Thank you so much to NetGalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for providing me with a copy of A Monsoon Rising to read and provide my honest review! I have been patiently awaiting A Monsoon Rising for over a year and it was everything that I wanted it to be and more! A Monsoon Rising was an incredible continuation of The Hurricane Wars. Thea Guanzon has a way of writing that completely transports you to another world. I love the care and details she puts in to creating the culture of her characters. I want to go to Nenavar and experience the cuisine and opulence. I loved the way that Thea continued to build her world and the magic of her characters. I was completely enamored with the story.

I absolutely adore the tension between Talasyn and Alaric (and the mutual pining). Banter is my favorite form of communication and it is incredible between them. It makes the tender moments between them so much more meaningful. Talasyn and Alaric’s relationship is so challenging and complicated and it’s development is so incredible to watch. I’m at the edge of my seat watching these true enemies become lovers. This is such a slow burn but it’s so worth it when we get little glimpses of affection.

Although I just finished A Monsoon Rising, I couldn’t put this book down, I cannot wait until book 3!! I will be counting down the days for the next installment of The Hurricane Wars.

I did not realize this was book 2 in the series and have not yet read book one. I do plan to eventually read the series however it may not be in the time frame the publisher needs for my review to be impactful

Oh my god, I will simply die having to wait for the next book with the cliffhanger that is served.

In my honest opinions, this book has its ups and downs. One of the ups is of course the chemistry between Tala and Alaric! When I say it’s spicy and they simply cannot keep their hands off each other in some moments, I mean it. And I love to see a couple who are seen as equals.

The world building is great, who doesn’t love a good magical battle (with dragons), warring nations and some good old betrayal plots. Personally, those betrayal plots are what excited me the most.

Some of the downs was the amount of information is thrown at you that would be hard to remember. If you read this book, I recommend brushing up on the previous book before hand.

Sometimes, the plot is very stretched. In a way it feels like the author is trying to stretch the plot for this big event to be at the end of the story and adds filler in the whole rest of the story to make it work, when honestly the big moment was not even my favorite part of the book. The coronation at the beginning and the very last few pages are what really got me hooked. Any part with the Sardovians too! Man, who doesn’t love a rebel plot.

A Monsoon Rising is much more focused on the relationship development and the romance between Alaric and Talasyn than book 1 was. I usually do prefer more politics or action in my fantasy, but I found myself unable to put this down and I really was invested in their relationship. I think some will call this a “filler book” since the plot doesn’t advance a lot until the end, but I surprisingly didn’t mind because I was having such a good time. That being said, I do like the direction the plot is headed in and I hope there is a lot more action in the next book. And speaking of the end… I need book 3 immediately!

This book is almost a five-star. It more than makes up for the struggle of the first book in the series with multiple spicy scenes, political tension, and character development. While the first book set up world-building and focused on the ongoing war on the continent, this book focuses on the budding relationship between Alaric and Talasyn as they attempt to work together to save their homes and people. The cliffhanger at the end of the novel was well done, yet again by Thea Guanzon, and left me wanting more and engaged in the story. This book cemented my interest in the series, and I eagerly await the next book.

Will Alaric and Talasyn ever come to a compromise on their ideals for the future, or are they destined to be star-crossed lovers forever? Will Talasyn's friend be found? Will the Continent and Dominion become one?

So I actually ended up reading this a different way and probably would've preferred reading this ebook. It wasn't as good as the first book as to be expected usually!

I devoured this book like a woman starved. The tension between Alaric and Talasyn was exquisite, and chapter 20 was perfection. Even after the Voidfell, there was enough conflict to keep me on the edge of my seat. I *need* to know what happens next, but alas, I'll have to wait for book 3.

I did not expect to love this book so much. The first book was amazing, but this book blew me out of the water. The main characters' story and relationship expanded much throughout this book. The world-building continued to amaze me. Overall the experience of reading this book was fantastic, and I am so grateful for getting to read it early.

4.75 stars!!

not sure how to explain this specific feeling but this book feels like watching your two favorite people fall in love: slowly, sweetly, tenderly. somehow in the midst of WAR, on the brink of BETRAYAL, all i could do was smile softly at the absolute adoration and longing between talasyn & alaric. i loved it so much even though i was also extremely stressed the whole time. because the fantasy elements ..... they were getting intense and i knew things were about to go down.... and all i have to say about that without spoilers... is the cliffhanger is CRIMINAL! CRIMINAL to leave us hanging like that 😩

thank you Harper Voyager & Netgalley for the eARC! this is my honest review.

I had the pleasure of reading Monsoon Rising, a beautifully immersive fantasy novel by Thea Gaunzon, and let me tell you, it was such a whirlwind of a read (pun intended). Thanks to NetGalley and Avon/Harper Voyager for providing me with an ARC. I'm so glad they did!

It is a captivating fantasy novel that mixes magic, adventure, and rich world-building. Set in a world shaped by powerful monsoons, the story follows Vaya, a complex and determined heroine who’s torn between duty and personal desires. The book’s atmosphere is lush. Gaunzon’s vivid descriptions make you feel like you're right there, caught in the storms. The magic system, tied to nature and ritual, is unique and adds depth to the story.

The characters are well-developed, and the dynamics between them, including the hints of romance, felt natural. The pacing kept me hooked from start to finish, with a good balance of action and introspective moments. I really enjoyed the emotional depth and thought-provoking themes about balance and change.

Overall, Monsoon Rising is a fantastic read for anyone who loves immersive fantasy with strong characters and a magical setting. Highly recommend!

One word for this book: delicious.
The newly weds continue their slow burn from book 1 and frustratingly still can’t see what is right in front of them. I was shouting into my book like watching a horror movie unfold.
And while both of our lovers are still keeping so many secrets from one another, enemies lurk around every corner, known and unknown.
What do the dragons really have to do with everything?
What happens if shadow and light have a child together?
What really happened to Tala’s mother?
When will Vela turn on Tala? (We all know it’s gonna happen right?!)
I cannot wait for the next book especially after THAT ENDING ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!

4 stars!! ⭐️

I ate this UP just like I did THW! Our little lovebirds made some moves in this book, and boy was I here for it! I loved the development of Tala and Alaric’s relationship in this book, and the spice was spicing. This book had me giddy.

The plot, however, left me a tiny bit disappointed. I felt like not a whole lot happened in this book until the very last bit and then I didn’t think the ending/cliffhanger made much sense. And while I understand that’s the point of a cliffhanger to some extent, I wish there was a liiiitle bit more clear context to this one.

That being said, the world building was still *chefs kiss* and as was the character development. I can’t wait to read the next book, and am sad I will have to wait so long for its release!

Thank you to NetGalley & Avon and Harper Voyager for the eARC of this book. All opinions are my own.

I received an early digital copy of this book. This is my own opinion.

Gah. Gahhhhhh. This book. My reading updates for this were all just incoherent screeches because I was losing my mind.

A Monsoon Rising has
🌩️ tension and banter
🌩️ court politics
🌩️ subterfuge
🌩️ some seriously sexy costumes
🌩️ DRAGONS
🌩️ A HUGE EFFING CLIFFHANGER (this is the second installment of a trilogy, so it’s expected.)

First and foremost I want to say that I have read LWABOC and I think this might be better? Like…Thea was the first fic author I ever read, so she has my undying loyalty for that, BUT I would love this book even if I wasn’t already obsessed with her writing, and it takes a lot for me to get so into a book. (Seriously I wish I had a physical arc to annotate. My poor kindle had to put up with a lot of highlights 🤣)

Anyway moving on. The tension between these two idiots (I say this lovingly) just crackles and if I actually had time to, I probably could’ve read this book in one sitting, and it’s pretty long. The pacing was just *so* good. And every time their relationship moved forward and took two steps back I cackled because I can’t wait for everything to blow up in both their faces

I cannot wait for the next book, and I would definitely suggest this for fantasy fans.

Anyway, don’t mind me off to go reread LWABOC and screech about this book some more.

A huge thank you to Netgalley, Harper Voyager, and Thea Guanzon for this arc. (Seriously thank you so much getting this arc was the most excited I’ve been all year.)

A Monsoon Rising, the second book in a trilogy, really sets up the final book in the series. We focus more on Tala's and Alaric's relationship rather than creating a plot-forward storyline. However, I believe this works. As a fantasy romance, this story really needed to focus a significant portion of the plot on developing Alaric and Tala's attraction between them. And I think the author really succeeds at this. We get background storylines for Alaric, which was essential in making the reader sympathetic towards the MMC, while also making Tala a strong FMC who is battling her emotional feelings for Alaric with her duty. It was really intriguing and exceptionally well done. However, as mentioned, the plot really takes a backstand all throughout this. While I think developing Tala and Alaric's relationship for necessary for their overall arc, readers looking to see the plot move forward might have some difficulty.
Still, I will be reading the finale. Thea's writing is elevated and complex. They write prose that is detailed and complex and really gets into the intricacies of the story.
Thank you to the publisher's for the e-arc.

I absolutely LOVED this book!! It was a highly anticipated read for me this year and I was fortunate to receive an ARC and devoured it (definite lack of sleep but worth it)! Alaric and Talasyn are one of my favorite couples, I love their banter, romance and chemistry. The plot was well done and again I did not want to put this book down. I am unwell and will be rereading soon to tide me over until book 3, which I desperately need!!!

This was so good! I enjoyed the first book but I think the story really took off in this book. The character arcs and the romance really came to life. I so enjoyed the pacing, I felt like the first book was a little slow but this was really good! And the cliffhanger is crazy!

The Hurricane Wars was one of my favorite books from this year and A Monsoon Rising is a fantastic sequel! The world building and fantasy elements are so good in these books. I love the way she writes about the culture within the societies.

Enemies to lovers was a slow burn in the first book but the spice ignites in this one. Alaric and Talasyn have the best sarcastic banter and I love the way they interact with each other. Talasyn is such a strong female main character with so much weight on her shoulders, but she carries it so well.

Elagbi continues to be my favorite dad character of all time. There is one scene in this book that had me giggling with the way he tries to play the dad role.

This one did feel a little more focused on the romance than the plot and political scheming happening around them. There were some things in the plot and the character’s relationship that I was hoping to see but I think will ultimately come in the next book.

LOVED the ending! After another cliffhanger, I’m anxiously awaiting book three!

I really like The Hurricane Wars when I read it last year, and the way it ended had me impatient for the next book in the series. A Monsoon Rising was amazing. We pick up where the first book left off and get right into it. The politics of this world are fascinating and the magic systems are imaginative. Talasyn and Alaric are doing their best to handle all of this pressure. Both of them have expectations upon them, that the other isn't aware of. They are both struggling with what they are suppose to do, especially as their feelings for each other become more apparent. Their bnter and chemistry is addicting, and when they have their soft moments with each other, my heart melts, I swear. These two may be young, but they are determined, motivated, and are a fantastic team. I have no doubt that as this series continues, they will grow stronger together.

Once again, the ending of this has me begging for more. I can't wait for the next book to see how all of this plays out.

This sequel was enjoyable if you want more romance than politics. I really enjoy the world building and look forward to seeing where the story goes from here.

5++ Stars!!! -- Thank you to the publishers HarperVoyager & Avon Books and Netgalley for the ARC. It did not affect my review in any way!

What an absolute joy it was to be back in The Hurricane Wars world with my two favorite disaster dummies!! There’s something about Thea’s writing that just hits every aspect that I want out of a romantic fantasy. This second installment was SO GOOD that it was better than The Hurricane Wars. The romantic tension is more intense as the political fantasy plot elements steadily progress.

I thought the sheer PINING of the first book could not be surpassed, but it was! Talasyn and Alaric are playing a dangerous game where they each have a lot to hide from one another that could destroy their tenuous political marriage. But amidst the moves and countermoves, Alaric and Talasyn are really just lonely, idealistic young people who are attempting to work for a better future. Much to their own dismay, they are both magnetically drawn to one another like planets in orbit. Their chemistry? Off the periodic table. The tension and banter? So wonderfully written that I was kicking my feet and giggling, much like I did with the first book.

At its heart, this book is a romance. However, it features a political fantasy world full of rage, hope, yearning, and betrayal. Alaric continues to be hopefully pathetic, thoughtful, and head over heels for his wife (though he loathes to admit it). And while Talasyn is headstrong and resourceful, she is starting to realize that perhaps her husband isn’t the enemy she thought he was….

Thea is setting us up for a third book that I KNOW will be absolutely wild on all fronts. I actually threw my kindle clear across the room when I read the last sentence of the book because wtf was that?! *cue Zak Baggins voice* We want ANSWERS! The way I am absolutely feral for this next book and it's not even announced yet.

I highlighted 136 passages in this book, so here’s a few of my favorites:
“This was where rebellions began. In the little cracks that people slipped through.”

“And much to my dismay, you have provoked me so much that you’ve wormed your way into my dreams. You are the only one who plagues them.”

“Just him and me and the monsoon.”

The way I pre-ordered this book MONTHS before the cover was revealed. It officially drops on December 10, 2024 and I can’t wait to collect every edition like the raccoon I am!!