Netflix's adaptation of the popular Shadow and Bone book series has received positive reviews from book readers and newcomers alike. The series premiered on Netflix in April, and fans are eagerly awaiting an official announcement regarding the series' renewal for season two.

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One of the reasons fans are so looking forward to the continuation of the series is due to the unresolved love triangle at the end of season one. Alina Starkov is caught between her attraction to her childhood friend and the most powerful Grisha in the world, both of whom want to be with her and are competing for her affection.

Kirigan: Amplifies Alina's Power

Kirigan testing Alina

Kirigan (aka the Darkling from the books) is a human amplifier, so he literally amplifies Alina's sun summoning abilities just by touching her. In a deeper sense, he encourages her to own her power - not to hide it or be afraid of it. He is the most powerful summoner alive, so he understands power and is himself attracted to it, rather than afraid of it.

Alina doesn't even realize that she's a sun summoner until she's in Kirigan's presence and he forces her to confront that part of herself. He's attracted to her abilities, rather than afraid of them.

Mal: They're Best Friends

Mal and Alina laughing while walking in Shadow and Bone

Mal and Alina grew up together in an orphanage, and quickly became friends. Mal was bullied when he was younger, and Alina would defend him. They played together and spent most of their time together, even trying to avoid the Grisha test for fear that they would be parted by the results.

After their time at the orphanage, they join the First Army together and continued to be close confidants. Alina has a crush on Mal, which he seems somewhat oblivious to at the beginning of Shadow and Bone, but it's clear that he cares for her deeply as a friend.

Kirigan: He Boosts Her Confidence

Alina looking at Kirigan

After discovering Alina's sun summoning abilities, Kirigan has her taken to the Little Palace to be trained with other Grisha. Alina is very self-conscious and nervous about letting people down because she's sure that she'll fail to meet everyone's expectations of her.

Kirigan has no doubt that Alina will do well, and repeatedly tells her so. His confidence rubs off on her, as he helps her show off her power to the rest of the Grisha, and promises to be there for her every step of the way. Once she lets go of her attachment to Mal, she's able to access her power more fully on her own, and her confidence grows. She no longer needs Kirigan's help, but decides to pursue a romantic relationship with him (before learning about his deception).

Mal: He Goes To Great Lengths For Her

Alina and Mal looking at each other

When Alina is taken to the Little Palace, Mal freaks out. He tries to sneak away and follow her there, but his friends convince him that by doing so he would only be putting himself in danger. He takes the first chance he can get to get closer to Alina, by joining a team sent to track down the mythical stag that is said to be an amplifier for Grisha.

Mal puts himself in considerable danger to find the stag. Once he does, he insists on being the one to bring it to Kirigan, for a chance to see Alina.

Kirigan: They're Two Of A Kind

Kirigan reaching out to Alina

Kirigan is overjoyed to find Alina because he has spent the prior hundreds of years being essentially alone. Grisha live longer lives than non-Girsha do, and the more powerful ones live the longest. Since summoners are the most powerful Grisha of all, they're essentially immortal.

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Alina is the only other summoner, and Kirigan looks forward to having an equal with whom he can share his life. They share a connection and an understanding that no one else does. This connection may be explored in interesting ways in a second season, as the second book in the Shadow and Bone trilogy has these two seeing each other in visions in which they can touch and communicate.

Mal: The Safer Choice

Alina looking at Mal

Kirigan is a powerful man, and his ambition and strength have made him a lot of enemies. He is also shown to be untrustworthy. Though Alina is his equal in terms of power, it's true that a life with Kirigan would be much more complicated than a life with Mal.

Mal is just a normal guy, who wants to live a low-key life and stay safe. Though Alina doesn't have the same chemistry or connection with Mal that she does with Kirigan, Mal is a much more comfortable and safe choice.

Kirigan: Their Chemistry

Alina and Kirigan about to kiss in Shadow and Bone

Alina's chemistry with Kirigan is really strong. From the moment he discovers her power in the tent, the electricity is palpable. In every scene they share, you can feel the attraction between the two characters. Jessie Mei Li and Ben Barnes give great performances that really sell the audience on the idea of these two as a couple.

Once Alina is comfortable with her own power, that confidence carries over into other parts of her life. She kisses Kirigan, and they have a pretty intense makeout session again right before she leaves the castle.

Mal: He Stands By Alina

Mal standing behind Alina

Though Mal doesn't think kindly towards Grisha and seems upset by the idea of Alina being one, it doesn't change how much he cares about her. After traveling all the way to the Little Palace to see her, they're reunited in the forest and he tells her that he isn't afraid of her.

They stick together, and he helps her hunt the stag. No matter what the plan is, Mal is down to be by Alina's side and help her in any way she might need.

Kirigan: What They Bring Out In Each Other

Kirigan looking tearfully at Alina

Alina and Kirigan bring things out in each other that nobody else does. With Kirigan, Alina feels empowered and strong. Even when they're at odds, he challenges her in a way that shows her how much she's capable of and how strong she is.

With Alina, Kirigan opens up and has a real emotional connection. He allows her to call him by his real name, something no one but his mother does (and she only seems to do so occasionally). There's something about a big bad villain who's soft for one girl that wins fans over time after time.

Mal: They Love Each Other

Alina leaning on Mal

Though no grand declarations of romantic love have been made on the show as of yet, it's clear that Alina and Mal love each other. Whether it's as friends, family, or in a romantic way, their bond clearly runs deep. They know each other better than anyone, and they grew up in a way that makes them family.

It's not totally clear yet whether the show will make their relationship romantic, like the books did, but season one certainly left their relationship wide open to that possibility.

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