Empire of Storms Review

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Release Date: September 6, 2016

Synopsis (from amazon.com):

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.

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.

In this breathtaking fifth installment of the New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series, Aelin will have to choose what -- and who -- to sacrifice if she's to keep the world of Erilea from breaking apart.

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My Review:

Quite simply, this book ruined me. I had this book on preorder for about a year, having read the rest of the Throne of Glass series and falling in love with the characters, and when it came I was not at all disappointed. I tried to make the book last at least for a few days, but was physically unable to put it down when I started. It jumped right into action from the very beginning, with Aelin struggling to form an army strong enough to take on Maeve and Erawan, both of whom are trying to block her from claiming her rightful place on the throne. The writing was amazing, the action was intense, the characters were perfect, and the cliffhangers were immensely painful. The way Maas never told us the plan before it was actually executed was fabulous, if scary, and it kept the suspense of the story going throughout.

Aelin was stubborn, intense, and immensely secretive, as she has been throughout the series, and it made this novel definitely scary in some parts (I spent the last 75 or so pages with my hand glued over my mouth). Rowan was the same determined, strong warrior who brought a lot of wisdom and steaminess to the pages. Dorian grew into such a pivotal character over the novel, especially with his magic and it was wonderful to be able to see him in that light again. Manon, she was a badass when we first met her but in this book she is definitely highlighted and seeing her with Aelin was incredible (not to mention her with Dorian). Elide and Lorcan also jumped in, Elide showing some major development from being shy and reserved to kicking some major Valg butt, and Lorcan being his typical edgy self.

Overall this book was intense, scary, humorous, sassy, and kick-butt. One recommendation of mine is to read Assassins Blade (the prequel novellas to the series) before reading this one because there are definitely some characters that reappear from those. I couldn't speak more highly of this book, or recommend it more.

Final Grade: A+++++++ (seriously just go read it now)