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hannahjoy_reads 's review for:
Empire of Storms
by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
*Many spoilers ahead*
After finishing the previous book (QoS) I was itching to see more of Manon and Elide - to see how their relationship progressed, especially after leaving Elide alone to fend for herself, and equally interested to see if the 13 finally took a stand. Boy, did this book deliver.
Lorcan was exactly who Elide needed to help her back on her feet. If only he’d realised sooner that she’d meant more to him than Maeve. He fumbled big time and I honestly can’t tell if there’s any coming back from it. I was really enjoying his character progression and seeing Elide gain back her confidence.
I don’t have any words for Manon other than that she’s perfect and can do no wrong.
However, the ‘long lost heir’ arc is starting to feel very repetitive and I wish the author had a little more creativity in that regard, and the fact that most of them are related in some form or another. Distantly, but still related and it makes me feel gross.
Lysandra- She had better get a happy ending after what she’s put herself through for Aelin and Aelin has got to stop keeping secrets goddamn. That is really my only quell with her.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this one - and nobody significant died for once thankfully, but it has me concerned for the next two books and what utter carnage awaits. I do hope there are less water-battles ahead. I find them hard to navigate in terms of imagery, especially when exact numbers aren’t always mentioned. However, it was interesting to have a different setting from the usual Rifthold and dungeons, catacombs and Morath. The ending I am still processing. My heart shatters for everyone, especially Aelin, Rowan and Lysandra. How Aelin is going to survive the coming months I have no idea, nor do I really want her too which what waits ahead (Cairn). Once again in shackles. Maeve makes me feel like I’m loosing my mind, but I’m still hooked and keen to get into the next book.
After finishing the previous book (QoS) I was itching to see more of Manon and Elide - to see how their relationship progressed, especially after leaving Elide alone to fend for herself, and equally interested to see if the 13 finally took a stand. Boy, did this book deliver.
Lorcan was exactly who Elide needed to help her back on her feet. If only he’d realised sooner that she’d meant more to him than Maeve. He fumbled big time and I honestly can’t tell if there’s any coming back from it. I was really enjoying his character progression and seeing Elide gain back her confidence.
I don’t have any words for Manon other than that she’s perfect and can do no wrong.
However, the ‘long lost heir’ arc is starting to feel very repetitive and I wish the author had a little more creativity in that regard, and the fact that most of them are related in some form or another. Distantly, but still related and it makes me feel gross.
Lysandra- She had better get a happy ending after what she’s put herself through for Aelin and Aelin has got to stop keeping secrets goddamn. That is really my only quell with her.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this one - and nobody significant died for once thankfully, but it has me concerned for the next two books and what utter carnage awaits. I do hope there are less water-battles ahead. I find them hard to navigate in terms of imagery, especially when exact numbers aren’t always mentioned. However, it was interesting to have a different setting from the usual Rifthold and dungeons, catacombs and Morath. The ending I am still processing. My heart shatters for everyone, especially Aelin, Rowan and Lysandra. How Aelin is going to survive the coming months I have no idea, nor do I really want her too which what waits ahead (Cairn). Once again in shackles. Maeve makes me feel like I’m loosing my mind, but I’m still hooked and keen to get into the next book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, Blood, War
Minor: Miscarriage