i know i tend to be a bit theatrical but there is nothing pb has done to stop me from pulling my hair out (im totally normal about not seeing aerin yet again)
im really just struggling to understand the purpose of presenting him as a love interest only to have him disappear fairly early on in the story. it feels like a waste of diamonds and an ill-perceived attempt at baiting certain readers.
i assume his disappearance will make narrative sense, at some point, maybe, but the continual disconnect between mc and other characters (namely newer characters + aerin) keeps me from engaging with the story in its entirety.
honestly i would love to see aerin's struggle with his past fleshed out, especially alongside nia's found intrigue in her own power and the sudden shift in what it actually means to be a part of the shadow realm's whole. how unique that would've been.
i just really hope that aerin's return won't be in the same chapter as pb's famous "this will be the last chance you have to spend a moment alone with your love interest in this book" pop up. then i really will pull my hair out.
















