Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas

Throne of glass bk 5. Bloomsbury, 2016. ISBN 9781408872895
(Age: Adult - Older teen) Empire of Storms is the fifth instalment within the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas and with it comes an in-depth and detailed world written with realism and complexity that is the broad setting of Maas's realistic and relatable characters. With the world in chaos and the threat of the Dark King's army set upon them, it is up to Aelin and her unique and powerful court-come-companions to stop the menace of this evil. This threat makes Aelin slowly consider and understand what she is willing to sacrifice to save her people from disaster as she attempts to heal old wounds and bond the land she is attempting to save, uniting a kingdom while under the threat of destruction.
Empire of Storms is well written and a pleasure to read for those whom have also enjoyed fantasies and epics about kingdoms and heroics, each character is unique and their personalities and histories run deep within the book. The Throne of Glass series is aimed for an adult audience due to themes such as violence, fantasy and romance that are blended within Empire of Storms. The world itself is given meaning with elaborate detail to locations and their significance throughout the book, providing the reader with a sense of reality and connection as they progress with Aelin's journey to stop the malevolent Dark King. Overall, this is the type of book that readers can get lost in and can enjoy accompanying the characters throughout their vital decisions, actions, and expeditions as they fight for what they believe in and for those they love.
Sarah Filkin