Categories | Fantasy |
Author | Sarah J. Maas |
Publisher | Bloomsbury Publishing; Reissue edition (February 14, 2023) |
Language | English |
Paperback | 720 pages |
Item Weight | 2.3 pounds |
Dimensions |
6.5 x 1.95 x 9.5 inches |
I. Book introduction
“Empire of Storms,” the fifth installment in Sarah J. Maas’s “Throne of Glass” series, continues the epic journey of Aelin Galathynius as she seeks to reclaim her throne, protect her people, and defeat the dark forces threatening her world. The narrative fuses elements of fantasy, romance, and political intrigue, creating a compelling story that captivates readers.
Only the greatest sacrifice can turn the tide of war.
War is brewing in the fifth book of the #1 bestselling Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas.
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 increasingly 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, dark forces stand poised to claim her world. The only chance for salvation lies in a desperate quest that may take more from Aelin than she has to give, a quest that forces her to choose what-and who-she’s willing to sacrifice for the sake of peace.
Kingdoms collide in this fifth book in the #1 New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series.
Editorial Reviews
- “Action-packed . . . What a ride!” ―Booklist on The Assassin’s Blade
- “A thrilling read.” ―Publishers Weekly, starred review, on Throne of Glass
- “An epic fantasy readers will immerse themselves in and never want to leave.” ―Kirkus Reviews, starred review, on Crown of Midnight
- “Celaena is as much an epic hero as Frodo or Jon Snow!” ―New York Times bestselling author Tamora Pierce on Heir of Fire
- “Packed . . . with brooding glances, simmering sexual tension, twisty plot turns, lush world building, and snarky banter.” ―Booklist on Queen of Shadows
- “Tightly plotted, delightful escapism.” ―Kirkus Reviews on Empire of Storms
- “Turns a corner from sprawling epic to thrilling psychological fantasy.” ―HuffPost on Tower of Dawn
- “A worthy finale to one of the best fantasy book series of the past decade.” ―Time on Kingdom of Ash
About the Author (Sarah J. Maas)
Sarah Janet Maas, known as Sarah J. Maas (born March 5, 1986) is an American fantasy author known for her fantasy series Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and Crescent City. As of 2024, she has sold nearly 40 million copies of her books and her work has been translated into 38 languages.
Sarah Janet Maas began writing what would become her debut novel, Throne of Glass, at age sixteen. After writing several chapters of the novel, then titled Queen of Glass, Maas posted them on FictionPress.com, where it became one of the most popular stories on the site. It was later removed from the site when Maas decided to publish the novel. The story line of the series is based on the story of Cinderella, with the premise of “What if Cinderella was not a servant, but an assassin? And what if she didn’t attend the ball to meet the prince, but to kill him, instead?” In 2008, Maas started sending the story to agents before signing with Tamar Rydzinski of The Laura Dial Literary Agency in 2009. Throne of Glass was purchased in March 2010 by Bloomsbury, who later purchased two additional books in the series. The series is available in 15 countries and 35 languages. While four prequel novellas set two years before the first novel were also published, these were later condensed into one book, The Assassin’s Blade plus an original novella. The second book of the series, Crown of Midnight was a New York Times young adult best-seller. The final book in the series, Kingdom of Ash, was released on October 23, 2018; the finished series comprised seven books plus the novella collection.
A Court of Thorns and Roses, Maas’ second fantasy series, is a loose retelling of the traditional Beauty and the Beast. The first book of the trilogy was written in 2009, but was not published until 2015. Due to the success and popularity of the original series, it was extended and a spin-off series was announced which would feature stories of other popular characters. The fifth book in the series and the first of the spin-offs, A Court of Silver Flames, was published on February 16, 2021.
On May 16, 2018, Maas announced her first adult fantasy series, Crescent City. The first book, titled House of Earth and Blood, was released by Bloomsbury on March 3, 2020. It was ranked one of the top twenty Science Fiction & Fantasy books of 2020 on Kobo. The sequel, House of Sky and Breath, was released on February 15, 2022 and won the Best Fantasy award for Goodreads Choice Awards in 2022. The third installation of the series, House of Flame and Shadow, was released on January 30th 2024.
The A Court of Thorns and Roses series was announced to be adapted into a television series for Hulu in 2021. In an interview with The New York Times, Maas confirmed that she was developing the project with the writers and the showrunner as executive producer.
In May 2023, The Verge reported that the cover of the UK edition of House of Earth and Blood uses an AI-generated image.
The banning of many is her books in Utah public schools has led to a surge in their popularity.
II. Reviewer: Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas
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1. ANDREA reviews for Empire of Storms
“My name is Aelin Ashryver Galathynius …
And I will not be afraid.”
Someone willing to talk? This book destroyed me and I think I need therapy to endure the wait and pain until next year.
Edit:
So, I’ll need to wait another year to know what happens next… Not fair Sarah J. Maas, not fair.
I know there’s another book coming but really, I just don’t care much for Chaol at the time.
–
Why did I read Queen Of Shadows so fast?
Dammit, this happens every damn year.
I read the damn book way too fast and I don’t think about the consequences.
The consequences being I HAVE TO WAIT ANOTHER EFFING YEAR AGAIN TO READ ABOUT ROWAN!
2. ALI GOODWIN reviews for Empire of Storms
4.25⭐️s OKAY THE ENDING WAS AMAZING. We got so much info and plot points that I never saw coming. If I could rate the ending by itself it would be 5 stars. Butttt the first half of the book moved kind of slow for me which is why I’m at 4.25⭐️s overall for this one.
I’m excited and scared for Kingdom of Ash because it’s SO long.
3. JESSICA reviews for Empire of Storms
rereading this series has been the best decision. i completely forgot how much i loved this book.
feelings that stayed the same:
- shock and awe that this surpasses ‘queen of shadows’ in terms of creativity, foresight, and complexity.
- i only like manon if she is with other main characters, so everyone finally meeting is a big win for her character.
- i miss choal. i know why and im excited to see him again in the next book, but man. only two mentions in 600+ pages is rough.
feelings that changed:
- i know how the whole series ends now, so i wasnt really bothered that so many things kept going wrong for the characters (especially the ending).
- ELIDE AND LORCAN. like, wow. how could i have slept on them my first time reading this?? honestly, they are amazing characters and i cant believe it took a reread to fully appreciate them.
- is it just me or is everyone underestimating dorian, myself included?
__________________________________
i really thought this series was going to peak with ‘queen of shadows’ because it was so bloody brilliant, but ive never been happier to be proven wrong. the level of planning and cunning in this story and the way it was told is on another level. usually, i prefer it when the reader is fully informed and given more knowledge than the characters, but man. every time a secret plan was revealed, i could not help but admire SJM and her sly writing.
also, can we appreciate that all of the different story points have FINALLY converged and everyone was reunited?! i cant tell you how long i have been waiting for that to happen.
and if i could air one tiny little grievance, it would be that the whole ‘nothing goes to plan’ occurrence happened wayyyy too often. it kinda got old fast and sometimes made the story very frustrating, in my opinion. but i understand that without opposition, the book would be boring. because holy crap. THAT. ENDING. i just wish something would go in their favour for once – maybe they will catch a break in the next book, but i doubt it. lol.
OH! and how on earth could chaol not get an appearance?! yeah, he was a total jerk in the last book, but that doesnt mean he needs to be completely forgotten. 🙁
↠ 5 stars
4. KHURRAM reviews for Empire of Storms
It’s just an amazing book. My expectations were sky-high for this book. The Throne of Glass has been one Favourite series in a long time. Every book seemed to get better and better. With these kinds of high hopes, I was just thinking this book would let me down somewhere. The only letdown is that the book is finished, and I can’t wait for the next one. It not only lived up to my expectations but sapassed them. One thing I will put a note on is that there are a lot more explicit passages both in language and scenes. For example, unlike the other book where SJM would write “a string of curses sprang from her lips,” in this one, it is the flat-out curses. I have no problem with this, but be warned for younger readers.
So much of this book talks about how powerful Aelin is and can become, but it is also a reminder of how brilliant she is. There are revelations galor. There are twists and turns and return. This story kept me gripped from beginning to end. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, it changed again. Also, every character/member of “the court” had a chance to shine.
This book just has it all, great characters, great character development, great writing that made me want to just devour chapter after chapter to the point I did not want to put it down during the finale. All this and bucket loads of action. Great continuity in the series, tying together many of the plots lines that were left in not the the other books but the novellas as well. What can I say when a book that is almost 700 pages leaves me wishing for another 700 pages it must be good.
5. MELYNDA WANGSNESS reviews for Empire of Storms
“We were children then. We are allowed to make mistakes, to figure out who we wish to be.”
This review will include my thoughts on the tandem read, as well as this book individually.
I completed my first read of Empire of Storms as the tandem read with Tower of Dawn. After completing this tandem read, I am thankful for my decision to do so and think this enhanced my experience with both books. While I ended up liking Tower of Dawn more than I thought I would, I still think Tower of Dawn would have been a difficult read alone. Empire of Storms was my favorite of the two and is a strong stand-alone book.
Empire of Storms brings the emotional impact of everything we’ve amassed so far; Empire of Storms feels like a life lesson on small kindnesses being returned tenfold in unexpected ways. I found myself SCREAMING and putting the book down several times as twists came that I never anticipated.
While Empire of Storms brought the excitement, political intrigue, and best characters (over Tower of Dawn), there were moments that felt unbelievable and out of place. <spoiler>This includes Dorian’s personality not aligning with anything we’ve seen so far, Rowan somehow in denial about the mating bond, Aedion’s reaction to Lysandra’s revelation at the end, and the court still putting up with Aelin’s WORLD CHANGING secret plans.</spoiler>
The cliffhanger at the end of Empire of Storms is shattering, so I’m really looking forward to pursuing a resolution in Kingdom of Ash. Even so, Empire of Storms is a force of a read that will hook you in and leave you reeling!
6. TIFFANY’S TBR reviews for Empire of Storms
Tandem read is the only way
“Empire of Storms,” the fifth installment in the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas, is a riveting addition that catapults readers into a whirlwind of action, intrigue, and emotional depth. From the first page to the last, Maas masterfully weaves a tale that is both breathtaking and heart-wrenching, leaving readers eagerly anticipating what comes next.
The novel follows Aelin Galathynius and her companions as they navigate the complexities of war, alliances, and personal sacrifice. Maas’s ability to craft multi-dimensional characters shines through, making us deeply invested in their journeys and struggles. The story is richly layered with political intrigue, magical battles, and poignant moments of love and loss.
One of the standout features of “Empire of Storms” is its intricate plot. Maas expertly balances multiple storylines, ensuring each character’s arc is compelling and vital to the overall narrative. The pacing is relentless, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they turn page after page.
A unique aspect of this book is its interplay with “Tower of Dawn,” another book in the series. Reading these two books in tandem is a must. While “Empire of Storms” follows Aelin’s path, “Tower of Dawn” focuses on Chaol Westfall’s journey in a different part of the world. Together, they provide a comprehensive view of the series’ universe, enriching the overall experience and offering deeper insights into the characters and the unfolding events.
The ending of “Empire of Storms” is nothing short of a cliffhanger, leaving readers desperate for more. Maas’s ability to build tension and set up future conflicts is impressive, ensuring that fans will be counting down the days until the next installment.
“Empire of Storms” is a must-read for fans of the Throne of Glass series. Its complex characters, gripping plot, and emotional depth make it an unforgettable read. Paired with “Tower of Dawn,” it offers a fuller, more immersive experience that will leave readers yearning for more of Maas’s enchanting world.
7. THE YA GAZETTE reviews for Empire of Storms
Storms of Passion, Power, and Perseverance
Empire of Storms,” the fifth installment in Sarah J. Maas’s enthralling ‘Throne of Glass’ series, offers a deluge of emotion, intricate plot twists, and awe-inspiring world-building that fans have come to expect.
This novel continues the journey of Aelin Galathynius, a young queen on the precipice of war, as she navigates a path filled with peril and political intrigue. Maas crafts Aelin’s character with grace, giving her depth and complexity that make her struggles tangible and her victories triumphant.
One of the standout features of “Empire of Storms” is the further development of secondary characters. The intertwining relationships and personal growth not only enrich the narrative but contribute to a multi-layered storyline that keeps the reader engaged.
The world-building is as magnificent as ever, with Maas painting landscapes and conjuring cultures with her words. The descriptions are so vivid, and the magic system so well-thought-out, that Orynth and the surrounding lands feel almost real.
The pacing of “Empire of Storms” is well-controlled, balancing fast-paced action with slower, more introspective moments. The battles are thrilling, and Maas’s ability to keep the tension high makes this a real page-turner.
However, some readers may find certain plot elements somewhat predictable, and a few of the romantic scenes may feel overly indulgent. Despite these minor issues, the book’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses.
Maas’s writing shines throughout the novel. Her prose is lyrical and elegant, imbued with a passion that resonates deeply with the reader. The dialogues are sharp, and the emotional arcs of the characters are conveyed with precision.
In conclusion, “Empire of Storms” is a superb addition to the ‘Throne of Glass’ series. It maintains the high standard set by its predecessors and even elevates it in some aspects. The 4.5-star rating is a testament to the engrossing story it holds and Maas’s prowess as a storyteller. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or new to Aelin’s world, this book will leave you eagerly awaiting what comes next.
8. GABIC READS reviews for Empire of Storms
Favorite Book of the Series
This book is utter perfection. No notes.
The way that Maas brings together so many elements from the past 5 books is amazing. She effortlessly bring things together without the reader having to strain to remember what that is a reference too or who that person is.
I also love Aelin. She’s so strong and always thinking 3 steps ahead. But she has a vulnerability that allows readers to connect with her, that prevents her from being infallible and aloof. Why can’t Aelin include anyone in her plans, you ask? Because first, the last person she included in her plans (Sam) ended up tortured and dead. Second, she would never want to disappoint her family or put them in harm’s way when she could do it herself. Better she die or become injure than risk those she loves.
I definitely recommend the tandem read for the first read through so that you don’t have to muddle through a whole book of Chaol’s whininess to find out what happens to Aelin and the others.
PS. Everybody talks about bestie Nehemia, but I want more people to talk about bestie Ansel. Ansel who brought an army to try and free her friend Celaena from the salt mines. Ansel who knew her friend was calling for aid before receiving any letters. Ansel who took over a whole country to win resources for Celaena. Ansel who would do anything for her friend before she had official confirmation that Celaena is Aelin. I want more Ansel.
9. WARDA reviews for Empire of Storms
This ending was near enough poetic. The way everything just came together? 🤯
Reread number 5.
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That bitch Maeve! 😤
I forgot how painful and intense that ending was. The revelations, the armies, plots coming together and falling apart at the same time… all traumatising.
ORIGINAL REVIEW!
“Nameless is my price.” 😩
Rereading this has affirmed that this instalment is definitely up there with Heir of Fire as my favourite in the series.
I still feel slightly sick. My heart is still heavy. Numb. I’m devoid of any emotion, since those last few chapters, or reading this book in general, has drained everything out of me. That ending was painful! And yet, I want to go revisit and reread it! The whole series, back to back!
I adore this woman! This series! They’ve completely consumed my heart! I think I stated this in one of my other ToG reviews, but I haven’t fangirled this hard about a series since Potter and it feels SO good.
Every plot point came together seamlessly! There were so many moments that had me gasping, actually gasping out loud, moments that made me have an epiphany and I was astounded by how clever the whole plot was, moments that had me genuinely tear up, because it was so painful.
Sarah J Maas KNOWS what she’s doing with this series. Listening to an interview she did she stated that she knew how she wanted this series to go, how this series was going to end before she got signed by Bloomsbury. So much admiration and love for her!
It also helped me majorly that I reread the series before starting Empire of Storms or else I doubt I would’ve picked up certain plot points or remembered characters and moments that appear in the other books.
Seriously, my heart is in agony at the moment. Resurrect myself when the final book is released.
*enters grave*
10. CHAN reviews for Empire of Storms
lol i sure was a passionate reviewer a couple years ago. weird to think i’ve mellowed???? but sarah jan did a pretty good job with this one. i think the pacing was the best of the books so far and i like a good battle scene (of which there were plenty here).
could have done without the sex scenes tho. i’m just not convinced she knows how to write them and also these are supposed to be YA. and i’m not the content police tbh, i don’t really care if YA books have sex and depictions of it. but unprotected sex that is explicitly said to be unprotected? not funny haha funny weird 😅 not sure that sends the right message.
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i think after 11 months of reading, i need to accept that this isn’t going to get finished
my overall experience in this series was much like a rollercoaster. started from cold indifference, ramped my way up to genuine interest and then a sharp fucking plummet into i-dont-give-a-fuckdom.
maybe it’s from all the hate that this series receives, maybe it’s just me getting fucking ancient. i’m not real sure. i just know that trying to finish this won’t happen. fun fact about me: at any one time i’m reading around 12 books. 95% of the time i can pick up a pick that hasn’t been finished yet, even after months of not reading, and still totally know what’s going on.
not so for this book. and i’m sure as fuck not going to try and start it over.
—————-actual review (kind of)————–
it’s obviously been a second since i’ve been really ~in it~ with this book. but i do remember some things that i’ll bullet point
- shape shifter chick does way too much, saving everyone’s asses always
- was initially here for rowan, no longer… annoying
- manon is the only one i care about
- aelin has taken a MAJOR step back in terms of character development… or maybe we’re just all confronted with how fucking annoying she is when she goes back and tries to reclaim her throne from her uncle… like. you are no longer part of the culture. you’ve been a shitty assassin for years what makes you think you can rule????
i may or may not read tower of dawn since i have the book. but i’ll be donating/selling all of my hardcovers of this series. i’m over it.
III. Empire of Storms Quotes by Sarah J. Maas
The best book quotes from Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas
“You will find, Rolfe, that one does not deal with Celaena Sardothien. One survives her.”
“The world,” Aelin said, “will be saved and remade by the dreamers, Rolfe.”
“Then Manon Blackbeak whirled and brought Wind-Cleaver down upon her grandmother.”
“Even when this world is a forgotten whisper of dust between the stars, I will always love you.”
“And tell Rowan,” Aelin said, fighting her own sob, “that I’m sorry I lied. But tell him it was all borrowed time anyway. Even before today, I knew it was all just borrowed time, but I still wish we’d had more of it.” She fought past her trembling mouth. “Tell him he has to fight. He must save Terrasen, and remember the vows he made to me. And tell him . . . tell him thank you—for walking that dark path with me back to the light.”
“I love you. There is no limit to what I can give to you, no time I need. Even when this world is forgotten whisper of dust between the stars, I will love you.”
“Where is Aelin.
Where is my wife?”“It is not such a hard thing, is it – to die for your friends.”
“He was hers and she was his and they had found each other across centuries of bloodshed and loss, across oceans and kingdoms and war.”
“Aelin Galathynius had raised an army not just to challenge Morath, but to rattle the stars.”
“You will find, Rolfe, that one does not deal with Celaena Sardothien. One survives her”
“I’d walk into the burning heart of hell itself to find you.”
“Nameless is my price.”
“The fear of loss . . . it can destroy you as much as the loss itself.”
“The useless sentries in the watchtower are now all half in love with you,” he lied. “One said he wanted to marry you.”
A low snarl. He yielded a foot but held eye contact with her as he grinned. “But you know what I told them? I said that they didn’t stand a chance in hell. Because I am going to marry you,” he promised her. “One day. I am going to marry you. I’ll be generous and let you pick when, even if it’s ten years from now. Or twenty. But one day, you are going to be my wife.”
He shrugged. “Princess Lysandra Ashryver sounds nice, doesn’t it?”“A court that wouldn’t just change the world. It would start the world over.”
“Aelin Galathynius, Queen of Terrasen, knew the time would soon come to prove just how much she’d bleed for Erilea.”
“Do not be afraid of what makes you shine brightly.”
“War is sanctioned murder, no matter what side you’re on.”
“Aelin was insane, Dorian realized. Brilliant and wicked, but insane.”
“Fireheart,” he said onto her mouth. “Buzzard,” she murmured onto his.”
“Aelin had promised herself, months and months ago, that she would not pretend to be anything but what she was. She had crawled through darkness and blood and despair-she had survived.”
“He gripped her hard, forcing her to meet his eyes as he snarled, “I see you. I see every part of you. And I am not afraid.”
I will not be afraid.
A line in the burning brightness.
My name is Aelin Ashryver Galathynius . . .
And I will not be afraid.”“You know, you ladies can let us males do things every now and then.”
“Rowan’s always looking for an excuse to show off. Dramatic rescues give him purpose and fulfillment in his dull, immortal life.” There”
“She wasn’t fine, not even close.
But she wasn’t dead.
And that was a start.”“The Queen of Flame and Shadow, the Heir of Fire, Aelin of the Wildfire, Fireheart…”
“There was no force in any world that could keep her contained.”
“Rowan considered for a moment, and then said, “I have known many kings in my life, Dorian Havilliard. And it was a rare man indeed who asked for help when he needed it, who would put aside pride.”
“And Elide sobbed as Manon Blackbeak emerged, smiling faintly.
As Manon Blackbeak saw her and Aelin, knee-to-knee in the grass, and mouthed one word.
Hope.”“I’m going to call in old debts and promises. To raise an army of assassins and thieves and exiles and commoners.”
“And she wondered if it were possible to love someone enough to die from it. If it were possible to love someone enough that time and distance and death were of no concern.”
“Unleashing a cry that set the world trembling, Prince Rowan Whitethorn Galathynius, Consort of the Queen of Terrasen, began the hunt to find his wife.”
“She was a force of nature. She was a calamity and a commander of immortal warriors of legend.”
Excerpted from Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas
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