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Empire of Storms by Sarah J Maas (first published in 2016 by Bloomsbury UK)
Please note that this is book 5 in the Throne of Glass series, and as such, this review may contain spoilers for the previous books in the series.
First off, we get to see new characters—although they’re not really new. (Definitely read Assassin’s Blade before you read Empire of Storms so that you can get some background information about some of the new characters and how they relate to Aelin and the gang).
We also get to see some of the fan favourites returning: Dorian, Manon, Lorcas (not exactly a fan favourite, but he’s such a tormented soul I can’t help but pity the guy), Elide, and more!
Now, unfortunately Chaol doesn’t make a return yet, but he is mentioned a few times and I have a sneaky suspicion, if there is a writing God, that he’ll play a big role in the last book.
Secondly, I’ve heard a lot of people complaining that they didn’t feel as in touch with Aelin this time around. I think the main reason for this is because she does a lot of backhanded dealings and nobody is privy to the whole picture.
However, keep on reading, because at the end of the book everything starts to make sense. Those chapters with the other POVs are crucial to the main plot, the character growth, and the relationships of these characters.
And man, once you go back and re-read all of the books again (binge it, you won’t be disappointed), you will finally see what a masterpiece the Throne of Glass series truly is. All those fine details we overlook as we devour the books make perfect sense the second time around.
Now, my favourite character in Empire of Storms was none other than Manon.
She’s such a bad-ass witch, but her complexity is something to marvel at. I absolutely love her character growth! But what I love even more is how she’s both a polar opposite of Aelin and yet they are two sides of the same coin.
It is beautiful, and I honestly wouldn’t mind a spin-off with her if Ms. Maas ever wanted to write one.
Something you should keep in mind, however, is that there are sex scenes in this series.
Yeah, I know, it’s supposed to be a YA novel, but I really don’t mind all the steamy scenes. Some people have complained it’s too graphic, but come on. Seriously? It’s well-written sex scenes you can skim over if that’s really an issue.
And if you’re worried about your young’un, rest assured. Your twelve-year old has probably already Googled worse. On the other hand, I blushed a bit, so don’t read it in public unless you want to answer some awkward questions.
I adore this series! I love the imagination that’s gone into creating this world. I love the characters. I love the between-the-line messages. The Throne of Glass series is just wonderful fantasy.
And spelling mistakes aside (I read closer than most due to my job, so there’s a possibility you won’t even notice), this is definitely one of my favourite series’ of all time.
It is so worth your time. It is so worth being re-read. Seriously, you won’t regret getting your hands on it, and if you love it, just remember Sarah J. Maas also has another series out (it’s New Adult, so expect raunchier scenes).
Definitely put this one on your Christmas list this year.
Read more of Monique’s reviews on her book blog.
Purchase a copy of Empire of Storms from Takealot.com.
You might also like:
Book review: A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
Book review: The Girl from Everywhere by Heidi Heilig
