A review by anna4
A Monsoon Rising by Thea Guanzon

adventurous emotional funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

4.25 (with tendency to 4.5)

This book was so good and such an improvement compared to “The Hurricane Wars”!

I remember having a hard time getting into book one, because of the writing as well as the world building. Comparing the sequel to book one, it’s just a very different experience and a very pleasant one at that too.

The writing was better, the plot felt more thought out, the chemistry between Talasyn & Alaric as well as between them and other characters felt more in tune with everything else going on.

This book was also funny and funnier than one might expect. It’s also heavier on the romance side and less political. Generally more romcomy, but still very romantasy. I wouldn’t be surprised if the author will eventually try their hand at an actual romcom! (I would obviously read it)

It just hits differently when SHE is the one asking “What happened?” and “Who did this to you?”.

I loved all the little moments between Talasyn and Alaric. They were very innocent and intimate and you can clearly see how they warm up to each other, while still struggling with their barely existing communication skills as well as their loyalty to their respective family & people.

There were some moments during the sex scenes that felt very out of character. Like..the parts that supposed to be dirty talk. Well. Help. They were more funny than sexy. Reading about two people having their first sexual experiences with each other, some parts were cute af! And some others were, let’s say, questionable, but this shall be forgiven.

There were some action scenes and fighting and although they were good, I did struggle a bit to properly follow what exactly was happening. But that’s mainly on me.

I will also say though, very respectfully, that after reading “The Hurricane Wars“ twice and now after having read “A Monsoon Rising”, I still don’t know and understand what “aether hearts” are and anything “aether” is and what they do. But this is also on me, I guess.

Anyway, can’t wait for the next book!

Thank you to HarperVoyager for providing this book for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.