Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5) by Sarah J. Maas
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Goodreads Summary: The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those who don't.
As the kingdoms of Erilea fracture around her, enemies must become allies if Aelin is to keep those she loves from falling to the dark forces poised to claim her world. With war looming on all horizons, the only chance for salvation lies in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.
Aelin's journey from assassin to queen has entranced millions across the globe, and this fifth installment will leave fans breathless. Will Aelin succeed in keeping her world from splintering, or will it all come crashing down?
Rating: 5 + Stars
Review: Throne of Glass returns with book five, Empire of Storms. Aelin will risk everything to stop Erawan, the King of Darkness. She desperately gathers allies as her friends face a multitude of problems in their quest to aid her. Told from multiple POVs, Empire of Storms is bound to leave you unable to breathe after the purposeful writing and cutthroat ending.
One of the things I like the most about this series, specifically Queen of Shadows and Empire of Storms, is how Aelin is always planning ahead of her friends, but she doesn't dare tell anyone her plans as she fears to disappoint them should they not work out. In Empire of Storms she really develops as she tries to open up a little more, especially to Aedion, her cousin, and of course Rowan, her carranam and lover. However, the reactions of her friends when finding out about her plans is always priceless.
Sarah J. Maas knows exactly when to switch POVs. She dangles the head of a secret in front of her readers, then switches to a different storyline. This style kept me hooked and desperately wanting to know the secrets, reading on and anticipating the reveals. Hints and subtle, elegant speech is only a little clue compared to the magnitude of secrets. She is always three steps ahead of her readers, and I've never caught up to her yet.
During Empire of Storms, a lot of new relationships begin to form, and some others develop further. While I can't say I fully supported every one, they hold different emotional backstory and the characters all have contrasting personalities. It isn't long before Sarah J. Maas reminds you that Erilea is no paradise, and friendships, relationships, and alliances begin to fracture and break, the events almost unstoppable.
"Aelin plummeted down into fire and darkness, refusing to yield one inch to the terror creeping over her."
Aelin's (or should I say Celaena's) sass is one of the main reasons I value the Throne of Glass series over others. Her personality may seem super positive in the darkest times, but really it only shows another side of her as she works hard to contain her fear of losing herself within her magic.
'Aelin purred, "Do you want gold, Rolfe? Do you want a title? Do you want glory or women or land? Or is it just bloodlust that drives you?"'
Her witty comments are a vital part of these books. Having spent years imprisoned, Aelin has learned a lot in her time, but her sass has always been a part of her. Aedion is a force in itself. While I disliked Dorian in the previous books, Empire of Storms really shines a spotlight on him and we really see how much he has changed and developed. Rowan is my heart, and his loyalty and protectiveness only shows his love for Aelin. He has a fierceness about him that makes him unique and unlike others; he may seem like a hard, Fae warrior, but everything he does is for his queen.
In the synopsis of Empire of Storms, the line "dreams will shatter" is used, and I cannot tell you how well it describes this book, especially the last fifty pages of it. Sarah J. Maas tricked me, had me fooled, I was so blind I didn't even realise it was coming, the terrible, costly ending. Expecting an easy finish with the characters let off the hook? Not the case. If you love a good book, you'll love book one, Throne of Glass.
Edition: Paperback
Buy the book: Book Depository
Recommended for: Fantasy lovers.
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