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A review by emcroll
Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas
5.0
Ah, "Empire of Storms" by Sarah J. Maas – the rollercoaster of emotions that had me flipping through its nearly 700 pages at breakneck speed. I dove into this fifth installment of the Throne of Glass series with a mix of excitement and trepidation, and boy, did it not disappoint.
From the get-go, it's sheer chaos, and the pace doesn't let up. Multi-POV storytelling keeps you on your toes, weaving through the lives of characters like Aelin, Rowan, Aedion, Manon, Elide, Dorian, Lorcan, Lysandra, and more. The sheer number of perspectives could have been overwhelming, but Maas masterfully crafts a narrative that keeps you hooked. And let's not forget the band of misfits – the camaraderie and dynamics among them lend a delightful touch of unpredictability.
The book struck a balance among mystery, adventure, romance, and character development. The increased focus on romance did veer a bit from the series' "young adult" roots, but it added depth to the relationships. However, some spicy scenes might raise eyebrows for those expecting a more traditional YA vibe.
The ending? Painful and heart-wrenching. Brace yourself for an emotional rollercoaster. And for those who read "The Assassin's Blade," the appearance of Rolfe and Ansel adds a nostalgic layer to the narrative.
As for the characters, Aelin's growth, though not as pronounced as in the previous installment, is evident. Top-notch schemes, as expected, but a little more transparency wouldn't hurt, Aelin! And speaking of Aelin, her treatment of Dorian left me cringing – the poor guy is the King of Adarlan, for crying out loud.
Rowan's love/mate intensity might need a chill pill, but his interactions with Fenrys and Gavriel provide some much-needed balance. Dorian, unfortunately, takes a backseat, and the Dorian-Manon relationship left me feeling a bit meh.
Lysandra steals the spotlight with her fierceness, while Manon undergoes significant growth. Her defiance against her grandmother is a stand-out moment, showcasing her transformation into the formidable Queen Manon.
Elide finally gets more page time, and her cleverness shines through. Her dynamic with Lorcan is intriguing, offering a refreshing perspective on love and loyalty.
And Lorcan? Well, let's just say he's not winning any popularity contests. Redemption in the final installment, perhaps?
Aedion, unfortunately, feels a bit overshadowed, but the meeting with his father, Gavriel, adds an intriguing layer to his character.
As for dislikes, the departure from the "young adult" territory and the somewhat predictable were minor bumps in an otherwise thrilling ride.
In the end, "Empire of Storms" earns a solid 4.75 stars from me. Now, off to read "Tower of Dawn" and see what Chaol has been up to during all this chaos!
From the get-go, it's sheer chaos, and the pace doesn't let up. Multi-POV storytelling keeps you on your toes, weaving through the lives of characters like Aelin, Rowan, Aedion, Manon, Elide, Dorian, Lorcan, Lysandra, and more. The sheer number of perspectives could have been overwhelming, but Maas masterfully crafts a narrative that keeps you hooked. And let's not forget the band of misfits – the camaraderie and dynamics among them lend a delightful touch of unpredictability.
The book struck a balance among mystery, adventure, romance, and character development. The increased focus on romance did veer a bit from the series' "young adult" roots, but it added depth to the relationships. However, some spicy scenes might raise eyebrows for those expecting a more traditional YA vibe.
The ending? Painful and heart-wrenching. Brace yourself for an emotional rollercoaster. And for those who read "The Assassin's Blade," the appearance of Rolfe and Ansel adds a nostalgic layer to the narrative.
As for the characters, Aelin's growth, though not as pronounced as in the previous installment, is evident. Top-notch schemes, as expected, but a little more transparency wouldn't hurt, Aelin! And speaking of Aelin, her treatment of Dorian left me cringing – the poor guy is the King of Adarlan, for crying out loud.
Rowan's love/mate intensity might need a chill pill, but his interactions with Fenrys and Gavriel provide some much-needed balance. Dorian, unfortunately, takes a backseat, and the Dorian-Manon relationship left me feeling a bit meh.
Lysandra steals the spotlight with her fierceness, while Manon undergoes significant growth. Her defiance against her grandmother is a stand-out moment, showcasing her transformation into the formidable Queen Manon.
Elide finally gets more page time, and her cleverness shines through. Her dynamic with Lorcan is intriguing, offering a refreshing perspective on love and loyalty.
And Lorcan? Well, let's just say he's not winning any popularity contests. Redemption in the final installment, perhaps?
Aedion, unfortunately, feels a bit overshadowed, but the meeting with his father, Gavriel, adds an intriguing layer to his character.
As for dislikes, the departure from the "young adult" territory and the somewhat predictable
Spoiler
"secret marriage" ending (ACOMAF vibes anyone)In the end, "Empire of Storms" earns a solid 4.75 stars from me. Now, off to read "Tower of Dawn" and see what Chaol has been up to during all this chaos!