Enemies-to-Lovers, Magic Wars & a Filippina Fantasy Powerhouse: The Hurricane Wars Is the Swoon You Need

It’s Saturday, and Day 4 of our AAPI Voices Series is bringing the drama, the power plays, and the storm-soaked romantic tension we didn’t know we needed.

Today, we’re diving headfirst into The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon—a sweeping fantasy debut that blends Southeast Asian mythology, imperial politics, slow-burn romance, and, yes, hurricane-force magic into one wildly addictive package.

If Star Wars had more kissing and a female lead powered by rage and revolution, you’d be somewhere in Guanzon’s realm.

We meet Talasyn—an orphan raised in resistance—whose literal light magic makes her a beacon of hope against a militarized regime. And we meet Prince Alaric—her enemy, her foil, her possible soulmate, and a man shaped by shadows. What happens when their powers collide? Sparks. Actual lightning. Political chaos. Swoon.

The Hurricane Wars doesn’t just entertain—it elevates. With strong Southeast Asian worldbuilding, complex themes of generational trauma, and a romance that never insults your intelligence, it’s a landmark in the rising tide of AAPI speculative fiction.

💥 The Hurricane Wars was one of Goodreads’ most anticipated books of 2023, quickly amassing a devoted romantasy fanbase.

📚 It’s the first in a trilogy, with the second installment (currently untitled but hotly awaited) slated for late 2025.

🧵 On social, Guanzon’s fanbase is thriving—#TalasynAndAlaric is gaining momentum as the next great fantasy ship.

✍️ Romantasy, especially with diverse voices and non-Western settings, is booming in 2025—and this book is leading the charge.

In today’s podcast episode, we break down:

• ⚔️ Enemies-to-Lovers Done Right: Why Talasyn and Alaric are more than tropes—they’re fire and fuel.

• 🌏 Cultural Roots: How Guanzon’s Filipino heritage informs the magic systems, imperial metaphors, and names.

• 🌀 The Worldbuilding: A lush, expansive setting that blends mythology, eco-magic, and court intrigue.

• ❤️ That Tension: No spoilers… but let’s just say the slow burn is chef’s kiss.

Whether you’re a fantasy fan, a romance reader, or just someone who likes their rebellion with a side of yearning, this one’s for you.

Thea Guanzon is a Filipina author who exploded onto the scene with The Hurricane Wars, winning over fantasy lovers with her lyrical prose, rich worldbuilding, and unapologetically romantic flair.

She first gained traction through online writing communities and has since become a leading voice in culturally rich epic fantasy.

✨ Fun Fact ✨

Guanzon wrote most of The Hurricane Wars during late nights and lunch breaks—proof that the revolution and the fantasy still begin at your day job.

🎙️Listen to whttr on

📚 Purchase The Hurricane Wars on Amazon

🎧 Listen to the audiobook on Audible

Now that’s what we call flirtation with force-of-nature energy.

_{Stay Connected}

Day 4 means we’re deep in the heart of AAPI Voices—and there’s more magic to come.

📅 New Episodes Daily: We’ll be back tomorrow with another powerhouse AAPI author.
📲 Follow us @whttr_podcast on Instagram, Threads for fan theories, and spicy quotes.
💌 Forward this to your favorite fantasy lover—or anyone who thinks “romantasy” peaked at Throne of Glass.

Because representation isn’t a trend—it’s a literary storm we’re glad to ride.

Rest, recharge, and read something with real emotional lightning.

Until then:

📖 Who has time to read? We do—and if we fall in love while toppling an empire, so be it.

The WHTTR Team

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