“The Ultimate Tandem Reading Experience: Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn”
Let’s be real for a second—reading is a journey. Sometimes it’s an epic quest through magical realms, other times it’s a more intimate exploration of characters’ souls. But, when it comes to Sarah J. Maas’ Throne of Glass series, it’s both. And when you dive into Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn at the same time—tandem reading, if you will—it’s like strapping yourself into a rollercoaster that spans multiple worlds, galaxies, and dimensions, all while balancing emotions so high they’re practically touching the clouds.
For anyone unfamiliar with the Throne of Glass series, Maas has built a world so intricate, it’s hard to separate one book from the other. And that’s why we’re here today—to discuss the unique experience of reading Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn side by side. You might be wondering, “Why on earth would anyone do this?” Well, I’m here to tell you why you absolutely should—and how it might just be the most magical reading experience of your life.
Let’s break it down, shall we?
First, What Is Tandem Reading?
Tandem reading is when you read two books from the same series at the same time, alternating between them chapter by chapter. It’s like having two desserts at once—one bite of this, one bite of that. Sounds indulgent, right? And it is. But it’s also a brilliant way to experience Maas’ intricate storytelling in full.
In the case of Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn, the timeline is happening simultaneously. Both books take place during the same period, but the narrative focuses on two very different sets of characters, which gives you the opportunity to dive deeper into the lives of two vastly different groups of people, all while still feeling the pull of their interconnected fates.
But why specifically should you tandem read Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn? Well, let’s get into it.
Empire of Storms vs. Tower of Dawn: A Quick Comparison
Empire of Storms is all about our fierce, determined, and slightly reckless heroine, Aelin Galathynius, as she assembles her army and builds alliances to take down an evil empire. The stakes are high. The emotions are intense. There’s fighting, scheming, magic, and everything in between. The cliffhangers are brutal, the twists are gut-wrenching, and Maas’ signature romantic tension is dialed up to an 11.
On the flip side, Tower of Dawn focuses on Chaol Westfall’s journey to Antica for healing. After the events in Queen of Shadows, Chaol is physically and emotionally scarred, and his journey in Tower of Dawn is one of personal growth, healing, and redemption. This book may seem slower-paced compared to Empire of Storms, but trust me, it packs its own emotional punch. There’s a sense of building up to something—both in terms of personal growth for Chaol and setting the stage for what’s to come in the series.
Here’s where the magic happens when you tandem read: Empire of Storms is bursting with action and drama, while Tower of Dawn is a quieter, introspective exploration of the characters. By switching between the two, you get the best of both worlds—adrenaline-pumping excitement and deep, character-driven development.
Why You Should Tandem Read Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn
- The Timing is Perfect The timing in both books overlaps. While Aelin and her crew are plotting world domination in Empire of Storms, Chaol is struggling to heal in Tower of Dawn. If you read both books at the same time, you’re getting the full picture. You don’t have to wait for Empire of Storms to finish before moving on to Tower of Dawn—they’re happening in parallel. So, why not experience both worlds simultaneously?
- The Character Development Aelin is fierce, but Chaol is more measured. In Empire of Storms, you get to see Aelin at her absolute peak of power, but Chaol, in Tower of Dawn, is at one of his lowest points. Watching his emotional and physical healing process is incredibly rewarding. If you just read Empire of Storms, you’d miss out on his transformation, and trust me, it’s one that changes the entire dynamic of the story moving forward. By alternating between these two, you’re giving yourself the best possible view of both characters’ arcs.
- The Stakes Are Raised One of the best parts of tandem reading is the suspense. In Empire of Storms, you’re riding high with battles and betrayals, and then—boom—you switch to Tower of Dawn, which is slower, but no less tense. The beauty of reading these books together is the way they interweave the stakes. While Aelin’s world is on the brink of war, Chaol’s journey is just as important, even if it doesn’t have the same explosive action. When you see the quiet tension building in Tower of Dawn alongside the fast-paced drama of Empire of Storms, the stakes feel so much higher.
- The Emotional Rollercoaster If you’re looking for an emotional journey, this is the one. Empire of Storms is filled with battles, love, loss, and tension, and it’ll have you clutching your heart by every other page. But Tower of Dawn? It’s a whole different kind of emotional depth. Watching Chaol struggle with his internal demons and physical limitations, and then slowly build toward something better, will have you crying in a whole new way. So why not give your heart a workout and read both books at once? Just be prepared to have your heart shattered and put back together.
- The Worldbuilding Sarah J. Maas is a world-building goddess. Both Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn delve deep into different parts of her expansive world. Empire of Storms brings us back to Aelin’s kingdom, dealing with the complexities of the empire, the sea, and alliances. Tower of Dawn takes you to the Eastern continent, where a new setting and culture come into play. By reading them side by side, you get to see the world of Throne of Glass from multiple perspectives, expanding your understanding of the series’ larger political and magical landscapes.
How to Tandem Read Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn
It’s simpler than you think! Here’s a quick guide:
- Start with the first chapter of Empire of Storms, then read the first chapter of Tower of Dawn. Repeat this process throughout the book, alternating between them.
- Pay attention to timelines. Since these books run parallel, keeping track of the timeline can be tricky. Make sure you’re reading in the right order to avoid spoilers from one book in the other.
- Use a bookmark or sticky notes to help keep track of which book you’re on. The last thing you want is to get confused about which chapter you’re in.
- Make notes of the characters. Both books have tons of characters, and while they do overlap, there are some characters that only show up in one book. Writing down who’s who can be helpful.
- Don’t rush it. Tandem reading is about savoring the experience. Take your time and enjoy the ride!
Final Thoughts
Tandem reading Empire of Storms and Tower of Dawn isn’t just for the diehard Throne of Glass fans—it’s a must for anyone looking for a deeper, more complex reading experience. It allows you to experience both the action and the introspective moments of Maas’ world while getting a front-row seat to some of her best character development. It’s an emotional journey, a rollercoaster, and a deep dive into a world that’s far too addictive to experience in isolation.
So, go ahead. Give tandem reading a shot. You might just find yourself falling in love with the world of Throne of Glass all over again, and who can resist that? Happy reading, fellow bookworm.
