Absolutely amazing! I really enjoyed this book and I absolutely loved the romance aspects between Talasyn and Alaric. This was sooo much better than the first book.

SCREAMING!!!
The slow burn. The angst. The morally grey decisions. The banter. The ENDING.
This book was incredible and I could not put it down. I laughed out loud, I cried, my heart broke and was beginning to stitch itself back together. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book in this series!

*DNF at 63% — Heading Toward 1 Star*
Summary: Plot took a backseat for… spicy scenes.

Overall, I’m disappointed. I enjoyed book 1 enough (3.8 Stars) to look past the semi-rushed relationship between the two leads. I thought the world building was incredibly unique and rich, as well as the magic system and conflict. Unfortunately, this sequel decided to push back all of those interesting details to focus instead on… spice, or putting the two leads into scenarios where they would conveniently be alone so that spice is almost always on their mind.

Mind you, they’re both rulers of their respective kingdoms and are planning on betraying each other, but no… let’s spend nearly every waking moment and thought on contemplating how attractive we are. It made the romance, which felt slightly rushed in the first book, incredibly surface level and overbearing. I honestly wouldn’t even call it romantic.

Things I Liked:

- The setting, the action, all great and amazingly written in the beginning. It felt like watching a movie in my head with how descriptive it was.

Things I Didn’t Like:

- Unfortunately, the good parts were overshadowed when it started getting obvious that the book was coming up with convenient excuses to isolate the two MCs to up the spice and tension. Goodbye plot and interesting conflict development, hello excuses from the MCs about how totally not into the other they are.
- It’s also hard to root for Alaric or their relationship when his kingdom has committed genocide against Talasyn’s ancestors, and he still justifies it :/
- It was annoying and repetitive that Talasyn would jump to save Alaric from his own stupidity, but then she’ll immediately fumble so that in the end he’s the one who ends up saving her anyway. She is a princess, an empress, and a solider. Get it together.

That being said, I really wish this series could’ve worked out for me. I’m bummed it didn’t.

Book Two focused on the romance, building up their relationship, and growing both FMC and MMC. It added very interesting complications to Talasyn's political position (motivations for her to have grey loyalties) and established how Alaric is envisioning a future different from his father's. That said, I was not the biggest fan of how the seven moon eclipse danger was resolved (too simply? too insufficiently? but perhaps it'll come into play in book 3?). It felt like there actually wasn't enough danger, and not enough high stakes in Book 2.

That said, the ending was an enticing cliffhanger, so I'll be tuning in for Book 3!

I’m furious that I have to wait for the next installment of this series. The Hurricane Wars was good but this is where the rubber really hits the road!

4.25/5 ⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for this e-ARC!

Let me just say that I blew through this book in less than a day! It truly had me gripped from the very beginning. I’ve read the fan fiction this trilogy is based on yet I still was surprised to read the scenes I knew might be coming and I loved experiencing them again in a new world and setting. It was so fast paced and the romance was so endearing and spicy at times. The way the Moonless Dark ended up playing out was so cool, but I did feel like the stakes in this book were a little less than I would’ve liked for a fantasy book. But that’s my only critique!

Thank you so much for the chance to read this ARC of the second book in the series. I wanted to give the series another shot even though I didn’t like the first book as much and glad I did! I thought the first book fell flat but this one had me much more invested in the political aspect of the plot and the magical world. What I’d don’t like was the romance though. For some reason I can’t get onboard there connection to each other. they made me annoyed with their enemies to lovers trope.

Thank you to Harper Voyager for providing me with an arc of this book!

Although I did not love the first book, I wanted to continue this series because I found the promise of political intrigue and character development interesting. However, after reading the second book I have come to the conclusion that this series is not working for me.

For one, I do not see much chemistry between the two main characters, which leads me to get annoyed when the plot is overshadowed by the romance time and time again. For enemies to lovers, it never seemed like they disliked each other and they just constantly go back and forth pretending due to miscommunication. Now, don’t get me wrong, I think there is definitely a time and place for that, I just think that since I don’t like them together much, it isn’t working for me. The book seems to go from the characters thinking about each other during an intense conflict season to a spicy scene and then they’re mad again but not as worried about the impending conflict on their nations as they should be. The spice also shocks me every time, as the writing feels a bit young adult.

A main reason I wanted to continue this series is because book one ends without exploring the way that the two main characters could use their powers to work together. To me, this was an interesting idea and I originally thought that the romantic issues would be settled quickly in book two so that the author would be able to develop this more, but I did not feel like this was the case. I feel like this plot point has been dragged out too far and because I do not care for many of the characters, I am no longer interested in continuing the series to see where the conflict and character development goes.

Overall, my issues lie with the way the politics and romance are balanced. I was super excited about the world building in the beginning of the first book and hoped that that would develop in book two, but it felt constantly overshadowed by the romance between the characters, which I did not care for.

In all, it is a personal preference in preferring a more dominating plot than romance in a fantasy, but I would still recommend this to fans of very romance-driven fantasy books.

I just finished A Monsoon Rising (thank you so much, @harpervoyagerus, for the ARC!), and I’m still trying to recover. This sequel picks up right after Hurricane Wars, and if you thought things were intense before—buckle up. The enemies-to-lovers tension? IMMACULATE. The angst? Off the charts. Talasyn and Alaric had me screaming at the pages like, “Would you two just kiss already?!”

Their dynamic is chef’s kiss—hidden agendas, clashing emotions, and all the simmering chemistry you could ask for. Plus, the world-building and political intrigue are way more fleshed out this time around, making everything click in a big way. And the visuals? Unreal. I need fan art of the masquerade scene yesterday.

Oh, and Alaric? Amazing, 10/10, would die for him. The ending? Gagged. I did NOT see it coming, and now I’m left gnawing at the bars of my enclosure. If you haven’t started this series yet, fix that immediately!

Thea Guanzon’s Monsoon Rising is a richly woven tale of political intrigue, elemental magic, and personal ambition set against a lush, Southeast Asian-inspired world. Following the success of her debut novel, The Hurricane Wars, Guanzon crafts another vivid narrative that immerses readers in a setting bursting with life, danger, and beauty.

At the heart of Monsoon Rising is the story of a young diplomat, torn between loyalty to her kingdom and the burgeoning threat of an elemental force that could upend everything she’s ever known. The protagonist’s journey is both external and internal, as she grapples with her own evolving powers and the ethical dilemmas posed by the alliances she must navigate.

Guanzon’s prose is both lyrical and precise, capturing the tempestuous nature of the story’s themes. The depiction of monsoons as more than mere weather—living, breathing entities tied to the land and its people—adds a layer of mysticism and depth to the narrative. The world-building is exceptional, with every detail, from food to architecture, evoking the cultural richness of Southeast Asia.

The political intrigue in the novel is particularly compelling, with layers of betrayal and alliances that keep readers guessing. The nuanced relationships between characters—friends, lovers, and adversaries—are handled with care, adding emotional resonance to the high-stakes plot.

While Monsoon Rising stands as a strong sequel, it also builds upon themes introduced in The Hurricane Wars, expanding the scope of the world and deepening its mythology. However, readers new to Guanzon’s work can still find this book an accessible and thrilling entry point into her universe.

In conclusion, Monsoon Rising is a captivating blend of magic, politics, and cultural homage that cements Thea Guanzon’s place as a rising star in speculative fiction. Fans of lush world-building and morally complex characters will find themselves swept away by the storm she conjures.

Rating: 4.5/5

If you enjoy stories that combine breathtaking settings with intricate plots, this is a must-read

Thea Guanzon’s A Monsoon Rising, the second book in The Hurricane Wars series, picks up directly after the events of its predecessor, plunging readers back into the intricate world of Nenavar and Kesath, and its burgeoning conflicts. As Talasyn prepares for her coronation as the Night Empress and Alaric continues to navigate his complex loyalties, the story hones in on their developing romance while the looming threat of the Night of the World-Eater casts a shadow over their fragile bond.

Guanzon excels at expanding her richly textured world, adding depth to the cultural and mystical elements of Nenavar, where the majority of the story takes place. Her prose remains evocative, drawing readers into the lush settings and high-stakes scenarios. The emotional intimacy between Alaric and Talasyn takes center stage in this installment, offering a satisfying deep dive into their complicated relationship. Their connection feels organic and heartfelt, providing the romantic tension fans of the series likely crave.

However, this emphasis on romance comes at a cost. The broader narrative threads—politics, war, and the potential for conflict between the protagonists—take a backseat. While the Night of the Moonless Dark delivers tension and stakes, much of the book feels like a pause in the larger story rather than a significant leap forward. Readers who loved the intricate political machinations and impending war of the first book may find this shift in focus less engaging.

The cliffhanger ending is sure to spark speculation and excitement for the next installment, leaving plenty of questions unanswered. Yet, the lack of substantial plot progression in this sequel may leave some readers wishing for a stronger balance between the romance and the overarching storyline.

Overall, A Monsoon Rising is a beautifully written and emotionally compelling continuation of The Hurricane Wars series, though it leans more heavily on romance than narrative momentum. Fans of Alaric and Talasyn’s relationship will likely adore this installment, but those hoping for more political intrigue and plot development may find it slightly lacking.

🌊𝓐 𝓜𝓸𝓷𝓼𝓸𝓸𝓷 𝓡𝓲𝓼𝓲𝓷𝓰🌊

I finished the arc with one of my friends a few Sundays ago, and honestly life happened so I am just really behind on posting.

Alas I wanted to rave about A Monsoon Rising, and I’m so thankful @harpervoyagerus for the advanced review copy!

This picks up right after Hurricane Wars, and however you felt after the first book, you absolutely must continue on and read the sequel! I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

Thea honestly wrote enemies to lovers so well! THE TENSION AND ANGST IS THERE MY FRIENDS AND IT IS OH SO GOOD!

I loved Talasyn and Alaric getting to know each other more even with them both having hidden agendas and battling their conflicting feelings they hold toward one another.

Like you guys all of the emotions are there and I’m screaming, giggling, dropping my jaw for these two. LIKE IF YALL DUMBASSES DONT JUST KISS RIGHT NOW IMA SHAKE YA! 😂

The world and politics is starting to make a lot more sense in this one and the reader can start putting some ideas together.

I really really love the imagery and descriptions of the characters and their outfits and I need more fanart 😍😍😍. The masquerade?!

There were certain parts that I will not spoil because the moments are just epic—— but I think you’ll be thankful when the storm comes along in this story 😮‍💨🥵🔥. This sequel really heats up, and it was everything. Needless to say Alaric is up there in my top faves now, and I will love him for the simp he is.

The ending left me SHOOK! I was genuinely taken aback and did not see it coming. Thea @theagwrites I’m begging you for you to give me book three. I don’t think I can wait for the next one 😭 I obviously will, but I’m still begging you for the third book 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻.

If you thought things would be over…… well this shit is just getting started baby— so you better hold on and get ready..

If you haven’t read Hurricane Wars go do it so you can enjoy this masterpiece!

A Monsoon Rising is a spectacular sequel to the first book, The Hurricane Wars. Guanzon's writing is lush and expansive, and the fantasy world imaginative, detailed, and utterly different than anything I've read. I devoured this and reading it was an incredibly good time. The continuing love story between two true enemies is superb and the end was *chef's kiss." A fantastic series, and this second book was a treat.

was not the biggest fan of this duology. there were some strengths-- i really loved guanzon's writing style-- but i thought the worldbuilding and characters were flat. i was not invested in the world at all.

The ENDING? Oh Thea Guanzon, you will pay


In all seriousness, I love this world she built and these characters with their pining and I just need everyone to okay and loved

I recieved an arc for this. My review is late and after the release date, nevertheless I was sooo taken in with this book.

It was a great sequel that I sped through. While the fanfic roots are still there, I felt like I had to look for them a lot more in AMR than I did in THW.

I loved the continuation of the character arcs that were started in THW and the nuances that rounded out the characters from strict light vs dark stereotypes. There was a good balance of sex scenes to overall plot, thankfully because I'm getting burned out on the gratuitous sex scenes of romantasy nowadays.

There's just enough humor to make me crack a few smiles and I enjoyed the dual POVs. A great use of dragons always makes me happy too.

I can't wait to read the next book, and look forward to seeing where Thea takes things in the next book!

A Monsoon Rising is book two in The Hurricane Wars series and picks up right where the first book left off. This one felt more focused on romance, but there was still plenty of actual plot happening too. Alaric and Talasyn were forced to navigate their growing feelings for one another while also trying to stay true to their people. The growth in their relationship was fantastic and I loved their banter. The slow burn was incredibly slow and there was so much tension! I adored how protective Alaric was of Talasyn. The ending has me desperate for the third book in this series!

Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the ARC!

Not only are these some of the most beautiful books, but they are some of my top reads of this year! This is one of the most well executed enemies to lovers I’ve ever read. The world building is so unique and well thought out. The characters have deep exploration and such great chemistry!

Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC!

I am late in posting to this review, but I did receive A Monsoon Rising as an advanced reader copy! As a filipino and fantasy lover, this book was one of my most anticipated releases after absolutely blasting through its predecessor, The Hurricane Wars. This picks up right where Hurricane Wars left off and, like before, is a perfect blend of Filipino and fantasy elements. I love a good arranged marriage, and this book was just full of tension and out-of-control emotion. I don’t normally look for books that are marketed as “enemies to lovers” but BOY did this book absolutely EAT that trope. Huge, huge fan. The character growth is both so real, and so impressively written. The darker themes and the political intrigue were both slightly lessened in this installment, which is a bit of a bummer since I looooove political intrigue with my whole heart and soul, but the romance and more character-driven storyline was still super enjoyable. Also, DRAGONS!!! Cannot WAIT for the finale!!

Monsoon Rising by Thea Guanzon has officially taken the spot as my favorite slow-burn romance of the year. My favorite part of this book and the series is Thea Guanzon’s writing. Her flowery descriptions transports you into the story and immerses you into this rich world and magic system. Alaric and Talasyn are such unique and thought-out characters that I can’t help but root for them and their love. I feel rewarded for my patience for the first book as I watch their enemies-to-lover romance turn into a marriage of convenience enemies-with-benefits situation. I also adore the magic system of light and dark, such simple concepts, but thoroughly explored in this series. That being said, I cannot wait for the continuation of this series and I hope there are many more books to come because I am not ready to let go of these characters and this story.