Good book.. perfect second book tp th first one. loved the characters and story line. I enjoyed reading it. I would recommend this to other readers.

After that final chapter of The Hurricane Wars, I was so curious where Thea Guanzon was going to take Talasyn and Alaric's story next, and I wasn't disappointed by A Monsoon Rising!

I'm usually wary of sequels, because so many books suffer from second book syndrome, but this one was a marked improvement over the first. It's plagued at times by the usual second-book-in-a-trilogy issues: feeling more like a bridge between Books 1 and 3 than its own fully plotted thing; jumping characters from place to place to make up for where the plot really doesn't go; being a bit too long for its own good. But, honestly? Those issues were in the fantasy part of the book, and this series is, at its heart, way more romance than fantasy.

And the romance, my friends, hit its stride in A Monsoon Rising. As Talasyn and Alaric navigate courtly politics and their new marriage, the chemistry between them sizzles even hotter. Despite them no longer theoretically being enemies, there is still plenty of the enemies to lovers vibes from the first book, and I just adore their banter. While Alaric tries to guard his heart from sunny Talasyn, Talasyn finds herself falling more and more for a man she's destined to betray. Since both have a common goal--combining their magic to protect against the deadly Voidfell--we get to see more of their bonding, and I loved every moment they were on the page together. From clandestine encounters in the library to a daring rescue mission (with a truly amazing spicy scene in a cave), this romance was beat for beat absolutely amazing. I am not sure if part of this was in Guanzon's original ReyLo fic, or if it's all original for this book, but I truly could not get enough. And did I mention the spice? It's definitely hotter than the first book, and I was here for every second of it. I also love the individual character arcs of Talasyn and Alaric, and the writing style is top notch. Even though the dual POV is in third person, I could tell instantly whose head I was in by subtle choices that Guanzon made. She's definitely a romantasy writer I will eagerly follow even after this series is done.

But the reason why this stops just short of a five for me is, like I mentioned, the fantasy elements were pretty much the same as Book 1.: a little info-dumpy, a little confusing, and more window dressing for the romance than a fully realized fantasy in its own right. I liked the romance so much that I didn't mind it so much this round, but by the end, I still felt like I never quite understood the magic system. There's dragons in there that I feel like will come into play in Book 3? Some magical creatures who can nullify Alaric and Talasyn's magic? A bunch of other things and names and titles and, oh boy, I would LOVE a little guide in the front like Fourth Wing has. I had a fun time, though.

This is a smart, well-written, and sexy romantasy series, and I eagerly look forward to the final book. Many thanks to NetGalley, Harper Voyager, and Thea Guanzon for gifting me this e-ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

A solid followup novel to THE HURRICANE WARS. I largely had mixed feelings on the first in the series, but I felt as though the author streamlined more of her writing for this sequel and I felt more favorably toward that. I enjoyed the chemistry between Alaric and Talasyn. And with the explosive ending, I hope that there will be a third installment, which I would gladly pick up.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Woah! This started out slow to me, but then it really picked up! This book was more focused on the romance aspect of the story rather than the fantasy plot, but oh did it deliver!!
Talasyn’s and Alaric’s chemistry was off the charts and Chapter 20 was everything🤯😍
I’m obsessed with them and highly recommend this trilogy!
Now, that ENDING…!
I need book 3 ASAP!

🥀Enemies to lovers
🥀Forced proximity
🥀Slow burn 🔥
🥀Marriage of Connivence
🥀Wartime
🥀Sizzling Chemistry💋
🥀Dragons 🐉

Continuando de onde The Hurricane Wars finalizou, A Monsoon Rising nos traz de volta à aliança imprevisível feita entre Alaric e Talasyn. Seu casamento tinha como objetivo intermediar a paz entre suas nações devastadas pela guerra, mas as hostilidades persistentes e a desconfiança pessoal entre os dois criam uma parceria no mínimo diferenciada.

O relacionamento de Alaric e Talasyn é o foco nesse volume, mas nem por isso a história deixa de lado tudo que já foi apresentado. Talasyn está dividida entre suas lealdades e seus sentimentos crescentes por Alaric. Seu conflito entre permanecer leal à sua terra natal ou seguir seu coração torna a personagem mais real e interessante.

Já Alaric é lançado em território desconhecido devido ao seu casamento arranjado e agora precisa saber jogar um novo jogo de diplomacia. Seu exterior frio e "cruel" é apenas uma fachada para um homem que deseja mais do que ser uma arma de guerra, e sua proximidade em relação a Talasyn vai deixar isso bem claro.

O enemies to lovers aqui é cheio de tensão, vulnerabilidade, respeito mútuo e uma atração inegável. A proximidade forçada por conta do casamento aumenta os riscos de nascimento de sentimentos ~indesejados~ em Talasyn e Alaric. O crescimento dos dois personagens é bem perceptível durante a história, e o mais legal é que ambos sabem que nada poder ser tudo preto no branco. Inclusive, no que a autora nos poupou de cenas mais calientes no primeiro livro, aqui ela não se conteve.

O cenário inspirado no sudeste asiático continua a ser um ótimo destaque na história e a autora dá mais profundidade aqui ao explorar mais do seu universo. O ponto de vista duplo também deixa a leitura mais dinâmica e envolvente. Um ponto a destacar é que Thea soube equilibrar muito bem o foco nas questões políticas apresentadas e o romance.

A Monsoon Rising foi uma ótima continuação, entregando tudo do melhor em fantasia, romance, ação e com um final de deixar ansioso pelo próximo livro.

**4.5 stars

Oh look another hugely anticipated book that I miraculously got approved for...then accidentally didn't read til after release. My bad!

Anyway, I LOVED this one! It really cemented this series as a new favorite. The romance was definitely the main focus of the book, a bit more so than book 1 I think, and I loved every second of it. All of my favorite types of tropes and scenes were present and I felt like I was just kicking my feet and giggling the whole time. I tried to take notes on my favorite things in the book but it mostly just ended up being unhinged, so I'll try to summarize why I loved the book so much.

First, of course the romance. Loved seeing Talasyn and Alaric learn how to love/ be loved even if they were totally in denial the whole time. I loved seeing both of them in their leadership roles more in this book, too.

I also really enjoyed the last 20% of the book or so which was SO action packed. I think the author really did justice to this big event that we have been building up to and I wasn't disappointed in the slightest!

The only reason I took off half a star is because the romance is basically the ONLY part of this book. I completely understand that it's a romantasy and that's the point, but I think book 1 had a better balance with the overarching plot. Like, there's SO much left that needs to be fixed/ things that need to happen in book 3 (which I believe is the final book) that it kind of makes me nervous how it will be pulled off. I also wish we got more attention on secondary characters (like Sevraim, who is HILARIOUS) and more of their backstories. Again, though, I get that the primary focus of this book is supposed to be the romance anyways!

Overall, a really excellent followup for the Hurricane Wars and a new favorite series/ author. Definitely recommend these books!!

Hurricane Wars is one of my fav books! I shout it to the rooftops everyone asks for a recommendation. So obviously I needed A Monsoon Rising!! I’ll admit going in I was afraid I wouldn’t like it as much as the first book but I was wrong!

The scenes and setting of this story are some of my favorites in fantasy I’ve read in a while. It’s unique and a breath of fresh air to have a different world in fantasy.

The first book was definitely heavy on the plot. The world building, setting you up for the relationship. Then this one was romance heavy, which I love, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.

What starts out as a political marriage well, you know how that goes. I was surprised to find how quickly the relationship switched up from enemy to lovers to… not so enemy! I could have done with a little more grumpy and a little less mooshy especially after how grumpy they were in book one but I digress. Great series so far and I can’t wait to continue!

The last book had a little more fantasy plot and this one felt like it leaned more into the romance plot more. I’m hoping the next one goes back to court politics and fantasy but this was still a great read

A thrilling second installment to the luscious world Thea has created! As a fan of Star Wars inspired works I really enjoy where this series takes the reader. The romance is captivating and this book leaves you breathless at times wondering how they will make it out in the end. I am patiently (not so patiently) waiting news on the next book!

I've been waiting patiently for Monsoon Rising after reading The Hurricane Wars earlier this year (2024) and the wait did not disappoint. I was worried that at the end of Hurricane wars we were going to these two apart for most or the duration and I'm glad that was not the case. I am glad that even though it continues to be a slow burn with banter between Alaric and Talasyn that we get to see more of their relationship build. And let's talk about the world building- like Hurricane Wars I found myself immersed in the world that she has created and I continue to do so in Monsoon Rising.

I can't wait until the 3rd and final installment of the series. Now--- that ending..... I hope there is a date for the 3rd book.


I rate this book 4.5 stars and 1.5 spice level.

In The Hurricane Wars, Talasyn focused more on understanding her past, learning the art of political manuevering required in her new position, and surviving in the midst of the Hurricane Wars. However, in A Monsoon Rising Talasyn must prepare to fight the Moonless Dark and struggles with her feelings for her husband, as their relationship is the result of a political alliance with hostility and the possibility of betrayal on both sides. The tension between Talasyn and Alaric is palpable. Their desire for each other grows, as do the risks of exposing their weaknesses to their biggest enemies.

I really enjoyed the world building, especially in terms of the dragons and other creatures. I also felt like A Monsoon Rising took the series up a notch to pave the way for an intense third book. Between the cliffhanger, that is going to make it torture to wait for the third book, and the enemies that are surrounding on all sides, both Talasyn and Alaric are finally going to have to make their loyalties crystal clear.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Voyager for an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I loved the Hurricane Wars - it has everything you need in a good fantasy romance. A lost princess with unknown potential, the last lightweaver in existence. And a tortured dark prince in every way her opposite. Both trained from birth to hate each other.

And if they didn't end the first book on the best of terms, what is in store for the next? More of the same? Never! They really had a go at figuring out what life looked like working together, trusting one another - being happy even? And it was quite fun to read, even while we could feel the tension beneath of the things they weren't talking about. I am so nervous for Alaric to find out that Talasyn is still working for the resistance, and for Talasyn to truly understand what Alaric's plan for the continent is. But lets leave that for book three, because it is going to be epic.

The dive into dragon lore and void severs was absolutely fun in this book - it still feels like there is more lore coming, but I love how Thea weaves in the lore with the action and there are no history heavy parts of this book. We learn as Talasyn does.

Even in the parts of the book when Alaric and Talasyn are apart - their thoughts are with each other - the romance is essential to the plot. This is a Romeo and Juliet tale but this world is so much bigger. The consequences of these two characters actions are potentially earth shattering. And yet their thoughts rarely stray from each other. swoon. And yet there is plenty of other things going on - the side plots are side plotting... even if neither of these love-struck idiots are paying attention!

So ready for book 3.

Amazing! I really have enjoyed the way in which the story has developed and I can’t wait to see how it will end. I have totally fallen for these two characters and I’m rooting for them.. I know that this is loosely based on Reylo but I really like how the author has made it her own and has infused such vibrant cultures and locations into the work.

This book blew my mind. I really enjoyed the story line and the imagery. This was my first read from the author and I intend to go look up her backlist.

It's no surpise how much I loved the hurricane wars. After meeting Alaric and Talysyn, in the first book, theirs became a story close to my heart. A monsoon rising allowed us to dig deeper into Alaric's backstory and explained some of the complexity of his character, and made me love him even more.

A Monsoon rising continued the high stakes storytelling of these two opposite and beloved characters. Guanzon combination of slow burn banter even in an established relationship was done beautifully. The chemistry these two feels so authentic and electric. The perfect mix of romance and thrilling action had me on the edge of my seat. I devoured this book immediately.

I highly enjoyed the rich impact of the Filipino culture. Between the food and customs, and lore it is truly an immersive experience.

This book was exhilarating, the only downfall of being able to experience their journey early was knowing I would have to wait even longer to continue their adventure. Thea is amazing and if anyone can be forgiven for a major cliffhanger it is her, because I know she's writing their story beautifully. I think of alaric and talsyan daily. ✨️

Thank you harpervoyager, netgalley for the honor of receiving this advanced copy. I felt speechless when I received the email, and it was truly a dream come true .

I’m always nervous about the second book in a trilogy or a series because it tends to be a fluff, bridge piece between the beginning and end of things. I’m so happy to say that this is no where near that. When the action and pacing for the plot would slow, the romance that was left at a simmer in the first book would turn up to a boil. The way Guanzon was able to weave both an intricate plot and the push and pull of the romance together was phenomenal. I cannot wait to see where these two’s story goes.

Thea Guanzon THE WOMAN THAT YOU ARE! The Hurricane Wars is one of my favorite books ever, and let me tell you A Monsoon Rising really delivered. It was a rollercoaster and I loved everything about it, the twists and turns, ALARIC AND TALASYN (MY CHILDREN!!), the slow burn between them, the magic, the world. I NEED THE NEXT BOOK ASAP PLEASE DONT HURT ALARIC AND TALASYN ANYMORE THEY DESERVE TO BE HAPPY AND TOGETHER THANK YOU. anyways 5 stars, thank you to harper and to netgalley for sending this my way!

As the second book of Thea Guanzon's The Hurricane Wars series, I was prepared to be either blown away or completely disappointed with A MONSOON RISING. Instead, I got a book I really, really enjoyed with an ending that made me gasp aloud but throughout which there were enough issues to prevent my mind from being blown.

Don't get me wrong. I finished A MONSOON RISING giddy with the promise of a spectacular finale. I loved the spice, the action, and the further adventures of Alaric and Talasyn together and apart. I devoured the book as quickly as I could without dropping everything altogether. It's just that Alaric and Talasyn spend as much time mooning about and worrying about the future or each other as they do in action.

I get their angsty thoughts. They are young and have little to no firsthand political experience. Plus, they both suffer from childhood trauma. Their brooding makes sense and is entirely appropriate. It's just that it takes up so much of the story. When there is action, whether it is in the form of training or as basic as traveling, A MONSOON RISING is unputdownable. When you are once again having to endure either character's obsession over the other or worrying about the future, it is less so.

A MONSOON RISING is a great book and deserving of all the praise. It just gets a little slow at times for my taste. I will still gladly read anything Ms. Guanzon writes because these first two novels are stellar. Plus, the ending is a game-changer that left me reeling. I can't think of a series that excites me more than The Hurricane War and a series finale I am anticipating the most.

I enjoyed this book more then the first one. The first one was hard at times because of the world building.
Alaric and Talaysn have great banter and tension. I am awaiting the third book like yesterday

The main character is going through a lot, trying to work through family secrets and personal struggles, all while dealing with the literal storm that’s always just around the corner. There’s a lot of emotional depth here, and I really liked how the weather plays a role in mirroring what’s happening in the character’s life. It’s almost like the monsoon is a character in itself, just as unpredictable and intense.

The writing is beautiful at times, especially when it comes to describing the environment—Guanzon does a great job of making you feel like you're right there in the thick of it. However, I do think the plot drags a bit. The pacing is slow, and while the emotional depth is there, it can get repetitive. Sometimes, I just wanted things to move forward a bit quicker.

The characters are solid, but not totally memorable. They have their moments, but there wasn’t a huge emotional connection for me. The relationships in the book felt a little too complicated for the sake of it, and I didn’t always understand the motivations behind some of the key decisions.

Overall, A Monsoon Rising is a beautifully written book with a lot of heart, but it does take its time to get to the point. I can see why some people would really love it, especially if you're into atmospheric settings and slower-paced character studies. For me, though, it just wasn’t as gripping as I hoped. It's good, but not great. A solid 3 stars.

Thank you Netgalley and HarperVoyager for providing me with this arc. All opinions are my own.