Review: Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

Title: Empire of Storms

Author: Sarah J. Maas 

Series: Throne of Glass #5

Genre: NA/Fantasy/Romance

Publisher: Bloomsbury Children's Books

Publication Date: September 6th, 2016

Edition: Hardcover, 704 pages

Source: Purchased

Purchase: Amazon US | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | BAM

Synopsis:

Kingdoms will collide.

  The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius as war looms on the horizon. 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.

Review:

Excuse my language but... Fucking EXCUSE ME‽

Ok, so I admit that I hadn't really been as into this series as I used to be... until now. I'm still not super excited to read Chaol's book, and that is partly why I lost interest in this series. But I did some research and read that it has important parts and it made people who previously didn't like Chaol like the character, so that gives me some hope.

A lot happened in this book. Those 704 pages didn't waste my time at all. (I mean, I could have done with less detail with some of the sex scenes, but whatever I guess.)

It has been a while since I've read one of these books, so it took me a couple pages to remember what happened in the previous book. As far as small details anyway. The bigger plot things I remembered.

Anyway, I wasn't sure what to expect from this book. I avoided spoilers, I knew I wanted to finish the series despite my feelings on it and I still wanted things to be a surprise. There's a lot of scheming in this book, a lot of behind the scenes planning that the reader isn't privy to until the plans are revealed. And I actually kind of like that, it leaves suspense.

Rowan and Aelin were great in this book. I really do like that they treat each other as equals, I mean she is his Queen and he is blood-sworn to her but she never really uses that power over him. She does keep things from him, but the reason they give of her not wanting to reveal, for just not wanting to disappoint him, makes sense.

Lysandra and Aedion were also great in his book. I like their chemistry. How he respects her and her past enough to let her decide how things will progress for them. I hope things work out for them, especially considering how this book ends.

Mannon and Dorian, I honestly was expecting this. Since Maas has to pair everybody off, I saw this coming. And it does make sense for his character for why he's initially attracted to her. Mannon is also one of my favorite characters, and I think she deserves happiness.

Elide, I don't remember her character from the last book. Granted it has been four years since I read that book, and it's the first book she's in... but I like her character. She's a bit naive and too trusting of certain people... but she also has been sheltered to the extreme, so I guess it makes sense. I don't get why she has any kind of feelings for Lorcan, he was never exactly kind to her. But I suppose the fact that he wasn't cruel to her was enough for it to be kindness in her eyes. Who knows?

I really hate Lorcan. He's such a tool. Such a one-track mind and I hate how he talks about others like he's above them for basically not really having any independent thoughts of his own. He hates Aelin because his Queen hates her, and is just a general ass. I really hope he gets what's really coming to him. He deserves more than he got.

Maeve, god she's terrible. I think she might be the most sadistic villain I've read about in a while. The last time I remember seeing her character was in HoF, and I don't remember her having much page time. Not enough for me to get an idea of her character.
I hope she dies a painful death.

I don't know if I want to go straight into Tower though, I might wait a few days. Get through some other books first.