EMPIRE OF STORMS (THRONE OF GLASS # 5) – SARAH J. MAAS

The path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those 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.

Spoiler Warning! This review contains spoilers relating to earlier books in the series. Read at own peril.

It is not such a hard thing, is it - to die for your friends.


Holly crap, what a ride!!! I want to scream, and cry, and throw myself at a wall endlessly because WHOA! This book had me hanging on from the start and took me down so many twisting roads that I never saw coming, and I am still spinning from everything that occurred in this book.

To summarise; the plot kept me at the edge of my seat, the world that was created is fantastic, the characters are to die for and it didn’t falter in both lifting my heart with joy and crushing it to nothing.

This actually took me a really long time to read. This was mostly because I had heard whispers of an earth-shattering ending that leaves you broken.  Aelin and Rowan were so happy, they deserved joy, they’ve had enough sadness in their lives so I did my best to prolong their bliss. In the end I couldn’t stay away, even knowing that reading to the end could ultimately cost me my own happiness and sanity. And, I have to say, I am glad that I finished it.

The fifth book in the Throne of Glass series takes us on an adventure like no other, drawing us into the lives of all of our favourite characters and some of our not-so-favourite characters. Aelin is playing a dangerous game in an effort to secure the reinforcements she needs to win the war, Rowan, Aedion and Lysandra a constant steadying force at her back. Manon struggles to make sense of her orders and the willingness of her grandmother to concede to them while Elide wanders the forest in search of Aelin Galathynius, stalked by an unknown shadow.  Dorian escapes Adarlan following an unforgiving assault by the merciless Ironteeth witches and evil gathers across the continent. Fate brings these unlikely allies together as they are forced to face some of the greatest powers in their world.

It’s no secret that Sarah J. Maas’ world building is near flawless, utilising thrilling and whimsical language at its finest to create this layered world just flooding with rich detail. And, while Maas’ mastery in this front ought to be revered, her true genius lies in her characters, their layered emotions, struggling morals and fierce determination.

Each and every character in this book knows what they stand to lose; their lives, their homes, their freedom, the list would never end. They know the risks and yet they step into the line of fire each and every time, not only out of loyalty to Aelin but for their dreams of a world freed from the control of the terror of the demons and their darkness. They know they may lose themselves along the way but manage to pull themselves back together, the world they long for never far from their minds. Their struggles are so real and their loyalties never waver, and I am absolutely in love with the lot of them.

A court that wouldn't just change the world. It would start the world over.

Then there is also the fact that these people are some of the strongest people in their world, intimidating and threatening, but also the biggest teddy bears to exist. Most of them act like absolute children when the situation permits it and they relish in pissing people off – part of the reason this book is so hilarious. And the women in this series! They are all badass ladies who manage to fight the battles, deal with the men, sort out the politics (which is just as painful as it is in real life) and plan for every single possible outcome. These women are fearless, powerful, sympathetic and impassioned leaders who get the job done with no fuss and show that women can do just as well as men. The support of the males is also worth note as they let go of their “territorial Fae bullshit” and, however begrudgingly, stand back as the women kick major ass.

You know, you ladies can let us males do things every now and then.

Obviously I can’t get through this review without mentioning Aelin and Rowan’s relationship. Aelin and Rowan are probably the most well suited and supportive coupling ever, the constant back-and-forth bickering and teasing manages to lessen the tension of any situation and just knowing that the other has their backs provides the biggest comfort to them. I admire their absolute trust that they always act for the right reasons and they never judge or blame the other if something goes wrong, understanding that mistakes happen and there is no point in dwelling on them. But, perhaps the most admirable thing about their relationship is that they will always be able to bring the other out of the darkness and show each other that they will always be loved. Aelin and Rowan’s love greatly limits my chances of ever finding someone who can live up to my (now impossibly high) expectations.

This is a must read series that I would recommend to absolutely everyone!  Younger readers should probably wait a little (mature content). 
 This book deals with relationships, conflict, politics and morals while also including kickass females, diverse and multidimensional characters and one hell of a storyline. The Throne of Glass series will make you feel the entire spectrum of human emotion and you will love every moment of it.


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


Rating: 5/5


Head on over to Amazon or Book Depository to grab a copy, seriously, you won’t regret it and these are some killer prices!


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