The Hurricane Wars* is an atmospheric fantasy that truly immerses you in its world of magic and conflict. I was swept away by the tension between Talasyn and Alaric, whose enemies-to-lovers dynamic is slow-burned to perfection—though I can see how readers who prefer a more immediate connection might find the pacing a bit frustrating. I appreciated the complexity of their relationship, especially as they navigate their personal struggles while dealing with the political and magical stakes surrounding them. There’s emotional depth in their development, and even though they spend a lot of time apart, it never felt like the romance was sidelined.

Guanzon’s world-building is stunning—richly detailed with a sense of danger at every turn, but also deeply human at its core. The book is so much more than just a fantasy; it’s a story about power, choices, and the lengths we go to for those we care about. I was particularly drawn to the moments when the plot slows down, letting the characters breathe and wrestle with their personal dilemmas. The side characters also add a lot of intrigue and heart, I was immediately drawn in to the relationships between the main characters and those around them from the first conflict., and I found myself invested in the stories of the side characters as much as Talasyn and Alaric’s. It’s not a fast-paced, action-heavy book, and I can understand if readers expecting more traditional romance tropes might feel a little let down by the slower pace. But for those who enjoy high-stakes political drama and a more restrained, slow-building romance, this one is definitely worth the read. There’s a lot to love about *The Hurricane Wars*, and I’m excited to see where Guanzon takes the story next

Set in a Southeast Asia-inspired world ravaged by relentless storms, this story introduces us to Talasyn, an orphan who has grown up amidst the chaos of constant conflict. The nation is under siege by the Night Emperor, a ruthless ruler whose shadow magic has cast a dark pall over the land. Talasyn, who has found her family among the soldiers fighting for freedom, harbors a deadly secret: she possesses light magic, a power thought to have been extinguished long ago, which has the potential to cut through the darkness of the empire.

The story explores the concept of war not just as a physical battle but as a struggle of the heart. It delves into the complexities of identity, power, and the choices that define us. The characters are compelling and multifaceted, each grappling with their destinies and the burdens of their abilities.

Its more than just a tale of magic and conflict; it's a story about the resilience of the human spirit and the light that can be found even in the darkest of times. Guanzon's work is a testament to the power of fantasy to not only entertain but to inspire and provoke thought.

An intense and beautifully crafted fantasy romance set in a world ravaged by magic and conflict. The story follows Talasyn, a resilient young woman born with rare light magic, as she navigates the treacherous dynamics of war and power against the brooding prince Alaric, her enemy yet undeniable counterpart. Guanzon’s writing is lush and evocative, pulling readers into a world that feels both immersive and emotionally charged. With richly drawn characters and a slow-burn romance wrapped in political intrigue, The Hurricane Wars is a perfect read for those who love high-stakes fantasy with a fierce romantic edge.

The Hurricane Wars is a captivating read that will appeal to fans of epic fantasy and intricate storytelling. Guanzon’s debut leaves a lasting impression, promising a bright future for her writing. Highly recommended!

This just was not of interest to me sadly, I couldn't get into it and took me forever to pick it up. Sadly a DNF

The Hurricane Wars was a nice fantasy read. While I was entertained, I never got completely sucked in by the story. The plot was fun at times, but felt more like many fantasy books I had already read smashed together and not really original. So I still liked and enjoyed it, it just didn’t really stick out to me. One last thing tho, the cover is absolutely stunning!!

I was unable to get into this one, unfortunately. I had difficulty getting into the plot because it was unappealing and a little bit dull. There's a ton of info dump at the beginning, which confused me. I didn't connect with the characters and the world-building. Maybe this book just wasn't for me. I might give it another try later.

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins UK for the e-arc.

This started out so well but unfortunately went a little downhill after the halfway mark. I felt it was a little confusing in the latter part of the story but still enjoyable as a debut novel.

An amazing fantasy with excellent world building - quite a chunky book but was very immersive. Great magic, political environment and war.

I enjoyed this one but it seemed a long book and not a lot of action. It seemed to be setting the scene more for the next book. Which still makes me want to read the next one so that’s a plus. I just wanted more to happen as it seemed to be building but then finished.
Great characters and the world building was fab so I’m looking forward to seeing where the series goes!

Absolutely was hooked from start the finish. Enemies to lovers but with ambiguity as to whether the enemy will become "good". Cannot wait for the next installment!

Not a bad fantasy, and it certainly had some really interesting moments however I just found the characters Talasyn and Alaric to be really underwhelming and a bit boring. Compared to the colourful world they inhabit they're very flat. I also think it tried to do too much. There's a lot of plot here, and a really expansive complex world, but it feels a bit rough around the edges, a bit messy and unfinished. There's a lot of information dumping early on that feels very much like it's just placed in the story without any finesse.

Some nice ideas, but the characters were not engaging enough and the writing us a bit too clunky for me.

I just realized I haven't given my feedback yet, despite having read this more than a year ago!

From the moment I discovered "The Hurricane Wars," I was eagerly anticipating it. The allure of an enemies-to-lovers romance, combined with a marriage of convenience and a premise inspired by Reylo (the dynamic between Rey and Kylo Ren in Star Wars), had me hooked instantly. As soon as it was available on Netgalley, I jumped at the chance to read it, and thankfully, my request was accepted.

The Hurricane Wars is set in a world deeply reminiscent of Southeast Asia, with rich cultural influences that permeate the story. From the hierarchical organization of societies to the evocative descriptions of clothing and landscapes, the setting feels both unique and immersive. The narrative follows Talasyn, an orphan with light magic, and Alaric, the Night Emperor's son, who wields shadow magic. Their worlds collide on the battlefield, creating a dynamic that is as thrilling as it is intense.

The worldbuilding in "The Hurricane Wars" is nothing short of exquisite. Thea Guanzon has crafted a vibrant and intricate world that feels alive and meticulously detailed. The cultural elements inspired by Southeast Asia add a layer of depth and authenticity to the story, making the world feel both familiar and fantastical.


Talasyn and Alaric are compelling characters whose personal journeys are as captivating as their intertwined fates. Talasyn, with her hidden light magic, symbolizes hope and resistance against the oppressive Night Empire. Alaric, molded into a weapon by his father, represents the struggle between duty and personal desire. Their development throughout the story is gradual and nuanced, making their eventual alliance both believable and engaging.

The romance is a slow burn, fitting perfectly with the enemies-to-lovers trope. The tension between Talasyn and Alaric is palpable, and their reluctant partnership evolves into a complex relationship filled with passion and conflict. The gradual build-up of their connection, set against the backdrop of war and magic, is both satisfying and heart-wrenching.

Guanzon's writing is both lyrical and compelling. Her narrative style is immersive, pulling the reader into the world she has created and holding their attention with vivid descriptions and well-paced storytelling. The structure of the novel, clearly intended to be the first part of a larger story, hints at a grander scheme that promises more intrigue and adventure in the subsequent books.

"The Hurricane Wars" is a remarkable debut from Thea Guanzon, combining unforgettable characters, a richly drawn world, and a sizzling enemies-to-lovers romance. It's a story that promises much more to come, and I am eagerly anticipating the next installments in this trilogy. For fans of fantasy romance, especially those who enjoy complex worldbuilding and slow-burn relationships, this book is a must-read.

Loved it, can't wait for the sequel, especially with this cliffhanger. I did enjoy the characters interactions and the magic system very much!

Great fun! Enemies-to-lovers trope plus hidden secrets/conspiracies. It ended very abruptly though and now I'm desperate for the next book! Will definitely be buying the sequel.

The first 35% nearly made me DNF. It feels tacked on and inconsistent with the rest of the book. A slow start, but once you get through that the rest really kicks into gear and becomes a fantastic ride. Even months later, I found myself thinking about the characters and strangely enough, missing them. Guanzon has a real gift for writing characters & stories that work their way deep into your heart. Eagerly awaiting the next book!

was not it. i’m sorry. couldn’t get into it. you may like it better than me!!! the world building and plot was too slow and complex, i love a fantasy with lots of action - but obviously this is personal preference, and i can see why others have loved this!

A brilliant fantasy debut with rich world building and brilliantly well rounded characters. Every detail was carefully thought out and planned! Can’t wait to see what’s next.

I tried so hard to read this book, i just couldnt gel with it at all. It took me months and months to read it as i would read a few pages and think god this is boring and i would read something else instead. Not for me this one.

Sadly this was a DNF as the writing style wasn’t for me. I didn’t find it overly engaging and it wasn’t something I was eager to pick up,