Book Review :: Empire of Storms by Sarah J Maas

Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas
ISBN: 1408872897
Series: Throne of Glass #5
Also in this series: Throne of Glass, Crown of Midnight, Queen of Shadows, Kingdom of Ash, The Assassin's Blade
Published by Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
on 2016-09-06
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
Pages: 689
Goodreads

The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius as war looms on the horizon. 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.

With her heart sworn to the warrior-prince by her side, and her fealty pledged to the people she is determined to save, Aelin will delve into the depths of her power to protect those she loves. But as monsters emerge from the horrors of the past, and dark forces become poised to claim her world, the only chance for salvation will lie in a desperate quest that may mark the end of everything Aelin holds dear.

Last updated on 13 February 2023

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What is Empire of Storms by Sarah J Maas about?

Empire of Storms by Sarah J Maas continues the story of Aelin Galathynius as battle looms on an already shaky horizon. Magic is bubbling, friendships are broken and restored, loyalties are shattered, some regained. In this book review, we’re going to take a look at the fifth book in the Throne of Glass series and my thoughts about this book.

We’re thrown back into the land of Erilea, where the regions are on the brink of war. Aelin Galathynius stands strong with her lover and friends by her side as she continues to step into all she was born to be. But it’s not as easy as claiming what is rightfully hers, and Aelin and the squad come up against barrier after barrier.

Meanwhile, Manon Blackbeak is having her own troubles, defying her grandmother and paying the prices for it. Her second has been sentenced to death, Duke Perrington is up to mischief again, and Dorian keeps showing up when she doesn’t want him.

We follow Elide who is trying to find Aelin and Celaena but is followed by Lorcan who picked up her scent in the woods. The two band together and have their own adventure which involves snarling dog/human creatures, joining a caravan pretending to be husband and wife, staving off demon attacks .. and more.

There’s a lot of travelling in this book, and a lot of plotting to send Erawan (the baddie) back to wherever he came from. Elena and Gavin flashbacks happened on occasion too, and we learn more about the pair and what they had to do all those years ago … and how it impacts our protagonists ‘now’.

There is so much going on in this story I’ve barely scraped the surface of what it’s about. But that’s going to have to do.

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My thoughts on Empire of Storms by Sarah J Maas

Much like every other book in the Throne of Glass series, I forget how much I enjoy them until I pick them up again. I read the first book, Throne of Glass, back in 2014, and it’s taken me this long (it’s Jan 2022 as I write this review) about 8 years to 5 books. That’s pretty shocking. But here’s the thing: they’re long. Especially as you really get into the series; the longer you’re in the series the bigger the books get. And I often put off reading them. But when I eventually do pick up the next one, I’m immediately swept back into the world that I really love.

I’m determined that 2022 is going to be the year that I finish this series.

Back to my thoughts on Empire of Storms by Sarah J Maas. While there are always things that I find a little too intense or a little cringe-worthy (both!) in Maas’ books, on the whole, I really liked this book. Like I mentioned it was so great to be thrown back into the world and to continue to walk through the story with all the character’s we’ve been with for 5 books now.

Speaking of characters, I really do like Aelin and Rowan’s relationship (though when they finally sleep together, the entire scene is very odd and cringy), and the emerging relationships between some of the other characters are very endearing and I think I’m currently happy with how they seem to be panning out. I won’t spoil it for you.

“Even when this world is a forgotten whisper of dust between the stars, I will always love you.”

It was sad not to have Chaol in this book at all, apart from a few ‘I miss Chaol’ and ‘I wish Chaol were here’ comments from the characters. I believe while Empire of Storms is happening, Chaol is off having his own adventure, and we can read about that in Tower of Dawn which is the one I plan to read next as per this handy Throne of Glass reading order guide. That guide also suggests reading The Assassins Blade after Heir of Fire (book 3) but that time has past so I’m going to read it at the very end.

The plot clipped along at a good pace, with twists and turns, new characters, old characters coming back, and surprises around every bend. I didn’t like Manon when we were first introduced to her back in Heir of Fire, but now she’s grown on me and I think she’s super kick-ass and one of the highlights of the book.

If you’ve been making your way through the Throne of Glass series then Empire of Storms will be on your list at some point, so I’m interested in knowing what you make of it when you do read it. If you’ve already read it, please do let me know what you think by leaving a comment!