This was my most anticipated release of the year and was thrilled the book gods (Netgalley) answered my prayers (ARC request).

Jumping straight into events everything gets more politically and emotionally complicated with the coronation in . Vows exchanged to be true to each other while both parties have secrets and plots to overthrow the other. But then actually falling in love with your arranged spouse?!
Its a mess and, like a toddler with their first paint set, I couldnt be happier.
Fav tropes done well we have the enemies to lovers TM, the forced proximity TM and the there's only one bed TM

The miscommunication trope common with POVs of both MCs isnt present here, my dislike of this is usually you end up reading basically the same thing twice. While there is slight overlap its always with extra layers of context or understanding, adding something worth while.

The only downside of being an advance reader is having to wait LONGER than most for the sequel! This exceeded my high expectations and cant wait for my physical copy.

I nearly DNF’d this at around 15% but decided to give it to 20 before I made my decision- next thing I knew I was at 60% and unable to keep my eyes open. So many unexpected moments with twists and turns. The story continues from the first guy has a little less court intrigue and more action and spice the the first. This definitely feels more NA than book one which was in a limbo between YA and NA, like the first one it ends of a significant cliffhanger, but was definitely worth it. I liked how the characters both grew and were more complex and interesting this time round.

A Monsoon Rising was one of my most anticipated reads of the year and it did not disappoint!

We follow Talasyn and Alaric trying to navigate through married life, a world broken by an ongoing war and a catastrophic event on the horizon that could end them all. I must say this book very much focuses on character development and the romance of it all. The political part almost felt like an afterthought in this second installment. I did not mind this at all, because I am a romance girly at heart and I loved to see these two dorks get more time on the pages, but some people that are more into the political and strategic aspects of this story might miss this part!

With that being said, THE TENSION!!! THE ANGST!! THE DENIAL!! I was so furious with them and annoyed and outright FRUSTRATED, which tells you that the author did a fantastic job writing this slow burn kind of enemies to lovers story. I giggled and swooned at their tender moments and I have the biggest soft spot for Alaric. We must protect this man at all costs.

I do have to say the big resolution for the "catastrophic" event I mentioned earlier fell a little flat for me. It does feel like Thea has more for us in store in the following book, so I'll let it slide FOR NOW, because everything else was such a delight.

The cliffhanger at the end was a real surprise for me and I did not see that coming at all. I am (im)patiently waiting for book 3 and can't wait to see what happens next.

Ok. Read, This. Book. Now.

This is book 2 in a series, so make sure you read the Hurricane Wars first but when you do... you will have a physical need for this one.

This book is so well written it will keep you glued to it until you're done.

The chemistry between the main characters is unbelievable, if you're into romantic fantasy you will not be disappointed, this is just the book for you. I guess we all expected more political development following the first book and that was a bit of a letdown at first, but considering the romance in this book I was actually very happy to not have this political development.

The only one thing that's not great is... now we need to wait for part 3!

Honestly, I can't recommend this book enough. Thank you so much for giving the chance to read this ahead of publication!

A Monsoon Rising picks up soon after Talasyn’s and Alaric’s wedding, with her traveling for her coronation as Empress, as promised by the marriage contract, so if you, like me, are in this for the drama and the romance and the tension… I have good news, because we get to go right back in!

Our two favourite fools in denial are still fools, still in denial, and still giving us the tension we want and need, spending their time daydreaming of their wedding night, when they should be focusing on the political issues at hand - and I am absolutely here for it!

– No outright spoilers ahead, but some mentions might get close! –


I might need to start with a disclaimer: I am here for the romance, ok? (wait, have I mentioned that already?)

As a Romantasy, the novel focuses on the evolving relationship between Talasyn and Alaric (as it should!) rather than on the political intricacies teased throughout the story. The political elements serve primarily as obstacles that keep the love interests apart, acting as a narrative device to fuel the tension between them. Both Talasyn and Alaric despise court life, which gives them more reasons to empathize with each other, argue, and, of course, banter. Both main characters are struggling more than ever to accept their mutual attraction and to confront their feelings, as their respective roles in this world of deception and betrayal make it nearly impossible to imagine a future together (but you can bet I giggled and kicked my feet at the very brief mention of that possible future!).

The angst! The banter! The pining! They are everything a true enemies to lovers story should be, and the book hits all the right notes, and oh, sooooo many of the right tropes! Tala’s and Alaric’s dynamic is engaging, their bickering never too far from the surface and becoming a love language that develops beautifully over the course of the story. Their stubbornness and reluctance to admit and navigate their feelings provide both entertainment and emotional depth, making this the heart of the novel.


However, this second installment does not add much in terms of world-building, as most of the groundwork was well established in The Hurricane Wars, and while we don’t get significant development beyond what we already know, the magic system does get a bit of focus—especially regarding the scale of powers, with a few very cool reveals that tie into the lore of the world!
The political intrigue gets a little bit of screentime, though not as much as you would expect when there is a full war going on, double crossings being plotted left and right, and everyone (and their relatives) is hiding secrets from the other side.

And while putting all other aspects of the book on the back burner definitely makes it better for me, and a much easier read, I have a feeling some readers will be left longing for a deeper exploration of the world and the ongoing war.

The book does end on a massive cliff hanger… and I will very (im)patiently wait for the next installment. I can’t wait to see how Talasyn and Alaric will find their way to each other, considering how much they still have to admit to one another (and to themselves), all the trauma, and plotting, and lies. I expect we will have a lot more angst and arguing before the end of their story - I’ll make sure I bring my popcorn (and my tissues!)


– Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an early copy of this book. All opinions are my own and reflect my honest reactions. –


PS: Can we all please REALLY look at that UK cover?? <3

My god I had been waiting for this book and it DELIVERED. Thea wrote this as if the rent was due! I had high hopes and they were all exceeded. The tension, the lies, the passion, the stress, the camaraderie, the feelings!!! THE ENDING?! Girl I’m gonna need book 3 asap, pleaseeeeee

I loved the first book but felt it was a lot of world building this sequel however was fullllll of character development and tension, that cliff hanger though? Need book three like yesterday!

I loved it, dived right back in to where we left the characters. Really enjoyed Alaric pining for her more than she was for him. Perfect pacing, though I’d convinced myself it was a duology so was looking at the percentage thinking how will this wrap up.

I’m hoping that the regent gets his comeuppance and hopefully Alaric will come around with his way of thinking.

Excitedly awaiting the next book!

When I read Hurricane Wars, I knew that Thea Guanzon would become a firm favourite and auto-buy author because their wiring was simply that good. Creating not only a new fantasy world but the mechanisms that go along with it is no mean feat.

When I read Hurricane Wars, I knew that Thea Guanzon would become a firm favourite and auto-buy author because their wiring was simply that good. Creating not only a new fantasy world but the mechanisms that go along with it is no mean feat.


A Monsoon Rising is the second electrifying book in the series and is another masterpiece. This is a tale filled with political intrigue, breathtaking magic and the romantic tension between our dark prince and master of the Shadowforged Legion in Alaric and our wary princess, and Lightweaver, Talasyn.


The way we are brought back to the world is so organically done that you are thrust back into the political turmoil and aftermath of Talasyn and Alaric’s alliance with their forced marriage and the long-lasting hatred and distrust between their respective nations all against the backdrop of an impending magical catastrophe.


☆☆☆


“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 upon her head.


☆☆☆


Until I was lost to the book, I had forgotten just how much I had loved the way Alaric and Talasyn. They're both struggling with the weight upon their shoulders from their respective families and nations, alongside the way the two attempt to fight the chemistry that was there in The Hurricane Wars. From pawns to two dynasties to them finding a connection and chemistry that compliments their growing respect feels so real and I loved watching the two develop a natural, strong partnership.


What shines throughout A Monsoon Rising is not only the characters and their many stories but the phenomenal world-building and attention to detail that Thea Guanzon brings to the page. The love that the author has for her country of the Philippines and South Asia is evident from the vibrant description of the world we're in throughout the series, but also how the mythology and culture from her heritage play a part in A Monsoon Rising. The storytelling would falter greatly without this attention to detail and obvious love for the story.

This is a sequel that adds to The Hurricane Wars, it has drama and tension rippling throughout the pages and I loved every moment of it. Even those that stole my breath.. I haven't loved a book as much as I have A Monsoon Rising in a while and it had me wondering as each page came to an end what else Alaric and Talasyn could experience and endure. I really enjoyed how much character development there is - especially Talasyn who is the resident sceptic. Thea Guanzon has given us a book that will be loved, and have us craving the third because just like a Monsoon and a Hurricane? Devastation comes out of nowhere and recovery takes time to be completed properly.

I absolutely loved reading the book 1 and was so excited to read this sequal too. This was as impressive as the book 1 plus the writing was amazing as usual.
I had a great time reading this as they characters and plotline was amazingly penned down right from the starting till the very ending.

oh wow

"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."

oh wow oh wow oh wow oh wow-
that was so intense, I couldn't stop reading and I was feeling so many things at once my face literally overheated and people kept asking me whether I'm okey.
spoiler: I'm not.

ik this book isn't even realised yet, but I need the 3rd book on my table rn.

every single scene with Alaric and Talasyn made me feral, I love them and I basically highlighted their every interaction. it was ✨️perfection✨️

this book is definitely more character than plot driven and is a little slower in action than the first one, so I see why some people rated it lower, but for me it was even better, we got to explore Alaric and Talasyn very complicated relationship and learn more about their feelings and fears. And it was so well written that I wasn't bored at any moment

Anyway, this is my new personality and that's all.

Thank you Netgalley for providing digital advanced copy in exchange for honest review.

I enjoyed this much more than the first book!

The romance was better, the political marriage of convenience was pretty wonderful, I absolutely loved the longing, the pining, the ANGST. And the banter, it was actually hilarious, and passionate, and don't even get me started on the spice because it do be SPICY.

There's a scene where Talasyn takes care of Alaric when he's injured, that made me swoon, and I cannot fault how their relationship is continuing to progress. It's frustrating and annoying, because they are both idiots, but in the best possible way.

I'll be honest, I don't remember what happened in the first book, and although this one does a pretty good job of recapping major plot points, I was confused over who some of the characters were and the actual politics overall, but that's a me problem. I'll have to reread the first 2 books before the next one comes out.

The cliff hanger ending was a little devastating, and I cannot wait to find out what happens next.

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins UK for this eARC

Wow!! This book was incredible! I enjoyed The Hurricane Wars but I loved this even more! The pacing, the tension, oh the tension! all of it! As there was a lot of world building in the first book Talasyn & Alarics’s story comes on in huge leaps in this sequel. The progression of their journey together in their new roles & lives whilst having the fate of the world on their shoulders is beautifully done. The emotion, battling their conflicting feelings of duty and what they want for themselves, stolen moments, I loved all of it.

It ends on a cliff hanger and I need book 3 already!!!

Review posted on GoodReads & Instagram already and will post on Amazon closer to release

Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins for the e-ARC!
A Monsoon Rising picks up where The Hurricane Wars left off, with Talasyn and Alaric adjusting to their new roles in marriage and both hiding secrets from one another.
I often find that middle books in a trilogy or series can often drag, with little character development or plot movement, but I was happy to find that it wasn't the case here. There was plenty to keep me reading, twists and turns and tension. And unexpected comedy thanks to my two favourite side characters, Elagbi and Sevraim.
It's worth noting that this book is much spicier than its predecessor, and though not overwhelming I felt that a couple of the scenes were perhaps unnecessary. This is largely personal preference and didn't spoil my enjoyment of the book.
Thea Guanzon gives us the same rich world building and excellent pacing in A Monsoon Rising, and I'm very much looking forward to the next installment.

This book is very emotional because it has high-stakes political drama, hot romance, and beautiful magical world-building. The beautiful writing of Guanzon takes you to a bright dream world. Fans of fantasy and romance will love this story full of conflict, power, and love between likeable characters. If you liked "The Hurricane Wars," you'll love this follow-up.

Wow, what an incredible sequel.
The writing style is so beautiful and vivid, such an enjoyable reading experience.
I love a slow burn and the conflict the characters felt was so believable and well thought out. I really love Talasyn and how she can reflect on her emotions, it gives her so much depth.
The tension throughout the plot was incredible! I am obsessed with Alaric and oh my gosh every time he said something or thought something affectionate I melted. The scenes of their interactions were brilliant. I have blushed, shrieked, gasped! What a book!

For further updates/summaries I will be posting on my Instagram closer to release, including leaving reviews on goodreads and Amazon
https://www.instagram.com/_reading_is_my_cardio?igsh=NTdyZmM3YTZjZzc5

Thea Guanzon’s A Monsoon Rising is a captivating debut that blends Southeast Asian-inspired world-building with intricate political intrigue. The novel follows an unlikely heroine, Tala, who navigates a world rife with power struggles, ancient magic, and betrayal. Guanzon masterfully weaves themes of identity, loyalty, and colonialism, creating a narrative that feels both timely and timeless. The prose is lush and immersive, while the characters are complex and richly developed. Fans of epic fantasy will appreciate the balance of fast-paced action and thoughtful storytelling. A Monsoon Rising is a promising start to an exciting new series.

I love the political intrigue in these books more than anything else, to be honest. Cannot wait for the next one!

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book and I am so so grateful for that.

I honestly cannot put into words how much I loved this, I physically could not put it down. I feel as though I went through every emotion possible while reading and the ending has left me REELING!!!

This is how you write a true enemies to lovers! The contrast between their actions and thoughts had me furious but also so hopeful for their future together. Ahhh I seriously just need the next one already.

I wish I could give this book 6 stars!!

Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for providing me with this arc.

This sequel was an absolute pleasure to read, I was worried it may suffer the 2nd book curse but this was equally as good as hurricane wars, if not better!