REVIEW & PLAYLIST: Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas (Throne of Glass #5)

Empire of Storms

Title: Empire of Storms
Series: Throne of Glass #5
Author: Sarah J. Maas
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Publication Date: September 6th 2016
Genre: Young Adult, High Fantasy, Romance

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 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.
Aelin's journey from assassin to queen has entranced millions across the globe, and this fifth installment will leave fans breathless. Will Aelin succeed in keeping her world from splintering, or will it all come crashing down?

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Playlist

*This is not the official playlist (I'm not sure if there is one), but these are some songs that I listened to while reading EoS and felt like they connected to the story and specifically some of the characters in particular scenes.*

1. Andrew Belle - The Enemy (Aelin & Rowan)
2. Bryce Fox - Horns (Aelin)
3. Starset - My Demons (Aelin)
4. Broods - Sleep Baby Sleep (Elide & Lorcan)
5. Plan B - Prayin' (Lorcan)
6. Nico Vega - Fury Oh Fury (Manon & The Thirteen)
7. Nico Vega - Beast (The Thirteen)
8. Hannah Georgas - Thick Skin (Lysandra)

My Review

*This review does not contain spoilers for EoS, but potential spoilers for previous books*

There are no words to simply describe how amazing this book is. This book, this whole series, is just downright and absolutely phenomenal. I have never in my entire life encountered a series so stunningly created, built from the beginning to end with so much creativity and life. To describe my love for these books is to simply claw out my heart and thread it back together. I've been in love with this series ever since book one, but this latest phenomenon is just a mind-blowing, heart-wrenching piece of beautifully crafted words. I have never loved Sarah J. Maas more than now.

In Empire of Storms, we get to see the world of Throne of Glass come together as one. To me, the first two books in this series was always a bit of a starter pack for me, and to compare it with the third book onwards is to basically compare a normal fly to a fleet of wyverns. But after reading EoS, everything from book one onwards just clicked together, like empty lifelines meeting and connecting. The amount of Oohs and Aahs that came out of my mouth throughout reading this book was absolutely comical. 

Not only do we get to see the different storylines interconnecting, but we also get to see many different characters' paths crossing and developing many different kinds of relationships, whether it is  a romantic one or from enemies to friendlies. Sarah J. Maas has the power to turn a character we absolutely hate in one book to one we love in another. She beautifully crafts these intertwining storylines that builds up the whole world of Throne of Glass, and it is absolutely remarkable.

To me, Empire of Storms is where Aelin definitely comes to light. Believe me, her transformation from slave to assassin and then to queen in Queen of Shadows was just phenomenal, but her fight to stay queen and fight for her country is where everything comes to light. Aelin really grows in this book, with her quirks, plans, and mistakes, she grows to become the queen the world really needs, and I love her for it. Also, I grew with her throughout her struggles from book one, and to see all of her many struggles come together as one success at the end of this book moved me to tears. To see so many of her acquaintances, enemies and potential allies come together, whether it is to fight or just stand and look pretty, was such a staggering and breathtaking piece of art that really broke my heart. All of her struggles ending in the success in protecting all of those she loves, just really tugs at my heartstrings. 

Another character that really developed in this book, and one that I just have to mention, is Lorcan. Lorcan was one of the characters who I really felt for in this novel. Back in Queen of Shadows, I had an almost-hate relationship with him because he was against Aelin and her plans, but I felt that Lorcan really grows in this book. Not only does he change in his thoughts and mind, but also his emotions. He really struggles here, but he also thrives. I began to really like his character and even though he did some wrongs, I could not make myself hate him or even dislike him. I felt like he was one of the characters that I really linked to and understood, and really, by the end of this book, I fell in love with Lorcan. His character really has potential, and I really hope we get to see more of him (and the cadre) in the next book. 

Moving on from the talk of characters now, the politics and warfare in this book? Freaking spot on! This book was packed with brutality and war, and some were just outright bloody and intense, but nevertheless, I was freaking hooked. Sarah J. Maas does not sugarcoat anything, and she writes the most harsh but extraordinary battle scenes, some loses and some wins, all with consequences that we never expect. Epic doesn't even describe how amazing every single one of them were. The impact of the words love and loyalty really hits home in Empire of Storms, and they are both worthy of my tears that seemed to stream almost 24/7 while reading this book.

Overall, Empire of Storms is now my favourite of this series. It seems to be that every time a new book comes out from this series, it is automatically my favourite. But it's true. Sarah J. Maas seems to improve so much every time she releases a new book, and I always look forward to it because of that. This book was brutal, and it wrecked me. It broke my heart many times, but hope is a constant reminder throughout its pages. 

Empire of Storms was beautiful. Through and through.

And now I have to remind my already broken heart that I have to wait another year until Throne of Glass 6 comes out. But it's not too bad because I have A Court of Mist & Fury on the shelf next to me begging to be read :D

I seriously cannot wait for the next book, which I have no doubt will be my next favourite :D

Favourite Quotes

"War is sanctioned murder, no matter what side you're on."

"Nameless is my price."

"I wanted to go to Perranth with you."

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

“The world will be saved and remade by the dreamers.”

times an infinity of rattling stars

About The Author

Sarah J. Maas is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Throne of Glass series (Queen of Shadows, Book 4, will be out in September 2015), as well as the A Court of Thorns and Roses series (out 5/5/15).
Sarah lives in Bucks County, PA, and over the years, she has developed an unhealthy appreciation for Disney movies and bad pop music. She adores fairy tales and ballet, drinks too much tea, and watches an ungodly amount of TV. When she's not busy writing, she can be found exploring the historic and beautiful Pennsylvania countryside with her husband and canine companion.