Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass, #5)

by Sarah J. Maas

[Kelly]

In her much anticipated fifth installment in her Throne of Glass series, Sarah J Maas has woven an immense storyline that will consume readers until the final page. Sultry and fierce, Empire of Storms was magnificent but it could have been extraordinary.

Aelin is tenacious, decisive and a fierce competitor. Throughout the series, she's grown into a leader among men while still maintaining a sense of humility. Her journey has been remarkable and her character forged by those who aspire for freedom. Aelin will need to call upon her allies against the dark forces that oppress her Kingdom while deprived of her title as Queen. While in previous installments I enjoyed the dynamic between Aelin and the Fae warrior Rowan, in Empire of Storms, Rowan was dispensable. He contributed scarcely throughout the storyline, discounting the sexual tension.

Elide is a character who I find intriguing and absolutely delightful. Having escaped imprisonment and aided by Manon, with only her senses and a token from the depths of Rifthold, Elide is determined to return home to Terrasen to assist her Queen. While being hunted, Elide and Lorcan form a partnership. Lorcan, Maeve's blood sworn Fae warrior has been deceived by Aelin but along their journey he begins to care for Elide. Although I wasn't an advocate for Lorcan previously, I enjoyed the tentative bond between he and Elide. She's intelligent, kind and thoughtful, while Lorcan is fiercely faithful and begins to understand Elide's harrowing journey that has forged the young woman she is today. I admired how their relationship was based on a mutual appreciation and although both characters are a complete contrast of one another, it felt authentic and I adore Elide for her courage and compassion.

Dorian is destitute. His Kingdom of Rifthold left devastated and in ruins, forcing the young King to retreat. Lysandra and Aedion have established a connection and while I adore Lysandra and her moxie, Aedion is incredibly tedious.

Manon is incandescent. My goodness how I love her character fiercely. Her character development has been magnificent and although I was hoping for a satisfying romantic interest for her narrative, she's a character that has transformed herself from cold, brutal and bordering on savage to a fierce young woman who is beginning to allow herself to experience emotion beyond the pleasure of blood lust. Her storyline utterly captivating. Manon and her Thirteen have been the salvation of Empire of Storms and I'm anticipating her own personal journey in the finale.

My affliction with Empire of Storms was the romance, primarily how it threatened to overwhelm the storyline. Each character has been allocated a potential love interest and given the circumstances, some seek solace sexually in one another. While I applaud authors who write sexually positive experiences, the scene between Aelin and Rowan felt farcical and left me longing for Chaol.

CHAOL.

The storyline foundations were absolutely brilliant, Aelin calling upon former associates and adversaries to amass against an empire of darkness and oppression. While her motives may seem narcissistic, Aelin will unite the Kingdom of Erilea. Beautifully written, Sarah J Maas wields words like weapons, intoxicating and enticing readers. I cherished Empire of Storms regardless and now eagerly await what promises to be the most anticipated finale in young adult since Mockingjay.

But you know, no pressure or anything.