Author: Sarah J. Maas
Series: Throne of Glass #5
Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Children's
Publication Date: September 6, 2016
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy
Length: 704 pages
Format: ebook
Source: Borrowed
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Synopsis:
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 who 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.
My Thoughts:
"The world began and ended in fire."
This is the 5th book in the Throne of Glass series and there is really no way to review this without a few spoilers so if you haven't read these books, you probably shouldn't read this. Also, if you haven't read The Assassin's Blade you really should because a lot of stuff in this book only makes sense if you've read that prequel.
I may have taken a little too long to write this review so the feelings aren't as strong and I've had time to mull over everything that I liked and didn't like about Empire of Storms. Even so, it isn't as fresh in my mind now so this probably won't be very long.
Ok, I have to start with what I liked least about this book and that is the erotica. I am not a big fan of 'smut'. I don't mind romance. I actually enjoy romance in fantasy. And I ship so many people in this series. And Aelin and Rowan are so freaking perfect. BUT, the sex scene in this was just too pornographic. We go from almost no hook ups to all out erotica in this and it was not ok. I mean, I felt all that sexual tension between them building and it was beautiful and then it began and it just got out of hand. It could have been perfect but it wasn't. It was just... too much.
Also, this is probably my least favorite book in the series, besides the first book. I'm not sure now if it was just the smut or if there was something else that really bothered me about it (maybe the ending) but I just didn't get as much from this book as I did the previous three.
But other than that it was pretty much amazing as usual. There's a ton of action, everything is escalating towards some great big war, and the characters are just as perfectly flawed and lovable as ever.
Aelin and Rowan are basically perfect soul mates... and now I just
Manon is still my precious fictional lady crush and everything I hoped would happen with her and Aelin basically did in this book and she plays such an important role at the end. Even though it's upsetting, I still love her to bits. Plus the dark interest between her and a certain prince is basically everything to me right now (besides maybe Aelin and Rowan.)
Lysandra is once again so very badass and she puts her life on the line for Aelin and the others so many times that I just want to hug and cuddle her in her leopard form even though I'm pretty sure I'd be mauled to death for it. I'm sure Aedion feels the same way.
Elide is a pretty new character, debuting in Queen of Shadows and I honestly didn't really like her all that much in this one but I did enjoy her and Lorcan's involvement. To a point.
Seriously though, this series is so amazing and everything that happens in this book is putting us on the doorstep of a full out war that I actually can't wait to see unfold. I'm dying to read the last book but at the same time, I'm really afraid that Maas is going to destroy us all. We are at her mercy.
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Sounds good other than the risque bits ha ha. I've heard that from other reviewers too and how it sorta came out of left field, graphic wise. It's YA too which seems odd. Anyway glad it was good other than that... does sound like a fantastic series!
ReplyDeleteIt really was kind of shocking considering that it's YA! It really is a great series though. :)
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ReplyDeleteThat's a shame that you didn't enjoy this one as much, I absolutely loved it in the end. BUT. I do agree - the romance scenes in not only this book but her ACOTAR series are really, really overly descriptive now. I sort of don't mind it, but I feel a little uncomfortable reading them - like, is this really necessary? Let's hope things don't get too wild in book six!
ReplyDeleteYes, I felt like she could have toned it down a bit for this book considering that the previous 4+ books hardly even mention sex. I knew it was going to happen but I didn't think it would be so detailed. I think she could have omitted a few explicit wordings. It was really just kind of shocking. I'm still really looking forward to book six and I'll be starting ACOTAR soon (and trying to keep an open mind knowing there's going to be a lot of it!)
DeleteThanks so much for stopping by! :)