Why did it end like THAT?!?! I need the next book pronto!

This book is where the author finds her feet. After the first book left me wanting more, miss Guanzon proceeds to deliver in this instalment.
The characters feel more developed and allow for a connection to be built, I care more about them now. The background characters that were merely mentioned in the first book are given depth and personality, allowing for more understanding of their interactions.
There was much more at risk in this book, giving it an urgency and flow that worked far better. Down time between the action allowed for a deeper understanding of each of the characters, strengthening their connections and allowing for the relationships to feel more natural.
Thank you to Harper Voyager and NetGalley for an early copy in return for my honest review.

A Monsoon Rising is a fun and exciting continuation to the story that has started in The Hurricane Wars. Whilst I devoured this book and enjoyed the chemistry between the main characters, I wish the world was further developed.

5 stars
TW; toxic conditioning from childhood, toxic family relationships, abuse, torture, death, permanent scarring, injury, betrayal

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy to review. All thoughts are my own.

After being a little critical of The Hurricane Wars - mostly down to the repetitive stalemate of the main protagonists coming from enemy kingdoms - I came into this sequel with some hesitation. However, I completely adored A Monsoon Rising. It's polished and constructed so much better than the first book in this series, and what I love about this is that you can feel the author is finding their feet and growing just as much as the characters have. As a result, I really had a hard time putting the book down. I actually cancelled plans just to read more!

The overall pacing of the world-building and storyline was superb. Nothing felt rushed unless it was intentional to the plot movement, and this allowed me to feel more immersed in the situations Talasyn and Alaric were navigating. But the real star of this book was the character development. The amount of depth they both gained was so good! Last time I struggled with the repetitive nature between them as a reluctant couple. This time whilst we know they are still struggling with their roles and feelings, it feels more developed and realistic. I love the way they yearn for each other and keep slipping up. And whilst they know it's not going to suit their regimes to keep doing so, the fact they start to grow as individuals and do what they want both romantically and for themselves is impressive.

The added information about Alaric's childhood and subsequent toxic conditioning by the Regent was heartbreaking, and I became the biggest fan of him. I wanted to give Alaric all the things, and I'm so glad Talasyn was open to looking out for him more. I cannot wait to see their relationship develop further in book three, and watch them claw apart their destructive nations to find solace for those who truly want it. I have so much faith in these characters to deliver now. And because of the way this ended - I'm going to need them to do some hard work towards each other to recover from that cliffhanger!!

For fans of this series, A Monsoon Rising definitely elevates the world Guanzon started in book one. For those on the fence or who had a questionable time with The Hurricane Wars like I did, I still recommend giving this one a go.

First off- that ending should be criminal,
Secondly, i loved this, However it struggles where a lot of romatansy struggles i think, either the romance of the fantasy plot are strong, i rarely find one that has both.
So as long as you go into this expecting a romance you’ll be happy, but if you want a deeper building on the politics of the world, you might not enjoy quite as much.
Our enemies to lovers are now lovers really, but that doesn’t stop our two favourite idiots from continuing to be daft and in denial, and we love it, They still have the politics of the world between them and a whole host of reasons blocking them from just giving in and accepting each other and their feelings.

As with the previous books, the action scenes are definitely on point, and the magic and fighting descriptions are really on point, You can tell Thea studied her source material very well and it shows, and makes for some very thrilling plot points.
As well as the fight scenes being well done, I felt the worldbuilding was stronger in this book too, with me feeling more like im deep in this world and can really picture the continent and Nenavar.
I do wish we got more politics and manoeuvring and slightly less pining for each other, but i know that will strongly appeal to other readers. Overall though a successful sequel and i need to know what happens next

Couldn’t wait to read this one after reading the first book hurricane wars.
I loved this book just as much as the first and I have preordered the Waterstones exclusive due to loving this arc so much x

Another superb story from one of my favourite newly discovered authors. You've got to love a story that grabs you on page 1 and doesn't let you go until you finish the last page.

Loved the atmosphere and higher stakes of this sequel. I think the addition of extra plot points in this one was really well done. I enjoyed reading this and while it is very romance heavy (as you would expect) it didn’t feel redundant or too much.

Easy to read and bingeable, can’t wait for the next one.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. This was a decent read. Like the first book, I did get a little annoyed by the constant shifting between love and hate, however, I did still enjoy the read and am looking forward to seeing how the series will end.

My favourite read this month! Guanzon never disappoints. When can I have book three?

A Monsoon Rising is an electrifying sequel that elevates every element of this series to new heights. Building on the rich foundation of the first book, this installment dives deeper into its vivid universe, intricate politics, and emotionally charged relationships.

Talasyn and Alaric take center stage, their complex dynamic unfolding with a mix of tension, heartbreak, and raw passion. Guanzon skillfully explores their backstories, revealing vulnerabilities that add depth and resonance to their choices. The romantic tension is palpable, with moments of both tenderness and intensity that are utterly satisfying.

The world-building is nothing short of mesmerizing, seamlessly blending lush, Southeast Asian-inspired settings with high-stakes action and gripping twists. The story’s cliffhanger conclusion will leave you desperate for more, with unanswered questions and unresolved arcs that promise an even greater payoff in the next book.

If you loved the first installment, this sequel is a triumph that exceeds expectations. For fans of intricate fantasy worlds, multifaceted characters, and gripping romance, A Monsoon Rising is an absolute must-read

I was highly anticipating this book and it didn’t disappoint. With THW the names, places, magic etc. was a lot of info to get my head around so though I also enjoyed that book I just found I got into AMR way quicker. We pick up where we left off in book 1 and most of the book is going between Nenavar and Kesath.

AMR continues the delicious slow burn of “will they won’t they” but there’s certainly more romance and spice. And I can tell you the pay off is worth it! Oh Alaric, how your character has developed 🥵 the plot focuses on the moonless dark but there’s little bits of action in-between as well to keep you hooked. I did not see the twist at end coming and that cliffhanger - I need the next book!

Overall I gave this book 4.5⭐️. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and character development, the pacing was excellent and the cliffhanger leaves you gagging the next book. Favourite read this month for sure!

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

The only thing I hated in the A Monsoon Rising was the cliffhanger. I need the 3rd book, like ASAP!

This review is for A Monsoon Rising by Thea Guanzon which will be released in the UK on the 5th November! Thanks so much to Netgalley and Harper Voyager for giving me an eArc copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I really liked the first book in this series (Hurricane Wars) and was so excited to read the next one. And to be completely honest, this book knocked the first one out of the park, I was obsessed.

This book is definitely more character development rather than action and world building, unlike the first one, but I actually much more preferred it. I thought a lot more was going to happen with the void magic that they had been building up to for what felt like the whole book, but what a twist!! I honestly didn’t expect it. And the ending to this book??? I honestly can’t wait for the 3rd and I need it as soon as possible.

I loved the characters so much in this story and really liked how much more of them we got to see. Especially the building tension between Alaric and Talasyn, even if the miscommunication and lies between them is starting to grate on me a little. I just want everything out in the open, so we can see what happens!!! We see a lot more of their past as well, which explains why they act and feel the way they do. Alaric is defo my fav so far, and loved the scene where Elagbi got him drunk after finding him with Tala. 👀

There really wasn’t much that I didn’t like in this book, obvs apart from the lies between Alaric and Tala, and I cannot wait for the next. I need this as soon as possible!!

I was initially intrigued to read this series after hearing that it was derived from Kylo/Rey fan fiction. While there are still some elements of this (the physical description of the MMC, light vs dark magic, a shadowy empire ruled by a dark emperor), there is enough world-building to make these universe very different from that of Star Wars.

This sequel to The Hurricane Wars sees Alaric and Talasyn navigate their arranged marriage as they work to protect both their nations from the Void Sever.

The enemies-to-lovers tension was top notch, as was the spice! Unlike the first book, this one focuses more on the romance than on the political tensions, although these are still present in the background.

This is book 2 in a planned trilogy, it cannot be read as a standalone. Be warned, it ends on a cliffhanger!

A recommended read for fans of Fourth Wing, ACOTAR, and enemies-to-lovers romantasy.

Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Collins UK for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Ok so I just finished this and am so lost, I need to know what happens next!
This book was a nice sequel to the first one and I felt the writing was better by being more plot engaging. The book ends on a horrible cliffhanger and I couldnt believe when I read the last page and that was just it. Will be waiting for the third book.

What I liked:
- the pining, the insecurities, the soft MMC, its just so sweet to have these two war broken young adults that understand each other so much and yet struggle so much with the bond they have
- interesting new magic aspects +-
- so much plotting from all sides, the intrigues, I would hate to be there but it felt like it was well written

What I didnt like:
- the voidfell was a bit anticlimactic, dont know what I expected but it wasnt that
- with the new magic aspects come so many questions and one book to explain it all away? Im sceptical +-

Thank you to netgalley and HaperCollins to providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review

Thank you so much NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Excuse me while I scream for 5-10 business days after that ending. It's no surprise to anyone that I loved The Hurricane Wars, so getting the chance to read the sequel early was so so exciting. I was highly anticipating this continuation of Talasyn and Alaric's story and it did not let me down. Fast-paced and action packed, the slow-burn finally paying off deliciously and even more secrets and mysteries to ruminate on made this the perfect second instalment. I'm only mad I now have to wait another year for book three. I NEED ANSWERS!

I previously said in my review of THW's that all I ever want is fantasy done well, with a nice subplot of romance. I fully accept THW was not that AT ALL but the book was a total vibe and I enjoyed it for what it was (giving it a solid 3.5) …has this changed in book #2? No. Not in the slightest

With that said, I sadly did enjoy this one a little less than THW, as it is romantasy to its CORE (I have a love/hate relationship with the genre okay). I guess there is an underlying plot happening alongside all they will they/wont they? but really this book exists purely for Alaric and Talasyn to make heart eyes at each when the other isn't looking and PINE. This is where I am torn, because I HATE this sort of thing but in this book I was putting aside how much this annoyed me and instead just wanted them to talk (properly talk!!!) and be together!! TWO IDIOTS IN LOVE. So in one sense it's what I disliked most about the book, but also what saved the book? ...yeah I don't understand it either.

Summary: This book isn't going to change your life, but it's a fun little journey. I 100% will go on to read book 3 when it eventually comes out, because as hard as it is to admit I am a little invested lmao.

An excellent follow up to The Hurricane Wars. The enemies to loves trope continues on and we begin to see the lines blurred between the two as they find out more and more of their ancestral history. AND THE CLIFFHANGER!! It has me begging for book three!

Firstly thank you netgallery for providing me with an advanced copy of the book.

This has been one of my most anticipated reads for 2024 with how The Hurricane Wars ended. Wow just WOW, Thea Guazon did not disappoint with the second entry to this series. This book develops the characters alot more and its very politically driven.

The story follows straight after there events of the first. Alaric is having to battle between his loyalty to his dad and the kingdom along with his feelings towards Talasyn. The tension between both this characters is complete fire. They both have the worst communication skills and when you think they are making progress with each other they are back to square 1. Alaric and Talasyn are still hiding secrets from each other which creates alot of tension and with how the book ended I NEED book 3 ASAP.

This book was ALOT more spicier than the first which adds to the tension between them. Every scene between them had me squealing as I just didn't know what they were going to do next.

"Will you stand with me against my enemies and help me build my empire?"
"I will," Talasyn said over a racing heartbeat, through the chill of the knowledge that she was lying. He placed the crown on her head."

WHAT?!?!? THAT ENDING?!?! I NEED BOOK 3 😭😭😭

4.75 stars (yes I'm taking .25 stars away because of the way this ended because I'm slightly petty)

THEA GUANZON, YOU BEAUTIFUL EVIL GENIUS OF A WRITER!! I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK!

TALASYN & ALARIC 😍😍

Okay in calm now... review time

While I loved the Hurricane Wars and the plot, this book is driven more by its Characters and building their relationships than the plot. That being said the plot kept a steady pace throughout until the end where it just decided to explode out of nowhere and leave us with that cliffhanger.... I have so many questions, book 3 can't come quick enough.

Talasyn & Alarics relationship really grows and flourishes throughout, each with their own internal struggles of acceptance of their feelings and their duty of what is expected of them as enemies in an ongoing war. Although the banter between them is top notch, the tender moments between them are beautiful.

I have to give a special mention to Sevraim who never failed to make me laugh when he appeared on page. No book is complete without a bestfriend side character who isn't afraid to poke fun. That being said they are usually the characters which end up getting killed off, so if that happens in book 3 I will not be responsible for my actions.

This was everything I was hoping for in book 2! The relationship between Alaric and Talasyn is filled with tension, but at the same time is adorably innocent and raw - I can't wait to see what happens to them as the series continues. And that ending, I did not see that coming.