We have once again entered the era of bestselling young adult books adapted for the screen, but this time they have taken over television. From the Netflix hit heart stopper to the recent teaser for the Percy Jackson series on Disney+, book lovers are spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing which of their favorite book adaptations to stream. One of the best fantasy adaptations of a young adult book series right now is the Netflix show Shadow and Bone.
Merging three different series books into one cohesive show from Leigh Bardugo’s eight-book collection, Shadow and Bone was praised by fans for its overall fidelity to the source material and the accuracy of its characters’ portrayals. Netflix recently offered A sneak peek on the second season of the series, which Netflix life, will be released sometime in 2023 and fans couldn’t be more excited. From savage magicians to thieves and martyrs, the series has all the characters of an excellent fantasy series, played by newcomers and familiar faces alike. While we wait for more details on Season 2, here’s a list of the eight best Shadow and Bone characters, arranged.
8/8 General Kirigan
Loved by Shadow and Bone fans is the character of General Kirigan, played by Ben Barnes. He is the brooding and handsome villain who wants to use the powers of main heroine Alina Starkov to rule the land and is unstoppable. With the ability to mold darkness and summon shadow monsters, Kirigan is a powerful being that can only be matched by Alina’s power of light. It takes eighth on our list because its handsome face and charm hides an evil force with dark motives.
7/8 Matthias Helvar
The strong Grisha fighter who accidentally falls for the Grisha: Matthias Helvar. Into his bow Shadow and Bone is a classic tale about enemies of lovers, and it takes number seven on this list. Matthias, played by Calahan Skogman, is one of intrigue and willpower. He fights against what he’s been taught all his life, but falls for a free woman who breaks all his rules about what a lover should be. To end the season with a cliffhanger as to where the characters will end up, there is so much more to discover about the drüskelle.
6/8 Nina Zenik
The Grisha woman who makes the drüskelle Grisha fighter question his beliefs, Nina is witty, sarcastic, and loves waffles as much as a good adventure. During Shadow and Bone, she is a character with the power to chase and influence one’s heart; she does well, but gets confused with the wrong people. Imprisoned and alone with Matthias, she does what she has to to survive, falling for him in the meantime. She closes the season with a quest to save Matthias from a crime he didn’t commit, but she’s not one to back down easily.
5/8 Malyen Oretsev
Being best friends with a sun summoner has its perks – and of course its trials and tribulations. Like the constant onslaught of death that Malyen Oretsev seems to see on every corner in Shadow and Bone. A fierce warrior and loyal soldier, Mal, saves Alina countless times, as she does for him. He’s a bit stuck in his ways and jealous of the relationship between her and General Kirrigan, but he can quickly get over that and jump aboard if he tries to help Alina.
4/8 Jesper Fahey
The smooth-talking sniper with a heart of gold is one of the Crows. Alina’s sister storyline in Shadow and Bone follows the gang called the Dregs and their members, the Crows. Jesper Fahey brings a dash of comedy to any terrifying situation and keeps the gang on their toes. But don’t let his hilarious attitude fool you: he has deadly accuracy and isn’t afraid to protect his fellow Crows with his life.
3/8 Inej Gafta
Inej Gafta is the Suli girl who believes in her saints and her friends. She’s fearless everywhere Shadow and Bone, stands her ground without hesitation and is loyal to Kaz Brekker until the end. A trained acrobat with a past, she keeps her distance, fighting for her family and also for herself and her freedom. She is skilled with knives, but refuses to kill. Her character is one of the best in the series due to her calm demeanor, her feline skills and the way she will fight to keep her friends alive.
2/8 Alina Starkov
the leadership of Shadow and Bone is the Solar Caller, Alina Starkov. She is a normal girl who lives her life in the everyday when she is attacked by monsters and her powers reveal themselves. In a whirlwind her life changes and she becomes a Grisha with luxurious food, clothing and above all respect. She becomes embroiled in a fierce romance with the other most powerful Grisha out there, General Kirigan, but ends up making her own way, choosing her own destiny and running away, destroying the evil master plan she was part of.
1/8 Kaz Brekker
The leader of the Dregs knows how to get what he wants. With a haunted past that won’t let it get the best of him, Kaz Brekker is fearless, daring and always 20 steps ahead, as seen in Shadow and Bone. His legacy and charisma advance him, and although he is only a child, he runs the mafia world and is after wealth. While it may seem like he’s always looking for the next dollar sign, or something to make him rich — even his quest for money has ulterior motives — sometimes he’s really looking to help those he cares about.