Based on the book series Lee Bardugo, Shadow and bone takes viewers to the Grisha Universe, so named because some people are born with magical powers and are called Grisha. The nation of Ravka is at war with many of its neighbors, which is made more difficult by the vast dark void called the Canyon that divides the country in two. When a Grisha with the ability to manipulate the light is discovered, everyone thinks that she is the one who will destroy it.
The show follows dozens of characters from different countries that the audience falls in love with thanks to a good script and perfect casting. Over the course of two seasons, they developed a strong relationship with each other.
10 Alina Starkova
Originally a cartographer for the First Army of Ravka, Alina’s life is forever changed when she discovers that she is the Sun Summoner, a mythical Grisha who can create light. She initially considers her powers to be a curse, especially when they take her away from a childhood friend. As she gradually learns to control them, Alina accepts her Grisha status and becomes committed to destroying the Fold and changing the world.
As for the main characters, Alina is fine. She has all the sweet qualities audiences expect to see, such as a strong moral compass and a desire to help those in need. However, when the rest of the cast has so much to offer, Alina seems painfully average by comparison.
9 Malen Oretsev
Goes to the same orphanage as Alina, Malien (Archie Renault) and she became a loyal friend due to being an outcast. The two swore never to leave each other, which led to both of them enlisting in the Ravka army. Now that Alina is revealed to be Grishan, it threatens to tear the two friends apart.
Mel has many of the best qualities you can hope for in a good friend. He is faithful and honest to the point of vice, brave to the point of stupidity, but he will never abandon a comrade in any situation. He reminds Alina of her humanity as she becomes increasingly drawn into the world of magic and acts as the voice of reason when needed.
8 Baghra
To Alina Starkova (Jessie May Lee) can quickly master her Grisha abilities, she is given to the reclusive trainer Bagra (Zoe Wanamaker). Baghra’s methods are strict but effective, and soon Alina is able to stand next to Grisha, who have been training since childhood. As they continue to communicate, Alina discovers that Baghra is connected to the Grisha leader, the Darkling (Ben Barnes).
Though far from compassionate, Baghra is ultimately on the side of good. A hard life has taught her to value pragmatism over emotions, and she tries to transfer that to Alina in order to reach her full potential. Ultimately, she wants the best for the greater good, even if it means hurting some feelings.
7 Genya Safin
A rare Grisha with the ability to manipulate the appearance of others, Zhenya (Daisy Head) was given to the royal family of Ravka at a young age. She was mistreated by the king, causing her to stake her loyalty to her fellow Grisha in the first place. When Alina arrives at the palace, they quickly become friends.
Although her past trauma has left her scarred, Zhenya remains an optimistic and friendly person, eager to help others. She does her best to help Alina feel at home with her comrade Grisha, and later risks her life in the second season to save her multiple times. She also has a sweet romance with an artisan named David (Luke Pasqualino).
6 Nina Zenik
Heartthrob Grisha acting as a spy for the Darkling, Nina (Daniel Galligan) is captured by witch hunters from Ravka’s rival, Fjerdan. Instead of killing her, the Fjerdans put her on a ship to their capital, where she would stand trial for being born with magic. During her journey, she contacts one of her captors, Matthias (Calahan Skogman).
Because her magic works on people’s hearts and emotions, Nine is pretty good at reading others. While she can use this skill to manipulate others, it also allows her to easily empathize and connect with strangers. She also doesn’t mind a friendly punch and a good verbal exchange between friend or foe.
5 Tolya Yul-Bataar
Introduced in the second season of Tolya (Lewis Tan) and his sister Tamar (Anna Leong Brophy) to serve in the crew of Prince Nikolai Lantsov (Patrick Gibson). Both twins are Grishan Heartbreakers who train with weapons to complement their magic. In the end, Tolya leaves her sister in the middle of the second season to help the Crows on their journey to the land of Shu Han.
Tolya is a cheerful and lively character, in which the mind of a philosopher is combined with the charisma of a sailor. When not killing his enemies, he enjoys laughing at cards or reciting verses that he thinks complement the situation. This allows him to develop strong friendships with those he travels with.
4 Nikolay Lantsov
As the second and illegitimate prince of Ravka, Nicholas spends most of his time at sea disguised as a privateer Sturmhond. This allows him to keep an eye on other parts of the world and develop experimental technologies to help his country. His latest plan involves finding Alita and helping her unlock her full power.
The time spent among the people turned Nikolai into a very different nobleman than his older brother. He is outgoing and lusts for adventure and glory, but not to the point of needlessly sacrificing his people. He also knows how to relieve tense situations and inspire others with his words and actions.
3 Kaz Brekker
Alienated owner of the Crow Club in Keterdam, Kaz Brekker (Freddie Carter) dedicated his life to capturing local crime boss Pekka Rollinds (Dean Lennox Kelly). When he learns that Rollinds is trying to get a job kidnapping Alina Starkov, Kaz does everything he can to get the contract first. The fact that she is in a foreign country and under heavy security does not bother Kaz, who has a plan constantly brewing in his head.
Although Kaz holds back his emotions and is afraid of being touched, he is one of the most compassionate characters in the series. He will do anything to protect his Crows, including giving up everything he has. He also has a knack for recognizing people in similar predicaments, and as long as they can bear their responsibility, he shows them the same respect and courtesy as his main Crows.
2 Inej Gafa
Ghost, Inej (Amita Suman) is a Raven spy, infiltration expert, and assassin. As a child, she was kidnapped and forced to work in a brothel called the Menagerie, who still has power over her until her contract is redeemed. Her belief in saints leads to further complications, especially when it conflicts with Kaz’s rational and mechanical thinking.
Inej’s past has turned her into a very empathetic person who is not afraid to follow her convictions. Although her friends mean the world to her, she will stand up to them if their actions go against her faith and won’t take no for an answer. This, combined with her sensitive heart, makes her one of the few whom Kaz calmly shows those around her at least a modicum of emotion.
1 Jesper Fahey
Among the streets of Ketterdam, there is no better shooter than Jesper Fahey (Keith Young). Never seen without his trademark twin revolvers or stylish top hat, Jesper is always looking for an excuse to show off his impressive trick shots. Unfortunately, his love of gambling and one-night stands gets him and his fellow Crows in trouble.
With his constant smile and love of life, Jesper has the sunniest personality of all the characters. He is someone who loves life and is ready to have fun wherever he can, but when it comes to the end, he will stand by his friends until the very end. This becomes even more apparent as his backstory is slowly revealed and he is forced to mature.
Source: Collider
I have worked as a journalist for over 7 years and have written for many different publications. I currently work as an author at Daily News Hack, where I mostly cover entertainment news. I have a great deal of experience in the industry and am always looking to learn more. I am a highly motivated individual who is always looking to improve my skills. I am also a very friendly and personable person, which makes me easy to work with.
