I do think that putting such a big flashback that everyone already knew the conclusion of *in the middle of the story* wasn't the greatest of the decisions.
I'll agree it's damn good, and works well as a standalone tragedy story. People would be weeping for Brian and Sol, and maybe would instantly resent Ian for not remembering and siding with fucking Lorkan, so I can understand why the author did this the way they did---make people like Ian more (since he's the MC that will stick with us to the end) and have a mystery for us the readers regarding Sol/Brixton and Ian's powers.
I think the whole flashback should've come in pieces and small doses instead, honestly. Would've kept the mystery going for longer, and would make it so the readers hate the true antagonist at the end (Lorkan).
I know I will be seething any time Ian gives Brixton and his bullshit a single second of his day from now on, while I was ambivalent towards him before.
Everybody hates him because he and Ian are entirely different characters.
I agree. I’m unnecessarily conflicted about this just because the author chose such a controversial time line.
Am I the only one that actually enjoyed brian story, would have been great as a stand alone story. Funny thing is that everyone would be wheeping for brian if the author had gone with a chronological order of events, and everyone would want ian to remember everything. Anyway I weeped a bit for him dying so young ┗( T﹏T )┛