#alunsina ivralis

[jessread-s]

✩🌗⚔️Review:

What this book lacks in world-building it makes up for in the all-consuming enemies-to-reluctant allies-to-lovers plot. 

“The Hurricane Wars” follows Talasyn and Prince Alaric, two bitter enemies with opposing magical abilities, as they are thrust into an uneasy alliance to bring an end to the Hurricane Wars. But a greater threat is coming, and the searing passion they find in each other could either save their world or destroy it. 

As a huge Star Wars fan, I thoroughly enjoyed Guanzon’s debut novel! I found great enjoyment in identifying connections between “The Hurricane Wars” and the films (7-9) as well as the ways in which Guanzon branches out to build the relationship dynamic between Alaric and Talasyn (inspired by Kylo Ren and Rey). I went feral over the addition of the arranged marriage trope that Guanzon incorporated into her storyline and really like how she infused Southeast Asian culture into Talasyn’s background. I wasn’t originally a Reylo shipper, but Guanzon has successfully converted me. 

For readers picking this one up without having seen Star Wars, this book has its pitfalls. The magic of fanfiction is that writers can create an alternate universe where beloved characters that may not have otherwise been romantically attached can get together. Very minimal world-building is needed because the assumption is that the target audience is already familiar with the source material. The problem is that traditionally published novels don’t work that way. Readers aren’t always part of certain fandoms and, in my opinion, “The Hurricane Wars” (part of the fanfic-to-romance pipeline) suffers from assuming everyone is a Star Wars fan. I came into this book with a full understanding of the characters, the magic system, and the conflict. I can see how others who have not seen the films could easily become lost because at the end of the day, the goal of this book is for Reylo to get together, even if it is to the detriment of the world-building,  plot, and conflict. I think that is why part I felt so rushed to me. Part I is not as developed as part II because only the bare minimum is done in terms of developing the world and magic system to establish that Alaric and Talasyn are enemies. Part II was much more interesting because that is where the sexual tension, angst, and banter between the characters finally comes into play. It is clear that the romance is what drives this book in comparison to the war that is going on or the magic that is present. 

I didn’t mind this, which is why I’ll likely pick up “A Monsoon Rising”. I’m ultimately glad I stuck with this book despite getting bogged down by part I because I absolutely devoured part II. And hey, if this is the book that convinces more people to watch Star Wars, I’m willing to look past its shortcomings. 

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[jessread-s]

Thanks to the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review

✩🌗🐲Review:

This book rises above its predecessor in the best way!

“A Monsoon Rising” follows Alaric and Talasyn as they play the part of husband and wife while secretly plotting to overthrow the other. But the longer the couple are forced together in an attempt to save their world from the Moonless Dark—a cataclysmic magical even that could devour everything—the harder it becomes to deny the feelings crackling like lightning between them. 

I was not prepared for how much this book would consume my every waking thought, but I am more than okay with that! 

The sequel to “The Hurricane Wars” takes readers on a wild ride with more betrayal, more politics, and, of course, more romance. Watching Alaric and Talasyn’s marriage become more than a political alliance made me feral! The pull that exists between them truly shook me to my core with how palpable it is. Because any kind of entanglement involving the two is forbidden, the tension born from their yearning in combination with the slow development of their romantic relationship is torture (I say this as a glutton for torture)! I loved the way Alaric and Talasyn got under each other’s skin. It reached a fever pitch when their feelings began to outweigh their loyalty. My heart nearly leapt out of my chest when they finally gave in to their attraction!

The fantasy elements play a less prominent role in this one, but it is all worth it for the “who did this to you,” wound tending, and “only one bedroll” moments! When it comes to the cliffhanger at the end, however, I fear that I will never recover. I NEED to know what comes next!

Cross-posted to: Instagram | Amazon | Goodreads | StoryGraph