Counting up how many times a character appears in a book is fine and all and to readers who maybe donāt understand literary devices outside of fOrEsHaDoWinG, I can understand how this might seem compelling. But it only works when context and characterization is stripped away.
It wouldnāt matter if Azriel was in every single chapter in SF, it still doesnāt mean heās getting a book. What character developments did Azriel actually undergo in SF?
The reader finds out:
Az hasnāt been sleeping -> because of Elain
Az is avoiding the river house-> because of Elain
Az is over Mor-> because of Elain
Az was cold and aloof days after solstice ->because of Elain
Az doesnāt want Luc*en around-> because of Elain
āHis secret to tellā what is his secret?->Elain
Az doesnāt like close physical contact. Whoās touch does he actively seek out though?-> Elainās
Az has a cold and cunning competitive streak and will pull out a master strategy in order to get the result he wants.-> I think itās a fair assumption that this is going to correlate to him pushing back on Rhysās order (because of his feelings for Elain)
All of the things revealed about Az revolve around Elain. Other than that, his character is static, there is no character growth, there is nothing learned about Az that pushes the narrative forward (unless he pairs up with Elain). Every single time Elain is in the room or just brought up in conversation in SF, Az has a corresponding reaction and response.
Elain, on the other hand, may have only shown up in 8 chapters, but she made those appearances count, because she is a dynamic character. Elainās growth as a character has been restricted to the background, but it has been strong and steady since book 1. In her handful of appearances in SF we find out:
Elain has adjusted to life in Velaris - family, friends, community, and hobbies
She volunteers to search for the Trove despite the dangers
She offers to reacquaint herself with her powers
We find out she still has all her powers (plural)
She is pushing back on being infantilized by those around her
She has a newfound boldness and stands up to Nesta
She is not a virgin and she enjoyed her sexual experience
She is over Greyson
She is associated with stealth and secret keeping by multiple characters
Sheās praying to Fae gods
She is up to something behind the scenes, that is remarked on by Cas
Sheās sharing shy smiles and charged glances with Azriel
Multiple characters say not to underestimate Elain
Offer and permission
Some of Elainās developments have to do with Azriel, but most do not. Her developments rely on her own growth as a character, not his. The same can not be said about Azrielās character development. (This is an SJM pattern yāall)
I donāt know, but all of this sounds like itās meant to pique the readerās interest in Elain. And has Elain ripe to take over as the next FMC with her corresponding batboy, whoās world and development revolves around her. Az is primed to take the backseat and be Elainās support and cheerleader in HER book. His story is going to be told, but itās going to be told as he helps Elain on her journey of coming into herself and her power.
