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!

🌊⚡️A Monsoon Rising ⚡️🌊

by @theagwrites !

another wonderfully written book from Thea!
i loved how the plot and characters developed in this installment, and i really enjoyed how Talasyn and Alarics relationship grew and changed through all the circumstances they were put through in the book.
the descriptions of the world and all their outfits were actually incredible and i desperately want to wear some of the outfits Talasyn got to be in over the course of the book 😭🙏
it also became a lot more apparent that this is an original concept with intricate and well thought out worldbuilding and design, it's less recognisable as the reylo it started as but i do enjoy the callbacks in the descriptions and wording to aspects of Star Wars that only those who know would recognise
i really enjoyed how the tension was built up throughout the book without becoming overwhelming and that there were developments i never would have seen coming!

super excited for the next book! 🫶🤎

○
thank you to netgalley for the e-arc 🩵

Woah. This was awesome. It was a shift of car compared to the first in the series for sure. The slow burn between Alaric & Tala was SCRUMMY and I found myself smiling multiple times at their banter. I was suspicious of what the last few page would contain after the main point of the story came and went and I ate up every crumb and the cliffhanger Is too much. Downside of reading an ARC, you’ve got to wait even LONGER to get your answers!
5/5. No notes.

Guanzon’s world-building is rich and immersive, drawing you into a realm where magic and politics collide, and every choice feels monumental. The stakes are higher than ever, and the sense of urgency pulls you along at a breakneck pace. It’s not just about their alliance but also about the choices that will define them, and I couldn’t help but feel my heart race with every twist and turn. This book isn’t just a continuation of a series; it’s an emotional journey that explores love, duty, and the sacrifices made in the name of both. Moreover, Guanzon’s writing shines with lyrical beauty, and her characters resonate long after the last page.

This was definitely a Romantasy, way more spice than the first one, and lots more focused on the love story rather than the politics.

Alaric and Talasyn are so darn cute but I wish they would tell each other how they really feel, they could be unstoppable if they worked together, and really they want the same thing, but both too worried about everyone else

Could have done with a little more politics to be honest because, that ending, did not see coming at all! Who even are these people!

Hope gaheris dies soon

OH. MY. GOD.

Ho letto questo libro in inglese nonostante non sia la mia prima linguaggio perché dopo aver letto, ed amato, Hurricane Wars non potevo assolutamente aspettare.

Generalmente il secondo libro è più brutto del primo, ma non è questo il caso. Il libro ha lo stesso tenore, forza, attenzione per i dettagli e coerenza del primo. È assolutamente perfetto.
Dovrebbe essere una trilogia quindi spero che il prossimo e ultimo libro sia ben scritto, e anche con molte pagine, perché ci sono molti nodi da sbrogliare ma questa saga è troppo bella per essere rovinata da un finale frettoloso

Il finale. Aiuto. Mi aspettavo che la storia avrebbe preso un corso simile ma NON COSÌ

Non vedo l'ora esca anche in italiano per poterlo rileggere e assaporare tutti quei meravigliosi dettagli che con la tradizione mi sono persa.
Ormai è una delle mie saghe preferite

"I will always remember this. Just him and me and the monsoon."

Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was lucky enough to also ARC read "The Hurricane Wars," and I was over the moon when I got the email to say that I had been accepted for "A Monsoon Rising."

Let me start off by saying that the world building and political intrigue so intricately created in the first book of the trilogy is excellent. Diving headfirst into the heart of the Monsoon, it was easier to plunge straight into the story, already having a firm idea of the different factions and powers in play.

"A Monsoon Rising" picks up almost immediately after the end of "The Hurricane Wars," finding Alaric and Talasyn apart and pining for each other. "A Monsoon Rising" is rich in its enemies to lovers regency, proving that the heart really is a battlefield while the two MCs battle with their forbidden attraction while the Moonless Dark steadily approaches, and Alaric and Talasyn fight to quell the raging tempest within themselves.

In short, "A Monsoon Rising" was an absolute masterpiece. I wasn't sure how Thea was going to pull off a sequel to rival "The Hurricane Wars," but she has really outdone herself. I eagerly await the next installment.

In A Monsoon Rising, is an exciting follow-up to *The Hurricane Wars*. Talasyn and Alaric used to be enemies, but now their personal goals and government duties are putting a strain on their fragile relationship. The unhappy queen Talasyn plans against Alaric's rule in secret while the Moonless Dark gets stronger. As the danger gets closer, they must work together to save their world, but Alaric's love-loyalty struggle makes its own storm.

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.

Unfortunately, I did not enjoy this book due to the level of spice. There was a lot more, compared to book 1.

Wow. A masterclass in grumpy/grumpy romance. I love Talaysn and Alaric so so much! This book is a massive improvement on Hurricane Wars. But the ending!!!!! I need book three now!

Thea Guanzon's A Monsoon Rising, the highly anticipated follow-up to The Hurricane Wars, exceeded my expectations in every way. This sequel features even more captivating writing, a richly imagined universe, and deeper, more compelling character dynamics. Set against a Southeast Asian-inspired world of magic and political intrigue, it focuses heavily on the complex relationship between Talasyn and Alaric, the once-sworn enemies forced into an uneasy alliance through marriage.

The heart of the book is the evolving bond between Talasyn and Alaric. As they navigate their personal histories, we see them slowly shed their preconceived notions and come to understand each other in heartbreaking yet amusing ways. The slow burn of their enemies-to-lovers romance is masterfully handled, with expertly built tension that is incredibly satisfying when they finally succumb to their feelings. Alaric, in particular, shines in this installment; his character development is the strongest, as we see him grapple with his responsibilities, his father’s dark plans, and his growing desire for Talasyn.

The plot is filled with magical adventures and political schemes, but it never feels overwhelming. While the couple faces external threats, such as the looming Moonless Dark, which only they can stop by merging their light and shadow powers, the real tension lies in the emotional and moral dilemmas they face. The stakes are high, both for their world and for their relationship.

However, the ending left me reeling—Guanzon delivers a cliffhanger that is sure to drive readers mad with anticipation. With so many unresolved plot points and unanswered questions, I’m desperate for the next book in the series.

Overall, A Monsoon Rising is a beautifully written, emotionally charged sequel that deepens the world and relationships introduced in The Hurricane Wars. Fans of magical fantasy and enemies-to-lovers romance will find much to love in this gripping continuation.