Hearth and Pages: Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5)

“You will find that one does not deal with Celaena Sardothien. One survives her.”

This is my non-spoiler review for Empire of Storms, if you want to know a more detailed review about this book you can go here. If you want to go one step further and discuss the theory and prediction for the next book in this series with me, you can go here. If you haven’t read other books from Throne of Glass series, you might want to avoid this post and read the series first. If you need a reason to start reading this series, you can read this post on why you should read Throne of Glass series.

Now let’s start, Empire of Storms is the 5th installment in Throne of Glass series by one of my favorite author, Sarah J. Maas. The story pick up after Queen of Shadow where our central characters scattered all over Erilea. All of them rallying army and preparing for the big battle against the dark king.

The first few chapter is actually quite happy and peaceful. But you know well that when it comes to Sarah J. Maas book, the happiness won’t last that long. That first few chapters are basically the calm before the storm (haha, get it?) Five chapters in and we’re already on the get go. The action sequences comes out faster than the previous books. Queen of Shadows is an action-packed book, but it’s not as heated as Empire of Storms. The characters basically stormed out of the traps with action sequences (haha, okay, I'll stop.) This sequences also weaved lots of central characters arc together nicely.

The plot is well-planned and well written. Before I read this book, I’ve spent a month to reread all books in Throne of Glass series and take notes on foreshadowing of what could happened in this book. I got most of my predictions right, and I’m pretty proud of myself for that. But Sarah still surprised me. We know that there are always revelations in every book in this series, but boy that feels like come out of nowhere. There are a lot of moments when I need to put down the book, gape, and questioned everything. There is some chapters that the only reaction I have is just saying ‘what?’ over and over again. That being said, when I look back into the previous books again, there are clues about it EVERYWHERE. And I still overlooked it because Sarah dropped those hints so subtly. My mind is just like, boom! Like her main character, Sarah J. Maas is insane. Brilliant and wicked, but insane. In the most positive way.

As for the characters. I have to admit at first I’m a bit disappointed when I heard the news that a central character won’t be in this book. But when I get to read it myself, it’s kind of make sense that he’s not in it (though I’m pretty sure that his absent was due to publisher decision, and not Sarah, but oh well...)

Now, let’s talk about other characters in this series. A bunch of characters from The Assassin’s Blade are coming back (if you somehow skip it, I suggest you read that first before starting this book, or even Queen of Shadows.) Some new characters are introduced, and one of them has instantly become my new favorite. I’m pretty sure he will get pov chapters in the next book. There is also a supporting character from previous books who got pov chapters and become a central character. Which for some may come as a surprise, but if you pay attention to Empire of Storms swags from Bloomsbury like me, you won’t be surprised by that.

As for character relationship and development. Well the events in this book developed the characters in this book more, it’s added more layers to their personality and connection with each other. There are many character revelations that I’m not prepared for, and they broke my heart. At the same time those revelations did enriched the characters arc, so I’m good. Also, I’m happy to announce that Empire of Storms is not a young adult book, it’s a new adult book. That means there are (yes, I use are *wink*) some steamy and pretty graphic scenes in this book, which I really enjoy. They’re all screwed, and they’re all also got screwed *wink*. It’s not as graphic as Sarah’s other book in her other series, A Court of Mist and Fury, but in case you’re not comfortable with smut you could always skip that parts. You could send me a private message if you want to know what chapters they’re in, I’ll let you know down to the pages so you can skip that.

There are some new pairings in this book which actually has hinted in the previous books, so it’s not surprising. One thing that feels strange, but at the same time I kind of enjoy, is that we don’t get to see that much of Aelin’s pov. In this book other central characters got more portion than the previous books. But, Sarah wrote them so well and I enjoyed them immensely too. Though I have to admit that when I read this book I kind of in lost because I don’t get to see what’s inside Aelin’s mind. But then you will find the reason why at the end of this book, and it all make sense why Sarah go into that direction. Sarah did kick up a storm with that one (okay, sorry, this is the last one.)

In this book we also see the world is expanding and I love it. We get to see some parts of Erilea that we haven’t see before. There are also details about the places and its people which I think help us to understand and get better sense of that place. A couple new creatures also introduced in this book. Those creatures really fascinates me and thicken the plot. Sarah still does a great job in the world building department.

What I don’t like in this book are basically all the publishers decision. From the absent of one central character, to the unnecessary exclusive editions. First of all, I’m not against the idea of having exclusive editions. My problem is, you don’t have to published THREE different exclusive editions, with THREE different bonus short stories. That’s just too much. Not to mention from three different exclusive editions, none of them are being sold in a store that do International shipping. What the rutting hell is wrong with you, Bloomsbury? If you want to published many different exclusive editions at least make one edition available in Book Depository or other book store that do International shipping. I’m cunning enough that I can get my hand one of the Barnes & Nobles’ exclusive edition from US. I might get the other one from Target too, but please don’t be such a money grubbing publisher. I expected better from you, and I swear to God if you do this kind of thing again, I will send you a very long unpleasant mail.

In conclusion Empire of Storms is definitely one of my favorite in this series. I know there are some problematic things, and some people are bashing on this book before it even comes out. But I think it’s all just a storm in the teacup (hey! Look at that I manage to get another one!) I really like this book. One minute I’m laughing like a maniac, another I bawl my eyes out. This book give me one of the best and worst emotional roller coaster. It took my breath away, figuratively and literally. No, seriously though, I did have asthma attacks when I read this book. Thrice. So thank you so much, Sarah. But really, this book is so good. It’s going to rip your heart out, but it’s all worth it.