Picture a Filipina storyteller who spun Southeast Asian mythology into a global bestseller—meet Thea Guanzon! This New York Times bestselling author has taken the fantasy romance world by storm with her lush, enemies-to-lovers epic, The Hurricane Wars. From her roots in fanfiction to crafting tales that celebrate her Philippine heritage, Guanzon’s journey is as enchanting as her stories.
The Making of Thea Guanzon
Born amidst the sugarcane fields of Bacolod City, Philippines, Thea Guanzon grew up steeped in the vibrant culture of her homeland. With a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Miriam College, she initially pursued a career in electoral management and women’s rights. But her heart belonged to storytelling. Guanzon’s early days as a fanfiction writer, scribbling on legal pads during lunch breaks, laid the foundation for her craft. The 2020 pandemic became a turning point—she left her 9-to-5 job to pen her debut novel, a bold leap that paid off spectacularly.
Thea Guanzon’s Unforgettable Stories
Guanzon’s debut, The Hurricane Wars, is a spellbinding romantasy set in a Southeast Asian-inspired world ravaged by storms. It follows Talasyn, a light-wielding orphan, and Alaric, a shadow-magic prince, whose enemies-to-lovers arc crackles with tension. The novel’s intricate worldbuilding, rooted in Filipino mythology—like moon-eating serpents and Minokawa dragons—sets it apart. Its lush prose and steamy romance earned it a spot on the New York Times bestseller list.
Her follow-up, A Monsoon Rising, deepens the saga, weaving political intrigue and emotional complexity. Guanzon’s style blends vivid imagery, cultural authenticity, and heart-pounding romance, drawing comparisons to Sarah J. Maas and R.F. Kuang. Her fanfiction roots shine through in her knack for sexual tension and satisfying resolutions, making her books addictive for romantasy fans.
Why Thea Guanzon Matters
Thea Guanzon is a trailblazer for Southeast Asian representation in fantasy. Her stories resonate with diaspora readers who see their heritage celebrated on a global stage. By drawing on Philippine history—echoes of colonial struggles and freedom fighters—she crafts narratives that are both universal and deeply personal. Guanzon’s rise from fanfiction to bestseller inspires aspiring authors, proving that cultural stories can captivate the world.
- Born: Bacolod City, Philippines
- Key Works: The Hurricane Wars, A Monsoon Rising
- Hobbies: Traveling, Dungeons & Dragons, iced coffee
Ready to get swept away? Snag The Hurricane Wars and dive into Thea Guanzon’s vibrant romantasy world!