A Monsoon Rising: A Novel by Thea Guanzon
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Web ID: 2031208399 reviews
A Romantasy reader MUST READ SERIES
This was everything I wanted in a sequel and more. I was at the edge of my seat the entire time. The stakes were high and I was genuinely surprised at the little twist we had at the time of the Moonless Dark and it was really cool and unexpected. I was on pins and needles when we got through that section, because I knew some other conflict was still in store and now I am just dying for book 3! Talasyn and Alaric's relationship through this story was still complicated as ever, and it is fun to be able to parse through their feelings for each other as we go, since they both don't know what to think of what they are feeling. I like that there is still that tension and enemy-like feeling between them and the payoff is fire. Alaric is down bad, and I am nervous for if (when) they both betray each other. I cannot wait for the next book!
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
enemies to lovers perfection!
This series continues to impress with a blend of passion, political intrigue and beautiful writing. The overarching plot unfolds at a steady pace while focusing on the deep, tension-filled connection between Talasyn and Alaric. The character development was definitely one of my favorite parts. Talasyn begins the novel settling into her new role, while secretly trying to uncover her past. I enjoyed watching her come into her power both politically and magically and assert herself more confidently. She’s still torn between her loyalty to her homeland, and the undeniable pull she feels toward Alaric, adding depth and complexity to her character. Alaric remains as brooding and dangerous as ever, but is even more emotionally conflicted in this instalment. His transformation from a stoic, disciplined leader to a man caught between duty and desire makes me love him that much more. His growing feelings for Talasyn make him confront his own vulnerability and it adds layers to his already angsty character. The romance between Talasyn and Alaric is the perfect balance of forbidden love and slow burning tension. Now married, their forced proximity creates countless opportunities for stolen glances, sharp exchanges, and fleeting moments of vulnerability, each charged with emotion. Their bond is agonizing, yet so captivating I could not stop flipping the pages. I especially loved how their connection is strengthened through their arguments and training, with their banter always on point. Despite being opposites in temperament and magic, they share a profound loneliness and a longing to be understood, making their dynamic all the more compelling. The world-building continues to impress, with lush descriptions of landscapes and intricate cultural details. I only wish we had spent more time in Kesath, seeing Talasyn’s political talents in action against the shadowforged, but it’s hopefully something we’ll get in the future. There's not much in the way of plot as we are slowly working our way towards the looming threat of the Moonless Dark, but it effectively reinforces their reluctant collaboration and mirrors their intertwined fates. The stakes are higher than ever, as every decision carries dire consequences, not just for Alaric and Talasyn, but for the people they’ve sworn to protect. The lyrical prose elevates the story without slowing it down, perfectly capturing the emotional weight of the characters and the intensity of their world. This instalment and wonderfully builds upon the foundation in book 1 and sets the stage for an unforgettable conclusion. I cannot wait to see where this story goes next!
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Enemies to Lovers done right
Oh! My! WORD! I know this book just recently released so i need to calm down… I NEED THE NEXT BOOK NOW! You should read this if you like: Romantasy Enemies to lovers done correctly. .
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Holy slow burn!
This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2024 and it did NOT let down! I absolutely ADORED everything about this book. Both Alaric and Talasyn's character growth was incredible. and can we talk about the TENSION!! THIS is what I want in enemies to lovers. The longing, stolen glances, and unspoken feelings finally culminating in some absolutely delicious spicy scenes. I loved seeing Alaric's soft side and learning more of his past. Getting to see a glimpse of Kesath and the expansion of Nenevar was also great! But I am even more excited for what's to come. THAT ENDING HAD ME SHOOK! Thea, I know you said it was what your editor recommended but I have major beef with her now!!
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
One of my fav series
Insanely addictive. Are you kidding me?!?! I am OBSESSED with this series. The world building, the plot, the angst?!?!? I NEED THE NEXT ONE ASAP
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Enemies to lovers with some good spice
This was such a great continuation of the series! There’s definitely a lot more romance in this one and it is definitely giving in the spice department. I loved the slow burn, enemies to lovers and political marriage tropes when it came to Alaric and Talasyn. The world building continues in this sequel, but it didn’t feel like it slowed down the book at all. Not like how slow the first one felt. I really liked the pacing throughout, I was never bored. There was a great blend of action, romance and politics to keep me interested. I finished in just two days. It does end on a cliffhanger though, so prepare yourself for that. I was not ready and I’ll be holding my breath waiting for the next one.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Better than the first book.
Book Review: Monsoon Rising by Thea Guanzon Thea Guanzon delivers an electrifying sequel with Monsoon Rising, a novel filled with tension, intricate world-building, and an achingly slow-burn romance. Picking up right where The Hurricane Wars left off, this book is filled with political intrigue and magic intertwine in an ever-tightening web. At the heart of the novel is the forced marriage between Alaric and Talasyn—a fragile truce between two enemies who still don’t fully trust each other, yet find themselves drawn together in ways they can’t ignore. Their relationship remains a battle of wills, their every interaction laced with unspoken longing and simmering attraction. The back and forth tension between them is exquisite, with stolen moments of vulnerability, charged banter, and an undeniable chemistry. Guanzon’s prose is lush and deliberate, painting a vivid world. The pacing may be a bit slow, but serves to deepen the stakes—both for the fate of their world and for the fragile, love growing between them. And when the romance finally ignites, it is really good. With higher stakes, deeper emotions, and an ending that leaves you gasping, Monsoon Rising solidifies The Hurricane Wars series as a must-read for fans of epic fantasy. If you love arranged marriages, enemies-to-lovers tension, political intrigue, and characters who would burn the world down for each other—this book is for you. I highly recommended. Thank you Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the gifted ARC.
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com
Oh Thea!!!! You are a master storyteller!
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!
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Customer review from barnesandnoble.com