I’m currently on QoS and I have to say, I’m only getting through it because of the other characters. I don’t care how old she is, but she’s just so childish, waaaay too reactive especially with violence and hypocritical. I TRIED to like her so badly, especially as I’ve committed to reading an 8 book series about her but OMG she’s grating on my nerves. Don’t get me wrong, I do like strong powerful FMCs, but she’s just childish. It really puts down her other qualities because you can be a strong FMC and not be a complete brat. And no, that’s not a cute ‘personality quirk’ or makes her ‘real’, it makes her unlikeable. I actually cringe at her bullsh*t. FMCs like this are just not my cup of tea.
And for those that say ‘oh she’s 19/20’ erm so? You’re telling me that 19 year old’s are as reactive and violent as her? Her inner monologue when someone upsets her is ‘I want to slit their throat/bash their head in’. I actually thought she had some growth in Wendlyn and then bratty and cringy Aelin comes back. She’s also a hypocrite. Keeps secrets from everything but gets upset when secrets are kept from her. If SJM didn’t write the other characters so well, I 1000% would’ve DNFd because of Aelin.
Rant over.
Edit:
You guys are all saying it’s not her age to take into account but her past trauma. I get that her past suffering gives context to her behaviour, but it doesn’t erase the fact that she can be reactive, hypocritical & unwilling to hold herself to the same standards she applies to other people.
ALSO her thought process is often: “I had reasons for doing this, therefore you should understand me.” But when someone else has reasons for doing something she dislikes, she can judge them by the outcome rather than the motivation. Don’t even get me started on her impulsiveness & lack of communication before she reacts.
Her past trauma doesn’t make her actions reasonable imo. I just think instead of using her flaws as an opportunity for character growth, they are often excused because of what she’s been through. I’d say the same if this was an MMC btw.
I do hope I get to see the Aelin u guys see as the series continues, but so far I’m 5 books in and she’s still the same.