The Hurricane Wars is the first book in a planned trilogy following enemies from the warring state of Kesath and Sardovia as fate have them swept together to save the world.

Talasyn is a character that you'll easily root for. Right from the start, you'll see glimpses of how persevering she is to protect Sardovia and to contest their freedom. I enjoy reading main characters who are firm with their values and fight for what they believe is right.

Alaric, on the other hand, is a definition of a morally grey character. Being an Ossinast who is trained to follow his father Gaheris' order to succeed in colonizing the continent, Alaric's voice tends to lean on what he thinks his father wants instead of the little voice that whispers to do the right thing.

That's why it's always hilarious to read a scene with Talasyn and Alaric because the way their characters clash radiates from the pages and soon, you'll find yourself craving for more of this sizzling interactions.

The worldbuilding is another thing that I easily liked. With THW pitched as Southeast Asia-inspired world ravaged by storms, you'll see patterns from foods, sceneries, and way of living and conclude that majority is coded from Philippines. So yes, I'm highly recommending this one to Filipino readers who are into exquisitive fantasy reads.

(SPOILER ALERT: there is a taho cameo in this book)

Also, the writing style is 100% ijbol (ijbol is a new Gen Z term short for I Just Bursy Out Laughing) because there may be a lot of scenes where Talasyn and Alaric are serious to discuss about the future of their nations but there is also no shortage when it comes to funny scenes that show the reality that they are still two idiots who are secretly garnering feelings for each.

I'm excited for the finished copy since there will be a map I believe.

RATING: 4.5stars