I've heard a lot about this book, particularly in terms of it starting off as a fan fiction. I can't speak to that aspect of the novel, as I have not read the content it was based off of, however, overall, I though this was a solid first book. I really enjoyed learning about the history of the world and loved the back and forth between the main characters throughout the book. I will say, I did enjoy the first half more than I did the second, but again, overall, I do think this was a solid start to the series.

The Hurricane Wars was one of my most anticipated 2023 reads, it’s been very hyped & I kept seeing it everywhere along with rave reviews, when I come across books like this I always go in with a fair amount of caution & in this instance, that’s served me well.

THW is very obviously a Reylo fic turned book, I am not really much of a Star Wars person but I have enjoyed published Reylo fic’s in the past, but this one just didn’t quite cut it. The influences are very Star Wars based, which in itself is not a problem, but there’s also almost seems to be an assumption that the reader had this base knowledge before going into the book. Because of this a lot of the world building is glazed over or simplified at best. I found myself very confused about why the hurricane war was even happening, why it escalated & its sudden end plus why it was even called the hurricane war in the first place, there was an oversimplification & lack of nuance in the opposing sides where it didn’t go past surface level “our side good, your side bad”. Considering the rich lore this book is essentially drawing inspiration from, I found this pretty disappointing. The same can also be said for the political intrigues of Nanavar court, we are told this is a matriarchal society where the political landscape requires delicate manoeuvring to get to best outcome, but the issues are surface level bickering at best.

Leading on from that, the physical world building was pretty lacklustre too, apart from some fairly basic descriptions during specific scenes you don’t really get a feel for the world they’re in & how it works, like there’s 7 moons & at no point has how this would affect a world or it’s relevance been mentioned? There’s also dragons & you can’t just tell me about them then only mention them in passing like twice?? How do their ships work & what do they look like? Their magic was quite interesting but again, the details are really glazed over & it’s very unclear how it actually works, what the nexus’s do & how it affects them & just generally the limitations & what is/isn’t feasible.

Onto the characters, so individually, I didn’t hate either Talasyn or Alaric, they were fairly basic & didn’t really seem to have much below the surface either. But together, I just didn’t understand them? There was no chemistry between them, I was waiting for these moments of pure tension that you get in an enemies to lovers trope, but it just never really happened? Again, because of what this is based of, it seems to be implied that you know the back story of why they hate each other, but in THW, they literally meet like twice before suddenly all they can think about it the other one? It seemed really strange & very forced, like very early on it was decided they had to have an e2l plot line & so everything else was shoehorned into that plot line. Their relationship didn’t progress much over the course of the book, if anything they go backwards? Also includes potentially one of the most cringe “intimate” scenes I’ve ever read, maybe because I wasn’t feeling them together, who knows!

Finally, overall the pacing of the book felt really slow, I struggled to get into it & keep myself interested in it. There wasn’t really any cohesive plot thread, the book flitted from trope to trope which seemed to prevent it from gathering any momentum plot wise, if 1 or even 2 tropes had been picked & stuck to I think it would have been a stronger book overall, rather than bumbling around trying to be too many things at once. Also, we learn so much (compared to literally anything else of significance in this book) about Khaede & then nothing happens?

I dunno, I mean I finished it, but it felt like a first draft not the finished product tbh. I think all the elements individually are great & in theory should make up a story I really like, but put together it just missed the mark for me unfortunately.

Thank you to Harper Voyager and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this ARC.

This book took me a while to get into, I was frustrated with how slow it started and the constant repetition of information. I did not need to be told about the moons every 10 sentences. However, I continued as I had been told by others it was worth it. Once all the action kicked off, it was hard to put down. I loved Talasyn and her attitude and just her, but it took me a long while to get fully immersed in the story. This book had so much promise and the whole story line was interesting, it just felt like it was missing something.

I am intrigued to see where this one will go in the next book, I really hope there is less info dumping and we just learn things organically as we need to. I really wanted to love this one, it was so hyped and that might be part of the problem.

*Thank you to HarperCollins UK, HarperFiction, HarperVoyager and NetGalley for providing me this book in exchange for an honest review*

I was afraid to pick up The Hurricane Wars after the mixed reviews but honestly if I wasn't afraid, I would have pick it sooner. Thank God, I did pick it up because this book may be the best book I've read in 2023. The plot was AMAZING, the characters developed great and although I love enemies to lovers but hate arranged marriage this was by far a great book. I implore you to read this book. You seriously don't know what you're missing.

Although this was one of my most anticipated reads of the year, I had a bit of a slow start. It took me a while to get around the world-building, but, once I did, I started to enjoy it, especially as the chemistry between the two protagonists increases. Initially, I found the two protagonists a little childish, but I liked how they developed. The story is slightly repetitive, but it is also intriguing and well-written with vivid descriptions. An enemies-to-lovers fantasy novel featuring a marriage of convenience, political intrigue, and a slow-burn romance that I am really looking forward to knowing more about.

Thanks NetGallery and Thea Guanzon for giving me an ARC in exchange for an honest review

"I would give anything, he thought, for this not to be the last time. For her to smile at me again, and laugh like the war never happened."

The Hurricane Wars is a enemies-to-lovers fantasy romance where you will find morality-grey characters and clashing powers.

This book caught my eye because of the cover and the interesting synopsis and it has definitely exceeded my expectations.

The worldbuilding is amazing, I loved the world of powers and elements that the author has created. In this system, Prince Alaric possesses the Shadow magic, the most powerful power in the Night Empire. He is a weapon designed by his father, but when he meets Talasyn, everything changes. It is an actual enemies to lovers because they literally try to kill each other at first.

I fell in love with Alaric and his personality. Even though he tries to follow his father's orders, underneath that cold and emotionless personality, there is a man who suffers and wants to be loved.

As for Talasyn, she is a victim of the cruelty of the Hurricane Wars. She fights to get freedom, although she will soon discover a secret about her that will change everything.
Alaric and Talasyn must fight together to defeat a greater threat. This forced proximity leads to many incredible scenes and they have so much tension that wow, I loved it.

If you like romantasy books with enemies to lovers and forced proximity, you will enjoy this story a lot.

3 out of 5 stars

Did I hate this book? No. Did I fully like this book? Also no. Unfortunately for me, I could really really tell it was a fanfiction. And I don't mind it's fanfiction when I'm reading it for the purpose of being fanfiction. In this case I was reading it for a novel, an original story, not a Reylo fic.

The story overall was still rather interesting, even if it wasn't entirely as expected. Aside from feeling very fanfic-heavy it also leant a bit more towards Romantasy than fantasy. Once again, not a bad thing per se, just not what I was expecting going into it.

Overall, it wasn't a bad book, hence why I still gave it 3 stars. Just very... average for me and not something I'd soon continue or re-read unfortunately.

I received an e-arc from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

DNFed ať 25%

I need to be in a better mood for it because I just can't retain any word written in the book. I think it's too much information at the beginning and after a few tries, I just can't. This is definitely 'me problem' and not the book.

However, I think this book might be a great choice for anyone interested in fantasy romance/romantasy genre and just try if you vibe with the writing style for yourself.

I really wanted to love this book, but after one chapter, when so many tropes were blaringly obvious and you could forsee that Talasyn was destined to have some connection to the closed off island, it wasn't one for me.

For me, it is a book written for viral tropes rather than plot i'm afraid to say.

Thank you to the publisher for this book! All opinions are my own.

I found this book extremely hard to get into, it was very info-dumpy. I felt like the best parts of the book were when the main characters were together, while other parts were a bit dry. Nothing was really wrong with the book per se, I think it just wasn't for me!

Unfortunately, I don't see myself recommending it to others, but other people seem really love this book so people should definitely give it a try!

⛈️The Hurricane Wars⛈️

By Thea Guanzon

We’re under a red weather warning for Storm Babet on the east coast of Scotland tomorrow. Schools are shut, offices are shut, and we’re battening down the hatches. On the back of some bad flooding in Scotland just two weeks ago, it’s not great.

Coincidentally, I had already planned to post about The Hurricane Wars tonight.

Description:
All Talasyn has ever known are the Hurricane Wars. An orphan of the struggle, she uses the power of light to fight for her people against the Night Empire.

All Alaric has ever known is darkness. The son of the Night Emperor and their deadliest weapon, he wields terrifying shadow magic to crush the rebellion.

Then he sees Talasyn, his sworn enemy burning bright across the battlefield. The moment they clash their lives are changed forever.

Now a greater threat is rising and only they can stop it.

The coming storm threatens to destroy everything. If they don’t destroy each other first . . .

⛈️⛈️⛈️⛈️⛈️⛈️

Things I liked:

Really interesting magic system - the people who can world magic access it through other dimensions. The dimension they have an affinity for defines the powers they can wield. There’s also another level of magic workers who can’t access the dimensions directly but can work with magic pulled from the dimensions, I think. I wasn’t totally clear on how that worked but would like to learn more in the next book.

The steampunk type way the worlds’ vehicles and devices run on magic. Their airships are powered by crystals filled with magic, this was fun!

Things I wasn’t so keen on:

Forced/political/marriage of convenience is not my favourite trope. I wasn’t totally sold on the romance anyway, and this aspect put me off it a bit more.

I struggled with the pacing a bit. I found some bits slow going, particularly in the middle.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read, and I will definitely be looking out for the next book in the series.

Thanks to @netgalley and @harpervoyager_uk for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I've had to sit with this one for a while, trying to work out how I felt about it. Simply put I'd say disappointed.

I'd seen so much hype about this. Promises of dragons, enemies to lovers, political alliances, war, spice... and what I got wasn't the five star read I'd been expecting. This isn't a bad story, in fact the premise is good, it just didn't deliver on all the media surrounding it.

I liked that the story kicked off with a bang, there was fighting & snark and we met out MCs early getting a snapshot of what was to come. However, the chapters were looooong (a little editing here would have helped with the pacing & 'one more chapter' desire) & then not a lot happened. I buddy read this with friends & even though we were reading at different times & paces, all our voice notes read the same. The initial interest waned, the story pottered on & we finished it questioning if this couldn't have been a novella. I have a few questions, but I've not been left with the overwhelming need to pick up another book in the series.

Not every book is for everyone & I'm sure this will be someone's favourite read. However, I think people are quick to throw around Sarah J Maas & Fourth Wing comparisons to grab romantasy readers attention & unfortunately having seen this compared in this way I've found it isn't the case here.

Whyyyyyyyyy, just WHYYYYYYY do I keep putting these netgalley requests off? I tell you what, I choose some absolute bangers, my instinct hasn't let me down yet.

And I've just proven myself right with this absolute heart stopping beauty of a book! I simply CANNOT believe this is a debut novel.. just what? HOW? It is sooooo good.

I 100% firmly believe this is THE next big thing after Fourth Wing. Whilst I don't like to make comparisons I can hand on heart say if you love Xaden and Violet then you will be head over heels for Alaric and Talasyn.

We're thrown head first into battle during the opening scenes of The Hurricane Wars and it's clear to see that this war isn't ending any time soon. As the Night Emperor destroys realm after realm on his quest for power, Talasyn must seek refuge for her and her friends. Once Alaric has seen Talasyn on that battlefield, a tiny girl with the strength to match his own and wielding the once thought lost light power that killed his Grandfather, he becomes obsessed.

This has the slow burn, enemies to lovers, forced proximity that I adore. The tension consistently burning under the surface resulting in a love/hate (but mostly hate) dynamic that threatens to destroy them both.

I will be totally honest - I struggled with some of the world building element. It's become obvious to me I'm much better with simple magical worlds than ones with wonderful, intricate designs but it didn't take anything away from the plot.

Like I said, this will be the next big book, I can feel it in my bones. (As I'm posting this I wish I'd posted my review when I first wrote it so I could prove myself right 😂)

Absolutely recommend and I can't wait to see more reviews come rolling in!

Thank you so much to @harpercollinsuk @theagwrites
and @netgalley for sending me an advanced review copy for me to read in exchange for an honest review. I am truly honoured 💜

Now.. I just need to get my hands on the hardback because it is STUNNING

Unfortunately this book wasn't for me and I DNF'd at around 15%. The start of the story was so incredibly dense, and I didn't like the almost insta love vibes I felt from the MC. The world building was too dumpy and it took me 4 days to get through the first 4 chapters.

Thank you to NetGalley and publishers

I absolutely loved Hurricane Wars, it was written exceptionally well and the characters were all fantastic. The world building in this novel is rich in description that adds to the beautiful way it's written.
This story truly gripped me from start to finished.
I loved it

Originally written as a Reylo (Star Wars) fanfic, The Hurricane Wars is the first book in a romantasy trilogy inspired by Southeast Asian mythology. The story starts off with one of the most action-packed beginnings I’ve read in a while: the main characters fighting each other with magic in the middle of a battle where both sides use flying ships. Those first chapters hyped me up for the rest of the book. Unfortunately, the plot gets nonsensically convoluted as the book progresses, with a storyline that feels forced in order to push the insta-love romance forward. On top of that, few things have made me cringe as much lately as certain steamy scene towards the end; it was my last straw.

I preordered The Hurricane Wars before I was given this Arc but after starting it I realised I had to wait until the physical book came to continue reading because my visual brain was in dire need of a world map.

I loved reading this and am very glad I preordered the Waterstones Special Edition, which I will be keeping!!

Whilst it’s based on Reylo fanfic, (and I’ve seen Star Wars) I found the plot and the world to be wholly unique and captivating. Guazon goes to great lengths to describe the world in detail and paint that world within your mind. It’s easy to read whilst also having the right amount of descriptive detail to keep you reading.

The relationship with Talasyn and Alaric is one that kept me entertained and on my toes. I love it when relationships aren’t black and white and there’s deception, backstabbing, and political double bluffing and this is all wrapped up in one. The way I SCREAMED internally at the last couple of chapters was FERAL, and I hold no apologies for it.

However, I found the beginning 20ish% very confusing and feel the book could have done with a glossary of terms and some family trees because some characters have 2-3 different names they’re referred to and trying to keep up with it all was confusing. There are a lot of new words in this book for things that already have words, and whilst I understand Guazon is trying to create her own world, having both “cream ice” (ice cream) and “fuck” in the same novel throws off the fantasy element and takes away from that old style fantasy world. Because of this, I felt some of the language was mismatched BUT once I understood the vibe I stopped noticing it and devoured the book.

I also disagree with the comparisons between this and Fourth Wing. Fourth Wing is entry-level fantasy and lots of non-fantasy readers were able to read and understand it. This is a much more high-level fantasy with different dimensional magic systems, flying ships with sails, and a much more detailed and complex world and politics.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harper Fiction for this early eARC.

As someone who has read the original version of this story in its fan-fiction form, I can say this book exceeded my expectations. The Hurricane Wars is an enthralling fantasy novel that whisks readers away to a captivating world, a land cloaked in darkness and magic. Thea Guanzon’s vivid descriptions and well-drawn characters make this book a must-read for fantasy enthusiasts. The protagonist, Alasyn, embarks on a journey of self-discovery as she grapples with her newfound powers and the dark forces at play. The intricate world-building and rich mythology in this book create an immersive experience that keeps you turning the pages. With elements of romance, adventure, and magic, The Hurricane Wars sets the stage for an epic series and is a remarkable beginning to the trilogy.

I was attracted by the cover and the blurb but the story was a bit too obvious, a sort of collection of tropes that are hip now.
There's an echo of Star Wars but i also got the impression that there was more in the background and felt confused at times.
I discovered it was born as a fanfiction and i think there's a lot of potential and some cut would make it into an exciting story.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

A note that I got about 50% of the way through, so I can't speak to everything, but I can speak to what I did read.

I love how Philippine-coded the Hurricane Wars is, but based on what I read, it just...wasn't as developed as I would have wanted it to be, as much as I wanted to love it. I'm personally someone who doesn't respond well when I can feel the author's hand, and especially if I can feel the author trying to make me go "squee."