FERRALS (The Official Ferry's Tale Fandom)

Characters: Kian of the Voids

Kian of the Voids is one of the most enigmatic, intriguing characters in Ferry's Tale series. Although he dies at the end of the second book, his story is not over. In the final book of the series, he'll be one of the main character, a character in absentia, meaning we will find about his origins, life, and intentions from flashbacks and the ones closest to him (Billy, Alwyn, his older brother, and his nanny). 

ATTENTION: If you haven't read The Lost Son, MAJOR SPOILERS ahead!

Status Quo:

At the beginning of The Lost Son, Kian is the antagonist of the book. He pretends to be the Donovans' lost son in order to get the Moon's Tear. He looks like the younger version of Peter Donovan (dark hair, green eyes), that's why Ferry's human father is so willing to fulfill his every wish which brings a lot of problems to Ferry and his mother.

Ferry's Tale series is written in third person limited. That means we see the characters from Ferry's point of view. Ferry doesn't see Kian with good eyes, in the beginning. His presence brings him a lot of trouble and turns his world upside down. Because of Kian, Ferry is forced to leave his home with his mother. But, as we all know, Ferry is not the most objective, nor the smartest of the characters. That's why he sees Kian (or Andrew, at that point) as his enemy.

And yet, Andrew intrigues Ferry from the beginning, mainly because everyone seems to like him: his father, his classmates, and teachers. Obviously, the girls find him very attractive. He has a strange aura that makes him likable to everyone. He is a good student, loves to learn, and an excellent sportsman (even better than Ferry). He even forms a strong connection with Billy early in the book, something that surprises Ferry because Billy is known as a spoilt, difficult boy. 

Although jovial, easy-to-be-with, and optimistic, Ferry often sees him lost in thought, distressed, and even crying. He seems to enjoy loneliness often enough. He loves the sun and good food. This dual nature makes him even more mysterious. 

Origin:

At the end of The Lost Son, Kian's origin is revealed -- he is a Hollower, and the Prince of the Voids, the youngest's son of the Ruler of the Voids, Akna's enemy. Furthermore, Kian is a shape-shifter, meaning he can take the shape of a human at will. 

Kian looks very different from his human form; he comes from the Land of the Dying Sun. Because of the conditions of his world (too little sunlight and warmth), his skin, hair, and eyes lack melanin, the pigment that gives the color, that's why he looks so pale. He also develops night vision, a feature all the Hollowers have. He's also the descent of the Great Fairies of the Voids which gives him great powers. 

Duality:

In terms of writing, Kian was one of the most challenging characters to write. He's not good, but he's not evil either. He turned Ferry's life upside down, he was manipulative, and secretive in order to get what he wanted. But he was also kind, compassionate, and very affectionate, especially in his relationship with Billy. He regretted he had to hurt Oona to keep his human appearance, and in the end, he sacrificed himself for his people and for Billy which made the readers appreciate him a lot at the end of the second book.

I can't end the description of Kian without addressing his sexuality. Many readers consider him gay/bisexual because of his love for Billy, but also because of his complicated relationship with Alwyn. The truth is I don't like to put labels on my characters. Also, the fairy laws are different than the ones of humans: fairies can love whoever they want (except for the Amalghams who are forbidden to love by law). 

"People don't love like us" is something Alwyn tells Kian when they broke up. What she means is that when they're in love, fairies can love madly, deeply, truly, and forever. That's why they are so hard to be forgotten by their human lovers. 

To me, Kian is just another (fairy) boy trying to find his place in a world that doesn't understand him (very much like Ferry, for that matter). The fact that he can bring the best in Billy and show him the meaning of true love is the best you can ask from a person. And from a character ;)

What do you think about Kian of the Voids? What was your favorite scene that included him? Love lots!

All pictures courtesy of Pinterest.