I loved the Hurricane Wars - it has everything you need in a good fantasy romance. A lost princess with unknown potential, the last lightweaver in existence. And a tortured dark prince in every way her opposite. Both trained from birth to hate each other.

And if they didn't end the first book on the best of terms, what is in store for the next? More of the same? Never! They really had a go at figuring out what life looked like working together, trusting one another - being happy even? And it was quite fun to read, even while we could feel the tension beneath of the things they weren't talking about. I am so nervous for Alaric to find out that Talasyn is still working for the resistance, and for Talasyn to truly understand what Alaric's plan for the continent is. But lets leave that for book three, because it is going to be epic.

The dive into dragon lore and void severs was absolutely fun in this book - it still feels like there is more lore coming, but I love how Thea weaves in the lore with the action and there are no history heavy parts of this book. We learn as Talasyn does.

Even in the parts of the book when Alaric and Talasyn are apart - their thoughts are with each other - the romance is essential to the plot. This is a Romeo and Juliet tale but this world is so much bigger. The consequences of these two characters actions are potentially earth shattering. And yet their thoughts rarely stray from each other. swoon. And yet there is plenty of other things going on - the side plots are side plotting... even if neither of these love-struck idiots are paying attention!

So ready for book 3.

Amazing! I really have enjoyed the way in which the story has developed and I can’t wait to see how it will end. I have totally fallen for these two characters and I’m rooting for them.. I know that this is loosely based on Reylo but I really like how the author has made it her own and has infused such vibrant cultures and locations into the work.

This book blew my mind. I really enjoyed the story line and the imagery. This was my first read from the author and I intend to go look up her backlist.

It's no surpise how much I loved the hurricane wars. After meeting Alaric and Talysyn, in the first book, theirs became a story close to my heart. A monsoon rising allowed us to dig deeper into Alaric's backstory and explained some of the complexity of his character, and made me love him even more.

A Monsoon rising continued the high stakes storytelling of these two opposite and beloved characters. Guanzon combination of slow burn banter even in an established relationship was done beautifully. The chemistry these two feels so authentic and electric. The perfect mix of romance and thrilling action had me on the edge of my seat. I devoured this book immediately.

I highly enjoyed the rich impact of the Filipino culture. Between the food and customs, and lore it is truly an immersive experience.

This book was exhilarating, the only downfall of being able to experience their journey early was knowing I would have to wait even longer to continue their adventure. Thea is amazing and if anyone can be forgiven for a major cliffhanger it is her, because I know she's writing their story beautifully. I think of alaric and talsyan daily. ✨️

Thank you harpervoyager, netgalley for the honor of receiving this advanced copy. I felt speechless when I received the email, and it was truly a dream come true .

I’m always nervous about the second book in a trilogy or a series because it tends to be a fluff, bridge piece between the beginning and end of things. I’m so happy to say that this is no where near that. When the action and pacing for the plot would slow, the romance that was left at a simmer in the first book would turn up to a boil. The way Guanzon was able to weave both an intricate plot and the push and pull of the romance together was phenomenal. I cannot wait to see where these two’s story goes.

Thea Guanzon THE WOMAN THAT YOU ARE! The Hurricane Wars is one of my favorite books ever, and let me tell you A Monsoon Rising really delivered. It was a rollercoaster and I loved everything about it, the twists and turns, ALARIC AND TALASYN (MY CHILDREN!!), the slow burn between them, the magic, the world. I NEED THE NEXT BOOK ASAP PLEASE DONT HURT ALARIC AND TALASYN ANYMORE THEY DESERVE TO BE HAPPY AND TOGETHER THANK YOU. anyways 5 stars, thank you to harper and to netgalley for sending this my way!

As the second book of Thea Guanzon's The Hurricane Wars series, I was prepared to be either blown away or completely disappointed with A MONSOON RISING. Instead, I got a book I really, really enjoyed with an ending that made me gasp aloud but throughout which there were enough issues to prevent my mind from being blown.

Don't get me wrong. I finished A MONSOON RISING giddy with the promise of a spectacular finale. I loved the spice, the action, and the further adventures of Alaric and Talasyn together and apart. I devoured the book as quickly as I could without dropping everything altogether. It's just that Alaric and Talasyn spend as much time mooning about and worrying about the future or each other as they do in action.

I get their angsty thoughts. They are young and have little to no firsthand political experience. Plus, they both suffer from childhood trauma. Their brooding makes sense and is entirely appropriate. It's just that it takes up so much of the story. When there is action, whether it is in the form of training or as basic as traveling, A MONSOON RISING is unputdownable. When you are once again having to endure either character's obsession over the other or worrying about the future, it is less so.

A MONSOON RISING is a great book and deserving of all the praise. It just gets a little slow at times for my taste. I will still gladly read anything Ms. Guanzon writes because these first two novels are stellar. Plus, the ending is a game-changer that left me reeling. I can't think of a series that excites me more than The Hurricane War and a series finale I am anticipating the most.

I enjoyed this book more then the first one. The first one was hard at times because of the world building.
Alaric and Talaysn have great banter and tension. I am awaiting the third book like yesterday

The main character is going through a lot, trying to work through family secrets and personal struggles, all while dealing with the literal storm that’s always just around the corner. There’s a lot of emotional depth here, and I really liked how the weather plays a role in mirroring what’s happening in the character’s life. It’s almost like the monsoon is a character in itself, just as unpredictable and intense.

The writing is beautiful at times, especially when it comes to describing the environment—Guanzon does a great job of making you feel like you're right there in the thick of it. However, I do think the plot drags a bit. The pacing is slow, and while the emotional depth is there, it can get repetitive. Sometimes, I just wanted things to move forward a bit quicker.

The characters are solid, but not totally memorable. They have their moments, but there wasn’t a huge emotional connection for me. The relationships in the book felt a little too complicated for the sake of it, and I didn’t always understand the motivations behind some of the key decisions.

Overall, A Monsoon Rising is a beautifully written book with a lot of heart, but it does take its time to get to the point. I can see why some people would really love it, especially if you're into atmospheric settings and slower-paced character studies. For me, though, it just wasn’t as gripping as I hoped. It's good, but not great. A solid 3 stars.

Thank you Netgalley and HarperVoyager for providing me with this arc. All opinions are my own.

Thank you, NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book. Unfortunately, I requested this right before starting book one going off the assumption that I was going to LOVE the first one and need the second one immediately. I finished book one yesterday, and I have decided that this book and the author's writing style don't really work for me and I will not be continuing the series.

A Monsoon Rising by Thea Guanzon - eArc provided by NetGalley
4.5 Stars!!!! Almost 5

I’ve been eagerly anticipating A Monsoon Rising by Thea Guanzon, the sequel to The Hurricane Wars, and wow—it did not disappoint! This book is a masterclass in purposeful storytelling. Every sentence, every chapter serves the story, and it’s all delivered with Thea’s stunning prose. There’s no fluff here, just beautifully written fantasy that draws you in and refuses to let go.

First off, the political intrigue? Absolute perfection. Fantasy with layers of politics always hooks me, and this book delivers that in spades. But it doesn’t stop there—it’s also packed with everything else I love in a story: enemies-to-lovers romance, vibrant world-building, gripping magic, and adventures that made me want to dive right into the pages. The world itself is breathtaking. As someone who’s gravitated more and more toward Asian-inspired fantasy, this series feels like it was made for me. The lore is rich, complex, and beautiful, and I’m still in awe of how vivid everything felt in my mind.

Speaking of vivid, Alaric and Talasyn stole my heart—again. Their dynamic is everything, and I need more of them in my life. Seriously, they are such a fantastic duo, and I was rooting for them every step of the way.

What really surprised me was how much more I loved this book compared to the first one. I’m not even sure why—maybe it’s the way the main plot and subplots wove together so seamlessly? (Those subplots were plotting in the best way.) Or perhaps it’s because I couldn’t stop thinking about this book long after I finished it. And don’t even get me started on the ending—no spoilers, but it hit me like a tidal wave. Dude!

If you’re a fan of fantasy that balances politics, magic, romance, and heart-pounding adventure, you need to pick this one up. It’s unforgettable, and I can’t wait to see where this series goes next!

Absolutely beautiful book! Love those sprayed edges! I bought a physical copy for my shelf. Will definitely recommend this series to others.

I love this book and series. Thank you NetGalley and Thea Guanzon for the opportunity to read this eARC. The world building is spectacular as well as character development. This story picks up immediately following the first book. Intrigue, politics, and environmental devastation runs rampant in this story. Such a good read.

This is the second book in this series, sequel to The Hurricane Wars, in a very long slow burn romance that leaves you pining for more. The first book leaves Alaric and Talasyn just having been married and very confused in their feelings, having only recently discovering them in the second book among trials and court life. This book picks up with both of them keeping secrets, but slowly falling for each other as the time passes.

This book is spicer than the first, especially as Talasyn and Alaric cannot help themselves and flirt and slowly give in to their feelings. Talasyn is as fiery as ever, and Alaric becomes more and more protective of Talasyn as the book progresses.

I absolutely adore the slow burn pace of this book. There are mentions of them being each others firsts, refusing advances from others, and their vows. I believe the next book will be an explosive continuation of this love story, of which I adore.

The ending built up over the book as both parties were planning for the demise of the other, all the while having feelings. I cannot wait for the next book, and I will be eagerly waiting until then.

We continue the story of the enemies, Alaric and Talasyn, who were arranged to marry for political purposes. They actually are true enemies though, having fought on opposites side of a war and also having opposing types of magic. This book finds them continuing to plot their betrayal towards each other, along with them learning to merge their magic to fight an oncoming natural disaster, and them finally giving in to their physical attraction. Lots of politics and fighting, but the angst and longing in this one is good. Plus, the banter is delightfully funny and entertaining. This one ends on a cliffhanger, with no publication date of Book 3 in sight yet.

This is book two in a romantasy series, and I cannot wait for the third book! The cliffhanger really put me on edge, and I am completely invested in this series at this point. These books have everything i could hope for in a Romantasy series, and the romance really pays off! The author built onto the plot so much with this book, and I am really looking forward to continuing this series. I will be recommending this to all Romantasy readers!

A Monsoon Rising by Thea Guanzon is an electrifying continuation of romance, political intrigue, and devastating magic set against the backdrop of a fragile truce that feels like a brewing storm. This novel plunges readers deeper into a richly woven world of light and shadow, war and betrayal, and a love so forbidden that every stolen glance between Alaric and Talasyn hums with tension.

Talasyn and Alaric’s forced alliance as an imperial couple is the emotional and narrative core of the story. Their marriage is a delicate balancing act—Talasyn must appear to be the loyal empress while harboring her people’s secret hopes for rebellion, and Alaric must walk the razor-thin line between honor, love, and the legacy of a father whose ambitions threaten to consume everything. Guanzon captures the complexity of their relationship beautifully: their shared trauma from the war, the simmering desire they both try to ignore, and the growing recognition that they may be stronger together than apart. The slow-burn romance between them is exquisite—every quiet conversation, every heated argument, and every accidental touch is steeped in unspoken longing.

The world-building in A Monsoon Rising is immersive and expansive. Guanzon enriches the narrative with vivid descriptions of storm-drenched cities, blinding Lightweaver magic, and shadow-clad battlefields. The dichotomy of light and darkness isn’t just symbolic—it’s integral to the magic system, where Talasyn’s radiant power complements Alaric’s mastery of shadows. The impending threat of the Moonless Dark adds urgency and stakes, giving the novel a ticking clock that keeps tensions high. The blending of elemental forces between Talasyn and Alaric isn’t just a magical necessity—it becomes a metaphor for the trust and vulnerability required to truly merge two worlds.

Guanzon also excels at political intrigue. The alliances and betrayals within the imperial court and Talasyn’s homeland are intricate and compelling. Talasyn’s internal conflict—duty to her homeland versus the possibility of something more with Alaric—feels genuine and heart-wrenching. Meanwhile, Alaric’s struggle to reconcile his father’s expectations with his growing sense of morality adds layers of complexity to his character. Both protagonists are flawed yet deeply sympathetic, making their choices and sacrifices resonate.

However, the novel isn’t without its pacing challenges. The middle section slows down as Talasyn and Alaric’s emotional stalemate stretches out, with certain political maneuvers and magical training sequences feeling repetitive. Some readers may crave a faster escalation of the action, especially when the climax delivers such a whirlwind of revelations and battles. Additionally, the antagonist’s motivations—particularly those tied to Alaric’s father—could have been explored with more nuance to avoid leaning too much into archetypal "ruthless ruler" tropes.

The final act is a pulse-pounding blend of action, betrayal, and emotional devastation. Guanzon doesn’t shy away from hard choices or consequences, and the closing pages leave readers breathless with both hope and dread. The resolution of certain plotlines sets the stage for a promising future installment while delivering enough closure to feel satisfying.

At 4 stars, A Monsoon Rising is a spellbinding blend of epic fantasy, romance, and political upheaval. Thea Guanzon’s writing is evocative and lush, her characters heartbreakingly human, and her world brimming with danger and wonder. This novel will appeal to fans of intricate magical systems, morally complex heroes, and love stories forged in the crucible of war. With its storm-soaked heart and crackling romantic tension, A Monsoon Rising is a reminder that even amidst the shadows, love can be the brightest light.

Thank you so so much for this arc copy. Im so grateful! I loved everything about this book and series, the magic system, forbidden romances, and the multiple point of views. I love when enemies become lovers of if they become allies even though they dont want to. Thea has such a way of writing that is truly beautiful, I loved being immersed into this world and the characters lives. I will be doing a reread shortly and going through a tabbing system which im so excited for.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
A Monsoon Rising by Thea Guanzon

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Wow! Just wow!
This book took me by storm! Once I started it was so hard to put down. The first book was one of my top reads the year prior to this, and I had high expectations, This sequel did not disappoint. Everything I loved about the first book, I loved more in the second. It had romance, political intrigue, push and pull, secrets and a twist that had me reeling.
A Monsoon Rising picks up not long after we leave Talasyn and Alaric in the first book, each in their respective homes. What ensues after, is what can only be described as a dance between our two main characters. The push and pull of attraction and of lies leads them down a new path they never expected as they finally must face the Moonless Dark.
This book was full of the magic I have longed for, and of the struggles of two flawed people just trying to find their way. This book felt like home to me and I cannot wait for the next book to see where these wonderful characters and this enchanting story go.

This couple. This series. THAT CLIFFHANGER. Thea Guanzon, how dare you but also thank you so much for this incredible world.

I'll admit - I didn't enjoy The Hurricane Wars on the first read. I couldn't connect with the characters and at first the world felt too complex to fully grasp and care about. And then I read the audiobook and was blown away. Then, thanks to NetGalley and Harper Voyager, I devoured an ARC of A Monsoon Rising. Truly, I love these characters and their star-crossed romance so much. They're both adorably immature and experienced, and I couldn't help but root for them and their happiness despite literally all the odds stacked against them.

The stakes have never been higher as this slow-burn, political fantasy romance hits an epic crescendo of familial scheming, chaotic weather-based magic, and dragons. And the chemistry...the spice. Holy gods was it good. They're both terrible communicators, preferring to banter and bicker and...other things. I was absolutely sat for all of it.

And again, the cliffhanger. I'm desperate for book 3.