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The Hurricane Wars #3

This Shattered Tempest Intl

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The highly anticipated conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Hurricane Wars trilogy makes landfall— and as the winds of war sweep through Lir, Talasyn and Alaric must confront the truth of their hearts and decide whether duty or desire will lead them forward.

When the storm swallows the world, who will be left standing?

Throughout their political marriage, Alaric and Talasyn struggled to resist the undeniable pull between them, even as rising tensions forced them on opposite sides of a looming war. Hand in hand, they vanquished the cataclysmic threat of the Moonless Dark—and started to hope for a future together.

That hope is shattered when a devastating attack sets off a chain of events that tears them apart once more. Now, as two rival nations prepare for a final, decisive clash, the Master of the Shadowforged Legion and the last Lightweaver fight to find their way back to each other. But the odds are stacked against them, and time is running out…

Is love enough to rewrite destiny? Can a new beginning rise from the ruins of the past? Or are Alaric and Talasyn doomed to meet as enemies on one last battlefield? This explosive third and final book brings the beloved Hurricane Wars series to a stunning conclusion—where passion and power collide, and the fate of a divided world hangs in the balance.

498 pages, Paperback

First published October 6, 2026

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About the author

Thea Guanzon

9 books3,732 followers
Traveler, fangirl, dungeon master, cat lady, and iced coffeeholic residing in Metro Manila. Somehow also a No. 1 International, New York Times, USA Today, and Indie List bestselling author!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 802 reviews
Profile Image for Booksblabbering || Cait❣️.
2,493 reviews1,059 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 23, 2026
And this is why I don’t vibe with enemies to lovers.
Once you pass the hateful/lustful phase, authors still need to have stakes and tension and they do this by miscommunication, misunderstandings or hiding secrets - sometimes all three. 

In-between declaring undying love and acting like alphas with possession issues, they’re bemoaning past secrets as if this has created the biggest barrier ever. Despite the fact that they were once trying to kill each other…. 

Maybe I should give more context to this series: I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books and I was so excited to binge book three, especially as I couldn’t see any other early reviews. 

However, I ended up DNF’ing at 50%. NOTHING happened. It was repetitive in terms of dialogue, scenes, tropes. 

I wanted to push through because I’m a series completionist and I really enjoyed the first two… and yet, I was slipping into hate-skimming after the 45% mark. 

Arc gifted by publisher. 

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Profile Image for Holly.
433 reviews165 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
January 3, 2026
One of my favourite series of all time. Talasyn and Alaric are one of my favourite fictional couples of ALL TIME. As a series it's one of the best examples there is of true enemies to lovers, of tension, betrayal and the 'I should hate you but I love you anyway' push and pull.

There's off-the-charts yearning, emotional devastation, super high stakes - personally and politically, in a world on the brink of war. Every decision and emotion the characters wrestle with, every lie, every hesitation, each moment of tender relief, all of it makes absolute sense. It's so tangible, it sucks you right in until it feels like you're the one tearing yourself apart in these situations.

When everything that's been building for 3 books came to a head around halfway through This Shattered Tempest I was sick with worry and heartbreak. I was on the edge of my seat from start to finish. To see these characters I love so much eventually fight through it all, redeem themselves and earn their HEA in the end was everything.
Profile Image for Isabelle.
369 reviews231 followers
October 5, 2026
Ohhhh this baby was ANGSTY 🤭😩

This was such a fantastic finale for this series. I’m a sucker for enemies to lovers and yearning, and this delivered and delivered and delivered! Throw in all the politicking and dragons?? I’m sat and sold. 🪑

The give and take between Alaric and Talasyn has always been a strong point in the series for me, because it feels so real. The physical and emotional attachment is so visceral, even with their loyalties trying to force them apart. This finale gave me so much of that dynamic that I felt like a glutton 😂

I needed a bit of a refresher on some of the world building and terminology, but since this book picks up right where book 2 left off, it was a pretty easy pick up. I honestly wasn’t sure how this series was going to wrap up with a happy ending. All the political machinations, war, betrayals, and conflicting loyalties kept me on my toes. But the ending was perfect 🥺

At this point, Thea Guanzon is absolutely an auto-buy author for me! 🐉🩵



•••••••••••
Yes I know this publishes tomorrow, and I’m so behind, but here we are 🤡

Huge thank you to Harper Voyager and NetGalley for the advance copy 🩵
Profile Image for Sarah.
284 reviews55 followers
July 19, 2026
✨ARC Book Review✨

Absolutely loved this series so much!

The first three chapters were everything! This entire series has delivered the best push and pull dynamic between Talasyn and Alaric, and seeing that man fight for his wife was everything I ever wanted for them!

What I’ve always enjoyed most about this series is the undeniable attraction between Talasyn and Alaric, but the political divide and their family rivalry that constantly pitted them against each other.

This series ended in the best possible way! Going into the final quarter, the betrayal, tension, and angst was so well written. More than anything, the finale had the most meaningful moments of redemption and second chances. I had so much hope for them, and I was not disappointed!

Also, the cover of this book is absolutely beautiful! I’m definitely buying a copy for my shelf!

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon, and Harper Voyager for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for mag_book_.
575 reviews416 followers
October 15, 2026
5/5
Kiedy oni jednocześnie są enemies i lovers 🤌😩 jaka tu była dawka emocji no nie mogę
Profile Image for  Married to Sandstorm.
28 reviews4 followers
Read
January 4, 2026
It was going to come out in January, then May, AND NOW OCTOBER?!?!?!??!?!? Why, Thea, must you do this to us? 😭😭😭😭
Profile Image for Danielle Pulliam .
585 reviews121 followers
Read
October 14, 2026
**𝔄ℜℭ ℜ𝔢𝔳𝔦𝔢𝔴** 𝔗𝔥𝔦𝔰 𝔖𝔥𝔞𝔱𝔱𝔢𝔯𝔢𝔡 𝔗𝔢𝔪𝔭𝔢𝔰𝔱 𝔟𝔶 𝔗𝔥𝔢𝔞 𝔊𝔲𝔞𝔫𝔷𝔬𝔫 (𝔗𝔥𝔢 ℌ𝔲𝔯𝔯𝔦𝔠𝔞𝔫𝔢 𝔚𝔞𝔯𝔰 𝔅𝔬𝔬𝔨 3)

Release Day: October 6, 2026

5⭐️3🌶

This series just keeps getting better and better. I really don't have anything bad to say about it. There are soooo many layers to each of these characters, and the political realm that they are navigating is treacherous and impossible to navigate at times with some people hiding their motivations while others are faking emotions to spy for others. I literally cannot get enough of this story.

Minor Spoilers Ahead:

Talasyn was attacked by the rebellion that she previously fought for, because they believed that she had switched sides and was working with the Night Emperor. She did kill one of her own soldiers to save Alaric, but she did that almost without thinking.

She tried to negotiate with the rebellion leader to keep Alaric alive after they take down the Night Empire's fleet. This only furthered their belief that Talasyn had fallen in love with Alaric and was compromised.

Alaric continues to try and enact more democratic laws that will help the common people in the night realm. However, the older politicians in his realm just want to lock up all street urchins regardless of their age. He brought Talasyn with him to the Night Empire because of the attack by her own people on her in her own Kingdom. However, his father has been after his wife as well, by wanting to nullify her magic.

The tension and layers between these to reaches a boiling point in a most amazing way, and I can't want to see what else comes from Ms. Thea Guanzon.

Themes/Tropes:
🍁Enemies-to-Lovers (Slow Burn)
🍁Warrior v. Warrior
🍁Opposites Attract / Grumpy vs. Sunshine
🍁Forced Proximity & Marriage of Convenience & Royal Marriage
🍁The Long-Lost Royal / Hidden Identity
🍁"Only One Bed"
🍁Light vs. Shadow (Duality and Balance)
🍁Imperialism, Conquest, and Resistance
🍁Political Power as a Catalyst for Love
🍁Family, Belonging, and Legacy

TW:
✨Combat & Graphic Violence
✨War and Military Brutality
✨Graphic Violence and Blood
✨Imprisonment and Captivity
✨Animal Cruelty
✨Abuse & Intergenerational Trauma
✨Parental and Familial Abuse
✨Child Abuse & Abandonment
✨Gaslighting and Political Manipulation
✨Some Explicit Sexual Content

Thank you to @netgalley for this ARC copy!

#thisshatteredtempest #theaguanzon #hurricanewars #thehurricanewars
Profile Image for shaelinslibrary.
339 reviews1,680 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
October 2, 2026
this made my heart whole. the ending the characters and us readers deserved, alike! it was a hard earned ending, and it was perfect. no. fucking. notes.

this series is perfection. the enemies are true, the love story is fantastic, and the political intrigue is striking. the way this world’s magic system works is genuinely one of the coolest i’ve ever read! ships that sail in the sky, the coracles, the aethermancy, AND THE DRAGONS?!? YES MA’AM.

this was fantastic, i want to read Thea’s grocery list.

talasyn and alaric’s relationship is my favorite part, because they way they grow together is so authentic to themselves and the development of the story in general. this only adds to the story. the last sentence of this book made me cry.

i want to reread this series with HASTE. SIX STARS & I MEAN IT
Profile Image for jagodasbooks .
1,270 reviews455 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
July 26, 2026
Highly anticipated ending to the fantastic trilogy!!
I devoured this book, just like the previous two. Alaric and Talasyn - no notes, love them. They did not have the best time together in this book, there was some angst and arguments, but there was also a lot of wholesome moments between them. I have million things highlighted on my kindle!! The plot was fast paced, never boring and the ending? The best I could wish for! Can't wait to read more books from Thea Guanzon.

Thank you Netgalley for providing digital advanced copy in exchange for honest review.
Profile Image for Jaja ₍^. .^₎⟆.
260 reviews132 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
September 21, 2026
Merci à netgalley pour l’earc 🍓

💓/5 - 3🌶️
Coup de cœur pour ce dernier tome. C’était la conclusion parfaite de la tempête que sont Talasyn et Alaric.
Cette autrice devient officiellement une de mes autrices préférées. La maturité de sa plume et la maîtrise de son histoire font du récit un plaisir énorme à lire. Je n’ai pas lu, j’ai dévoré ce livre. Les horreurs de la guerre et la finalité de celle ci sont encore une fois mises en avant dans ce tome final. C’est toujours le peuple et encore le peuple qui paie le prix des conflits et la manière dont Talasyn a su apprendre à Alaric, enfant dont on avait lavé le cerveau à coup de propagande, pour qu’il devienne un homme empathique et prêt à tout pour celle qu’il aime.
J’ai pleuré tellement fort.

Big thanks to Netgalley for this opportunity.

💓/5 - 3🌶️
An absolute favorite for this final installment. It was the perfect conclusion to the absolute storm that is Talasyn and Alaric.
This author is now officially one of my all-time favorites. The maturity of her writing and her mastery of the story made this book a sheer pleasure to read. I didn't just read it; I devoured it. The horrors of war and its aftermath are once again front and center in this finale. It is always the everyday people who pay the heaviest price for these conflicts, and I loved seeing how Talasyn helped Alaric—a boy brainwashed by propaganda—grow into an empathetic man willing to do anything for the woman he loves.
I sobbed my heart out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Azanta (azantareads).
448 reviews873 followers
July 26, 2026
wait i’m actually so devastated this is over HOW DO I FORGET IT ALL AND READ FOR THE FIRST TIME AGAIN
Profile Image for Desiree.
420 reviews
April 18, 2026
This Shattered Tempest is everything I hoped it would be! I absolutely loved this book, and this series has become one of my favorites! Every single book in this series just got better and better. This was a true enemies to lover’s story. When Talasyn and Alaric met, they were truly trying to kill each other and then as they got to know each other, they wanted to kill each other as much as they wanted to kiss each other and I devoured that dynamic. I became just as obsessed with them as they became with each other. They’re one of my favorite couples. Not only are they incredibly strong and intricate amazing people on their own, but together they are magic. Their relationship is filled with a hunger and a passion that will set you on fire.

This book starts off immediately when A Monsoon Rising ended. Talasyn and Alaric have been dancing around the issue of dealing with their divided loyalties, but time is running out and sides will have to be chosen. They entered this political relationship as enemies who set out to destroy each other only to find themselves falling for one another instead. With war now on their doorstep, they’ll each be forced to make difficult decisions and face the consequences of their choices. Loyalties are tested and betrayal seems imminent. Will they choose love or will they choose duty?

I felt like I was reading this book while someone was squeezing my heart the entire time. There was this constant crushing sinking feeling in my chest. It hurt to read and yet I couldn’t stop reading it. I just kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, knowing I wasn’t going to be prepared for anything that came after. The yearning and the guilt Talasyn and Alaric felt in this was palpable. You could feel the desire between them as much as you could feel the weight of the burden of the secrets they were keeping from each other.

I think the growth Talasyn and Alaric displayed from when they met to where they are now in this book was so well written. We got to watch them grow, and fall in love, and hope, and dream, and push each other to become better versions of themselves and try to redeem themselves. It was truly beautiful to witness that happening. Thea did such an amazing job not compromising any aspect of this story. The romance, the character development, the plot, and the political aspects were well thought out. Everything was written together so seamlessly, and it was a true joy to read. Also, I loved that there was an epilogue at the end!

If you love enemies to lovers, political intrigue, reluctant allies, redemption stories, second chances, and wonderful side characters you absolutely MUST pick up this series!!!

Thank you to Avon and Harper Voyager and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. My review is based solely on my own opinion, and I’m honored for the chance to read This Shattered Tempest by Thea Guanzon.
Profile Image for Anna.
403 reviews79 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
September 24, 2026
“This Shattered Tempest” by Thea Guanzon

5⭐/5⭐
3🌶/5🌶

“The stars guide me home to your heart. The sun rises in the kingdom I found in your eyes.”

How can I even summarize my thoughts after finishing this book? After finishing this series? It feels so bittersweet, the end of an era. Following every book’s release has been so much fun, such a special experience I’ll always look back on fondly.

Every single book in this series is five stars, but if I could give them more I would! I truly consider this trilogy to be an example of perfection. From the romance, to the politics, to the worldbuilding; it’s flawless. Thea created something so special with The Hurricane Wars, and books two and three continued to exceed all possible expectations.

“This Shattered Tempest” starts immediately where “A Monsoon Rising” leaves off, wasting no time in conveying important information to readers. While some events occur faster than expected, any revelations or reunions only serve to ask more questions, further complicating Alaric and Talasyn’s situations.

So much of this book serves as a major crescendo for both Alaric and Talasyn’s personal struggles we’ve seen throughout the entire series. The action and intrigue starts immediately, there’s no build-up or cushioning. Alaric, being put in the middle of what his father demands of him, and what his heart feels for Talasyn. Meanwhile Talasyn has kept major secrets from him, such as shielding the Sardovian fleet as they recuperate, while slowly realizing Alaric is not the enemy she thought he was. Both characters, so torn on what they’ve always been told all of their lives, versus their new knowledge and realizations from lived experiences.

I think the character development for Alaric and Talasyn from the first book to the last is really incredible; Thea never sacrificed natural progression for quick reader satisfaction. The entire series is like a massive slow burn, even with all of the romantic and intimate developments in the previous books.

It’s all so satisfying, truly the perfect way to tie up every single loose end. I cannot recommend this series enough. If you're looking for a completed enemies to lovers (truly) romantasy with rich and lush worldbuilding, you must read The Hurricane wars.
Profile Image for Lena.
580 reviews113 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
October 1, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for the gifted arc! This was SUCH a good end to this trilogy—I was worried at about the 65% mark that things weren’t going to be wrapped up bc it felt like there was SO MUCH to resolve, but everything was done in a way that was so satisfying.
Throughout this series, Alaric and Talasyn have been on opposite sides of the war, and book was no different. This is TRUE ENEMIES TO LOVERS. Both characters face impossible choices between love and nation. The betrayals were heart-wrenching, but they ended up choosing one another. Both of them grew so much both as individuals and as a couple. I found this story to be so unique because of how they were simultaneously enemies and lovers throughout the whole series, and that layer of tension never went away. I felt as though the romance and the plot were very well balanced
Instead of a single drawn out final battle scene, this entire book was nonstop battles, action, twists, and betrayals. And the ending was the people of Lir finally choosing peace, with their new rulers to guide them on that journey.
There was truly never a dull moment in this book. I’m obsessed with the side characters, and there were so many character arcs I was invested in. This was an incredibly well done finale
Profile Image for Rani.
238 reviews10 followers
April 22, 2026
ARC REVIEW

If you enjoy political intrigue & scheming, real enemies-to-lovers, right & wrong dilemmas, and political marriages YOU NEED TO PICK THIS UP.

I'm so happy I got to read this in April instead of waiting for the book to come out (Oct 26th). This was such a good ending, I'm pleasantly surprised by the plot and tension still present in this third instalment. It's not easy to create a story with a political marriage that continues on having a meaningful plot and tension between our MCs but Thea did it!

First of all, let me say I REALLY appreciated the fact that this book picks up right after the end of Monsoon Rising.
Second of all, I think if I reread the epilogue I'd cry??? it was also so long I didn't expect that.
I personally added Alaric Ossinast to my list of pathetic MMCs along with Arin of Nizhal & Cyrus of Nara if that tells you something about the INSANE YEARNING quotes we got in this book!!!
I'm generally a big fan of 3rd person narration so this was right up my alley but I really enjoyed the inner monologues both from Talasyn but also from Alaric.

The plot of the book really picks up from 60-70% and you start to get a bit stressed-by then I had to finish the book right away. I was so worried about the ending because this is still a reylo inspired series but I mean again the EPILOGUE???? I loved the redemption aspect.

I think both Alaric & Talasyn had a lot of character growth in this book, they matured along with Thea's writing. This story was the embodiment of enemies-to-lovers until the end, it created so much tension, heartbreak, and distress from my side. Talasyn evolved into somebody that has hope & dreams, Alaric grew into his role as Emperor but also as a son and a husband.

Easiest 5 stars, now we wait for the special editions 🧍🏻‍♀️
Profile Image for QuirkyTofurkey.
337 reviews8 followers
Want to Read
March 7, 2026
My excitement for this is unparalleled.

I may actually be experiencing a panic attack.

ON MY WAY TO BUY A LOTTERY TICKET AND PLACE SOME BETS BECAUSE I GOT THE ARC AND THE GODS ARE CLEARLY SMILING UPON ME
Profile Image for Chloe Heary.
23 reviews3 followers
April 18, 2026
“Write a review”

As if there’s enough words available to describe my love for this book and this series, don’t be naive Goodreads 😤
Profile Image for Dayna | daynas.bookshelf.
330 reviews891 followers
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
October 5, 2026
4.25 ⭐️
I sobbed through the ending of this book, what do you mean the series is now complete!?

the romance in this book swept me away and was 100% my favorite part of this book. what i love about this series is both characters are so strong and rooted in their ways, determined to protect their people at all costs, despite their love for each other and how it all clashes together. there’s never a time where i feel like Talasyn and Alaric make an irrational / juvenile decision and i absolutely love that about them.

this final installment had me on the edge of my seat in the midst of battles, political manipulation, and epic romance. i definitely would’ve benefitted from a reread of monsoon rising (or a brief recap) because we dive straight back into the action!

these books feel like an epic fantasy movie series that played out so vividly in my mind. i’m always going to cherish reading this series for the first time and can’t wait for future rereads!

thank you to harper voyager for the gifted ARC 🩵
Profile Image for Mim.
424 reviews7 followers
October 21, 2026
You tried to do the right thing. Never forget that. You were forced into an impossible situation and you acted with the information that was available to you.

Yesss! One of the actual real enemy to lovers that kept cooking. I was wondering how will they overcome their differences in loyalties and what happens after. Will it be trauma or happy ending. I was hoping fingers and toes crossed for a HEA but second guessing with all the conflict. They do not have the best time in this book but if you are past enemies should you?
And the angst! Uh!! It didn't feel like blabbering miscommunication but truly wrapping the conflict between feelings, past events and who's side they are, could you trust one another. Chef's kiss 🤌

If I have something to complain it's the spacing. First half of the book I was waiting for them choosing a sides and it kept dragging (in a good way 😅) and second half it jumped more and more. But I enjoyed the ride 🤩
Profile Image for Sophie (lambsbooks).
760 reviews152 followers
October 17, 2026
This tugged at all my little heartstrings.

4.25 stars instead of 4.5 stars because it honestly took too long for Alaric to get his shit together

Rtc!
Profile Image for Elle.
425 reviews10 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
September 28, 2026
4.5 stars

This is the best conclusion to a trilogy I've seen in a hot minute. Talasyn really grew into her power and learned who she wants to be, not who other people want her to be. Alaric kept being his broody self, but I was OBSESSED over his love for Talasyn. Watching him breaking free of the chains of the past was also super satisfying.

And Talasyn's love for him was also refreshing to read. Yes, the grumpy, mysterious guy being completely obsessed with the girl is hot to read, but so is the girl being willing to raze down the world for him. They're perfect for each other.

The book is packed with action and fighting scenes, with plot twists that left me reeling at times. Thea Guanzon excels at writing both action and romantic scenes, and the intimate scenes were very well-written!

The epilogue was perfect, I even shed a few tears! The only thing that I would have preferred was different was to see Alaric grovel a bit more - I felt like Talasyin kept apologizing to him for keeping secrets, but when his own were revealed, he barely apologized.

I can't wait to read more from her, because she's truly an exceptional writer.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my early copy.
Profile Image for paula ☾.
263 reviews29 followers
October 17, 2026
Lo mucho que he amado esta trilogía y a Alaric y Talasyn.. al nivel de estar leyendo el libro en inglés despacio solo por poder quedarme un poco más con ellos.
El arco de ambos personajes es maravilloso y en este último libro es increíble, los pondría en un pedestal a los dos y lo que he sufrido y llorado con este libro.. toda la historia, la política y las traiciones que tocan en este mundo, me siento tan mal por no poder volver a leer absolutamente nada de ellos 🥺
Es la trilogía perfecta para las que nos merecíamos un buen yearning hecho por Disney en su momento, te hace sentir absolutamente todo y es que ellos son maravillosos, no puedo parar de pensarlo, la luz y la oscuridad hechos el uno para el otro. Esta trilogía se va como una de mis favs porque no podía ser de otra manera ❤️‍🩹
Profile Image for Kimbot the Destroyer.
823 reviews19 followers
October 18, 2026
This dragged for me from 50-70%. The romance was spinning its wheels to give the fantasy plots time to play out. It is a tricky balance in longer series with only one main couple.

I did appreciate that the violence wasn't toned down...leaders in wartime didn't get to just stop killing and sending people to their deaths.

Overall a solid romantasy trilogy. I would recommend for my friends who are *not* more interested in the romance than the fantasy aspect.
Profile Image for amarachireads.
907 reviews165 followers
September 5, 2026
This was such a good conclusion to this series, im sad that it’s over. There is everything in this one, secrets, betrayals, twists and high stakes. The plot and the romance was so good and the romance especially goes through ups and downs as the mcs face different things thrown their way. The MCs in this series really encompass what it means to be enemies to lovers and i saw that aspect in this book as well. The character growth/development, the my wife moments, the political intrigue, the adventure all made for a great conclusion to this story. Thanks to the publisher for this arc for an honest review.
Profile Image for mo • lesmotsdemo.
751 reviews35 followers
August 20, 2026
A slight disappointment.
I had reasonable hope for the third book to be a little bit better than the second book after reading its end but it ended up feeling very similar. The first book is undeniably my favorite.
The fantasy plot and the romance plot were a little bit more balanced in this conclusion, but not enough for me. It leaned more towards the romance, like the second book. I was hoping for more plot and I was left unsatisfied. The plot was interesting at least, full of political intrigue. And the world-building was still quite immersive and atmospheric. It’s a shame it was overshadowed by a unengaging romance.
The romance ended up being the downfall of the trilogy for me. At the end of this conclusion, I am convinced that Talasyn and Alaric were not made for each other, and that Talasyn deserved better. Alaric was so controlling and possessive, he was not safe for Talasyn. She was in a difficult position and he showed no empathy nor desire to help her. He remained hostile. And, in the sex scenes (that were loo long actually), he gave me the ick. They were both too different: she was selfless when he was selfish, she was empathetic when he was heartless. He was a coward who could not face his feelings, she was more aware of and embraced hers. Talasyn was the most interesting character for me. She became more mature (more than Alaric, who’s older) and showed compassion yet strength. She deserved a man who assumed his feelings for her and fought for her.
And my reading experience ended on a sour note because I did not like the epilogue (I don’t like epilogues normally so that wasn’t surprising). It was way too long and its tone was too different from the rest of the trilogy. I would still recommend it if you’re looking for a romantasy trilogy with political intrigue and a darker kind of romance.

Thank you to Netgalley for an e-ARC in exchange for a honest review.
Profile Image for Janni (theladysparks).
231 reviews100 followers
October 8, 2026
Throughout their political marriage, Alaric and Talasyn struggled to resist the undeniable pull between them, even as rising tensions forced them on opposite sides of a looming war. Hand in hand, they vanquished the cataclysmic threat of the Moonless Dark—and started to hope for a future together.

That hope is shattered when a devastating attack sets off a chain of events that tears them apart once more. Now, as two rival nations prepare for a final, decisive clash, the Master of the Shadowforged Legion and the last Lightweaver fight to find their way back to each other. But the odds are stacked against them, and time is running out…

Is love enough to rewrite destiny? Can a new beginning rise from the ruins of the past? Or are Alaric and Talasyn doomed to meet as enemies on one last battlefield? This explosive third and final book brings the beloved Hurricane Wars series to a stunning conclusion—where passion and power collide, and the fate of a divided world hangs in the balance.


"Somebody loved me. That was how I survived the war."

Disclaimer, I am actively tearing up while I write this review so please disregard any typos that don't jump out at me through the blurriness of waterworks. Before I dive in, thank you so much to Harper Voyager for sending me an ARC of This Shattered Tempest (and the previous books as well).

Writing this review is so bittersweet (cue the dramatics but it's true) because on one hand I am so happy to know how this story ends but on the other, it is the end of The Hurricane Wars. If it were possible, I would drop every single potential star into this rating because five stars doesn't do it justice or really convey how I actually feel about this book and what it did for the entire story. Thea, not that I think you will see this but on the off chance that you do, thank you so much for putting your all into these books and for choosing to share them with all of us. I don't know how I'm supposed to move on from this story now and that has everything to do with how phenomenal you did writing it.

I stand by the statement I've carried on throughout all of my reviews for this series that the world building is phenomenal and so beautiful. This book only continued to solidified how I felt about that aspect and I loved getting to see even more of it unveil itself in this final book. Not only is the world building phenomenal, but the continued intricacies of the magic system and how it works within the world was so wonderful to see more of as well. There are so many specific things that I wish to touch on but I hate to post spoilers but I will leave you with this singular one. I think that the way that Thea wrote about war and how it changes people and how that carried grief impacts everything was beautiful and so important to the story and honestly just in general.

And Talasyn & Alaric. The stars of the show that I happen to feel very deeply about. I was so moved by both of their growth throughout this book in particular that I genuinely cried. Talasyn's journey really hit me deep in my gut and there is genuinely nothing that she could do that would make me dislike her. I am her ride or die. She can do no wrong in my eyes. Alaric's journey was so complicated and I really liked that Thea didn't shy away from the pain and the struggle. I just think that the way that This Shattered Tempest rounded out and ended their story was so beautiful and perfect that I have nothing bad to say.

There isn't a single thing that I would have changed for this series, from the very first sentence of The Hurricane Wars to the last sentence of This Shattered Tempest. No notes, whatsoever. I hope that Thea continues writing stories like this one and I cannot wait to see what she comes out with next.

- enemies and lovers
- a lot of secrets
- light vs. dark dynamics
- dual pov
- hurt x comfort
- politically arranged marriage
- slow, slow burn
- pining and yearning (like so much)
- he still wears a mask (just way less)
- south-east asian inspiration
- fantasy romance of my dreams
Profile Image for Kim.
35 reviews2 followers
October 14, 2026
Thank you so much Harper Voyager for the earc and opportunity to read this beautiful conclusion to Alaric and Talasyn’s story🫶

It’s a long one cause I have SO many feelings about this book/series. The angst, the pining, the ‘I hate you but unfortunately I am completely in love with you’ energy from Alaric - I ate it all up!!! These two really do bring out both the absolute worst and best in each other, and I loved watching them slowly figure out what it actually means to choose one another. Alaric especially had me in a chokehold. This man is SO stubborn it’s actually ridiculous, but watching him love Talasyn in all the little ways he tries so hard to hide? Delicious.

Thea really knows how to do yearning and spice. The tension between these two had me holding my breath, and when things finally happened… let’s just say the payoff was worth it. Alaric’s general inability to function normally around his wife was genuinely one of my favourite things ever and there were so many funny scenes between them, I mean this moment for one..

“Where do you think you’re going?” she demanded, which, in all honesty, put something of a damper on his tender mood. “Here,” he snapped, sliding down her body. Lowering his head between her thighs. “Oh.” She swallowed, flopping back against the pillows and spreading her legs wider. “Carry on, then.”🤣

Beyond the romance, I really loved what this book had to say about love, family, and breaking cycles. There’s so much violence and hurt woven into these characters and their histories, and it was so beautiful to see how they slowly became a safe place for each other despite everything standing between them.

“Talasyn thought about her husband, who had let her go even after she betrayed him. The fate of the world gradually altered, little by little—the hand of death redirected, over and over again—all because the human heart was greater than whatever cage sought to contain it”.

The plot itself was so action packed, with plenty of political intrigue, scheming, and high stakes to keep things moving. Thea has created such a rich, immersive world filled with fascinating lore and a magic system that feels so unique to the story. Oh and did I mention there’s dragons?👀 Although I do wish they got a little more airtime🤭

But my favourite part? THE EPILOGUE😭❤️
It was everything I wanted for Alaric and Talasyn and more. After everything these two have endured, seeing them finally get to have this kind of happiness was so incredibly special. They deserved every single bit of it, and I’m just so happy for them!

I highlighted SO many quotes but these are just a few of my faves🥹

“I’m your family, too,” Alaric said quietly”😭

“That’s how I understood love - and how I understand it still,” she said softly. “not being lonely when I’m with you.”

“It felt like coming home. Like he had, in steps the reverse of hers, walked into daylight for the first time, her hand in his while the sun gilded his skin and she took refuge in the shadow that he cast.”

“The stars guide me home to your heart,” he murmured. “The sun rises in the kingdom I found in your eyes.”

5 stars because I love these two an unreasonable amount and I am absolutely NOT ready to leave them 🥲
Profile Image for Joe.
295 reviews95 followers
October 12, 2026
This was a satisfying ending to an impeccable romantasy trilogy.

This series has been such an integral part of my reading journey over the past couple of years. It’s so surreal that the journey is finally over. This Shattered Tempest was able to tie up loose ends while giving the characters and this world the send-off they deserved.

One of my favorite parts of this book and series is the continuation of the romantic relationship between Talasyn and Alaric. They’re both so interesting and nuanced as individuals, but when you put them together, sparks literally fly. The dynamics between them in this book are so wholesome but also heartbreaking. Being on different sides of a war while constantly being drawn to each other kept raising the stakes more and more. Let me tell you, I was STRESSED. Despite their differences, they really helped each other grow as people and genuinely made each other better. I couldn’t help but want them to succeed.

Outside of the romantic relationship, the plot was action-packed and never let up for a second. There was always something crazy happening, and I don’t think my heart rate has ever been so high while reading a book. Something insane would happen, we would get five seconds of relief, and then something else insane would happen. This pacing made for an addictive read that had me going, “Okay, just one more chapter.” This was peak “staying up until 2 a.m. to read because I can’t put the book down.”

There were times when I felt like there was a disconnect between the plot and what was happening to the characters. Certain scenes felt rushed or conveniently placed to help move the plot forward or set up a different plot point later in the book.

The ending of this story brought me so much joy. It really shows you that no matter how dark your life currently is, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel if you’re willing to fight for it.

Thank you so much to Harper Voyager for gifting me an early copy of this book.
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