Tuesday, 14 April 2026 02:34 pm
Book Review: The Hurricane Wars
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deckardcanineThea Guanzon does not have her own Wikipedia page yet; only her first novel does. I chose it from a list of recommendations because I tend to like romantasies but had read very few, and some weren't straight enough for my taste. There was also the aforementioned intrigue of a Southeast Asian influence, but that's apparent only in the frequency of major storms.
Talasyn has had a rough life. From infancy to age 10, she lived in an abusive orphanage. Then she ran off to the street, where she discovered her rare identity as a Lightweaver, summoning weapons made of hard light. In young adulthood, where the book begins, she has been a soldier in the Sardovian Allfold, the underdog of a long war against the invading Night Empire's stormships and Shadowforged.
Arguably the first big development we see in Talasyn's life comes when she clashes with Alaric, only son of Night Emperor Gaheris himself. Their magic merges for a surprising result worth further research. They also draw the unwelcome attention of the neutral Nenavar Dominion, being within its boundaries. But the Nenavarene prince recognizes Talasyn as his long lost daughter. She does not take him up on the offer to live in the palace until the Sardovian army loses and needs a place to hide.
You might expect Talasyn to appreciate months of peace and pampering, but it's quite the learning curve for her. More importantly, when the Night Empire turns its eye to Nenavar, her reigning grandmother, Urduja, negotiates an engagement between Talasyn and Alaric. There turns out to be a reason beyond aversion of war: It is hoped that the betrothed can learn to use their combined power to protect Nenavar from a periodic weather disaster that threatens the whole unnamed continent. Talasyn has never made a shield before, and relevant trainers are in short supply, so Alaric it is.
I hope I haven't revealed too much. I just don't know how better to explain why these two mortal enemies should waver in hostility to each other. First they accept practical reasons for a modicum of courtesy, tho Alaric is much more practiced at stoicism. Then they keep experiencing moments of attraction, born of beauty and even empathy, for both Alaric and Talasyn have gripes about their motherless upbringing and current lack of freedom. As we alternate between reading her thoughts and his, we find that they often fail to realize when the feeling is mutual. Even when they get close, it doesn't take long for old habits to creep back in.
This being Volume 1 of a planned trilogy, their romantic tension remains unresolved by the last page. Not only is the Night Empire still after people Talasyn cares about, but each spouse is secretly ordered to betray the other when convenience arises. For his part, Alaric is just starting to doubt his homeland's propaganda after arguing with Talasyn. Gaheris is a harsh piece of work, after all.
Had I known that the story began as a fanfic about Rey and Kylo Ren, I would have skipped it. Fortunately, for all the seeming parallels with the Galactic Empire, the scenario seems nuanced enough to show why a non-evil person would think the Night Empire's actions justified. Maybe Talasyn will change her mind on the matter as well.
So far, the map at the front of the book isn't very helpful for picturing where characters go. It does indicate several elemental magic forms not mentioned in the text. I trust they come up in A Monsoon Rises and/or This Shattered Tempest (which already has reviews despite being slated for October).
Frankly, the promise of those powers is the main reason I might continue reading. It's not the wavering relationship, which sometimes reminds me of common complaints against the romance literary genre in general. Talasyn and Alaric are the only decently developed characters, with the possible exception of expert scheming politician Urduja. Maybe we'll also get more of Nenavar's dragons, the one other fantasy premise, but I read enough of those in other franchises.
Up next is Bolo: Annals of the Dinochrome Brigade by Keith Laumer. I've waited long enough for this.
Talasyn has had a rough life. From infancy to age 10, she lived in an abusive orphanage. Then she ran off to the street, where she discovered her rare identity as a Lightweaver, summoning weapons made of hard light. In young adulthood, where the book begins, she has been a soldier in the Sardovian Allfold, the underdog of a long war against the invading Night Empire's stormships and Shadowforged.
Arguably the first big development we see in Talasyn's life comes when she clashes with Alaric, only son of Night Emperor Gaheris himself. Their magic merges for a surprising result worth further research. They also draw the unwelcome attention of the neutral Nenavar Dominion, being within its boundaries. But the Nenavarene prince recognizes Talasyn as his long lost daughter. She does not take him up on the offer to live in the palace until the Sardovian army loses and needs a place to hide.
You might expect Talasyn to appreciate months of peace and pampering, but it's quite the learning curve for her. More importantly, when the Night Empire turns its eye to Nenavar, her reigning grandmother, Urduja, negotiates an engagement between Talasyn and Alaric. There turns out to be a reason beyond aversion of war: It is hoped that the betrothed can learn to use their combined power to protect Nenavar from a periodic weather disaster that threatens the whole unnamed continent. Talasyn has never made a shield before, and relevant trainers are in short supply, so Alaric it is.
I hope I haven't revealed too much. I just don't know how better to explain why these two mortal enemies should waver in hostility to each other. First they accept practical reasons for a modicum of courtesy, tho Alaric is much more practiced at stoicism. Then they keep experiencing moments of attraction, born of beauty and even empathy, for both Alaric and Talasyn have gripes about their motherless upbringing and current lack of freedom. As we alternate between reading her thoughts and his, we find that they often fail to realize when the feeling is mutual. Even when they get close, it doesn't take long for old habits to creep back in.
This being Volume 1 of a planned trilogy, their romantic tension remains unresolved by the last page. Not only is the Night Empire still after people Talasyn cares about, but each spouse is secretly ordered to betray the other when convenience arises. For his part, Alaric is just starting to doubt his homeland's propaganda after arguing with Talasyn. Gaheris is a harsh piece of work, after all.
Had I known that the story began as a fanfic about Rey and Kylo Ren, I would have skipped it. Fortunately, for all the seeming parallels with the Galactic Empire, the scenario seems nuanced enough to show why a non-evil person would think the Night Empire's actions justified. Maybe Talasyn will change her mind on the matter as well.
So far, the map at the front of the book isn't very helpful for picturing where characters go. It does indicate several elemental magic forms not mentioned in the text. I trust they come up in A Monsoon Rises and/or This Shattered Tempest (which already has reviews despite being slated for October).
Frankly, the promise of those powers is the main reason I might continue reading. It's not the wavering relationship, which sometimes reminds me of common complaints against the romance literary genre in general. Talasyn and Alaric are the only decently developed characters, with the possible exception of expert scheming politician Urduja. Maybe we'll also get more of Nenavar's dragons, the one other fantasy premise, but I read enough of those in other franchises.
Up next is Bolo: Annals of the Dinochrome Brigade by Keith Laumer. I've waited long enough for this.
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