Why Read ACOTAR When You Dislike Feysand and the IC?
I see a lot of people in the fandom ask why someone reads the series if they hate the main characters. This is typically an attempt to invalidate whatever that person is criticizing within the series. So I wanted to create a space for people who also dislike Feyre, Rhysand, or any members of the IC to list why they continue reading. Hopefully we can get rid of this idea that liking the main characters and liking a book are mutually exclusive.
Favorable secondary character. This feels obvious but there are other characters in the book. I like or find other characters far more interesting Lucien, Vassa, Emerie, Gwyn, Alis, Nyx, Bryaxis, Nesta, the priestesses, Hybern, Koschei, the mortal queens, Vallahan, Jurian, LoA, Eris, Tarquin, even the mercenary that we met in the first book and never saw again. I do find the IC and Feysand to be insufferable. I also don’t really like Elain but I am interested in her story and where she is headed. Which leads me to…
Fascination and curiosity. Some people do read for the journey, instead of the opportunity to self-insert into a character. I wanna see where this is going. There are so many incomplete plot lines even from the first three books. There is so much story to go. Feyre was the vehicle taking us through the story originally. And I’m not sure if everyone knows this but it is okay to not like the car you are driving in but drive it anyways because sometimes you just want to get to a destination.
Empathy. I don’t need to like the character I’m reading or agree with them. In fact, I value other perspectives. They teach me about others. They teach me about myself. I am able to healthily cope with opinions that challenge my own and with people not liking what I like. I think this fandom (and people in general) should learn to cope with differences.
Character growth or regression. I am curious to see if the characters I dislike and like will change and will my opinion change about them. I am eager to grow to like certain characters like Mor or Feyre or Elain. (Idgaf about the rest of the IC but I am open to their growth)
World building. I think it’s easily forgotten that SJM built an entire world outside of Feysand, the night court, and the IC. They were interesting for a time but imo we’ve overstayed our welcome. I would like to see the rest of prythian, the continents, and other characters. That is a valid reason to continue reading. It honestly should have been my first because obviously acotar is set up for more than just two insufferable lovers and their insufferable found family.
Analysis and theories. These stories are rich with mythology and speculative fiction. Others may not be into that but that doesn’t mean others should stop. Ik some are sick of hearing this but as an English Literature major I like to break down and observe these stories from every angle. Then make meaning of it. Why do I like this? Why do I not? What does this response from readers say about us as a society? What does these characters and stories suggest about SJM herself? Is this problematic? Why? Why? Why? We all read for fun and critique and breakdowns are fun for some people like myself. If it’s not your type of party then go to your type of party.
A good thing about fandom spaces is that you can find likeminded people. If you want to be in an echo chamber there are plenty. You don’t have to interact with spaces you don’t want to be in. But no one is entitled to silencing and erasing the spaces that they don’t agree with, especially when it’s not causing you physical harm. It is YOUR responsibility to excuse yourselves from things that make you uncomfortable.
Anyways. I welcome anyone to post the things they enjoy about the story or look forward to in the series that aren’t about Feysand, the IC, or the NC. Because there is more to this series.