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hspfost's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Fairly mild spoilers ahead. Okay here’s the thing. The book had some wonderful elements: great world building, absolutely beautiful dresses and architecture, steamy romance. It was fun to read and I didn’t want to put it down. That said, I knocked off 0.25 because the anger/fighting/rage were just a bit much. It built the tension up really well! But then never really released the tension. So it ended up being kind of a stressful read, and I almost gave up on the main couple before the end because it was simply exhausting to keep rooting for them. They consistently made the wrong decisions and it was frustrating as a reader. There aalllmost weren’t enough good moments between the main characters to keep me invested. But there were so I kept going haha.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Child abuse
isabelgrace18's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Pregnancy
roseleebooks's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was a solid read for me and I really enjoyed it overall. I wasn't sure going in how much Guanzon's fanfic might play into it and having never read it can say that other than some of the character descriptions and descriptions of the magic system at times I would not have realized that it originated from that.
What I liked: the ambition of the plot. There was a lot happening but it felt cohesive and like it was progressing in a way that made sense. The political aspects were more enjoyable than I would have expected. The tension between Talasyn and Alaric was very well written also. Early in the book I was looking forward to scenes where they interacted. I also really liked listening to this on audiobook. I read some of it in book format but the writing and dialogue really lend themselves well to an audio format.
What I didn't like: sometimes the angst and arguments between Talasyn and Alaric were a little too much for me. And maybe this was because I wasn't quite in the mood to read about that type of relationship.Also, the earlier parts of the book during the war felt very abrupt and didn't allow us to develop much connection to the events and the side characters. However, none of this detracted enough from the book to be a big issue enough.
Overall this was an entertaining read and I will be continuing the series with the next book.
What I liked: the ambition of the plot. There was a lot happening but it felt cohesive and like it was progressing in a way that made sense. The political aspects were more enjoyable than I would have expected. The tension between Talasyn and Alaric was very well written also. Early in the book I was looking forward to scenes where they interacted. I also really liked listening to this on audiobook. I read some of it in book format but the writing and dialogue really lend themselves well to an audio format.
What I didn't like: sometimes the angst and arguments between Talasyn and Alaric were a little too much for me. And maybe this was because I wasn't quite in the mood to read about that type of relationship.
Overall this was an entertaining read and I will be continuing the series with the next book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Xenophobia, Violence, Colonisation, Death, Death of parent, Sexual content, Injury/Injury detail, Child abuse, and Cursing
Moderate: Emotional abuse
hendrixpants's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, War, Death, and Abandonment
kingjk2002's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
If you don't like mentions of height you will be annoyed and they mention eye color every 5 seconds
Its litetally just a personal ick for me but the whole he's so big and tall and she's so slender and small thing just gives me the ick now it makes me think he sees her as a child also I get it his eyes are blue and her hair is auburn brown you don't need to remind me every 5 pages
Its litetally just a personal ick for me but the whole he's so big and tall and she's so slender and small thing just gives me the ick now it makes me think he sees her as a child also I get it his eyes are blue and her hair is auburn brown you don't need to remind me every 5 pages
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Blood, War, Abandonment, and Death
chloecool2024's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: War
teri_b's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I was curious about this book. Firstly, because of the cover and the storm respectively the Hurricane it promised in the title. Secondly, because of the mixed reviews this book had gotten even before it was published and I was wondering where my own reading tastes would land.
Interestingly enough, I loved & still love this book a couple of months after I read it and am excited to see how the story ends in its sequel.
The Hurricane Wars does have excitement in it, a lot of tragic & wars & unanswered questions and magic is stirring, even though yet not fully revealed.
At the beginning we find ourselves in a war setting that then changes to the machinations of a highly evolved & politically divided court and in which the female main character has got to find her way as well as figuring out her feelings for this prince of the Night Empire whom she first met on the battle fields and now has to deal with in the political machinations of their nations fighting for prevalence and/or survival over each other.
The world is richly built, and specially, in the second part we start to see more parts of this world that is amazingly rich & diverse.
And now I cannot really wait until the second book is out, because I simply would like to know how it all ends and how this new threat that arose is being met, and, of course, will they or won't they & will there be a happy ever after?
Interestingly enough, I loved & still love this book a couple of months after I read it and am excited to see how the story ends in its sequel.
The Hurricane Wars does have excitement in it, a lot of tragic & wars & unanswered questions and magic is stirring, even though yet not fully revealed.
At the beginning we find ourselves in a war setting that then changes to the machinations of a highly evolved & politically divided court and in which the female main character has got to find her way as well as figuring out her feelings for this prince of the Night Empire whom she first met on the battle fields and now has to deal with in the political machinations of their nations fighting for prevalence and/or survival over each other.
The world is richly built, and specially, in the second part we start to see more parts of this world that is amazingly rich & diverse.
And now I cannot really wait until the second book is out, because I simply would like to know how it all ends and how this new threat that arose is being met, and, of course, will they or won't they & will there be a happy ever after?
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Blood, Gore, and Colonisation
Moderate: Death of parent
fandomsandfiction's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
what to expect:
- NA high fantasy
- war and politics
- racial diversity done well
- detailed religious system, geopolitics and languages
- flying warships, dragons, epic battles and all that good stuff!!!
- slowwwburn knife-to-throat enemies-to-lovers with a political marriage of convenience and one bed trope for added spice 😌
*takes a deep breath*
So, I feel very normally about this book. I am in no way overly obsessed with the intricacy of the world building, the powerful commentary on war and politics, the excellent tension between the main characters, the skillfully fleshed-out side characters, the seamless weaving of fantasy and reality, the passionate emotions that leap off the page or the other 989238274921782+ reasons why this book is one of the best fantasies I have ever read.
Yup. Totally normal and not obsessed at all. 😊
Set across the backdrop of a war-town world, this is a book about pain, love and the many kinds of conflict. And of course, lots of magic!!!
I love the concept of flying ships being the main system of transport. I never thought racial diversity could be done so RIGHT until I read this book. The characters are all delightful and even the most hateful of characters expose the complicated nature of war and trauma. There is such fun witty dialogue! I mean, it's probably unrealistic for soldiers to be making sarcastic and snippy remarks during battle, but I am ALL HERE FOR IT 🤭
The alternate POVs really helps this book achieve its greatness. While the Night Empire is portrayed as the 'Big Bad Guy', following the narratives of dual leading characters had my heart aching for both sides and it shows the true complexities of a war built on propaganda, manipulation and no actual villain. The characters' conflicting, tormented emotions feel so real. Reading both Talasyn and Alaric's POVs - especially when it came to the duties of their positions vs their personal feelings/beliefs - felt like have a knife twist and turn in my chest. AND THE TENSION!!! The alternate POVs really amplified the repressed romantic and sexual tension between them (and like the messed-up soul I am, this gave me life). Both their stories are so painful, and this book may just be one of the most raw and poignant enemies-to-lovers fantasies I've ever read. The aching and pining and obvious attraction mixed with lies and secrets and impending betrayal is somehow exhilarating. Is this a drug? Because it feels like a drug.
While the building attraction between the main characters is a core feature, it does not overshadow the rest of the rich storyline. With a real slowburn (which is PERFECT for this context), the focus is less on the romance and more on the characters and story developments. Thea Guanzon wields the English language like a weapon. It takes great skill to make someone feel such BIG feelings and think such BIG thoughts by using nothing but the same 26 letters rearranged in different ways. This book is a work of art. And I am soooooo normal about it!
- NA high fantasy
- war and politics
- racial diversity done well
- detailed religious system, geopolitics and languages
- flying warships, dragons, epic battles and all that good stuff!!!
- slowwwburn knife-to-throat enemies-to-lovers with a political marriage of convenience and one bed trope for added spice 😌
*takes a deep breath*
So, I feel very normally about this book. I am in no way overly obsessed with the intricacy of the world building, the powerful commentary on war and politics, the excellent tension between the main characters, the skillfully fleshed-out side characters, the seamless weaving of fantasy and reality, the passionate emotions that leap off the page or the other 989238274921782+ reasons why this book is one of the best fantasies I have ever read.
Yup. Totally normal and not obsessed at all. 😊
Set across the backdrop of a war-town world, this is a book about pain, love and the many kinds of conflict. And of course, lots of magic!!!
I love the concept of flying ships being the main system of transport. I never thought racial diversity could be done so RIGHT until I read this book. The characters are all delightful and even the most hateful of characters expose the complicated nature of war and trauma. There is such fun witty dialogue! I mean, it's probably unrealistic for soldiers to be making sarcastic and snippy remarks during battle, but I am ALL HERE FOR IT 🤭
The alternate POVs really helps this book achieve its greatness. While the Night Empire is portrayed as the 'Big Bad Guy', following the narratives of dual leading characters had my heart aching for both sides and it shows the true complexities of a war built on propaganda, manipulation and no actual villain. The characters' conflicting, tormented emotions feel so real. Reading both Talasyn and Alaric's POVs - especially when it came to the duties of their positions vs their personal feelings/beliefs - felt like have a knife twist and turn in my chest. AND THE TENSION!!! The alternate POVs really amplified the repressed romantic and sexual tension between them (and like the messed-up soul I am, this gave me life). Both their stories are so painful, and this book may just be one of the most raw and poignant enemies-to-lovers fantasies I've ever read. The aching and pining and obvious attraction mixed with lies and secrets and impending betrayal is somehow exhilarating. Is this a drug? Because it feels like a drug.
While the building attraction between the main characters is a core feature, it does not overshadow the rest of the rich storyline. With a real slowburn (which is PERFECT for this context), the focus is less on the romance and more on the characters and story developments. Thea Guanzon wields the English language like a weapon. It takes great skill to make someone feel such BIG feelings and think such BIG thoughts by using nothing but the same 26 letters rearranged in different ways. This book is a work of art. And I am soooooo normal about it!
Content Warnings
Moderate: War
Minor: Child abuse and Physical abuse
mels_reading_log's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This is a romantacy book about two shoulders from waring lands. He has shadow powers and she has light powers, they could each be the other’s downfall. But for some reason they can’t convince themselves to cast the death blow. And then they realize they need each other, but can they truly trust each other.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, War, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, and Xenophobia
Moderate: Abandonment, Pregnancy, and Child abuse
amy_in_the_city's review against another edition
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I didn't know going into this that it was a Reylo fanfic with the serial numbers filed off, but I figured it out about 50 pages in. There were a few issues I think were caused in part by it originally being a fanfic. First, the characters were underdeveloped in the beginning, and I didn't quite buy that they were really enemies. They were truly enemies because they were on opposite sides of a war, but I would have liked for there to be a more personal element to it. Maybe one or both of them could have personally killed someone the other one loved or he could have been responsible for destroying her village, or something like that. In a fanfiction, we have this backstory already because it's in the source material, but since these are new characters, we don't know what they've done to really cause them to hate each other.
The magic system also wasn't very well developed. The shadow magic and the light magic didn't do anything different from each other. They both just formed weapons that did the same things but in different colors. I chalk this up to this being adapted from Star Wars fanfiction where the characters originally probably used the same source of power (the Force) and the same type of weapon (lightsabers).
The pacing was off. It took almost 200 pages for the main characters to actually have a conversation and interact beyond a few fight scenes. It was so weird to have a romance book where the couple hardly interacts for the first half of the book. Once the romance got started, I did enjoy how it developed. I was put off a bit by the insta-lust. The characters would be in the middle of trying to kill each other and then they'd be thinking about how the other one's eyes are so beautiful. Despite the insta-lust, I'd say the romance itself is a slow burn. They started getting to some good character development towards the end as they began to really explore the differences in their ideologies and the conflict that causes in their relationship.
Overall, I enjoyed this well enough, and it definitely picked up towards the end. I'm not sure if I'll read the next book in the series as I'm not super invested in the plot or characters though.
The magic system also wasn't very well developed. The shadow magic and the light magic didn't do anything different from each other. They both just formed weapons that did the same things but in different colors. I chalk this up to this being adapted from Star Wars fanfiction where the characters originally probably used the same source of power (the Force) and the same type of weapon (lightsabers).
The pacing was off. It took almost 200 pages for the main characters to actually have a conversation and interact beyond a few fight scenes. It was so weird to have a romance book where the couple hardly interacts for the first half of the book. Once the romance got started, I did enjoy how it developed. I was put off a bit by the insta-lust. The characters would be in the middle of trying to kill each other and then they'd be thinking about how the other one's eyes are so beautiful. Despite the insta-lust, I'd say the romance itself is a slow burn. They started getting to some good character development towards the end as they began to really explore the differences in their ideologies and the conflict that causes in their relationship.
Overall, I enjoyed this well enough, and it definitely picked up towards the end. I'm not sure if I'll read the next book in the series as I'm not super invested in the plot or characters though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, War, Abandonment, Death, Violence, and Colonisation
Moderate: Grief, Animal cruelty, Emotional abuse, Death of parent, Sexual content, and Domestic abuse