Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5)

Author: Sarah J. Maas
Pages: 689
Overall: 5/5
Setting: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Plot and Themes: 5/5
Cheers Factor: 5/5
Pairing: Unwitting Pawn

Let me tell you, this drink packs a huge punch. It hits just about as hard as this book did and it’s perfect for all the crying you will do. I think everyone at the end of this book deserves at least 1-5 of these bad boys.

This is a brutal one and definitely not a cocktail and it’s the first of it’s kind here at cheers. I’m sure this book feels great about itself in the fact that it is the one bestowed the honor of being the first shot on here. 

“She’d been in love with him for a while now. Longer than she wanted to admit.”

Ingredients
-1 oz St. Germain
-1 oz limoncello
-prosecco
-frozen raspberries


Instructions
-Combine all liquid ingredients in a coupe glass
-Skewer 2-3 raspberries on a cocktail skewer and add to glass
-Enjoy responsibly

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“Love had broken a perfect killing tool.”

Take a Shot: The King of Adarlan is dead and Erawan is rising and rallying his forces in hopes to snuff out both Aelin and Dorian and anyone who would fight with or for them. This fast paced novel follows our beloved cast of characters as they race against time to gather the necessary tools, allies and resources to finally face the evil Valg King Erawan once and for all. Full of plot twists and heartbreak this one is sure to have you rushing to grab the final two novels.

“‘One of us has to live, Dorian.’”

Setting
WE FINALLY GET TO SEE TERRASEN. Okay well part of it and that’s enough for me for now. We also finally get to see a lot of the parts of the world that are hinted at or mentioned throughout so much of the series. We get Skull’s Bay, which arguably yes we have already seen in Assassin’s Blade, but it feels different now somewhat better because we are there for a very different reason this go around. We also get to see Eyllwe which is all kinds of emotions swirling in one. I love the traveling nature of this book because the setting informs so much of the plot and that keeps things ridiculously interesting.

“‘It is not such a hard thing, is it - to die for your friends.’”

Characters
This book is so full of characters scheming and it’s wonderful. It’s hard to talk about this without giving away spoilers because this novel is explosive and magnificent, but the characters all really guard secrets and act like a court more than ever and that’s a magical thing. We start to finally see the bonds the characters have with each other and their willingness to sacrifice so much for each other and the cause. While I always gush about the characters, their friendships and bonds in this novel are what have brought me humbly to my knees.

“‘I wanted to go to Perranth with you.’”

Plots and Themes
Sarah is a GENIUS. I don’t know if I would have guessed all that is revealed in this book, particularly some major plot points. Obviously the second time around I was rewarded with all the nuances of the plot that quite plainly spell out what is going to happen, but all I can say is damn. This book, to this day, is still one of the best books I’ve ever read. I don’t say that lightly and I don’t say it without conviction. I love the manner that the plot is slowly unfolded and revealed and not in the way a cheesy mystery novel is. Information is given when it is purposeful and necessary which makes the ending work so well for it. The plot of this novel is truly the shining star and I think it’s the strongest plot wise of the entire series to be honest. I know long after my first read I would discuss the plot of this novel with friends constantly. It’s by far one of the best crafted fantasy plots I’ve seen in a while.

“‘None of you are being taken prisoner.’ Aelin growled.”

Overall
I just love this book. Even on my second read I cried at all the same parts and laughed at the same ones. The inevitable end really gets you in a tizzy because it is tough and hurts. It really does. I do think this is the best book of the series thus far. Truly Heir of Fire is great, but this one really comes for your throat with iron nails (haha see what I did there? iykyk). I would recommend this series to anyone if only so they could read the series until this book. And at that rate they will obviously finish it because the cliff hanger will make you.

Too Strong: How many times must we tell all the characters they are not expendable? One or a hundred more times might be necessary, but it’s aggravating (in a good way?)
Reasons to Raise a Glass: CLEVER PLOTS - I absolutely and unequivocally love clever plots. I love feeling rewarded for paying attention and this book does just that. I cannot tell you my astonishment in the manner of weaving that was done with this story. I just can’t and you have to read it so we can sit in awe together.

“'Bring her home.'”

Beware spoilers ahead. Read on/click read more at your own risk.

“Aelin Galathynius had raised an army not just to challenge Morath…but to rattle the stars.”

    I cry every time I think about Aelin getting into that coffin. I don’t say that lightly because I actually mean it. The characters feel like my friends and Aelin feels like a bit of me. I did indeed dress up as her for Halloween per the request of a dear friend, because well truly I am Aelin. I don’t mean to hype myself up, but I relate to her deeply and that I think is why her sacrifice hit me so deeply. 
I also get very sad about the stress that Aelin getting captured puts on the characters. The way that Aedion changes towards Lysandra for doing what was asked of her. The way Elide hates Lorcan (and I get it cause why the HELL WAS HE CRAWLING), but I still loved them a little. And then when everyone shows up on the beach and is there for Aelin and she isn’t even fucking there. I do like the way Aedion feels bad about the whole “where are they? Where is our army?” comment because he’s a jerk for part of this book and that does not stop for a beat sadly.

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“‘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 bored 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.’”


    If you have paid attention in the books leading up to this, her sacrifice is less than surprising, but still hurts nonetheless. You can note even back in HoF Aelin says “I’m the expendable one Rowan”. Like cut out my heart right now why don’t you? I can’t begin to tell you the number of quotes I have noted from this book that are similar to that line and essentially, if you were paying attention, led you to think she would sacrifice herself in more ways than one. I don’t know if I have much more to write on the subject even though I do, but my thoughts in regards to the novel A) feel easier to express when speaking and B) it feels too close to the cuff to express everything that I feel. My notebook has many notes in regards to this title and I don’t know if I truly want to share them with anyone just yet.

“And Elide thought the impact of Aelin Galathynius’s knees hitting the sand might have been the most horrible sound she’d ever heard.”