If there was a kingdom to enemies to lovers this would be on the throne. Everyone dreads reading those books that advertise "enemies to lovers" but you proceed to get five minutes of the enemies and nothing but the lovers. We need angst, tension, banter, and fighting in a true enemies to lovers book and this brought it all. Literally two books of enemies fighting an undeniable attraction for the other while also being so determined to follow the paths set out for them and hate the other. This right here is what I mean when I say I WANT enemies to lovers! Alaric and Talasyn are the blueprint!
A Monsoon Rising (THE MONSOON *swoon*) is an action packed romantasy that keeps you emerged from page 1 to the end. We get so much more background and growth in book two. It is so hard to see Alaric so locked into his ways throughout this series but we finally get to see him breaking out of this shell that his father encased him in. The same goes for Talasyn as she has done nothing but follow orders for some semblance of guidance of what to do in her life but now she has started wanting for herself and making her own choices. The way these characters BUILD onto each other and Grow together is just so beautiful to watch unfurl on these pages. I have never quite read of a relationship like this. This is how soulmates should feel like. They inspire each other and push each other to greater heights and I am just obsessed with this dynamic because they are so compelled to hate the other at the same time.
When it came to plot this book absolutely served it. Book one was definitely a lot slower when compared to this. This book had a lot less of them trying to kill each other and more of everything else trying to kill them which forces them to work together in more ways than one which makes it so much harder for my favorite married couple to stay apart.
The romance is what I am here for. What I live for. I have been following this story since its fanfiction format and this has surpassed even that. If you are looking for angst, tension, steam, and spice? *smacks book* This right here is for you.
Thank you Netgalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for giving me the opportunity to read this E-arc in exchange for an honest review!
July 24, 2024
the epic sequel to “the hurricane wars”, monsoon rising is literally a blockbuster book. reading it feels like watching the best romantasy movie, and i was obsessed from beginning to end!
being back with Talasyn and Alaric as they navigate their political marriage is a wild ride of emotions that i never want to get off of. both characters must face the reality of their growing feelings for the other while remaining loyal to their people/political agendas, making the dual pov just 🤌🏼
when i say monsoon rising is cinematic, i mean PUT IT ON AN IMAX SCREEN. this book has dragons, catastrophic magical disasters, and quite possibly the end of the world as they know it. the romance was turned up to the highest level and i was kicking my feet & blushing basically every chapter. talasyn and alaric have my heart 🥹❤️🩹
here are some final highlights!!
-political marriage
-who did this to you (she says it!!!)
-touch him/ her you die
-wound tending
-ONE BED FORCED PROXIMITY
-banter is bantering
-slow burn tension JUST KISS
& as always, thank you @harpervoyagerus @theagwrites for the ARC copy! 🫶🏼
being back with Talasyn and Alaric as they navigate their political marriage is a wild ride of emotions that i never want to get off of. both characters must face the reality of their growing feelings for the other while remaining loyal to their people/political agendas, making the dual pov just 🤌🏼
when i say monsoon rising is cinematic, i mean PUT IT ON AN IMAX SCREEN. this book has dragons, catastrophic magical disasters, and quite possibly the end of the world as they know it. the romance was turned up to the highest level and i was kicking my feet & blushing basically every chapter. talasyn and alaric have my heart 🥹❤️🩹
here are some final highlights!!
-political marriage
-who did this to you (she says it!!!)
-touch him/ her you die
-wound tending
-ONE BED FORCED PROXIMITY
-banter is bantering
-slow burn tension JUST KISS
& as always, thank you @harpervoyagerus @theagwrites for the ARC copy! 🫶🏼
August 10, 2024
What you can expect to find in A Monsoon Rising:
-lots of Alaric acting a fool for Talasyn 😏
-banter & tension
-🌶🌶🌶
-let's keep pretending
-angst
-she takes care of him
A Monsoon Rising picks up right where The Hurricane Wars left us. Alaric and Talasyn are married, but have got to their respective kingdoms. They need to figure out a way to fight the oncoming war together. But the more time they spend together the more their marriage of convenience starts to feel too real. Will these two be able to let each other go if and when they defeat the very real threat to their world?
I loved loved loved The Hurricane Wars. The story and the slow burn between Alaric and Talasyn kept me hooked. That same banter and tension is definitely back in A Monsoon Rising. I always loved whenever Talasyn and Alaric were on the page together. They were both a bit frustrating at times, but I think that was the whole point. And if you were thinking where's the spice in The Hurricane Wars - trust me it's definitely there in A Monsoon Rising 😮💨
While I loved the romance aspects of A Monsoon Rising the actual fantasy storyline left me a bit confused. I felt like it wasn't as cohesive as it was in the first book. I thouroughly enjoyed the fantasy elements and storyline in the first book, but felt it was lacking in A Monsoon Rising.
Still an enjoyable read that I couldn't put down! Looking forward to the next book in the series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
-lots of Alaric acting a fool for Talasyn 😏
-banter & tension
-🌶🌶🌶
-let's keep pretending
-angst
-she takes care of him
A Monsoon Rising picks up right where The Hurricane Wars left us. Alaric and Talasyn are married, but have got to their respective kingdoms. They need to figure out a way to fight the oncoming war together. But the more time they spend together the more their marriage of convenience starts to feel too real. Will these two be able to let each other go if and when they defeat the very real threat to their world?
I loved loved loved The Hurricane Wars. The story and the slow burn between Alaric and Talasyn kept me hooked. That same banter and tension is definitely back in A Monsoon Rising. I always loved whenever Talasyn and Alaric were on the page together. They were both a bit frustrating at times, but I think that was the whole point. And if you were thinking where's the spice in The Hurricane Wars - trust me it's definitely there in A Monsoon Rising 😮💨
While I loved the romance aspects of A Monsoon Rising the actual fantasy storyline left me a bit confused. I felt like it wasn't as cohesive as it was in the first book. I thouroughly enjoyed the fantasy elements and storyline in the first book, but felt it was lacking in A Monsoon Rising.
Still an enjoyable read that I couldn't put down! Looking forward to the next book in the series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.
July 11, 2024
4.5 stars
This book did NOT suffer from second book syndrome that’s for sure.
The emphasis of this book was placed on the development of the relationship between our two main characters Talasyn and Alaric. It’s been a really long time since I’ve read an enemies to lovers that’s actually enemies to lovers.
Thea Guanzon was able to write a romance plot where the characters were trying to fight their chemistry and attraction and failed. I ate it up! This did not take away from the plot and world building which I really appreciated.
I wish the voidfell plot was a little more action packed considering the culmination of the plot up to this point was about stopping it from destroying the world.
That ending was bonkers and I need book 3 NOW!
This book did NOT suffer from second book syndrome that’s for sure.
The emphasis of this book was placed on the development of the relationship between our two main characters Talasyn and Alaric. It’s been a really long time since I’ve read an enemies to lovers that’s actually enemies to lovers.
Thea Guanzon was able to write a romance plot where the characters were trying to fight their chemistry and attraction and failed. I ate it up! This did not take away from the plot and world building which I really appreciated.
I wish the voidfell plot was a little more action packed considering the culmination of the plot up to this point was about stopping it from destroying the world.
That ending was bonkers and I need book 3 NOW!
August 12, 2024
Talasyn and Alaric's arranged marriage may have ensured peace for their two nations, but not all power players have been satisfied after the Hurricane Wars. Rebels are consolidating resources and allies. Empires are plotting betrayals. And the very land that gives them the ability to bend light and shadow threatens to errupt with death magic that would destroy the world.
A MONSOON RISING is as thrilling as it is intimate. Yes, there is magical training and assassination attempts and save the world action! But there is also the embers of love desperate to keep burning against a raging storm. Talasyn and Alaric navigate this contemptuous passion for eachother while grappling with the consqences of falling for their enemy.
The magic of this world is something I want to shake until it tells me all of it's secrets. Its both ancient and scifi all at once. I believe its testament to Thea's love for her home, the Philippines, and it's people. There is community and resourcefulness in the story's Nenavarene people. The seas are homes to dragons. The land and weather is often feared, but wholly respected. There is reality in every moment of this fantastical world.
If you loved The Hurricane Wars, you will not be disappointed with it's sequel. It delivers on all accounts to make this one of the best romantasy series ever. I can't wait to see what Thea has in store for the finale.
Thank you NetGalley and HarperVoyager / Avon Books for this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
A MONSOON RISING is as thrilling as it is intimate. Yes, there is magical training and assassination attempts and save the world action! But there is also the embers of love desperate to keep burning against a raging storm. Talasyn and Alaric navigate this contemptuous passion for eachother while grappling with the consqences of falling for their enemy.
The magic of this world is something I want to shake until it tells me all of it's secrets. Its both ancient and scifi all at once. I believe its testament to Thea's love for her home, the Philippines, and it's people. There is community and resourcefulness in the story's Nenavarene people. The seas are homes to dragons. The land and weather is often feared, but wholly respected. There is reality in every moment of this fantastical world.
If you loved The Hurricane Wars, you will not be disappointed with it's sequel. It delivers on all accounts to make this one of the best romantasy series ever. I can't wait to see what Thea has in store for the finale.
Thank you NetGalley and HarperVoyager / Avon Books for this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
August 6, 2024
This one started very promising, but after about 60% of the book, it went downhill a bit. I really wanted to love this, but I just don’t think it was for me. Talasyn came across as childish (sticking out her tongue after a “lost” argument behind someone’s back) and reckless (but not in a good way, you know?). Who jumps in water to save someone else, when you KNOW that you can’t swim. Idk, I guess I just wasn’t feeling it or something.
After a while, the plot went to the background and the only thing Alaric and Talasyn could do, was think about the other. I’m the biggest romance lover, but I actually got annoyed every time they went at it 😅😂
Full review to come, these were just my immediate thoughts after finishing!
After a while, the plot went to the background and the only thing Alaric and Talasyn could do, was think about the other. I’m the biggest romance lover, but I actually got annoyed every time they went at it 😅😂
Full review to come, these were just my immediate thoughts after finishing!
July 1, 2024
Firstly, thank you Netgalley for this ARC, this is one of my most anticipated reads, and it did not disappoint!
I am literally SPEECHLESS with that ending. It was SO refreshing to be back in this world. I love Talasyn, and Alaric to an alarming degree. The amount of tension, and guilt, and affection we get in this book was everything we needed for an appropriate follow up to THW.
The magic system, and setting of this series is so refreshing, as soooo many romantasies have the same type of setting- I love the tropical, sunny, humid location. And the magic system, while so detailed is so cool! I love the aethermancing we see from both our two main characters.
I was SO stressed out with the conflicts of this book, that I was anxious until the very end- and it was apparently for good reason.
This was well executed, and I already can’t wait to read the next installment 😆 I know this book isn’t even published yet, but a girl can dream.
4.75 stars, LOVED THIS BOOK!
I am literally SPEECHLESS with that ending. It was SO refreshing to be back in this world. I love Talasyn, and Alaric to an alarming degree. The amount of tension, and guilt, and affection we get in this book was everything we needed for an appropriate follow up to THW.
The magic system, and setting of this series is so refreshing, as soooo many romantasies have the same type of setting- I love the tropical, sunny, humid location. And the magic system, while so detailed is so cool! I love the aethermancing we see from both our two main characters.
I was SO stressed out with the conflicts of this book, that I was anxious until the very end- and it was apparently for good reason.
This was well executed, and I already can’t wait to read the next installment 😆 I know this book isn’t even published yet, but a girl can dream.
4.75 stars, LOVED THIS BOOK!
Want to read
February 8, 2024I AM SO EXCITED!!! I will, without a doubt, try and apply for an ARC. I can't wait for more of that romance and worldbuilding!!
June 17, 2024
Thank you so much to Harper Voyager for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I made the mistake of devouring this book and now I have to wait for 2935761 months before I can read book 3 😭
A Monsoon Rising was everything I wanted in the sequel to The Hurricane Wars!! I devoured the fantasy action, the tension-filled politics, and the SEARING ROMANCE between Talasyn and Alaric omg. This book proves why marriage of convenience is one of the top-tier romance tropes. Every chapter delivered incredible romantic scenes and I could not help but devour them completely. It also just felt really nice to see these two's feelings for each other grow even more tender and sweet, even though on the outside, they still maintained a fiery-borderline-hatred-filled banter. After that CRAZY cliffhanger at the end of this book, I cannot wait to see where Talasyn and Alaric's political union and marriage go next!
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I made the mistake of devouring this book and now I have to wait for 2935761 months before I can read book 3 😭
A Monsoon Rising was everything I wanted in the sequel to The Hurricane Wars!! I devoured the fantasy action, the tension-filled politics, and the SEARING ROMANCE between Talasyn and Alaric omg. This book proves why marriage of convenience is one of the top-tier romance tropes. Every chapter delivered incredible romantic scenes and I could not help but devour them completely. It also just felt really nice to see these two's feelings for each other grow even more tender and sweet, even though on the outside, they still maintained a fiery-borderline-hatred-filled banter. After that CRAZY cliffhanger at the end of this book, I cannot wait to see where Talasyn and Alaric's political union and marriage go next!
Follow me on TikTok | Instagram | Twitter for more book reviews & recommendations!
May 31, 2024
I said it before The Hurricane Wars published and I’ll say it again now, Thea Guanzon is one to watch!
Monsoon Rising delivers on all fronts. We return to the richly imagined world of Nenavar to see Talasyn embrace her roll as the Lachis’ka, and to prepare for the cataclysmic Night of the World-Eater. Her and Alaric’s relationship reaches dangerous, explosive territory in a way that will leave you pining for more. The spice in this book was immaculate!!! As the two struggle with the thought of impending betrayal while trying to save each other, darker forces and deeper mysteries begin to reveal themselves. I will be gnawing at the bars of my enclosure until book three.
Thank you to Edelweiss & Harper for the DRC!!!
Monsoon Rising delivers on all fronts. We return to the richly imagined world of Nenavar to see Talasyn embrace her roll as the Lachis’ka, and to prepare for the cataclysmic Night of the World-Eater. Her and Alaric’s relationship reaches dangerous, explosive territory in a way that will leave you pining for more. The spice in this book was immaculate!!! As the two struggle with the thought of impending betrayal while trying to save each other, darker forces and deeper mysteries begin to reveal themselves. I will be gnawing at the bars of my enclosure until book three.
Thank you to Edelweiss & Harper for the DRC!!!
June 9, 2024
ARC provided by NetGalley and HarperCollins
I just finished reading and WHAT A FOLLOW UP for Thea Guanzon. The internal and external conflicts for Talasyn and Alaric are more deeply explored as they navigate saving their world. We go on quite the journey exploring the complexities of their emotions that neither have been equipped to deal with. I enjoyed the evolution of our characters relationships and diving into the world building in more detail. As the story unfolds, I could not put this down. Each page turn wanted me craving more towards and ending that made me throw my hands up asking the Gods and Ancestors for the next book immediately.
I just finished reading and WHAT A FOLLOW UP for Thea Guanzon. The internal and external conflicts for Talasyn and Alaric are more deeply explored as they navigate saving their world. We go on quite the journey exploring the complexities of their emotions that neither have been equipped to deal with. I enjoyed the evolution of our characters relationships and diving into the world building in more detail. As the story unfolds, I could not put this down. Each page turn wanted me craving more towards and ending that made me throw my hands up asking the Gods and Ancestors for the next book immediately.
June 17, 2024
THE ENDING OMG I-
September 28, 2024
A Monsoon Rising is the highly anticipated (by me) sequel to The Hurricane Wars, which I really enjoyed. While I did have one big problem with this one, overall I had a really good time with it and I’m looking forward to the conclusion of the series.
My biggest struggle was that I didn’t remember the little details about why the characters felt so strongly about their relationships, mainly the feelings between Talasyn & Alaric and Alaric & his father. I see so many reasons why they shouldn’t feel that way that it was difficult to be onboard with the paths they’ve chosen for their lives. I have a notoriously bad memory for details and just didn’t have that loyalty to the characters when I started reading this.
I decided to look past that though and just trust in the story. Once I did that, I enjoyed myself a lot more. I really liked watching Alaric and Talasyn’s relationship develop more and see the impact outside influences had on them. It felt like they grew into their roles a lot more, which was satisfying to see. Instead of things happening to them, they made things happen.
The plot was fun and I liked seeing the curveballs they were thrown throughout. While some things happened as expected, others were a fun surprise for me. Seeing their magical skills develop more and just learning more about the magic system in general was neat. The book ended on a high that has me excited for the last book.
Book 1 felt a lot more fantasy plot-focused, but book 2 put the romance in the foreground. How will the last book play out? There is a lot of action that could happen but the emotional groundwork that was done in this one promises a heavy impact as well. I have high expectations for the conclusion and will reread the first two books to be ready for it all without any doubts about the details in my mind.
My biggest struggle was that I didn’t remember the little details about why the characters felt so strongly about their relationships, mainly the feelings between Talasyn & Alaric and Alaric & his father. I see so many reasons why they shouldn’t feel that way that it was difficult to be onboard with the paths they’ve chosen for their lives. I have a notoriously bad memory for details and just didn’t have that loyalty to the characters when I started reading this.
I decided to look past that though and just trust in the story. Once I did that, I enjoyed myself a lot more. I really liked watching Alaric and Talasyn’s relationship develop more and see the impact outside influences had on them. It felt like they grew into their roles a lot more, which was satisfying to see. Instead of things happening to them, they made things happen.
The plot was fun and I liked seeing the curveballs they were thrown throughout. While some things happened as expected, others were a fun surprise for me. Seeing their magical skills develop more and just learning more about the magic system in general was neat. The book ended on a high that has me excited for the last book.
Book 1 felt a lot more fantasy plot-focused, but book 2 put the romance in the foreground. How will the last book play out? There is a lot of action that could happen but the emotional groundwork that was done in this one promises a heavy impact as well. I have high expectations for the conclusion and will reread the first two books to be ready for it all without any doubts about the details in my mind.
August 30, 2024
‘I couldn’t kill that rebel […] one word from you and I let my guard down. I couldn’t kill you, either, all those times before… what am I, if I’m not a weapon? What have you done to me?
Hurricane Wars was a top read for me so I went into Monsoon Rising with the expectations that sequels don’t always live up to their predecessors but I was so wrong. If anything Monsoon Rising surpassed Hurricane Wars! The romantic tension, banter, world building and political intrigue in this book made it such a good read.
Monsoon Rising picks up where the Hurricane Wars left off with Talasyn and Alaric training together to stop the void severs destruction. While they form a tenuous alliance in their mutual goal they have influences from both sides saying that in the end they must betray the other.
I loved watching Talasyn and Alaric fight their growing feelings for one another as they are forced to work together to save both their homes. The tension and the banter with these two was so spot on! This book delved much more into their relationship then the first and leaned more heavily on the romance and chemistry between Alaric and Talasyn then the politics, although the political intrigue is still a major part of the plot. So much has been set up for the next book and I cannot wait to read the next one!
Thank you to Net Galley and Harper Voyager for the ARC.
Hurricane Wars was a top read for me so I went into Monsoon Rising with the expectations that sequels don’t always live up to their predecessors but I was so wrong. If anything Monsoon Rising surpassed Hurricane Wars! The romantic tension, banter, world building and political intrigue in this book made it such a good read.
Monsoon Rising picks up where the Hurricane Wars left off with Talasyn and Alaric training together to stop the void severs destruction. While they form a tenuous alliance in their mutual goal they have influences from both sides saying that in the end they must betray the other.
I loved watching Talasyn and Alaric fight their growing feelings for one another as they are forced to work together to save both their homes. The tension and the banter with these two was so spot on! This book delved much more into their relationship then the first and leaned more heavily on the romance and chemistry between Alaric and Talasyn then the politics, although the political intrigue is still a major part of the plot. So much has been set up for the next book and I cannot wait to read the next one!
Thank you to Net Galley and Harper Voyager for the ARC.
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