🦇 A Monsoon Rising Book Review 🦇

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

❓ #QOTD What's your favorite enemies-to-lovers story?

🦇 Even after a lifetime of war, being married to a sworn foe feels far from peaceful. 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?

💜 The second book of The Hurricane Wars trilogy starts exactly where the first leaves off. Let's break it down:

✨ Characters: As the second book in the trilogy, we should see the bulk of character development in this novel--moments that hint at Talasyn & Alaric seeing one another's perspectives to the point of changing their ideologies about the world & how it should operate. While we are given those moments, they're nearly always rooted in lust (namely, throughout the second half of the novel). The tension I loved so much in the first book still holds, but the pattern starts to become repetitive: an argument, a heated kiss, no real discussion of their feelings & thoughts. Yes, the third book requires Talaysn & Alaric to hold steadfast to their secrets (& potential betrayals), but they could have at least been honest about their messy feelings for one another. The cast grows a little in this book, but we barely see any real characterization for the supporting cast.

✨ Plot and Pacing: This novel focuses on the cataclysmic event, the Moonless Dark, that partially drove Talaysn & Alaric's political marriage. It takes place over the span of four months, with multiple time jumps. Still, the pace seems to drag at times. It's the action-packed scenes that drive the pacing (as they should). More reveals (political secrets, information about Talaysn's mother) would have allowed suspense to drive the pacing faster.

✨ World-Building: Just as before, Guanzon's descriptions of this world are beautiful & descriptive. I can't believe I'm typing this, but I wish there were fewer descriptions & more INFORMATION. What about the universe beyond the Continent and Nenavar? What about Nenavar's culture & history? There are small hints, but not enough to expand this universe.

✨ Romance: You bookish bats wanted more smut from this trilogy, & you got it. The spice definitely amps up in this one, but again, it becomes a distraction for Alaric & Talasyn when there's SO much more going on. That tension between them remains, the sassy banter still builds toward eruptive moments, & they're both definitely falling for one another. It wasn't the smut that caught my attention, but the soft intimacies between them that REALLY mattered. They start opening up to one another in ways that MATTER--I just wish there was more of THAT than the mindless, poorly timed, frenzy of smut.

✨ Mystery/Suspense: There's DEFINITELY a reveal lurking in the shadows of book three, namely, about Talaysn's mother, Hanan (my mom's name, which throws me out of the story EVERY time I see it). This story DOES end on a cliffhanger, albeit an awkward one, so we'll see where it goes.

🦇 Recommended to fans of Avatar the Last Airbender (or Zutara and Rylo shippers), Fourth Wing, and ACOTAR.

✨ The Vibes ✨
🌀 Romantic Fantasy Trilogy
🌀 Enemies to Lovers
🌀 Forced Proximity
🌀 War/Occupation
🌀 Southeast Asian/BIPOC
🌀 Marriage of Convenience
🌀 Debut Novel
🌀 Slow Burn
🌀 Feminine Rage


🦇 Major thanks to the author @theagwrites and publisher @harpervoyagerus for providing an ARC of this book via Netgalley. 🥰 This does not affect my opinion regarding the book. #AMonsoonRising

💬 Quotes
❝ “His Majesty ought to grant me a title.” “On top of all the other names I already call you?” ❞
❝ “Little hellcat,” he muttered, lost in her narrowed eyes flashing with hints of gold. “Claws out even while you purr.” ❞
❝ “Deadly. Magnificent. The prettiest thing I’ve ever seen.” ❞
❝ Just him and me and the monsoon. ❞
❝ Ever since we met, I have lived in a dream of what could be. ❞

Romantasy • ReyLo Fanfic • Enemies to Lovers
Pub Date • 10 December 2024

Thank you @harpervoyagerus and @netgalley for the digital ARC.

No second book slump here! Far more romance and less space opera than book one, you will still find urban fantasy fight scenes, mommy and daddy issues, insecurities/fear/pain masked by cruelty and arrogance, and... there be dragons! 🐉 If you thought the burning was slow in book one, it’s def turned up here as the enemies become lovers. 🌶️🌶️

I loved the parallels to the Star Wars universe and how aethermancy is analogous to the force with shadow magic and light weaver magic on opposing sides. Passed down through blood lines, skipping some generations in a game of chance. I loved the vivid descriptions of the Nenavarene court with its opulent attire, matriarchal culture, the humidity of the tropical isles, and delectably mouth-watering foods.

The author did a better job making some of the side characters more multi-dimensional, the two standouts being Elagbi and Sevraim. However, the spotlight is definitely still firmly centered on Talaysn and Alaric and their star crossed love story. I cried for the lonely, broken Alaric, who never had a kind word, forged into a weapon, tortured at the hands of Gaheris. I long for these two to have a happy ending.

✨ “𝙴𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚌𝚎 𝚠𝚎 𝚖𝚎𝚝, 𝙸 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎𝚍 𝚒𝚗 𝚊 𝚍𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚖 𝚘𝚏 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚌𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍 𝚋𝚎.” ✨

The cliff was steep, need book 3 ASAP

“A Monsoon Rising” by Thea Guanzon

5⭐️/5⭐️
3🌶/5🌶

“There were moments, shards of moments, when she could almost let herself believe that these days would last forever. That there was no storm on the horizon, no tangled web to navigate. That it could always be like this.”

-Where do I even begin. “A Monsoon Rising” has been one of my top anticipated reads for 2024, and it flew past all expectations; there is no doubt this is one of the best books I’ve read this year.

-”The Hurricane Wars” is the most exquisite slow burn, and AMR is the ultimate payoff. If you were a fan of the first book, you will lose your mind over the events of its sequel. Everything Thea teased and built up between Alaric and Talasyn reaches a climax in AMR; I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading.

-I loved reading about Talasyn becoming confident and comfortable in her role as Lachis’ka. She really takes on this new leadership role head-on, and you can tell she will eventually be an amazing Zahiya-lachis.

-Alaric also makes incredible personal development. He becomes so soft! Through his marriage to Talasyn his walls start to come down, he is able to open up emotionally. There is one scene in particular that really moved me. The two of them make such great strides as a couple; it was so satisfying to read.

-The fantasy aspect is explored even more, and readers learn new information about Talasyn and Alaric’s combined powers, which have unique consequences. The ending SHOOK me; I was stunned!

-I really don’t want to spoil anything for the book since it won’t come out until December, but know this: AMR is one of the most gratifying sequels I’ve ever read in a series. There’s passion, tension, SMUT, action, adventure; it’s everything.

That cliff hanger was the worst thing that has ever happened to me. This book had me on the edge of my seat and also kicking my feet. I love Alaric and Talasyn and need book 3 immediately to see how they figure all this out! Also really enjoyed the twist during Moonless Dark, super interested to see if that goes anywhere else in the next book! Can't wait!

This is the much-anticipated sequel to The Hurricane Wars, and it is just as action- and intrigue-packed as its predecessor! Alaric and Talasyn, now wed, face even more danger as they try to prepare for the Moonless Dark and the eruption of the Voidfell.

As they try to navigate their own courts, political backstabbing and intrigue, and rebellion from the remaining Allfold fighters, Alaric and Talasyn are also battling each other - and their rising feelings....the tension could be cut with a knife! This book had me hooked right from the start and I could not put it down.

Also - these cliffhanger endings are BRUTAL!

3.75/5 star.

The second book to The Hurricane Wars adds in more romance but does bring the miscommunication trope/or simply unable to communicate which is by far the most infuriating way to write characters in a relationship. Yes they are both going through their first relationship and have mommy & daddy issues but the whole book I wanted to punch them both. I am honestly not sure I liked the plot of this book. It felt like nothing happened until the last 25-30% of the book and then was super rushed at the ending. The ending was not a cliffhanger, that was a simple ending that felt rushed and the author just didnt know what to do next. I was excited for the second book in this series but this felt like a letdown to me 😭

"You helped me with my magic. You talked me out of the way of that void bolt. Today you made sure that I could turn and fight. All of these things—they're not what a weapon is, or does. You're so much more than a weapon. You could be more." This quote captures the heart of Monsoon Rising, a sequel that truly outshines its predecessor. While I was initially unsure about The Hurricane Wars, this installment left me eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this rich, Southeast Asian-inspired world. The characters feel more relatable and their growth—both individually and in their relationships—drew me in deeply. The storytelling is smoother, with intentional world-building that strikes a balance between setting the stage and moving the plot forward. Fantasy lovers will appreciate the immersive magic and political intrigue, while romance fans will find the intimacy meaningful and well-integrated into the narrative. This book is a must-read for those who love emotional depth, captivating character dynamics, and a story that keeps you hooked from start to finish.


Thank you to NetGalley, Thea Guanzon, and Avon and Harper Voyager/HarperCollins Publishers for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is worth all the world building from the 1st book. There are so many layers to the characters that keep being revealed making it hard not to get sucked in. All of the action breaks up the political and romance portions well. The emotional twists and turns paired with the slowest burn romance (and decent spice) has me wishing I waited to read it closer to the next book instead of being an ARC receiver because I want more now haha. Overall a great story and I cannot wait to see how it goes from here.

4 🌟

Eek! I'm so glad I got my hands on this book.

This book picked up right where book 1 left off. I'll be honest, it took me a bit to get into because I forgot so much from book 1 but once I did - I was sucked in! I can't wait to get my habds on book #3.

Thanks, Netgalley for the ARC of this book!

Lust and Love, a world ending event, and political drama all in one.

Alaric and Talasyn struggle through their marriage with training, politics, and feelings. The angst between Alaric and Talasyn ebbs and flows throughout A Monsoon Rising. I loved the how the relationship grows and the second guessing of potential betrayals.

𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒐𝒐𝒏 𝑹𝒊𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈 by @theagwrites
Genre: fantasy/ romantasy
2nd book in trilogy
Pub date: December 10, 2024

Excuse me, @theagwrites , but I need next book ASAP!! 👀👀👀. Pretty please 🥹

I’ll be honest. I didn’t care about political moves/intrigues in this book that much, because I was eating up the banter between Alaric and Talasyn. The things got spicy 🌶️🌶️🌶️in the second book. And mental struggles of these two of “how to be with enemy I’m crazy about” were just great😂😝💃.

I have preordered @Fairyloot and @waterstones editions for this book and can’t wait for them to arrive🔥🔥🔥.

Also I can’t believe I’ll see @theagwrites in person in December at @bookpeople🔥😝💃.

Thank you so much @harpervoyagerus for e-ARC!❤️🤌 #readharpervoyager

A Monsoon Rising is my most anticipated read this year. I SCREAMED when I received the approval for this eARC.

THIS BOOK DID NOT DISAPPOINT!! In this follow up to The Hurricane Wars, this book starts right where we left off. Alaric and Talasyn are navigating through their political marriage as well as focusing dealing with the threat that is the Moonless Dark, an event that can "devour everything"

I will say I did not feel lost starting the book but if you need a recap, Thea has a great video you can watch prior to reading this book.

This was a page turner for me. The relationship between Alaric and Talasyn is growing and watching them fall for each other was a delight to read. Their tension, their banter and their vulnerability with each other has placed them as a top romance couple for me. A moment for Alaric and how Thea gives us some insight into his character. my heart broke for this little boy.

While the romance is unquestionably the star of this book, the action deserves it's praise too. This is fast paced with rebel attacks and constant political turmoil and intrigue. These characters are struggling with their growing feelings while also navigating keeping secrets and remaining loyal to their own respective kingdoms. WHAT MORE COULD YOU WANT?

The descriptions- from food, to the land to the magic and creatures- the worldbuilding is stunning. My little self loved seeing the Filipino inspiration as well as the Star Wars influence. Just pure joy.

The ending! THIS IS A CLIFFHANGER and it left me in shambles.

5 Stars

I would recommend to anyone that loves Romantsy and Diverse Worldbuilding with political intrigue and a romance that's enemies to lovers.

THANK YOU TO THEA GUANZON, HARPER VOYAGER AND NETGALLEY FOR THIS ARC!!!

4.5 stars!!!

First of all I want to say what a sequel!!!! This is probably one of the best sequels I’ve read. I honestly enjoyed it more than The Hurricane Wars (because the world building has already been established). This book is action packed. There is so much drama and the banter between Alaric and Talasyn is *chefs kiss*! There is so much growth to their relationship and it’s been so great to see that. The one bed trope was everything! Don’t get me talking about the ending. This book is nonstop until the very last page! I highly recommend it!

A Moonsoon Rising by Thea Guanzon was one of my most anticipated books of the year. After finishing The Hurricane Wars I could not wait for the sequel. In book 2 we find out if Alaric and Talasyn can work together to save everyone from the Moonless Dark and also get to watch the progression of their forced political marriage. The banter between Alaric and Talasyn continues and temptations grow. Sevraim is one of my favorites. "Yes, your glittering majesty! At once, my shimmering master!"

Thea, I think I can safely speak for everyone, and we need the next book immediately after that ending!

Huge thank you to Harper Voyager, Avon Books, and Netgalley for the ARC.

Thank you Net Galley and Avon and Harper Voyager | Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

This one sucked me in just like book 1 did. You can't help but to root for the 2 Main characters! Their growth continues in book 2 and makes them both even better! They are really having to mature and are both being forced to face what they believe and decided if they are truly doing what is right.

The Cliff hanger at the end of this one is no joke!! ouch!

This is one the best and true enemies to lovers books I have read in a very very long time. I truly did love this book, book 2, A Monsoon Rising far more than I did book 1. The ending through me for a WHOLE loop because I was fully prepared for this to be a duology and then BAM just kidding its a trilogy!

This second book for me felt far more romance heavy than book 1. There is still the continuation of the enemies to lovers and then allies to lovers and then friend to lovers. I would say, that for those who are excited for that enemies to lovers build up and the slow burn and the "are they finally gonna get together" this is gonna be a heart book for you.

Book 1 was very very hard for me to follow. A lot of the name and cities and clans were all so difficult for me to read and understand so I HAD to use an audiobook because I was so lost 70% of the time. This was a lot less daunting for me because I was able to full immerse myself into the story and not have to focus on how to pronounce every thing.

I do also which that there was a little more politics in this series, because when I get told something is comparable to Star Wars which is mostly political, that is kind of what I expect but it is true to its gene as a romantasy. There is lots of romance.

Thea Guanzon has just a beautiful and dynamic way of writing all her action packed scenes. THEY WERE EPIC and I was on the edge of seat every single time with them!

This was by far a GREAT sequel!!!

4.5/5⭐️

The Hurricane Wars had me foaming at the mouth and begging on my knees for more and A Monsoon Rising delivered. Slow burn of all slow burns!! Banter that had me LOLing!! Secrets that shocked me to my core!! Thea Guanzon did👏🏼the👏🏼damn👏🏼thing👏🏼!!!!

Guanzon packed this book with her signature banter, pining, and badassery. The tension between Talasyn and Alaric was already on high, but somehow we see it get even higher as the two navigate their respective plans of betrayal. I had to pause multiple times just to vent about how nervous I was for each of them to find out what the other was hiding!! I lovedddd watching Alaric make a fool of himself and be all possessive and jealous. On top of that Thea gave us the spice we alllll knew Talasyn and Alaric would deliver.🫦

Without spoiling anything, I will say that when it reached the main plot point I was a little underwhelmed. It felt like a lot of rising anxiety and then it was over so quickly. But the events AFTER that point were full of action, leading to an ending that had my jaw dropping!! I was so wrapped up and furiously swiping through pages that when I reached the end I was yelling about needing more!!! And that’s exactly how I want a fantasy book to end. I need book three IMMEDIATELY.😭

4 stars. A Monsoon Rising picks up where The Hurricane Wars leaves off, and everything I loved about the first book still really holds true for this one. And that's the delicious banter and tension between Alaric and Talasyn. Except in Monsoon Rising, we also get spice ;). I think we can all agree that marriage of convenience is a superior trope, and the best bits are when things start feeling a little less convenient and a little more real. And Guanzon definitely delivered with those moments. There was a lot of world building in book one, so much so that the beginning of the book was a little slow and confusing for me. And if I'm honest, parts of the plot of A Monsoon Rising were also a little confusing. But as much as I enjoy the fantasy elements and political plot lines in this series, I'm honestly just here for the moments between Alaric and Talasyn, making this one really great for fans of romantasy (rather than pure fantasy). Truly, the chapters where they were on the same page together were pure platinum (and will they won't they torture) and will absolutely have be reaching for book 3.

Thank you so much to Harper Voyager, Guanzon, and netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review!

I can confidently say that this book does NOT suffer from 2nd book syndrome. A Monsoon Rising is a great sequel, picks up right when the first one left off and is just as fun and romantic and exciting. More romance, more court politics, more dragons and more spice! I had such a fun time reading this book. Such a fantastic blend of fantasy and sci fi. Honestly think this series deserves the hype that an other certain dragon based series got. AND THAT ENDING??? Cinema. Cannot wait for book 3.

I had high expectations for this series (which I think I read is going to end up being a trilogy?) and, sadly, I think that those hopes were too high. I didn't really feel the connection between the FMC and MMC and I think that I needed more back story to really understand what all was going on with the aether system and the war going on. Overall, just felt like an average fantasy book with considerably more spice in the second book than the first.