Search Jump: Comments
    Chapter Index
    Back to Story
    Cover of Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass)
    Adventure FictionFantasyFantasyFictionRomance NovelYoung Adult

    Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass)

    by Maas, Sarah J.
    “Empire of Storms” is the fifth installment in Sarah J. Maas’s “Throne of Glass” series, following Aelin Galathynius’s journey toward the throne amid war and political upheaval. The novel explores themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and power as alliances are tested, secrets revealed, and characters face their destinies. It sets the stage for an epic confrontation with dark forces, emphasizing the high stakes of leadership and heroism.
    PreviousNext
    Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass)

    Chapter 60

    by Maas, Sarah J.

    In this chap­ter, Aelin and Ansel share a moment of cama­raderie over wine in the gal­ley, prepar­ing for their immi­nent voy­age back to Ter­rasen. The scene is infused with a mix of lev­i­ty and under­ly­ing ten­sion, as Aelin reflects her desire to under­take her mis­sion inde­pen­dent­ly, despite the con­cerns of her allies. The chap­ter high­lights her deter­mi­na­tion to reclaim her home­land and the sac­ri­fices involved, empha­siz­ing her resolve to act swift­ly and deci­sive­ly in the face of mount­ing threats. The cama­raderie among the char­ac­ters reveals their com­plex rela­tion­ships, blend­ing humor, loy­al­ty, and unspo­ken wor­ries about the dan­ger­ous road ahead.

    The nar­ra­tive delves into polit­i­cal and mil­i­tary strate­giz­ing, with Ansel reveal­ing cru­cial intel­li­gence about Melisande’s defens­es and her own plans to gath­er more forces. Aelin’s request for more men leads her to seek out the lost Crochan witch­es, hint­ing at their poten­tial impor­tance in the ongo­ing war. The chap­ter explores themes of trust, pow­er, and the del­i­cate bal­ance of alliances, as Aelin nav­i­gates her author­i­ty and the frag­ile loy­al­ties of her allies. Manon’s reac­tion to promis­es made by Aelin under­scores the ten­sion between per­son­al loy­al­ty and polit­i­cal promis­es, illus­trat­ing the com­plex dynam­ics among the witch­es and oth­er fac­tions.

    Fur­ther, the chap­ter explores the his­to­ry and strug­gles of the Crochan witch­es, with Aelin con­tem­plat­ing their pos­si­ble involve­ment and the sig­nif­i­cance of their queen’s sum­mons. Aelin’s strate­gic mind­set aims to desta­bi­lize Erawan’s influ­ence by sow­ing chaos in Melisande’s ter­ri­to­ry, while also prepar­ing her forces for the larg­er con­flict loom­ing on the hori­zon. Ansel’s will­ing­ness to ven­ture north and her per­son­al con­nec­tion to her home­land add depth to her char­ac­ter, empha­siz­ing her loy­al­ty and the sac­ri­fices she’s made. The nar­ra­tive under­scores the impor­tance of clan­des­tine oper­a­tions and intel­li­gence in shap­ing the broad­er war effort.

    In the clos­ing moments, the chap­ter shifts to a poignant reflec­tion on Ansel’s past strug­gles and her efforts to sur­vive against all odds. Her his­to­ry of fight­ing for her throne and her deter­mi­na­tion to res­cue Aelin from Endovi­er reveal her resilience and unwa­ver­ing loy­al­ty. The chap­ter ends on an emo­tion­al note, with Aelin acknowl­edg­ing Ansel’s sac­ri­fice and their shared under­stand­ing of the sac­ri­fices nec­es­sary for their cause. This lay­ered nar­ra­tive weaves togeth­er themes of friend­ship, betray­al, strat­e­gy, and per­se­ver­ance, set­ting the stage for the intense con­flicts to come.

    Down­load Free PDF

    FAQs

    • 1. Question 1

      What are Aelin and her allies planning to do with the Crochan witches, and what strategic importance does this hold in their broader campaign?
      Answer:
      Aelin is instructing Ansel to find the lost Crochan witches, who are in hiding but potentially possess significant numbers and power. She promises to share control of the Wastes with them if they prove to be better than their Matrons, offering land in Briarcliff and the South. This strategy aims to rally more forces and leverage the witches’ strength, which could be crucial in their fight against Erawan and his forces. By doing so, Aelin seeks to expand her army, gain allies with powerful magic, and strengthen her position for the upcoming battles, emphasizing the importance of uniting different factions for a collective victory.

      2. Question 2

      How does Ansel’s background and her previous actions reflect her character and her relationship with Aelin?
      Answer:
      Ansel’s background as a fierce, resourceful leader who once fought her way onto the throne and her willingness to return to aid Aelin highlight her resilience and loyalty. Her past actions—such as fighting Loch, defending her throne, and attempting to rescue Aelin from Endovier—show her determination and sense of honor. Her conversation with Aelin reveals a deep mutual respect, as Aelin recognizes Ansel as her mirror, acknowledging her bravery and strategic mind. Their exchange underscores a relationship built on shared hardships, mutual trust, and a common goal to oppose Erawan, despite past differences or distances.

      3. Question 3

      Discuss the significance of the political and military alliances hinted at in this chapter, particularly in relation to Melisande, Manon, and the Crochan witches.
      Answer:
      The chapter hints at complex political alliances and conflicts. Melisande’s reluctance to admit her forces lacked Morath-bred horrors and her alliance with Erawan suggest her questionable loyalty and the moral ambiguity of her leadership. Manon’s fierce protectiveness of her homeland and her initial resistance to promises made by Aelin reflect the fragile nature of alliances. The Crochan witches, believed to be almost extinct, represent a potential powerful ally if they are found and persuaded to join the fight. These relationships emphasize the importance of alliances based on trust, shared interests, and strategic necessity, illustrating how political and military considerations intertwine in shaping the broader conflict.

      4. Question 4

      What does Ansel’s recounting of her journey to aid Aelin, and her feelings about her past actions, reveal about her character and her motivations?
      Answer:
      Ansel’s recounting of her journey—her fight against Lord Loch, her decision to stay to defend her throne, and her attempt to rescue Aelin—reveals her as a loyal and courageous leader driven by a strong sense of duty and honor. Her feelings of regret and admiration toward Aelin, especially when she notes Aelin’s sacrifice and her own inability to reach Rifthold, highlight her personal sense of guilt and longing. Her words reflect a character motivated by loyalty, a desire to right past wrongs, and a deep respect for Aelin’s resilience. Her willingness to return and assist underscores her commitment to the broader cause and her recognition of Aelin as a kindred spirit.

      5. Question 5

      How does the chapter explore themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and leadership through the interactions and decisions of the characters?
      Answer:
      The chapter vividly portrays loyalty through Ansel’s dedication to Aelin and her willingness to risk her life for her friend’s cause. Sacrifice is evident in Ansel’s recounting of her efforts to fight for her throne and her attempt to rescue Aelin, emphasizing the personal costs of leadership and loyalty. Aelin’s strategic decisions, such as seeking out the Crochan witches and rallying allies, demonstrate her leadership and her willingness to make difficult choices for the greater good. The characters’ interactions—Manon’s defensiveness, Lysandra’s playful support, and Aelin’s commanding presence—highlight the complex interplay of loyalty and sacrifice that underpin their leadership in the ongoing war, emphasizing that true leadership often involves personal risk and unwavering commitment.

    Quotes

    • 1. “Here’s to dramatic entrances.”

      This playful toast captures Aelin’s bold personality and her love for surprising others, setting the tone for her strategic yet flamboyant approach to leadership and warfare. It highlights her confidence and penchant for theatrics, which are central to her character in this chapter.

      2. “You want me to find me the lost Crochan witches… They might have significant numbers. Promise to share the Wastes with them.”

      This quote underscores Aelin’s strategic focus on rallying hidden allies and her willingness to make bold promises to secure crucial support. It reflects the chapter’s theme of alliance-building and the importance of uniting disparate forces against a common foe.

      3. “They’d see about that. Aelin laid a hand flat on the table. ‘Send anything and anyone you find north,’ she said to Ansel. ‘Sacking Melisande’s capital on the sly will at least piss off Erawan, but we don’t want to be stuck down here when Terrasen is attacked.’”

      This passage emphasizes Aelin’s pragmatic and forward-thinking leadership, prioritizing actions that weaken the enemy while safeguarding her homeland. It encapsulates her tactical mindset and the urgency of her plans.

      4. “There was not one hour that I did not think about what I did in the desert. How you fired that arrow after twenty-one minutes. You told me twenty, that you’d shoot even if I wasn’t out of range. I was counting; I knew how many it had been. You gave me an extra minute.”

      This intimate reflection reveals the deep connection and understanding between Aelin and Ansel, highlighting themes of sacrifice, trust, and shared resilience. It is a powerful moment that adds emotional depth to the chapter.

      5. “If you and your people prove to be better than your Matrons, there will be a place for you in that land, too.”

      This statement signifies Aelin’s hope for redemption and integration for the Ironteeth witches, emphasizing her belief in potential change and the possibility of a better future through merit and strength. It encapsulates the chapter’s underlying message of hope amidst conflict.

    Quotes

    1. “Here’s to dramatic entrances.”

    This playful toast captures Aelin’s bold personality and her love for surprising others, setting the tone for her strategic yet flamboyant approach to leadership and warfare. It highlights her confidence and penchant for theatrics, which are central to her character in this chapter.

    2. “You want me to find me the lost Crochan witches… They might have significant numbers. Promise to share the Wastes with them.”

    This quote underscores Aelin’s strategic focus on rallying hidden allies and her willingness to make bold promises to secure crucial support. It reflects the chapter’s theme of alliance-building and the importance of uniting disparate forces against a common foe.

    3. “They’d see about that. Aelin laid a hand flat on the table. ‘Send anything and anyone you find north,’ she said to Ansel. ‘Sacking Melisande’s capital on the sly will at least piss off Erawan, but we don’t want to be stuck down here when Terrasen is attacked.’”

    This passage emphasizes Aelin’s pragmatic and forward-thinking leadership, prioritizing actions that weaken the enemy while safeguarding her homeland. It encapsulates her tactical mindset and the urgency of her plans.

    4. “There was not one hour that I did not think about what I did in the desert. How you fired that arrow after twenty-one minutes. You told me twenty, that you’d shoot even if I wasn’t out of range. I was counting; I knew how many it had been. You gave me an extra minute.”

    This intimate reflection reveals the deep connection and understanding between Aelin and Ansel, highlighting themes of sacrifice, trust, and shared resilience. It is a powerful moment that adds emotional depth to the chapter.

    5. “If you and your people prove to be better than your Matrons, there will be a place for you in that land, too.”

    This statement signifies Aelin’s hope for redemption and integration for the Ironteeth witches, emphasizing her belief in potential change and the possibility of a better future through merit and strength. It encapsulates the chapter’s underlying message of hope amidst conflict.

    FAQs

    1. Question 1

    What are Aelin and her allies planning to do with the Crochan witches, and what strategic importance does this hold in their broader campaign?
    Answer:
    Aelin is instructing Ansel to find the lost Crochan witches, who are in hiding but potentially possess significant numbers and power. She promises to share control of the Wastes with them if they prove to be better than their Matrons, offering land in Briarcliff and the South. This strategy aims to rally more forces and leverage the witches’ strength, which could be crucial in their fight against Erawan and his forces. By doing so, Aelin seeks to expand her army, gain allies with powerful magic, and strengthen her position for the upcoming battles, emphasizing the importance of uniting different factions for a collective victory.

    2. Question 2

    How does Ansel’s background and her previous actions reflect her character and her relationship with Aelin?
    Answer:
    Ansel’s background as a fierce, resourceful leader who once fought her way onto the throne and her willingness to return to aid Aelin highlight her resilience and loyalty. Her past actions—such as fighting Loch, defending her throne, and attempting to rescue Aelin from Endovier—show her determination and sense of honor. Her conversation with Aelin reveals a deep mutual respect, as Aelin recognizes Ansel as her mirror, acknowledging her bravery and strategic mind. Their exchange underscores a relationship built on shared hardships, mutual trust, and a common goal to oppose Erawan, despite past differences or distances.

    3. Question 3

    Discuss the significance of the political and military alliances hinted at in this chapter, particularly in relation to Melisande, Manon, and the Crochan witches.
    Answer:
    The chapter hints at complex political alliances and conflicts. Melisande’s reluctance to admit her forces lacked Morath-bred horrors and her alliance with Erawan suggest her questionable loyalty and the moral ambiguity of her leadership. Manon’s fierce protectiveness of her homeland and her initial resistance to promises made by Aelin reflect the fragile nature of alliances. The Crochan witches, believed to be almost extinct, represent a potential powerful ally if they are found and persuaded to join the fight. These relationships emphasize the importance of alliances based on trust, shared interests, and strategic necessity, illustrating how political and military considerations intertwine in shaping the broader conflict.

    4. Question 4

    What does Ansel’s recounting of her journey to aid Aelin, and her feelings about her past actions, reveal about her character and her motivations?
    Answer:
    Ansel’s recounting of her journey—her fight against Lord Loch, her decision to stay to defend her throne, and her attempt to rescue Aelin—reveals her as a loyal and courageous leader driven by a strong sense of duty and honor. Her feelings of regret and admiration toward Aelin, especially when she notes Aelin’s sacrifice and her own inability to reach Rifthold, highlight her personal sense of guilt and longing. Her words reflect a character motivated by loyalty, a desire to right past wrongs, and a deep respect for Aelin’s resilience. Her willingness to return and assist underscores her commitment to the broader cause and her recognition of Aelin as a kindred spirit.

    5. Question 5

    How does the chapter explore themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and leadership through the interactions and decisions of the characters?
    Answer:
    The chapter vividly portrays loyalty through Ansel’s dedication to Aelin and her willingness to risk her life for her friend’s cause. Sacrifice is evident in Ansel’s recounting of her efforts to fight for her throne and her attempt to rescue Aelin, emphasizing the personal costs of leadership and loyalty. Aelin’s strategic decisions, such as seeking out the Crochan witches and rallying allies, demonstrate her leadership and her willingness to make difficult choices for the greater good. The characters’ interactions—Manon’s defensiveness, Lysandra’s playful support, and Aelin’s commanding presence—highlight the complex interplay of loyalty and sacrifice that underpin their leadership in the ongoing war, emphasizing that true leadership often involves personal risk and unwavering commitment.

    Note