A MONSOON RISING picks up around where we left off in the first book in the series. Guanzon instantly thrusts her readers into the action, the tension, and the wonderfully crafted world she has created.

What I love so much about Guanzon’s series is not only the complexities in the political and familial dynamics but the way those relationships feed off the landscape of the countries, the magic, and the lore. All of the background and descriptions of the traditions of each land inform the people that we encounter. Not to mention, the characters are so three-dimensional, and the facets of their personalities are brilliantly conceived. You can’t help but feel like a fly on the wall.

I am not giving any spoilers or getting too in-depth about the tale because you need to read this if you are as addicted to THE HURRICANE WARS as I was. There were ups and downs, more intimate moments, heightened and conflicted emotions, duplicity, and shocking twists. And yes, all I will tell you is that there is a cliffhanger of all cliffhangers at the end. It will be leaving you clamoring for more. Trust me.

Series Note: So far I have adored this series. However, it did take me a minute to get back into the swing of things with the characters and the lay of the land. And it is important to note, I do not suggest reading this book without having read THE HURRICANE WARS. Also, if you are a reader who wants to know the whole story, you may want to wait until Guanzon finishes her series or until after the next book. But if you are like me and want to read each as they come out, you can pick things up relatively quickly and continue down Alaric and Talasyn’s journey.

Audiobook Note: This audiobook brings back narrator Jeanne Syquia and adds Kaleo Griffith to Alaric’s voice. The back and forth between the characters add much more interaction than the previous audiobook for THE HURRICANE WARS. The pace was wonderful and a delightful listening experience. I highly recommend getting both in the series because you may want a refresher with book 3. Trust me…there has to be a book three.

I loved the first book and loved this one just as much! The romance in this was so much better in this book and overall so much better than many other romantasy books that are currently coming out. This book has the best slow burn. The plot definitely took a backseat to the romance though which is okay but something to point out. What plot there is was very good and there was incredible world building throughout this which made it that much more enjoyable. I cannot wait for the third book especially after that cliffhanger!

This was such a miss for me. I did not and cannot understand why is it that our main character became so different from what she originally set out to be. This gave me such a bad vibes of toxicity and unfortunately I will not be coming back to this world since the only thing keeping me set is flimsy story.

I have not stopped thinking about A Monsoon Rising for weeks! I have purchased not only the US hardcover of this book but also the UK hardcover and I have no regrets. These books are STUNNING.

Thea Guanzon throws us right back into the story without missing a beat, and I was completely captivated from page one. Talasyn and Alaric are still trapped in their cycle of longing and miscommunication, and I couldn’t get enough of it. The tension between them is everything—I was absolutely swooning!

Alaric’s vulnerability around Talasyn melted my entire soul. He is SMITTEN, and the moments between them were gave me air. I am not okay. The forced proximity of their arranged marriage only made want more and the desire and longing they have took center stage in the best way possible. The chemistry between these two are undeniable.

I am also so wrapped up in wanting to know more about Talasyn and her lineage. I have so many questions..

And that cliffhanger?! I am in shambles. I need the next book immediately! I loved this even more than The Hurricane Wars, and I already know this story is going to live rent-free in my mind forever.

I’m beyond grateful to have had the chance to read this early—thank you, NetGalley, for the opportunity to experience this masterpiece!

I cannot WAIT for the general public to get their hands on this book because I NEED to talk about it with all of my Goodreads friends!

The action, the romance, the suspense, the witty dialogue. UGH, I could not get enough!!!

Hurry up release date, hurry up!

This was such a great continuation of the series! There’s definitely a lot more romance in this one and it is definitely giving in the spice department. I loved the slow burn, enemies to lovers and political marriage tropes when it came to Alaric and Talasyn.

The world building continues in this sequel, but it didn’t feel like it slowed down the book at all. Not like how slow the first one felt. I really liked the pacing throughout, I was never bored. There was a great blend of action, romance and politics to keep me interested. I finished in just two days. It does end on a cliffhanger though, so prepare yourself for that. I was not ready and I’ll be holding my breath waiting for the next one.

Thank you so much to Avon and Harper Voyager, along with NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Monsoon Rising by Thea Guanzon

Thea Guanzon delivers an electrifying sequel with Monsoon Rising, a novel filled with tension, intricate world-building, and an achingly slow-burn romance. Picking up right where The Hurricane Wars left off, this book is filled with political intrigue and magic intertwine in an ever-tightening web.

At the heart of the novel is the forced marriage between Alaric and Talasyn—a fragile truce between two enemies who still don’t fully trust each other, yet find themselves drawn together in ways they can’t ignore. Their relationship remains a battle of wills, their every interaction laced with unspoken longing and simmering attraction. The back and forth tension between them is exquisite, with stolen moments of vulnerability, charged banter, and an undeniable chemistry.

Guanzon’s prose is lush and deliberate, painting a vivid world. The pacing may be a bit slow, but serves to deepen the stakes—both for the fate of their world and for the fragile, love growing between them. And when the romance finally ignites, it is really good.

With higher stakes, deeper emotions, and an ending that leaves you gasping, Monsoon Rising solidifies The Hurricane Wars series as a must-read for fans of epic fantasy. If you love arranged marriages, enemies-to-lovers tension, political intrigue, and characters who would burn the world down for each other—this book is for you. I highly recommended.

Thank you Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the gifted ARC.

This is a captivating read for fans of epic fantasy romance, particularly those who enjoy complex, slow-burn relationships, magical adventures, and stories of forbidden love, loyalty, and self-discovery in a richly detailed, Southeast Asian-inspired world.

3.5 ⭐️ I definitely liked this more than the first book. I felt like in general, the writing was better. I liked the relationship growth between Talasyn and Alaric, but found that I preferred them wanting (but also not wanting) each other over actually being together. I enjoyed their continued banter.

I think I struggled with the last quarter of the book because so much happened at the end rather than happening throughout the book. So with that being said, I think the pacing could have been improved.

I definitely plan on reading the next book.

Thanks for tbe eARC NetGalley.

I wanted to be pulled into the world crafted in this story, but I wasn’t really connecting with the story or characters. Very well written but just not the story for me!!

A Monsoon Rising is an incredible follow-up to one of my all-time favorite books: The Hurricane Wars. One of, if not the best, romantasy couples! Talasyn and Alaric's relationship had me giggling and kicking my feet. I also love the world building and I can't wait to see where this series goes next.

I really love the way Thea writes. I felt like the story was going in the right direction and I found myself entertained throughout the book.

A Monsoon Rising by Thea Guanzon is beautifully written, with lush descriptions that really bring the setting to life. The dynamic between Alaric and Talaysn is a standout, with great banter and tension. While the pacing is slower than expected, the emotional depth is there, and the twisty ending leaves you eagerly anticipating what’s next.

I’m definitely excited to see where the series goes next. If you love atmospheric worlds and slow-burn stories, this one’s for you!

*A big thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for approving me for the eARC of this book! A Monsoon Rising was one of my anticipated reads and it did not disappoint!*

I wanted a slow burn and by god I got it. This love is intense. It’s slow, tortuously so at times, but worth every second. Their chemistry is so unmatched and they’re just so good together they don’t even know.

The side characters are some of my favorite in any series. Prince Elagbi has my heart; I hope to god nothing bad happens to that man. On the flip I want to absolutely beat Gaheris’ ass. He’s such a prick and I fear he had something to do with the ending.

Speaking of the ending, WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?! THEA WHEN I CATCH YOU!!! I cannot believe I have to wait for another book because how long is that going to take? WITH THAT ENDING?!

Agonizing ending aside, this book was 5 stars for me. Everything is so beautiful especially the spice. Thea has a way with words. Everything is so pretty and just UGH!!! I love this world even if it’s fucked up and cruel.

Since I tried and tried to read book one, but sadly couldn’t connect to it, there’s no way I can even attempt to try and read this one. Super bummed. I’ve heard great things about these books but they’re just not for me.

Thank you Netgalley, Thea Guanzon, and the publisher for the e-arc!

I enjoyed this richly beautiful sequel and how we focused a bit more on the romance this time around. It allowed us to see more characterization and develop emotional attachments- something that is essential good storytelling in my opinion!

Many authors struggle to live up to the excellence of the first book in a series, but not Thea Guanzon! This was FANTASTIC! I adore the beautiful world she has created; the rich descriptions of the Nenavarian landscape and the unique magic system tied to it were so vividly described I felt like I was there! However, the real star of the show is definitely the growing relationship between Talasyn and Alaric - I was entranced by their enemies-to-lovers arc. They both have to balance the fate of the world with the fate of their two people's AND their growing feelings for each other. They are the only two people in the world who understand each other fully, and I am begging the universe (and Thea Guanzon!!) to give them the happy ending that they deserve!

4.0 / 5.0

Monsoon Rising by Thea Guanzon is not as good as the first book but I think it opens up more for the resolution in the book(s) to come. We get more development of the characters and a chance for the enemies to lover to really kick up a notch. I still enjoyed this world and seeing the lore and politics get filled in more. Some of the plot is a little too convenient and some of the characters don’t jive with their book one performances, but overall I enjoyed it.

Until Next Time,
MC

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for access for access to this eARC.

5⭐ 4🌶️

The events in A Monsoon Rising pick up directly after the conclusion of The Hurricane Wars. The arranged marriage between Talasyn and Alaric is in place and their kingdoms have joined forces in order to stop the growing threat of the Shadow Gate. Light and Dark magics combined are the only ways to stop it, causing the once enemies to have to learn to work together.

A Monsoon Rising is a perfect slow burn. Book 1 was slower than slow, and we get some great payoff for that tension here. The romance had me kicking my feet and screaming because of how amazing it was. I love how Alaric starts to see more of Talasyn outside of who she showed him before, and she was able to see a softer side to him.

The world building was rich and beautiful, Thea is skilled at crafting a world that leans on its fanfiction roots, but also evolving it into something more. The romance took a front seat to everything else, and honestly I'm here for it.

😍 Enemies to Lovers
😍 Rich World Building
😍 Reylo inspired
😍 Arranged Marriage
😍 Light v Dark Magic
😍 MORE Dragons
😍 THE CHEMISTRY


A hugeeeee thank you to Thea Guanzon, NetGalley, and Avon & Harper Voyager for the eARC and Physical ARC in exchange for my honest, unbiased review.

I struggled with getting attached to the characters in this book. I thought they could have been fleshed out more and made more relatable