For anyone who wanted more action in The Hurricane Wars, for those wanting more spice in the romance, more magic, more dragons, and a bigger cliff-hanger...A Monsoon Rising gives, gives, gives. and keeps on giving. Alaric and Talasyn, now married prepare to face the cataclysmic magical event that they have been training for. Their feelings for each other intensify and they grow together, but their respective past pacts mean that they are plotting against each other as well. The narration continues in the third person giving both points of view as in the prior book. The action level increases and I found the book more engaging. There is distinctive growth in the two main characters, both as individuals and together in their relationship. However, like the previous book, there was little depth to any of the other characters. The supporting cast remains little more than set dressing through most of the book. The story was a satisfying continuation and the ending left me eager for the next book of this series. Any fans of the first book should be excited to read .A Monsoon Rising and fans of enemies to lovers romance with court politics and magic that haven't read The Hurricane Wars yet should start with the first book. (3.5/5)
I received advanced access to this book thru NetGalley (for which I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher, Avon and Harper Voyager) for an honest review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

Book 1 was already one of my favorite new fantasy books, and book 2 did NOT disappoint. A perfect continuation of the plot and the pacing was a work of art. I am dying to know how many books are going to be in this series because I already feel so anxious about where this story could go. Thea is a mastermind! I cannot wait to see where she takes us in book 3.

A thrilling sequel to The Hurricane Wars. It picks up the story and continues Talasyn and Alaric’s quest to hone their magic system and save their world. The internal and external conflicts for Talasyn and Alaric are more deeply explored in a third person, dual POV. We go on quite the journey exploring the complexities of their emotions that neither have been equipped to deal with. I really enjoyed the evolution of our characters relationship with each other and diving into the world building in more detail. As the story unfolds, I could not put this down! It was incredibly enjoyable and I look forward to the finale of this trilogy.

I’m loving this series. It’s such a gripping romantasy that blends romance and fantasy elements seamlessly. The characters are well-developed, the plot is full of twists and turns, and the magical elements add an extra layer of excitement. An absolute delight!

This book was an amazing read, that took you places you didn't know you were going to go. I was fully absorbed in this book right off the bat and flew through it in one day. The author did an amazing job with the plot and making the characters unique but relatable. I will be recommending this book to all of my patrons, family, and friends. Great read!

The story centers on Alaric, master of the Shadowforged Legion, and Talasyn, a Lightweaver and the newly crowned empress of a sworn enemy nation. Thrust into an uneasy alliance, Alaric and Talasyn must navigate the treacherous waters of political intrigue and their own forbidden attraction. As tensions rise and the looming threat of the Moonless Dark approaches, their destinies become intertwined in a battle that will test their loyalties and challenge their very souls. Guanzon's writing is both lyrical and immersive, transporting readers into a realm where magic and ancient traditions collide. The world she creates is richly detailed, with intricate political systems, unique magical abilities, and characters who are both compelling and relatable. Alaric and Talasyn's romance is at the heart of the story, and it is both passionate and believable. Their initial animosity slowly transforms into a deep understanding and unwavering support, making their love story both heartwarming and swoon-worthy. Guanzon also explores complex themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the true nature of power. The characters are not mere pawns in a larger game but are driven by their own motivations and desires, which adds depth and nuance to the narrative. Overall, this book is an exceptional fantasy novel that offers a compelling blend of epic romance, high-stakes action, and thought-provoking themes, which I highly recommend reading!