I totally agree with the pacing issue and I used to think that Brain's story should have come first too, but recently I don't think so anymore. I love both Ian and Brian, but I think I wouldn't like Ian as much if he was introduced later as a reincarnation. He wouldn't completely feel like his own character, my guess based on how I felt in stories that continue with one of the lovers immortal and meeting a reincarnation of the other after X years.
I get what you are saying... It could potentially erase Ian as a character (We wouldn't want that because is a great character, I really like him). It turns out this way very often in réincarnation stories, that's very true. It really depends on the writing or the author's intend as this point. Sometimes the reincarnation is quite simply the same character or feels like it anyway.
I quite liked the fact that Ian was told by others that he was Brian, but it seemed like he didn't necessarily want to be seen as Brian's reincarnation... But as himself. Ian becoming his own self and Sol loving this new version of him anyway would be amazing.
I already thought that's where the author was going before the flashback... Or maybe I was just delusionnal. Idon't know. It's been too long. I should reread it
You are right, it does feel like Sol's love for Ian has its own uniqueness and is not purely based on his love and devotion for. The little details are the most enticing and kinda make up for the pacing S2
*devotion for Brian. Oopsie lol
I agree though I think it would've been fine with s2 being a whole ass flashback but if they just shortened the backstory of Brian for like 20-30 chapters then it wouldn't feel so dragged out. I feel like if they started with the backstory, I would feel more disappointed once it goes to the original timeline cuz then I'll be invested in Brian's story and not Ian's(which is the main character) but that's just me
Everyone makes it about these two characters, but the real problem of this story is PACING. You can like Ian better or Brian, it doesn't matter. They are two different characters with their respective story (which will come together I assume) I actually like the past arc, the politic and the power play between faction. The world building is interesting, but the pacing is an issue... It's been a issue for a long time. I understand Ian stan frustration if they dislike Brian, but it's a symptom of a pacing issue.
I think this story should've started with Brian, not Ian... Or the flashback should've been paced better during the main story somehow bit by bit. This type of long flashback only tells me the story should've started with Brian alive and S1 should've ended with his death. Break. Then Ian's story.
I don't even remember the plot or key players from Ian story. I will need to reread his Arc when we switch otherwise I will be completely lost.
I really like this story and this world, but they are doing it a massive disservice with this structure I feel like.