A Monsoon Rising

I wanted to like A Monsoon Rising more than I did. The story didn’t really grab me until around chapter 21, which made the first half feel like a slog. What frustrated me most was how much went unanswered by the end. Instead of feeling intrigued enough to continue the series, I felt more annoyed—like the book relied too heavily on setting things up for the next installment rather than delivering a satisfying payoff on its own. There were interesting ideas and stronger moments toward the end, but the lack of resolution ultimately left me unmotivated to pick up the sequel.That said… Alaric is still baby boy, and honestly the main reason I stuck it out as long as I did.

When I read Hurricane Wars, I knew that Thea Guanzon would become a firm favourite and auto-buy author because their wiring was simply that good. Creating not only a new fantasy world but the mechanisms that go along with it is no mean feat. When I read Hurricane Wars, I knew that Thea Guanzon would become a firm favourite and auto-buy author because their wiring was simply that good. Creating not only a new fantasy world but the mechanisms that go along with it is no mean feat. A Monsoon Rising is the second electrifying book in the series and is another masterpiece. This is a tale filled with political intrigue, breathtaking magic and the romantic tension between our dark prince and master of the Shadowforged Legion in Alaric and our wary princess, and Lightweaver, Talasyn.The way we are brought back to the world is so organically done that you are thrust back into the political turmoil and aftermath of Talasyn and Alaric’s alliance with their forced marriage and the long-lasting hatred and distrust between their respective nations all against the backdrop of an impending magical catastrophe.☆☆☆“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 upon her head.☆☆☆Until I was lost to the book, I had forgotten just how much I had loved the way Alaric and Talasyn. They're both struggling with the weight upon their shoulders from their respective families and nations, alongside the way the two attempt to fight the chemistry that was there in The Hurricane Wars. From pawns to two dynasties to them finding a connection and chemistry that compliments their growing respect feels so real and I loved watching the two develop a natural, strong partnership.What shines throughout A Monsoon Rising is not only the characters and their many stories but the phenomenal world-building and attention to detail that Thea Guanzon brings to the page. The love that the author has for her country of the Philippines and South Asia is evident from the vibrant description of the world we're in throughout the series, but also how the mythology and culture from her heritage play a part in A Monsoon Rising. The storytelling would falter greatly without this attention to detail and obvious love for the story.This is a sequel that adds to The Hurricane Wars, it has drama and tension rippling throughout the pages and I loved every moment of it. Even those that stole my breath..  I haven't loved a book as much as I have A Monsoon Rising in a while and it had me wondering as each page came to an end what else Alaric and Talasyn could experience and endure. I really enjoyed how much character development there is - especially Talasyn who is the resident sceptic. Thea Guanzon has given us a book that will be loved, and have us craving the third because just like a Monsoon and a Hurricane? Devastation comes out of nowhere and recovery takes time to be completed properly.