Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #5
Published by Bloomsbury USA Childrens
Published on: September 6 2016
Genres: Fantasy, New Adult
Pages: 704
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
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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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Immediately after finishing EMPIRE OF STORMS, I knew this review could go one of two ways: short(ish) and sweet(ish), b/c nonspoilery fifth-in-series review, or dauntingly long with an extensive spoiler tagged section.
Nearly a month after the fact, I finally decided to go with door #1. I’ll probably update at some point, but for now, addressing the myriad teeny-tiny issues, while trying to communicate that I still very much enjoyed the book, is beyond my abilities. *shrugs awkwardly*
SO. I’m just going to say straight out that overall, EMPIRE OF STORMS was an excellent read.
Aelin was as snarky and bloodthirsty as ever, Dorian was as boyishly charming, Rowan was his usual Fae-warrior self, Manon as conflicted and as fierce, etc. The plot was reasonably well-developed and unfolded at a steady pace.
BUT.
The finely tuned details that have been a major selling point in earlier installments were a bit lacking.
1. Several characters from THE ASSASSIN’S BLADE were reintroduced without much explanation or backstory—they were absent, then, suddenly, they were back with significant roles.
2. We went all the way to Eyllwe and did not meet a single member of Nehemia’s family.
3. Abraxos was sadly absent, but when he was around he had an unexplained, yet incredibly convenient ability to locate random individuals all over the ToG world.
There were several other similar problems that were momentary distractions, but didn’t detract from my reading experience on the whole, but . . . I did have one issue that was a real problem: View Spoiler »
So that’s unfortunate.
But again, overall, the latest installment of THRONE OF GLASS by Sarah J. Maas is way better than anything else you’ll find in the YA fantasy section of your bookstore, and it continues to be one of my favorite series. Highly recommended.
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My name is Jessica and I live in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I’m trying my hand at writing, but mostly I read. My favorite genres are Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Science Fiction, Urban Fantasy, and the YA versions of those genres, but if there is a book of a different color getting lots of buzz, I’ll read it too, just to be informed. If I’m not reading or writing, I’m probably on Goodreads or Pinterest or baking blueberry pies because I love them.
I’m glad you still enjoyed it, despite some problems. How many books are left in the series? Do you know? I’ve fallen behind – haven’t read anything Since Heir of Fire 🙁 – and put m thinking of waiting and doing a binge read at this point. I keep buying the books though, so I’m committed to reading them!
Berls recently posted…Oh Wow! Sugar Daddy #review
I must admit I never made it past the first book. I enjoyed the first one and I even have the second on audio but like so many other series it has fallen to the wayside. I am bad about reading the first book and then forgetting about the series. Glad you enjoy it! 🙂
I can’t wait to get to this newest release but won’t be able to for another two months or so. My backlogged book pile overfloweth. Damn, I love this series!
Alas, I can not deal with her
Despite the plot holes I still want to read it. 🙂 I’ve only read the first book so far.
Melissa (Books and Things) recently posted…On My Wishlist: Spectacle by Rachel Vincent
I was actually happy to end the series with the previous book as I had issues. I’m nor rushing to buy it, but I’m sure I’ll listen to it on audio at some point. As always great review!
I agree with you: I had a few minor issues with this instalment as well BUT this series is leaps and bounds above the majority of YA releases out there so I still adored it. I hope your thoughts for the end game result are right, even if the create issues for this instalment – I can’t bear any alternative. GREAT review^^ xx
Micheline recently posted…Review: Empire of Storms