A review by crownedaimee
Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

16.10.18
I honestly want to cry, this was so much better than reading it the first time round. The book is a week away and I’m not ready to say goodbye to the beloved characters. If Aelin or any of her court dies then I will riot.

06.09.16
SOMEONE JUST GET ME THE NEXT BOOK ALREADY. HOW CAN I WAIT TILL NEXT YEAR FOR THE NEXT ONE, LIKE HOW?

This book literally destroyed. Sarah J Maas has done it once again. She had made me want to throw the book at the wall and cry until I couldn't possibly cried anymore and yes I did cry. 

The ending of the book just had me in tears and wishing that I could re read this book all over again. No doubt that this book will have me in a book hangover. 

Yes there are down sides. In parts I was confused and it seemed to drag in places but saying that, I was reading this book solid without any breaks. The other downside was that there was no Chaol. Saying that though, Chaol wasn't in the right mindset in Queen of Shadows so it made sense that he wasn't included in the book. But I have a feeling that he would be in the next book. Because of this reason, I was thinking of giving this book a 4.5 - 4.75 stars but guys, the ending completely changed it all. You could honestly not expect the ending in any way possible unless you spoil it for yourself. 

One thing I didn't mind was all the different POVs. Yes it was confusing, some dragged and Aelin's POV isn't in the book as much as the others. But in the end, it makes total sense. She spends most of the story, making secret plans behind the scenes, while everyone else is annoyed at her for not including them in the plans.

Secondly, I would absoutley recommend reading The Assassin's Blade first as most locations and characters appear in this book.

Thirdly, Aelin's character development though. She is still the brave, determined, selfess and badass character that I love but yet she is more complex and mature and you can't help but love her character more and more with each other. Plus can we all appreciate that she brought back her Celaena persona. She is definitely one character that you do not want to mess with.

In fact, each character was grown so much since the first book. Not only with Dorain and Aelin but Manon, Aedion and Elide as well. Especially with Manon. She has been one of my favourites since she came into Heir of Fire and now she is pretty much top of my favourites, along with Aelin and Rowan. 

Now let's have a moment to discuss ships. We all know by now that Aelin and Rowan would of stayed but my ship is happening. I so can't wait to see that Sarah J Maas does with the relationship between Dorian and Manon. 

But honestly, you need to read this series because it just makes you want to cry, laugh and feel like you can relate to the characters in different ways. I just really need the next book now.