#Ivan doesn't even get an official surname

[stromuprisahat]

Why Ivan's loss doesn't matter, when Zoya's does?

The duality of the narrative, expecting the reader to feel for one person over and over, when dismissing another.

“You know what he plans to do, Ivan.” “He plans to bring us peace.” “At what price?” I asked desperately. “You know this is madness.” “Did you know I had two brothers?” Ivan asked abruptly. The familiar smirk was gone from his handsome face. “Of course not. They weren’t born Grisha. They were soldiers, and they both died fighting the King’s wars. So did my father. So did my uncle.” “I’m sorry.” “Yes, everyone is sorry. The King is sorry. The Queen is sorry. I’m sorry. But only the Darkling will do something about it.”

Shadow and Bone- Chapter 20

“Liliyana Garin? Have you seen her? Is she alive?” The old customer’s face paled. “I … She tried to help me when the darkness came. She pushed me out of the way so that I could run. If not for her—” Zoya had released a sob, not wanting to hear any more. Brave Liliyana. Of course she had run toward the docks when the screaming began, ready to help. Why couldn’t you be a coward this one time? Zoya could not help imagining the dark stain of the Fold bleeding over the town, the monsters descending from the air with their teeth and claws, shrieking as they tore her aunt apart. All her kindness had meant nothing, her generosity, her loving heart. She’d been nothing but meat to them. She’d meant even less to the Darkling, the man who had unleashed his horrors just to make a point, the man she had as good as worshipped.

King of Scars- Chapter 25

Ivan loses four loved ones in wars.

Zoya two in connection to unexpected military action.

Ivan's family was fulfilling their duty enacted by the Crown.

Zoya's aunt acted recklessly out of her own free will, entering a dangerous situation completely defenceless.

Ivan's wrong to support a man, who wants to prevent his experience repeating.

Zoya's entitled to seek revenge on the man responsible for the disaster her aunt used to commit suicide.

Are we truly expected to overlook the double standard of sympathy?

Are we truly expected to pretend (lack of) choice doesn't matter?

Why is personal vendetta against a single person, that will harm never mentioned acceptable, when supporting systematic change is deplorable due to its casualties?

Or is it to suggest soldiers aren't human beings, not the way civilians making a bad choice are?