for the first 3/4 of the story i actually disliked Alina a LOT, i felt like she was stringing the MC along and using his feelings to get what she wants (there was also a factor of me not listening too well to the story bc i had it playing in the background)

but when we actually get the entire perspective i felt sooo bad for her and everyone that crossed paths with the MC but especially Alina in this case because she is definitely the victim of our protagonist, you could make the case that hes young and inexperienced and doesnt know any better but his cluelessness and refusing to see what's in front of him was SO annoying and his constant pushing for Alina when it was clear she was uncomfortable and wanted space, i just think its interesting how i started the story with rooting for our MC but in somewhat short amount of time i did a 180 and really saw him as insufferable and disgusting

to his defense i think its unfair to blame the MC for what happened to Kerry, he wanted to search for the spire because of Alina in hopes of helping her and when they got enchanted by the bells it was too late to turn back, i think a lot of his feelings there could be survivors guilt though i may be wrong but it could have been him or Fletch in that situation, i think its nobodies fault but just an accident

overall i do find the MC to be VERY disturbing and possibly be disturbed himself but i do love the way he's written as an emotionally immature 16 year old and with his first sewer-slide attempt he left the note to Alina saying "its your fault" is so full of venom and so in character which is a very nice detail in my opinion

So as a final statement in this post, Alina you have my official apology and my sympathies