Hearth and Pages: In Depth Disscussion: Empire of Storms (Part 1

“Words did not do it justice. Not in any language, in any world.”

This is an In-Depth Discussion post, so this one will be full of spoilers. If you haven’t read Empire of Storms yet, I suggest you read the non-spoiler review one in here. If you haven’t read the other Throne of Glass series yet, I will gladly try to convince you with my recommendation post about it here. If you only want to read my theories and prediction for Throne of Glass #6, you can read In-Depth Discussion Part 2, here.

Shall we begin this super long post?

[SPOILERS AHEAD, THIS IS YOUR LAST WARNING]

Okay, let’s talk about this book that still crushed my soul over and over again even after a month since I’ve finished it. The story picks 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. I will now discuss plot, characters, and so on while talking about what I like and I don’t quite like in between. Bear with me, it’s going to be a wild roller-coaster ride. Also I use a lot of strong language in this post, I tried my best to not use it guys, but I just have to.

I. Politics and Warfare

a. Darrow and other jerk Lords of Terrasen refuse to acknowledge Aelin as their Queen.

Aelin and her court has reached Terrasen, and set up a meeting to meet the remaining Lords of Terrasen. I have suspected since Heir of Fire that the Lords of Terrasen won’t let her take her crown so easily, but I did not suspected that they’re all going to be lead by a petty bastard named Darrow who turns out to be Aelin’s great uncle’s lover. I thought the rejection will be in more honorable way, but who am I kidding, royals politic rarely done in an honorable way. So Darrow went behind Aelin’s back, gather the other lords of Terrasen and make some sort of notion that declare though Aelin is a princess by blood, she is not their Queen yet, until she prooves her worth.

I want to hate Darrow, I do, but I can’t because what he does is pretty much logical. This long-lost princess suddenly come out of nowhere after missing for 10 years, not to mention the news said she had brutally shattered her enemy glass castle and kill a lot of people in between, she’s also an ex-assassin, she has a terrifying fire magic and she’s (from Darrow point of view) in league with an Ancient Faerie Queen. The safety of his people come first, he doesn’t know Aelin personally, not to mention from outside, her “court” is consist of questionable people, except for Aedion. So his decision is pretty much jerk moves but reasonable. It’s politic, honey, you don’t get to be safe and win by playing nice. This is why I like it, I hate that Aelin is rejected, but at the same time I like it because this is what politic is. That being said, I can’t wait to see Darrow kneels before Aelin in the next book. Bow, bitch, bow.

b. Dorian sucks. But hey, he gets better!

Haha, I feel like I’m such a bad person because I love that Dorian sucks at this thing. He sucks at politic and warfare, so bad. He can’t even win a negotiation with Rolfe, he can’t plan military strategy well like the other characters. But again, it makes sense. Though I love Dorian and his kind gentle heart and his affection towards his subjects, he’s pretty much inexperience when it comes to politic and warfare. He hasn’t learned much about politics because he’s busy spending his time as a womanizer, and he tends to avoid his parents’ court because they annoyed him. The smartest moves he made in this series so far is pick Aelin/Celaena as his champion, and appointed Chaol as his Hand. Because let’s be real, Chaol is more tactical and useful when it comes to politic and warfare. But, at some point in this book, he realized (by watching Aelin and others) that maybe he’s too nice and he needs that little bit insanity and wickedness to rule. He’s not wrong, he got better at making decisions by the end of this book.

c. Damn Aelin, back at it again with the secret cunning plan.

Aelin made me proud for not confronting Darrow further and decided to take the high road and proves herself. But what made me really happy is she’s back with her secret cunning plan like in QoS. Like taking back Brannon’s temple to win back Ilium so he can “trap” Rolfe and the Mycenians into agreement, calling all life debts that owed to her so they will have enough army to defend Terrasen and Erilea, MARRIED ROWAN SO TERRASEN CAN HAVE A KING AND LEADER WHEN SHE’S GONE, ASKING LYSANDRA TO PRETEND TO BE HER WHEN SHE’S GONE SO HER PEOPLE WON’T FALTER (THIS TWO MAKES ME CRY BUT DAMN THIS WOMAN IS SO SMART AND CUNNING).

II. Central Characters

a. Manon Blackbeak

Aelin might be the main character but I have to start with Manon. Manon has changed a lot since Heir of Fire. I remember I got bored reading her chapters in Heir of Fire, and then she met Abraxos and I start to like her. Then in Queen of Shadows she met Elide Lochan, and I like her more. We also her relationship with her cousin, Asterin Blackbeak is getting stronger in Queen of Shadow. Then, in this book, my love for Manon has escalated quickly. That chapter when she’s supposed to kill Asterin, is the first chapter in this book that makes me bawl. For the first time, Manon decided to fight her evil grandmother and save Asterin and the rest of the thirteen. Then it was revealed that MANON BLACKBEAK IS THE CROCHAN QUEEN. OMG. Too many emotions and information coming from those two chapters. Long story short Manon join Aelin’s cause. By the end of the book her personality quite change and it was so good. She’s more open to other people, she accepted who she really is, SHE APOLOGIZED, and SHE LAUGH. What a great character development of Manon.

b. Elide Lochan

Elide is one character that has taken me by surprise. I knew she’s smart, I knew she’s cunning, but I did not know that she’s going to be more Slytherin than Salazar himself. Not to mention, she won’t take any bullshit from any males. We know that she’s kind, and brave, but she’s also loyal, and she can burn you to crisp with her words. Elide is definitely one of my favorite character in this series, and a force to be reckon with.

c. Dorian Havilliard

Guess who’s back? Sassy, witty Dorian Havilliard from the first book, and I love it. Don’t get me wrong, I like our cinnamon rolls puppy prince Dorian, but I LOVE sassy, witty, sexy, smart mouthed King Dorian Havilliard. Let’s be real, Dorian has become a sappy person in Crown of Midnight and Heir of Fire, and we don’t get to see much of him in Queen of Shadows because he’s possessed by the Valg Prince. Now, sassy Dorian is back, not to mention he turns out to be pretty kinky in bed which I’m not really surprised. What I also love about Dorian in this book is he acknowledge his lack of experience both in handling magic and kingship, so he ask his friends to help him be better (And by friend, I mean ROWAN in particular – Rowrian/Dorowan is my new brotp.)

d. Lorcan Salvaterre

So now we know that Lorcan has a last name and it’s Salvaterre. Literally meaning ‘Land Savior’. Lorcan is jealous of Rowan and Aelin, he’s also bitter because Rowan left him and the Cadre for Aelin. Though we could also see that Lorcan care for Rowan as a friend, he might even considered Rowan as one of his brother. But he's so petty. In short, Lorcan is a grumpy 10 years old kid in 500 years old demi-fae body. But everything change when he met Elide Lochan. He changed for the better by the end of the book, and I start to like him more as I read. He even mentioned that maybe the Cadres are unlucky that they met Maeve before they can met Aelin and pledge their loyalty to her instead. BUT THEN HE HAD TO CALL MAEVE. I understand that he did it because he wanted to save Elide, but what the flippin fuck, Lorcan!? NOT ONLY THAT, HE HAD TO CRAWLED TO MAEVE WHEN SHE RELEASED HIM FROM THE BLOOD OATH TOO. LORCAN I TRUSTED YOU, WTF!? In conclusion, Lorcan Salvaterre is an idiot. I don’t hate him, but I’m still mad at him. I know that he will try to make it right, but I still want to punch his throat.

e. Rowan Whitethorn

Rowan has become Aelin’s anchor through out this book. Which actually I like, because he has given a role that usually given to female characters. He also has become Aelin’s second in command. Well, that actually started since Queen of Shadows, but we got to see more of his action as Aelin’s second. Like rescuing Dorian, giving military command, and gather the entire Whitethorn army by KNEELING so they will help Aelin’s cause. Then we found out that he’s Aelin’s mate and not Lyria’s, it was all just a sick trick from Maeve who is an evil bitch.

f. Aelin Ashryver Galathynius

There’s not much to talk about Aelin (without me crying), except that she has become the most self-less person in this series. From that girl who is too afraid to rattle the stars, to the queen who gathers the power to rattle the stars and sacrifice herself to save the world. What makes me really sad is the fact that Aelin's life was never hers. From the moment she born, her life belongs to the rutting gods. She born with a shackle, my poor baby, my queen. I WILL RIOT IF AELIN DIE IN THE NEXT BOOK. My baby Aelin deserve all the happiness in the world. She just wants to be a healer, and read a lot of books, and eat a lot of chocolates, and rides her mate, and enjoy her life with her mate. Let the girl live her life for fuck sake, she has suffered enough. LET HER HAVE HER HAPPY ENDING, SARAH. DON’T YOU DARE PULL A VERONICA ROTH ON ME. NOPE, DON’T YOU DARE. Also in this book I feel quite detached from Aelin because her POV is not as much as the previous books. It’s all make sense why Sarah make it that way, judging by how this book ends.

g. Aedion Ashryver

I already claimed Aedion Ashryver as my son since he pushed Dorian into rose bushes in Heir of Fire. The first 3/4 part of this book makes me very proud of my son. He defended Aelin and Lysandra in front of Darrow, he shows great military and combat skills, he cares so much for Lysandra and respected her boundaries even though he has a huge crush on her. It’s also revealed that Aedion is bisexual, which I’m not surprise at all because I already suspected it since Queen of Shadows. My heart also hurts when Aedion thought that Gavriel will be ashamed to have a son like him, despite what he had said to him. He still saw himself as Adarlan's whore, he still ashamed of what he had done in the past. My poor, son. But then, he turned into one of the biggest idiot ever. Sure, it’s logical for him to questioned Aelin’s war plan, I’m not even mad at him for that. And I’m also not mad at Aelin for keeping secret from Aedion, because let’s be real, his temper can’t be trusted. What makes me mad is Aedion calling Lysandra bitch. I know he’s storming mad (oh look at that, I’m back with the pun), but it’s still not a good excuse to call her that because Aelin’s plan will actually make LYSANDRA SUFFERS MORE THAN HIM. I swear by the wyrd, if Aedion doesn’t apologize properly to Lysandra in the next book, I will disown him. You’re my son, but you’re an idiot, Aedion Ashryver. I raised you better than this. Aelin expected better from you! FIX THIS! USE YOUR BRAIN!

h. LYSANDRA, LADY OF CARAVERRE

LADY LYSANDRA OF CARAVERRE IS THE REAL UNSUNG HERO OF EMPIRE OF STORMS. AND I WILL FIGHT DARROW MYSELF IF HE DARE DENY LYSANDRA AS A LADY AND MEMBER OF AELIN’S COURT AGAIN. I know you must thought, “Omg, chill Novita, don’t use capslock like that.” WELL I HAVE LOST MY CHILL, BECAUSE LYSANDRA, MY SEA DRAGON LADY IS A WONDERFUL CHARACTER AND SHE’S SO UNDERRATED. WHY IS NOBODY TALK MORE ABOUT HOW AWESOME LYSANDRA IS? WHYYYY? No, seriously Lysandra is so awesome. She got out from being a slave, gain her freedom, and when people (that son of a maeve Darrow) trying to undermined her, she kept her back straight and her chin high. She kept her promise get rid of her big boobs for a small one! (This speaks to me on a spiritual level, I wish I have her power.) She gain Aelin trust as her third (Rowan is Aelin’s second), I know that technically it’s supposed to be Aedion, but who am I kidding, my son is an idiot. And she earned it because she proves to Aelin time after times that she can be trusted with anything (not like my idiot son Aedion).

SHE’S WILLING TO SACRIFICE HER LIFE WHEN SHE TURNED INTO A SEA DRAGON FOR THE FIRST TIME. SHE’S WILLING TO SACRIFICE HER FREEDOM ONCE MORE AND REPLACE AELIN BECAUSE SHE KNEW THAT IT IS FOR THE BETTER. AND AELIN IS GOING TO DIE, BUT LYSANDRA WILL DIE EVERYDAY LOOKING AT HER DEAD BEST FRIEND FACE EVERYTIME SHE LOOK INTO THE MIRROR. AND AFTER ALL THE THING SHE HAS TO ENDURE, SHE HAS BECOME ONE OF THE MOST SELFLESS CHARACTER AFTER AELIN. LYSANDRA DESERVES MORE RECOGNITION, MY PUFFY TAIL LADY DESERVES MORE! THIS IS ALSO ONE OF SO MANY REASON AELIN IS NOT ALLOWED TO DIE. AELIN NEEDS TO LIVE SO LYSANDRA CAN LIVE HER OWN HAPPY LIFE TOO, OKAY? MY QUEEN AND PUFFY TAILED LADY DESERVE HAPPY ENDINGS.

III. Minor Characters

a. NEHEMIA YTGER

Nehemia has been dead since Crown of Midnight, but everytime I heard someone brought her up I have this urge to bawl. She’s still one of my favorite character and I did bawl when I read about her in this book. Nehemia might be dead, but Sarah keep on developing her character throught out the series. In this book, we learned that Nehemia knew ~~that idiot dead queen~~ Elena before she went to Adarlan and met Aelin. Nehemia is a bad ass crown princess, she went to the Stone Marsh ALONE and even then she had suspected that it might cost her life, but still she’s willing to die for her people. And when Elena send her to Adarlan and tell her that she might never going back to Eyllwe she still went to Adarlan because she loved her people so much. Though I believe before she went to Adarlan, she told some people that she can trust about her real intentions to go there. Then she met Aelin, and they become best friend. I have a feeling that Nehemia didn’t want Aelin to sacrifice herself, because she loved and cared for Aelin to much now that they have become best friends. That’s why in Crown of Midnight, she unleashed Dorian’s power. But still, like Aelin in this book, Nehemia then, didn’t have enough time to wait for Dorian, so she sacrificed herself to break Aelin instead. But do you know what made me bawl like a mad person, even now as I write this article? It’s because I realized that when Nehemia gave the name ‘Elentiya’ to Aelin in Throne of Glass, she already knew who she is. Nehemia knew what their fates are going to be. Elentiya, ‘Spirit that cannot be broken.’ Nehemia put her hopes into a name. She knew she has to die, she knew that Aelin needs to be broken so she could face her fate as the queen who is promised. She knew that all along, and still Nehemia hoped that Aelin’s spirit will not be broken so Aelin can save the world.

b. ~~IDIOT COWARD QUEEN~~ Elena Galathynius Havilliard

Like Aelin, since Crown of Midnight, I never trusted Elena 100%. There’s something fishy about her, and I was right. ELENA IS AN IDIOT. That smart brains of Aelin and Dorian clearly didn’t come from the Galathynius line, because Elena is an idiot. And because of Elena’s idiocy, either Aelin or Dorian has to die. Though I’m really pissed off at Elena, I pity her too. She knew that she’s an idiot, and she tried to make up for it for the rest of her life and after. Also, she sent Aelin to Wendlyn so she can met Rowan, and she brought Aelin back to life even though by doing so she will never meet her husband and children in afterlife. On one side I want to strangle Elena, on the other side I’m also pity her. Though the ‘want to strangle’ side is currently stronger than the pity one.

c. Ren and Murtaugh Alsbrook

I have predicted that Ren will react badly towards Aelin’s identity. A lot of people assume that they will be happily to serve Aelin, but c’mon let’s be real. Ren is hot headed, and he’s somewhat prejudiced towards a lot of people. We saw that in Heir of Fire, hell, we saw that since Crown of Midnight. But, I’m not mad at him, because it’s make sense. And honestly I prefer him to not accepted Aelin so quickly. Then we have Murtaugh who is a sweet cinnamon roll old man, and I’m glad that he’s one of the Terrasen lords. Because we desperately need someone on Aelin side. Also, now I can rest assure because both Evangeline and Fleetfoot is under his protection. So they will likely survive this book.

d. Fenrys

I have a new son, I claimed Fenrys, the white wolf of Doranelle as my second son. I like him so much. I like his dirty mouth, his wildness, his recklessness, his huge crush on Aelin. I like him so much. My heart breaks for him, because he’s tied to the she-devil. I really hope that he gets a chance to kill that whore of she-devil on ToG 6.

e. Gavriel

I know that Gavriel will come back and he will meet his son, which is also my son, Aedion. I feel bad for him because he doesn’t know that he has a son. Though I can justify Aedion reaction towards him, but Gavriel is just so helpless. I was kind of hoping that “Dear Theodosia” from Hamilton Musical will be the song that I can play when both of them meet, with Gavriel as Alexander Hamilton and Aedion as Phillip Hamilton. Unfortunately, it turns out that “Meet Me Inside” is the song that fit their reunion in this book, with Gavriel as Washington, and Aedion as Hamilton.

f. Characters from the Assassin’s Blade: Captain Rolfe, Ansel of Briarcliff, Ilyaas and the Silent Assassins

I knew that they will showed up in this book, since Sarah mentioned them in Heir of Fire. But I’m surprised that Rolfe turns out to be a descendant of Mycenian people. Which is great warrior people from Ilium, a city in Terrasen. I also suprised that Ansel actually tried to free Aelin from Endovier, she also has won Aelin an army and take over Melisande’s fleet for her. As for Ilyaas and the Silent Assassins, they only showed up by the end of the book.

g. Galan Ashryver

Though he’s mentioned before in Heir of Fire, we never actually meet Aelin and Aedion’s distant cousin. Turns out Aelin calling her debt for saving Mistward and Galan seems to have more dignity and honor than her father, because Aelin addressed the letter to him, not to to the king.

h. THE WHITETHORNS

AND THE AWARDS FOR THE BEST COUSINS/FAMILY IN THIS SERIES GOES TO THE WHITETHORNS! Rowan was a little piece of shit, I love him to death, I understand why he avoided his cousins after Lyria, but he was a little piece of shit. You should be glad that your family is awesome, Rowan Whitethorn. So Rowan treated his cousin poorly after Lyria, and 200 years later, the first time he talks to his cousin again, he dare to asked them to committed a treason again their queen. AND ALL OF HIS COUSINS AGREED BECAUSE THEY’RE THE BEST. And maybe because, like me, they love Rowan to death, even though he’s a grumpy little piece of shit. Also, two of of Rowan cousins’ names remind me so much of Sailor Moon. Endymion (Enda) Whitethorn, and Selene Whitethorn. When I read their names I can’t help but think, “Sarah, your fangirl side is showing.”

IV. Villains (Mostly About Aelin's Crazy Ancient Aunt)

THE WHITETHORNS UNDERSTAND THE MEANING OF OHANA VERY WELL. OHANA MEANS FAMILY, FAMILY MEANS NOBODY GETS LEFT BEHIND OR FORGOTTEN. THE WHITETHORNS HAS SHOWED US THE RIGHT MEANING AND REPRESENTATION OF OHANA.

ON THE OTHER HAND, WE HAVE ~~THAT WHORE OF SHE-DEVIL~~ MAEVE WHO WON’T LET HER FAMILY GETS LEFT BEHIND OR FORGOTTEN BUT IN A VERY TWISTED WAY. THAT BITCH NEEDS TO DIE. I WANT FENRYS TO STAB HER IN THE CROTCH FOR WHAT SHE DID TO HIM AND HIS TWIN. I WANT AEDION TO SLIT HER THROAT. I WANT AELIN TO FLOG HER WITH A WHIP MADE OF FLAME AND TELL MAEVE TO COUNTS FOR USING HER AND ROWAN, AND THEN I WANT AELIN TO MELT HER BONES AS WELL, SLOWLY. I WANT ROWAN TO FREEZE HER UNTIL HER ENTIRE BODY BECOME ICE AND THEN CRUSHED HER INTO ICE SPLINTERS. DON’T TELL ME TO CHILL, I CAN’T CHILL ABOUT HER. I NEVER THOUGHT THAT I WILL EVER SAID IT IN MY LIFE, BUT I HATE THIS BITCH MORE THAN I HATE DOLORES UMBRIDGE. ROWAN DOESN’T EVEN KNEW AELIN IS HIS MATE BECAUSE SHE TWISTED ROWAN’S MIND SO MUCH HE DOESN’T EVEN FULLY UNDERSTAND WHAT MATE BOND FEELS LIKE. SHE KILLED LYRIA AND ROWAN’S UNBORN CHILD JUST TO CRUSHED HIM SO SHE CAN USE HIM TO MANIPULATE AELIN IN THE FUTURE. THAT BITCH NEEDS TO BE KILLED, RESURRECTED, AND KILLED AGAIN.

But then again, I have to give kudos to Sarah for creating a sick evil bitch like Maeve. Not for her cruelness, but for writing her as one of the most unpredictable villain to hate. We’ve had the King of Adarlan who is an evil bastard. We have Vernon Lochan who is a disgusting worm. We have fucking Erawan who is the dark king and evil sick bastard who abuse and use people’s body as he pleased. Then we have the Blackbeak Matron, Manon’s grandmother who, before EoS, the fandom thought would be the one most hated because of what she did to Asterin and Manon. But noooo, just when you thought the Blackbeak Matron and Vernon Lochan is the worst kind of relative, SARAH REVEALED THAT MAEVE IS THE SICKEST AND NOT IN A COOL WAY. Everyone is unsure about Maeve, some did thought that she will be one of the villains, but nobody ever thought that MAEVE WILL BE THE MOST EVIL ONE. Like, seriously, Erawan needs to step up his game. Sure, I want Erawan dead, I want Vernon dead, I want the Blackbeak matron dead, but for Maeve? I want her suffer for a long time before she dies. I hate Maeve so much I started to use 'son of a Maeve' when I want to insult someone.

V. Romance

a. Rowan and Aelin (Rowaelin)

I would die for this two to have a happy ending. They’re so beautiful and they have suffered a lot. They deserve to live a long life and be happy, damn it, Sarah! Both of them are so lovey-dovey, and as a hardcore Rowaelin shipper I’m so happy. That being said, I can understand why some people see it as kind of ‘sickening.’ If you don’t ship them as hard as I do, their romantic scenes might get boring. But I love their love so much, so I’m very happy with it. I’m a Rowaelin trash. Rowan and Aelin got married, and they are mates, which I’m not surprised because it has been hinted since Heir of Fire. Also, nobody ship Rowaelin as much as Rowan Whitethorn himself. He’s constantly point out how much he ship their relationship. He told Dorian that Aelin is his heart. He called Aelin as “my Fireheart” when he talked about her to Fenrys and Gavriel. Hell, when Lorcan said that he’s basically Aelin’s good dog he doesn’t even deny it, instead he just wondered if Lorcan realized that he’s basically Elide’s bitch now. Rowan Whitethorn has ruined me. I don’t think I could love any living breathing men as much as I love Rowan Whitethorn.

b. Manon and Dorian (Manorian)

It’s not a surprise that they’re going to be paired up, it’s has been hinted since Queen of Shadows. Though I have to say, I don’t think that they’re in love, although they do care about each other. I think the relationship between Manon and Dorian is more sexual than emotional, which actually I’m glad. We need some variable here, it would be boring if all the couple is equally romantic. I also like how Dorian distract Manon from her depression in the same way Manon did to him in Queen of Shadows. Also, let’s not forget that Rowan Whitethorn is a Manorian shipper. That scene when he lowered the shield so Dorian can save Manon from one of the swamp monster is a legit wing-man move. Not to mention that smut scene. Daaaamn, Dorian, damn.

c. Lysandra and Aedion (Lysaedion)

I knew it! I knew that they’re going to be some sort together in this book. Again, it has been hinted since Queen of Shadows. I’m great at guessing game. What I love about Lysaedion is they respect each other and take it so slowly. I don’t think I would like it if they’re getting physical so fast. First, Lysandra just has her freedom, I don’t think she will be comfortable enough to use her body for anything sexual yet. So, kudos to Sarah for that. My favorite moment is Aedion ‘proposing’ to Lysandra when she’s in Sea Dragon form so she doesn’t forget the human side of her. Look at my son, I’m so proud of him. But he needs to apologize to Lysandra in the next book for being such an idiot.

d. Elide and Lorcan (Elorcan)

I love it when physically small Elide Lochan put a giant-sized petty demi-fae named Lorcan to his place. That’s the thing I love about this pairing. The rest of it, I’m indifferent. It doesn’t mean that I don’t like it, but it also doesn’t mean that I like it either. But I do love seeing Elide makes Lorcan his bitch.

VI. SMUT (Feel free to scroll past this if you feel uncomfortable)

When I learned that Empire of Storms has a warning that its not suitable for young readers I went crazily happy. Not gonna lie, I like how Sarah writes smutty steamy scenes. We got three smut scenes from two pairings, Rowaelin and Manorian:

a. Rowaelin smut.

Thank you Sarah for creating two smut scenes for Rowaelin. YASS. But, why? Why it has to be on the beach? Why? Sure, it might sounds sexy and hot, but in real life, sex on the beach is not sexy, it’s painful. You could got sands everywhere, sand and frictions is a bad combination, Sarah. Also there are some parts that makes me laugh, for example Rowan gets turned on by Aelin’s earlobe. I’m not judging here, God knows everyone has their own kink, me included, but it’s just funny to imagine Rowan look at Aelin’s ears and has to reminded himself: MUST. NOT. BITE. IT. OMG. Also the part when they’re climaxed and their magic erupted. It’s funny because in Queen of Shadows one of many reasons they decided to delay screwing each other is because the walls are to thin and Aedion might heard them. Well, in EoS they literally created lightning and fire storm when they’re climaxed, not even an iron wall can hid that. Also, imagine when the war is over and both of them are back in Terrasen, and they do what bunnies do. The weather in Terrasen will be shitty as hell and I can just see Aedion stressed over this and finally crack and yell at both of them “COULD YOU GUYS PLEASE STOP HUMPING EACH OTHER SO WE CAN HAVE A NICE WEATHER FOR ONCE!?” LOL. And I realized that Sarah might named this after Rowaelin sex scene aftermath.

Though I like Rowaelin smut scene on the ship more than the beach scene, I have to say that I like the interaction and dialogue in the beach scene more. This is going to sound weird, but Sarah J. Maas wrote some of the most beautiful description of sexual intercourse. For example, my favorite:

“And though she could not remember her name, she remembered Rowan’s as she cried it while he kept moving...” “...and he groaned her name so that she remembered it at last.”

I’m sorry, but that’s one of the most beautiful narrative of sexual acts I have ever read.

Another thing that I like is how Rowaelin sex scenes is never just sexual, it’s laced with love. Like how Sarah repeatedly point out that no matter how feral Rowan is, he will always be gentle with Aelin, one of my favorite line is this:

“Rowan’s magic went wild, though his mouth on her neck was so careful, even as his canines dragged along her skin. And at the touch of those lethal teeth against her, the death hovered nearby, and the hands that would always be gentle with her, always love her––”

Rowan also won’t let Aelin’s claw marks on his back healed. Instead, he bathed with sea water, so the salt will hold the scar on his back. Because he’s so proud of himself that he can pleased her queen so well. Honestly though, Rowan Whitethorn will be the death of me. Not to mention Rowan (or maybe all of fae males) has this ability that makes Aelin said everyone should be so damn lucky if they have a fae lover. If there’s a real life breathing man with that kind of ability, their partner is indeed damn lucky. Dammit, Sarah, stop raising my unrealistically high standards in men!

b. Manorian smut

HAHAHAHAHA. OMG. I don’t know what to say about this. Dorian is a total Dom in bed. Like, shit, I know Dorian is notorious in bedding women, but daaaayyum. I can’t say much about Manorian smut scene except that it’s hot and kinky as hell. I’m so overwhelmed. Dorian’s priority of using his phantom-hand-magic is really great. Someone should make a t-shirt like this, “Dorian Havilliard: King in the Streets, Kink in the Sheets.”

What I really appreciated when Sarah wrote a smut is consent. Rowan asked Aelin to let him touch her first before he ate her out. Dorian asked Manon to say ‘yes’ and stated clearly that she’s willing to do this kinky stuff with him. Consent is a very important thing in sexual intercourse, being in the middle of sexual act doesn’t mean that you could do anything you want without your partner’s consent. So, I’m really glad that Sarah made her characters asked their partner first before doing some certain things.

VII. Parallels with ACOTAR/ACOMAF

There are some parallels between EoS and ACOTAR/ACOMAF, and honestly I like it. Like the fact that Fenrys can ‘winnow’. Fenrys cursed like Cassian and used ‘Mother’s tits’ as his curse words. And the ending is quite similar. But actually, it’s not, the same part is that both main pairing are separated by the end of both Empire of Storms and A Court of Mist and Fury. The difference is one pairing are married to each other, and the other one are not. I have wrote about it on my tumblr, and since this contain a huge ACOMAF spoiler, I won’t write it here. But, you could check it on my tumblr here. This differences is honestly what makes EoS ending hurts more than ACOMAF ending.

VIII. Thing that makes me drown in feels

A lot of things that are happened in this book made me cry. I’m overwhelmed with feels, thank you Sarah. And since this post is already to long, I will combine all of them in this sub category, here we go:

Aelin convinced Evangeline to stay in Terrasen with Fleetfoot, and Lysandra saying goodbye to Evangeline.

When Manon learned that Asterin will die she thought about how Asterin will never ride the winds again, Asterin will never soar on the back of her wyvern again. Then Manon thought about how she had spent a hundred years with Asterin, and how she used to think they’d have a hundred more.

Asterin asked Manon to bring her body back to the cabin.

Manon finally understand that she had not born without a heart and soul, because both of those things begged her not to swing her blade on Asterin.

The Thirteen stand before Manon when she’s about executed Asterin, and give her the gesture to honor a Witch-Queen.

Asterin ‘last words’ was for Manon to bring their people home.

Manon learned that she’s a Crochan Queen, and that her grandmother killed her parents, and made her killed her half sister.

Aedion, even after he put Gavriel on his place with such harsh words, still think that he’s not worthy enough to be Gavriel’s son because he was Adarlan’s whore.

Aedion realized that all of his life he never trully wanted something for himself, that he asked for so little.

Gavriel told them that Aedion’s mom (SARAH, GIVE HER A NAME) was ‘a bright star in centuries of darkness.’ And that he only left her because she asked him to. Gavriel would follow Aedion’s mom if she had let him, but she did not.

Aelin had a breakdown hen learned what ‘nameless is my price’ really meant, and she throw up and shut herself to Rowan again for a while.

Elide is prepared to die and chose to kill herself than to get taken again by Vernon.

Lorcan said that he will not break his promise to protect Elide. (I honestly started to like him more here, but then he crawled back to that evil bruja.)

Manon saying goodbye to Abraxos for a while, and said “You and me, from now until the Darkness claims us.”

Fenrys asked Rowan to killed him if Maeve give an order for him to kill Aelin. Because he idolize Aelin so much. #MakeFenrysAelinsCadre2k17

Fenrys said that he’s glad that he got to know what it feels like to really serve and protect as a part of Aelin’s court even for a while. #MakeFenrysAelinsCadre2k17

Aedion questioned Aelin’s war plans and capability.

Elide protecting Lorcan from Fenrys’ bite

Lorcan was willing to die as long as they healed Elide, and said that he want to go to Peranth with her. (BUT THEN YOU CRAWLED BACK TO MAEVE)

Aelin finally meets Elide, she apologized to Elide because her mother has sacrificed her life for Aelin, and she delivered Marion’s last words to Elide.

Manon mouthed ‘hope’ to Elide when they reunited again, and she saw that Elide has finally meet her queen.

Elide noticed that the Sword of Orynth was actually survived, and so does Aedion. And Aedion told her, it survived just as they are.

Elide told Aelin about Kaltain Rompier.

Rowan kneel before his cousins asking them to help Aelin’s cause instead and committed treason to Maeve

Aelin learned her fate and how she accepted it.

Aelin asked Elena to accompany her when the time for her to sacrificed herself come.

Elena told Aelin that she sent her to Wendlyn so she can meet her mate, and experienced that joy too, however briefly.

Aedion asked Lysandra to run from the battle, because he doesn’t want to see her die. And Lysandra kissed Aedion’s cheek and neck... as a ghost leopard.

Aelin willing to sacrifice herself for Elide

Elide said she will come with Aelin

Aelin told Elide to stay and to delivered her message to the rest of her court.

“Tell Aedion... tell him it is not his fault.” BECAUSE AELIN KNEW THAT AEDION WILL BLAME HIMSELF FOR THIS. FOR WHAT HE HAD QUESTIONED AELIN BEFORE.

“And tell Rowan that I’m sorry I lied. But tell him it was all borrowed time.”... “And tell him... tell him thank you––for walking that dark path with me back to the light”

Aelin said she glad she met Elide, and she’s proud to know her. And she thought that Marion would be proud of her too.

Elide won’t leave Aelin, and Manon had to slammed her unconscious so she can take her away.

Aelin bowed to Maeve to save Elide’s life

AELIN IS WHIPPED AGAIN AND PUT INTO AN IRON BOX AND FORCED TO WEAR AN IRON MASK.

Aelin did not think that they will try to save her. She just grateful that she had seen some small part of the world, glad that she had found Rowan.

“Where is Aelin.” “Where is my wife?” “Please.”

Manon APOLOGIZED that she couldn’t do anything to help Aelin, because she had to look neutral to save the two wydkeys.

Aedion realized that he was a fool for not trusting Aelin when he saw the army that Aelin has gathered.

Aelin so afraid that she will let them down, that’s why she told nobody about her plan and the army she try to gather. And she had made all of these plans for all of her friends but none for herself. MY PRECIOUS SELFLESS QUEEN.

THE FACT THAT ROWAN FINALLY KNEW THAT AELIN IS HIS REAL MATE AELIN IS TAKEN AWAY AND LOCKED IN THE DARK AGAIN.

“Bring her back, Prince. Bring her home.”

ROWAN, AFTER ALL OF HE HAS DONE STILL DOESN’T THINK THAT HE’S WORTHY ENOUGH. HE STILL ONLY SEE HIMSELF AS A PRINCE-CONSORT WHILE THE OTHERS SEE HIM AS A KING.

“PRINCE ROWAN WHITETHORN GALATHYNIUS, CONSORT OF THE QUEEN OF TERRASEN, BEGAN THE HUNT TO FIND HIS WIFE.”

VIII. THINGS THAT MAKES ME HAPPY AND LAUGH (BECAUSE WRITING THE PREVIOUS PART MAKES ME CRY SO HARD)

This book is the epitome of emotional roller-coaster. It made me laugh, and then cry and then laugh again, and then it give me endless pain. Now, let’s focus on the happy part:

“Fireheart-Buzzard” name calling.

Rowan shipping himself with Aelin. HARD.

Rowan’s pet name for Aelin: Fireheart, my heart, milady, my queen, and when they’re alone: “Princess.” Because he will always puts Aelin in a higher position than himself in front of others, but when they’re alone/in bed, he wants them to be equal.

Rowan’s develop a habbit of flicking Aelin’s nose

Aelin sleeps with Rowan shirt, Rowan sleep naked

Rowan and Aelin are so in love with each other, and so horny as well.

Rowan and Aelin unapologetic PDA.

“You are mine.” “I am yours.” “And you love me.” “To whatever end.” (Do you ever shed happy tears in the middle of smut scene? Because I do.)

In Queen of Shadows, Aelin said so many times that Rowan could make her and other females self-combusted just by looking at him. Well, now she really does self-combusted when Rowan bedded her. LOL.

Aelin teases Rowan about the noises he made when she ‘thank’ him.

Rowan teases Aelin back by promising a round 2 so he gets to hear what kind of noises Aelin would make, and Aelin almost walked into a doorpost.

LYSANDRA AS A SEA DRAGON! SLAY SLAY SLAY!

Rowan really try to keep his words in QoS when he said he’s going to kill Manon. The first time they meet again, he suck the air out of her throat. It’s bad, but it’s funny at the same time.

Aelin burning people from the inside into ashes! THAT IS SO COOL!

Aelin flirts with Rowan as Celaena, and Dorian was looking at both of them like “OMG. You should remember our priorities here, you horny bastards. Don’t you dare, don’t you... OMG.”

When Aelin teases Rolfe as Celaena by playing with his emeralds and it was told from Dorian’s point of view, and Dorian notice how thirsty Rowan is when he saw Aelin’s swagger. And Dorian feels uncomfortable enough so he averted his eyes.

Aelin and Lysandra basically didn’t give a shit about males bullshit.

Fenrys is so in awe about Aelin. My son has a little crush on my queen.

Aelin reunion with Ansel: “Hello, bitch.” “Hello, traitor.”

MANON BLACKBEAK BURST OUT LAUGHING.

Elide Lochan is smarter, and more cunning, and more Slytherin than Salazar himself.

Elide making Lorcan her bitch.

Fenrys, Aedion, and Aelin make a bet whether or not Rowan can shoot an ilken from a distance so far away. Aelin won the bet of course.

Aedion ‘proposing’ to Lysandra, “Princess Lysandra Ashryver really sounds nice.”

Aelin calling Gavriel Uncle Kitty Cat.

Aelin being a petty child because people notice that Manon is beautiful, and also because Dorian managed to solved the magic mirror riddle before she did. Ah, look at my lovely jealous petty baby.

Aedion don’t want to know anything about anyone sex life but he stuck in the middle of Aelin and Dorian when Aelin confronts Dorian about him and Manon.

Aedion want to suggest Aelin to wear scarf because the mark that Rowan left is too visible

Rowan promised Aelin that after the war is over he will take her to the nicest inn in the continent with the fluffiest bed, the best tasting foods, and a bath big enough for two, and they will have a staycation there.

Dorian Havilliard grumbled when people wakes him up in the morning. (Same, Dorian. Same.)

“Careful Aedion, I bite.” “Good thing I know how to make woman purr.” (What makes it more funny is I imagine Lysandra would purr to him in her Ghost Leopard forms)

Aelin vs. Manon vs. Lorcan custody battle over Elide.

Abraxos, Rowan and Lysandra become Manorian shipper.

Aelin and Manon teasing on the idea of traditionally fighting each other for the second time and make Rowan winced at that behind them.

Aelin, Manon, and Lysandra constantly scaring everyone on the boats, mostly males.

Aelin reunited with Kasida.

Aelin’s letter to Galan Ashryver.

And the most important thing: ROWAN WON’T ACCEPT AELIN’S FATE AND HE WILL DO ANYTHING IN HIS POWER TO SAVE AELIN FROM THEIR CRAZY AUNT AND ALL THE RUTTING GODS.

Okay, I guess I have write all my opinion on this book. I feel like I still miss some parts, but this post is already long enough. I need to stop. In short, this book is probably the best/worst emotional roller coaster I’ve ride this year (we still have two months left in 2016, so who knows?) This book crushed me, I never thought I could be so emotional devastated. I have three asthma attack, I spent days crying, I have some of my worst migraine, I could never listen to Coldplay’s “Fix You” without bawling, and all of these are courtesy of this book. In conclusion, one does not deal with Sarah J. Maas’ writings, one survived it. Barely.