In Empire of Storms, these characters drive the narrative around themes of ambition, loyalty, and redemption.

World-building

Empire of Storms by Sarah J. Maas creates a detailed world centered on the continent of Erilea, which includes various kingdoms with distinct cultures and political systems. The story follows Aelin's journey through diverse landscapes, including the forests of Oakwald and Skull’s Bay, which feature pirates and the Little Folk.

The world-building in Empire of Storms includes a complex magic system integral to the storyline. Characters like Aelin and Dorian deal with their elemental powers and face threats from the Valg and their dark magic. Sea dragons and wyverns add to the fantasy elements.

Maas constructs a fantasy setting that combines vivid environments and mystical components, allowing for an immersive experience.

Themes

Power and leadership

Empire of Storms explores power through magic and political strategies as Aelin seeks her throne. Aelin faces leadership challenges, building alliances and managing conflicts to protect her kingdom. She emphasizes visionary leadership and responsibility with her remark, “The world will be saved and remade by the dreamers, Rolfe.”

Loyalty and betrayal

Loyalty and betrayal drive the narrative, as characters grapple with allegiance. Aelin's secrecy strains bonds with allies such as Aedion and Lysandra. Past betrayals, like Lorcan’s ties to Maeve, enhance tension and highlight the fragility of trust in personal and political realms.

Sacrifice

Sacrifice is central, with Aelin considering self-sacrifice to forge the Lock. This theme underscores a key message: significant personal loss is often necessary for victory. Aelin's contemplation of sacrifice highlights the emotional and strategic significance of her decisions.

Love and redemption

Romantic and platonic relationships promote character development as individuals face adversity. Aelin and Rowan's relationship illustrates love's redemptive and strengthening effects. Their shared experiences show love’s potential to enable healing and growth amid challenges.

Political intrigue

In Empire of Storms, Sarah J. Maas presents a tale of political maneuvering, featuring tenuous yet essential alliances. Aelin Galathynius faces political obstacles when Terrasen’s lords deny her claim to the throne and insist she build a court and explore marriage alliances. This indicates the complex power struggles Aelin navigates in her quest for legitimacy.

Meanwhile, Manon Blackbeak challenges clan loyalty by opposing her grandmother. This demonstrates the political dynamics among the Ironteeth witches. Dorian forms unpredicted alliances, including one with Manon, showing interconnected paths driven by power. Lysandra uses shapeshifting to assist Aelin in strategic deceptions against threats like Maeve and Erawan. The political landscape, with its dynamic allegiances and concealed agendas, underscores the ongoing power struggle where alliances carry the risk of betrayal.

Quick facts

• Empire of Storms is the fifth book in the Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas, published on September 6, 2016.

• The book marks a genre shift from Young Adult to New Adult, featuring more explicit and mature content.

• The story directly continues after the events of Queen of Shadows.

• Character development is prominent, especially for Aelin, Manon, Lysandra, Elide, and Lorcan.

• The book contains 75 chapters and immediately starts with action and suspense.

• The narrative includes multiple perspectives, offering diverse views from characters like Aelin, Rowan, Manon, Elide, and Dorian.

• Manon Blackbeak is revealed as the Queen of the Crochans and experiences significant character growth and shifts in allegiance.

• Aelin secretly marries Rowan and strategically gathers allies to reclaim her throne and confront rising threats.

• Lysandra transforms into a sea dragon symbolizing hope and showcasing her abilities.

• Empire of Storms was nominated for Best Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction at the 2016 Goodreads Choice Awards.

• In 2024, the book was banned from Utah public schools for containing sensitive material.

• The novel ends with a dramatic cliffhanger, with Aelin captured, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the series finale.

About the author

Sarah J. Maas is a prominent figure in the young adult fantasy genre. She began her career with the Throne of Glass series. Her work features world-building and complex characters. She often creates intricate plots with diverse protagonists and antagonists. Her A Court of Thorns and Roses series incorporates fairy-tale elements with mature themes. Maas explores various themes and has gained critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.