Empire of Storms

Aelin reaches Terrasen, but its lords refuse to crown her. She goes looking for allies, like the pirate Rolfe, while Erawan gathers his armies. Dorian travels with Manon, who learns she is half Crochan and heir to that crown. Elide and Lorcan follow the trail of the Wyrdkeys. In a vision, Aelin learns that Elena and Brannon shaped her fate: she must forge a new Lock to seal the keys, and it will cost her life. Rowan reveals the two of them were secretly married. In the final battle, Queen Maeve arrives, captures Elide and demands Aelin in exchange. Aelin gives herself up, is whipped and locked in an iron coffin. Lysandra starts posing as Aelin, and Rowan and their friends set out to find her.

1. Behind the scenesStopping to cry

   Maas said some scenes hit her so hard she had to stop writing and go cry for a few minutes. She writes in story order so she feels what her characters feel.

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2. Behind the scenesEpic music, blasting

   Maas blasted a lot of epic music while writing this book. She called the process equal parts fun and devastating.

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3. Behind the scenesBanned in Utah schools

   In 2024, this was one of 13 books removed from every public school in Utah over content deemed sensitive.

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4. ReferenceYou can read it alongside the next one

   Tower of Dawn takes place at the same time as this book. That's why there are tandem-read guides that alternate chapters from both. On a first read, it's simplest to read one after the other.

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