Readalong Week 1

[Sanam (nerdishfeels)]

Hey guys! So this is where we will be discussing our thoughts on chapters for this week. But first, I want to explain our reading arrangement. Every week, we will be reading 10 chapters (roughly 2 chapters a day) and then at the end of the week (Sunday), we will discuss our thoughts so far on those chapters.

If you have read the set chapters and have time until our discussion, you can read ahead but please keep in mind that we will be discussing ONLY the chapters we have been set to read as no one likes to be spoiled, right?

So for this week, we will be reading and discussing chapters 1-10.

Any questions? If not, then happy reading! :)

[Cat]

sounds good :D

[Sanam (nerdishfeels)]

Hey guys! It's time to discuss what we read so far! I'll start off with what I thought:

So, first, I really liked how we had like a prologue in the beginning showing the moment when Elena and Gavin have to face Erawan. I felt this was needed anyway since it was revealed in queen of shadows that they didn't kill Erawan but trapped him. I liked seeing Elena and Gavin's relationship and how much they cared about each other (I'm a sucker for romance so yeah lol).

It was nice being reunited with the characters and seeing Lysandra stay in her ghost leopard form for a bit. I've already come across someone I don't like and it is that Lord Darrow guy. It's kinda funny how he's come out of nowhere and is suddenly calling the shots. Even though I thought Aelin would have just taken up her throne, it was understandable why the people of terrasen are sceptical about her being queen (though Lord Darrow was really harsh, especially with lysandra). Now that we know Aelin has to gather allies, I do hope she seeks the silent assassin's help.

Also, Rifthold gets attacked by the witches. I'm glad nothing happened to Dorian and that Manon and Rowan saved him :)

It was also interesting to see Lorcan and Elide meeting up and interacting. I can feel a relationship brewing between them. That's a pairing I didn't see coming lol. But I'm looking forward to seeing their relationship develop.

So that's what I mainly found interesting from what I read. What are your first impressions of Empire of storms? :D

[Cat]

so, here's what I thought:

1. was very confused with the first chapter with Aelin and Rowan because I don't think I really comprehended how magic worked in that world until then. example, I didn't knew people had somewhat the same abilities but one special power/affinity with an element (Aelin, fire; Rowan, wind; Dorian, ice). it took me a while to understand how Aelin was playing with the water

2. already feel like this book is going to be way more filled with politics than I would like

3. not really feeling the need for everyone to have a (straight) relationship. not sure why Elide and Lorcan had to be paired together, since Elide and Manon CLEARLY had some kind of chemistry going on in QoS. it feels forced to me and I'm -50 interested in that relationship. but I guess my disliking for Lorcan isn't really helping on his case either

4. do all Aelin/Rowan chapters have to have them proclame their love for each other as the most ardent and strong love in all literature's history? urgh

as you can see, I'm not really convinced by the book so far. it's taking me forever to read it and, more worrying, enjoying it

[Sanam (nerdishfeels)]

I almost forgot about that 'hello witching' part so thanks Amanda for reminding me lol. I'm glad Dorian is getting his sense of humour back considering what he's been through. Even though we have seen some interaction between Manon and Dorian, I can't really see them as an item.

I guess Aelin's court are a dysfunctional family in a sense lol, but I love seeing how close they are.

I was actually surprised that Lorcan helped Elide but I loved how she saved herself by acting like Manon towards those creepy ilken. It made me really like Elide's character. I agree with what you said, Cat, about their pairing. That's why I was surprised because I thought maybe Manon and Elide's relationship was going to develop. However, I don't mind because I feel like Manon is trying to come to terms with her emotions and it may have been unrealistic if she was thrust into a relationship. But that doesn't mean I don't want her to be in a relationship in the future lol :D

I also agree about Aelin and Rowan. At the moment, I feel like I'm slightly more interested in other pairings rather than theirs which could be because of their sexual tension. I still love them but I want to see less of the sexual tension which is probably not going to happen.

I understand what you mean about the powers too. I think the water power is from her mother or father's side (can't remember) but a bit more explanation into how she can use both contrasting powers would be good. Maybe more of Aelin mastering her water power would be good too. I always forget she can use her water power because there is always mention of her fire lol.

Thank you guys for your comments! It's nice to see varying opinions of the book. Makes it interesting :)