Let me tell you something right now.. I freaken LOVE Alaric and Talasyn. The whole damn world can go to hell in a hand basket so long as those two have a happily ever after.

I was sooo excited to get approved an ARC for this book as it was one of my most anticipated sequels of year, but I’m DEVASTATED that I will have to wait even longer for the next book 😩 (pls I’m still very grateful I love this book and the characters so much it’s just really painful right now)

“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?”

Thank you to netgalley and Harper Voyager for providing me an early copy in exchange for a honest review. A Monsoon Rising is the long awaited (by ME lol) second entry in the hurricane wars series. Before I say anything let me say I doubt there will ever come a day where Talasyn and Alaric don’t make me go absolutely feral. Those who complained about a lack of romance in the last book?? Look no further because we are eating a hearty meal of banter and tension and slowly sinking softness and even a little spice here and there in this book. In a some what typical fashion for series the second book flags a little bit in the plot department instead focusing more time on the characters and of course the romance. While some might feel this as a detriment, as a Alaric and Tala lover this was the perfect book for me. We still got enough plot, internal conflict with our two mcs, and some really wonderful fight sequences (I will never not love them fighting together with light and shadow magic) to keep things interesting and to keep me on my toes. Watching Talasyn and Alaric fight their attraction for each other in the first book pales in comparison to how we watch them fight their love for each other in this installment. Knowing all of the secrets they keep, the expectations on both their shoulders, while they both continue to imagine and yearn for a world in which they could’ve been is agonizing and squeal inducing all in one. They way Talasyn gets to be touched by love in a way she’s never known before and the way Alaric slowly softens for her until he’s too far gone is just chefs kiss I could read about their dynamic all day. And the way it ended?? Thea….Thea. I need book 3 in my hands YESTERDAY!!! But yea I will never be over Alaric and Talasyn I will never be over this world building and plot and I will never be over this series as a whole it has me in a chokehold I fear. 5⭐️ now I go and wait however long for the next book

I am speechless. Absolutely speechless. So good. The first book, The Hurricane Wars, took me a little bit to get used to with the unique magic system, blend of sci-fi and fantasy, and then the writing style, but once I got about 25% in, I was hooked. But, with book two, A Monsoon Rising, I didn't have to wait any to get pulled into the story. It was a struggle to want to put this book down because I easily could have read it in one sitting it was so good. I adore how Thea Guanzon can write just the most hilarious of banter and torturously good slow burn. Alaric and Talasyn are probably my favorite ship that I have read this year.

Thank you, NetGalley and Harper Collins, for an ARC. Pub Date: 12/10/2024

Very rarely does a sequel aim to surpass their predecessor and succeed. A Monsoon Rising succeeded where others have not.

Talaysn and Alaric become the characters you're desperate for and to watch them weave their ways through their journey is just magical. The world is so unique and so are any twists that may come along. Very refreshing in the genre.

I wanted to throw this book across the room in desperation when I read the last words on the page. I searched the book for the next chapter. How dare you leave me hanging on for dear life knowing full well I can't open the next installment yet! I went in believing this was a duology and was sent on a spiral of rollercoaster proportions when I continued to see my pages dwindle and the story continue. This is a trilogy and I have to sit in the fetal position until I receive book 3.

Thank you to netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review

Thank you Netgally for this ARC!

Hurricane Wars was one of my favorite fantasy reads last year and I was so excited to get more of Talasyn and Alaric. I will not add any major spoilers, but I will mentioning feelings I had while reading.

I felt like this book focused more on the relationship between Talasyn and Alaric, which is something I enjoyed very much. The first book had a lot more world building and this book we get to see the relationship expand as they figure out married life. The dynamic between them doesn't feel repetitive (which sometimes happens with the "enemy to lovers" trope) and the banter had me laughing. Talasyn always stands her ground and she continued to grow into being a queen who leads, not only a soldier. It was also entertaining following Alaric trying to deny his feelings for her, like you little in denial simp lover boy. SPOILER!... He carries a chicken for her, like come on!!

This story also doesn't shy away or ignore what war actually does to people and the effects it has. While I don't feel like the war was as big as a plot this book, you could still feel the heaviness it has on the characters.

Such a great series and I can't wait for book three (hello ANOTHER cliff hanger booooo).

A Monsoon Rising begins with a reminder of the world and war Talasyn and Alaric are in, grabbing the reader back into the lore. From a confusing marriage where both of our main characters are refusing to accept their attraction toward each other for guilt of their political betrayals on the horizon. Talasyn and Alaric must work together despite all odds to keep the Moonless Dark from destroying their world, while also playing the political games of the Dominion and the Night Empire. As they train together, they go through obstacles that bring an understanding between them. The banter between these two makes for amazingly lighthearted moments in this book, to rival the tender and intense moments. This is a true slow burn of will they/wont they that will keep readers on their toes as they progress their relationship. To its core, this is a political drama and the fine details of power plays happening between Regent Gaheris, the Zahiya-lachis, and the Sardovian Remnant remind you that our main characters are pawns to a bigger plan. Alaric and Talasyn are two people in positions they never really wanted to be in, thrown into a middle of a conflict they didn’t ask for finding solace in each other.
The pacing of the book kept me hooked the entire time, the act three climax was beautifully written and makes me want to reread the scene over and over again. The lore was a lot more digestible in this book than the previous. My only critique is some dialogue felt too casual for certain characters, but it was an amazing and enjoyable read that makes me crave the next!

This sequel to The Hurricane Wars continues following Alaric and Talasyn into their new marriage as they work on an alliance and against external threats.

The tension between the two built over this book and I just wanted them to communicate with each other and acknowledge their feelings. As if being inexperienced newlyweds wasn’t enough, these two are dealing with politics and family influences and tasked with saving their own people. The story ramps up in pace at the end and leaves it at a cliffhanger for the next book in the series.

A solid sequel to the first book, I am excited to see where the series goes next. The pacing was a bit off for me, which is why I lowered it a star.

Thank you NetGalley for the advance copy; all opinions are my own.

This was phenomenally written and incredibly descriptive. There are many books within the “romantasy” genre but this book stands out. I think not only for the beautifully and respectfully woven cultural aspects; the incredible vocabulary, but also the ability of Thea artfully describing the landscape of each land, the environment, the creatures and dragons, the magic - it was all so well done.

A couple of aspects that gave me pause: at times the shift between the points of view confused me and I found myself backtracking to get clarity, it wasn’t too bad but a point that was consistent throughout; also along the same lines, there were a couple of scenes that I was lost in the descriptions and unsure of what was happening. Maybe I wasn’t following enough but maybe some of the descriptions had too much going on.

Lastly, the relationship dynamics were tasteful and felt believable, so much of their dialogue and banter had me laughing! And many of the side characters were such a delight to see interwoven into the story. All in all, absolute amazing read and eagerly awaiting what’s next!

Thank you NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager for this arc!

4/5 ⭐️
*spoiler free*

The beginning of the book was a little slower, and felt like some parts could have been elaborated on more. However, after the crowning wedding ceremony in Kesath it felt like the plot picked up substantially.

My loathing for Gaheris has only increased. Gosh that man is HORRID. But, his horrid-ness did lead to a really tender moment between Alaric and Talasyn 🥺. The tender moments between them tugged at my heart, but couldn’t stamp out the rising stress I felt towards how their situation would end…and that stress was NOT put to ease at the end of this book 😫🙈

I was not expecting the Voidfell and Moonless Dark to result in THAT?! So cool, but also, again, SO STRESSFUL. To sum it up, the last 15% of the book had me stressing (especially with the way it ended on a cliffhanger) 😱

Thank you HarperVoyager US and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC! Keep a look out for it on shelves December 10th! ☺️

What a book! This is not what I expected, but absolutely loved it! Everything I wanted after book one, came true, and I am so happy! Thank you netgalley for the ARC!

I have so many more thoughts but am still processing, I’ll come back soon!

Review posted to Goodreads 11/20/24

I appreciate Thea Guanzon's writing style and ability to create romance on the page. With that being said, this series is very much a "romantasy" in every sense - the focus is on the romance. I was so starkly aware of this because every scenario Talasyn and Alaric find themselves in is always to further their romantic story. There's nothing wrong with that and there is definitely an audience for it, but the world building and character development unfortunately take a back seat, when that was really what I was hoping to experience more of in the second book. All in all, the story is a bit forgetful.

My rating: 3.5⭐️
Thank you for the ARC!

I had the opportunity to read A Monsoon Rising, by Thea Guanzon, before its release on December 10, 2024! 🌀🌑

Alas, I’m back with my people aka Alarc and Talasyn. Who honestly may take the award for worst communication skills possible. I wanted to shake them both, but I also love them.

The story picks right back up where it left off, as our main characters are training to stop the eclipse. I do feel like the story focused heavily on their relationship and the political ramifications of their marriage.

I don’t want to post too much as the book has not been released yet, but expect to be back with your favorite characters as they explore more of their powers. Lots of banter, tough choices, and even some lovey moments.

The ending left me deceased and if you’ve read the book please message me so we can discuss!

Thank you @netgalley, @avonbooks and @harpervoyagerus for the E-arc! This made my entire life!!
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🏷️ #newrelease #newfantasy #arcreview #bookreview #amonsoonrising #novemberreads #bookcommunity #readmorebooks #hiveinfluencer #thehurricanewars

So this book was heavy on the romance which I enjoyed. The chemistry between Alaric and Talasyn was so thick through this entire installment even though the "I want you, I need you so bad...no we can't because I am supposed to hate you" start and stop was wearing me out! Lol. The ending ruined me...Thea how could you?

I had a good time reading this book and I will be impatiently waiting on the next :)

Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Collins, and Thea Guanzon for the e-ARC of this amazing work! I am leaving this honest review voluntarily without coercion.

The book lost me with the plot. It just felt like it was dragging on with unnecessary filler. There was plotting with no payoff. They talked about doing stuff but didn’t do it.. It was all will they won’t they and honestly it got exhausting. While Alaric and Tala had many adorable moments I just wanted more.

Besides the void fell threat, there was sex, and training sessions. I just really wanted more politics as well in this book.

I don't know what to do with myself now! This book exceeded my expectations. I really enjoyed how book 2 focused mainly on Alaric and Talasyn's growing feelings while still keeping their secrets. Ugh I cannot wait till the next book that cliffy was a doozy!

Thea Guanzon has done it again! I absolutely devoured Hurricane Wars and can say the same about Monsoon Rising (honestly, I think I loved this book better). The simmering slow burn between Talasyn and Alaric finally pays off in this book. Talasyn and Alaric’s hate to love is undeniable and their relationship grows as they’re tested with competing allegiances and an impending apocalyptic Void-fell. A Monsoon Rising is a beautiful continuation and perhaps my favorite enemies to lovers book I have read in a long time. I cannot wait to read the final installment of this series!

Also, the cliffhanger?!?!?! I need book 3 now!

This book was worth the wait. The banter and romance were really good. We get a little more on both characters childhood trauma and the sweet reactions of their partners. We get a nice conclusion for one of the main storylines from the first book. It will be very interesting to see how things continue. Especially with that ending! It will be torture to wait for the final book in this trilogy.

Granted early access through NetGalley.

Monsoon rising is one of my top reads this year! Hurricane wars was a wonderful read but was more setting the stage. In this second book of the series we get into the thick of it!

The banter between Talaysn and Alaric had me kicking my feet and gigglinggggggg!!! But there would be times where I was also so sad for each of them and what they have gone through and how it impacts them moving forward in their marriage of alliance.

Thea has once again knocked it out of the park and I am anxious for book three of this exciting tale!!

Overall: 4
Spice: 1.5-2

Wow! I enjoyed this sequel much more than book 1. I was worried that this was going to have middle book syndrome, but I was pleasantly surprised instead. While book 1 focuses heavily on world-building and establishing the political tensions, this book focuses on character development. I felt much more connected to the main characters in this book, which made me more invested in the story. The romantic tension is palpable and we do get a little more spice in this book, although it certainly is not a predominant part of the story. We get more of a “behind the scenes” look at the politics in this book, but it doesn’t drag on forever, which I appreciated. My only complaint is that I wanted more action, but that’s just personal preference. There are three big action scenes, but the rest of the book is mostly talking and training with magic. We do get more dragons in this one and I was quite pleased with that.

That ending…I could feel a betrayal coming from miles away but THAT was not what I was expecting AT ALL. I’ll be looking forward to the next book.

Thank you to NetGalley & Harper Voyage for allowing me to read an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Simply put: I loved this more than The Hurricane Wars. The development of Alaric and Talasyn's relationship and how they manage to find space to be tender with each other while desperately trying to maintain their crumbling walls throughout this was delicious. I was (I am) rabid for the two of them. The writing was so well done and balanced on the razors edge of a knife to keep the perfect amount of tension. The suspense and waiting for the other shoe to drop between the two of them and have their betrayals laid bare to each other stayed all the way through the last word of the final page. My only critiques are that this felt a lot more like it was a set up for book 3 versus pushing the plot forward and that outside of Alaric, Talasyn, Elagbi, and Sevraim I don't care for any of the other characters. With the set up at the end though, I'm sure that will pull at 180 in the next book. The twists were completely unexpected between the void sever and what happens at the end of the book....I need book three immediately!!!! (But please, Thea, take your time because I absolutely can impatiently wait for perfection).

4.5 / 5
Thank you Harper Voyager, Thea Guanzon, and NetGalley for the eARC!!!