We have once again entered the era of bestselling young adult books being adapted for the screen, but, this time, they have taken over television. From the Netflix hit Heartstopper to the recent teaser for the Percy Jackson series on Disney+, book lovers have an abundance of choice when it comes to choosing which of their favorite book to film adaptations to stream. One of the best fantasy adaptations of a young adult book series, currently, 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 accuracy of its characters’ portrayals. Netflix recently offered a sneak peek at the series’ second season, which, per Netflix Life, is set to release sometime in 2023, and fans cannot be more excited. From fierce magical humans to thieves and martyrs, the series has all the characters of an excellent fantasy series played by both newcomers and familiar faces. As we await more details about season 2, here is a list of the eight best Shadow and Bone characters, ranked.
8 General Kirigan
Netflix
Dearly loved by Shadow and Bone fans is the character of General Kirigan, played by Ben Barnes. He is the brooding and handsome villain that wants to use main heroine Alina Starkov’s powers to rule the country and become unstoppable. With the ability to mold the darkness and call upon shadow monsters, Kirigan is a powerful being that only can be rivaled by Alina’s power of light. He takes eighth place on our list because through the handsome face and the charm lies an evil power with dark motives.
7 Matthias Helvar
The strong Grisha-hunter who accidentally falls for the Grisha: Matthias Helvar. His arc in Shadow and Bone is a classic tale of enemies to lovers, and he takes number seven on this list. Played by Calahan Skogman, Matthias is one of intrigue and will. He fights what he has been taught his whole life, but falls for a free woman who breaks all of his rules about what a lover should be. Ending the season with a cliffhanger on where the characters will end up, there is still so much more to discover about the drüskelle.
6 Nina Zenik
The Grisha woman that causes the drüskelle Grisha hunter to question his beliefs, Nina is witty, sarcastic, and loves waffles just as much as a good adventure. Throughout Shadow and Bone, she is a character with the power to pursue and affect one’s heart; she does it well, but gets mixed up with the wrong people. Captured and alone with Matthias, she does what she must in order to survive, and ends up falling for him in the meantime. Ending the season on a quest to save Matthias from a crime he did not commit, she is not one to back down easily.
5 Malyen Oretsev
Being best friends with a sun summoner has its perks — and, of course, its trials. Like the constant bout of death Malyen Oretsev seems to be facing at every corner in Shadow and Bone. A fierce warrior and loyal solider, Mal saves Alina countless times, as she does for him. He is a bit stuck in his ways, and is jealous of her and General Kirrigan’s relationship, but is able to quickly get over that and jump on board when trying to help Alina.
4 Jesper Fahey
The smooth talking sharpshooter with a heart of gold is one of the Crows. The sister-storyline to Alina’s in Shadow and Bone follows the gang called the Dregs and their members, the Crows. Jesper Fahey brings a breath of comedy to every terrifying situation and keeps the gang on their toes. But do not let his hilarious demeanor fool you: he has deadly accuracy and is not afraid to protect his fellow Crows with his life.
3 Inej Gafta
Inej Gafta is the Suli girl who believes in her Saints and her friends. She is fearless throughout Shadow and Bone, stands her ground without wavering, and is loyal to Kaz Brekker till the end. As a trained acrobat with a past she keeps at arm’s length, she is fighting for her family and also for herself and her freedom. Skilled with knives but refusing to kill, her character is one of the best in the series for her quiet demeanor, her cat-like skills, and the way she will fight to keep her friends alive.
2 Alina Starkov
The lead of Shadow and Bone is the Sun Summoner, Alina Starkov. She is a normal girl living her life in the mundane, when she is attacked by monsters and her powers reveal themselves. In a whirlwind, her life is changed, and she becomes a Grisha with fancy foods, clothing, and most of all respect. She falls into a fierce romance with the other most powerful Grisha out there, General Kirigan, but ultimately carves her own path, chooses her own destiny, and runs away, offsetting the evil master plan she was made a part of.
1 Kaz Brekker
The leader of the Dregs knows how to get what he wants. With a tortured past that he will not let get the best of him, Kaz Brekker is fearless, bold, and always 20 steps ahead at all times, as seen in Shadow and Bone. His legacy and aura precedes him, and though he is just a kid, he runs the mob world and is out for riches. Though it seems as if he is always after the next dollar sign, or something to make him rich — even his quest for money has ulterior motives — sometimes, he really is looking to help out those he cares for.
