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Zoya
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peanutlord
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May 12, 2014 07:01PM
Zoya, we're gonna talk about you...:)
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I really Zoya. There is something about her..
I really like* i can't edit my comment cause phone.
Zoya is mysterious at times. :)
Leigh says Zoya is one of her favorite characters. I wonder why... we don't know much about her but she's ballsy and ambitious.She may be a spy for the Darkling, may or may not have a thing for Mal and well... Isn't she kind of a mystery then?
If she changed her ways, I wonder, could she be a good match for Mal. It's quite possible she's more his type than Alina is, not only physically but in personality too. I mean, I don't think Alina would ever cheer Mal on as he does his "streetfighting" stunts. :p
I don't know. Is Moya a viable thing or not? That is the question.
Earlier I was wondering what the odds are that Zoya doesn't come from as illustrious a background as she might like people to think. And if that's part of why she's cruel to Alina in S&B, particularly about Alina's own background.
I do find it interesting that Zoya is one of her favorites because you're right, we really don't know much about her. She sort of falls into the "mean girl who torments the heroine" territory for much of the story. I feel like there's always a character like her in YA books. :/I think she's probably more than that, but sadly there hasn't been much development for her yet. I wish this was a 4 book series because some of the characters just aren't as fleshed out as I think they could be.
To me Zoya is just another strong but fragile girl. I still think she is a spy. I can't imagine her turning her back to Darkling because she was always so loyal? But surprises happens.
When did Leigh say Zoya was one of her favorite characters? I just remember her saying she likes writing Zoya, and I think it's because Zoya is such a drama queen and drama is fun to write.I don't like Zoya. She's too stuck up and pompous. I think of her as the Regina George of the story.
I doubt Moya will happen, mainly because Mal is in love with Alina, and Alina still has feelings for Mal even though she's trying to resist the temptation of being with him during this time of war.
It also makes Mal contradict what he's expressed in his feelings for Alina. I don't think Leigh wrote all of those quotes about Mal's love for Alina and all those meaningful Malina moments about their "undeniable" love (as said by Alina) only to throw it all under a bus for a shady character we don't really know about like Zoya. It would be cheap, and bad writing, IMHO.
For Mal to go on about how he would walk through Ravka and freeze and starve with Alina over and over again just to be with her, then tell Alina "Don't tell me we don't belong together.", only to go NEVERMIND WHAT I SAID. I'M LEAVING YOU, MY CHILDHOOD BEST FRIEND, MY EVERYTHING (Look up Mal's Letter, he states that Alina is his "Everything."), AND GIRL I'VE LOVED AND SACRIFICED EVERYTHING TO BE WITH, FOR ZOYA; A GIRL I MET JUST A SHORT TIME AGO.
In order for Moya to even be an option, Mal has to let go and stop loving Alina, and I don't see that happening when he's sacrificed so much and made it this far. Especially since they have history and are the only ones they really trust and find each other as "their world" or "home".
I'd actually feel sorry for Zoya if Mal was still in love with Alina.
Vindictev wrote: "When did Leigh say Zoya was one of her favorite characters? I just remember her saying she likes writing Zoya, and I think it's because Zoya is such a drama queen and drama is fun to write.I don'..."
Agreed with this. All of it :)
When did Leigh say Zoya was one of her favorite characters?She said it in the Shadow and Bone Q&A.
"I think Sturmhond is probably my favorite character to write, but Genya and Zoya are up there too."
I still think she is a spy.
I think there's a good chance of this. But when those R&R discussion questions came out, one of them mentioned Alina putting Zoya in a leader position. So I don't know.
"favorite character
to write
"I think she means which characters she likes writing the most. I did hear that Sturmhond was her favorite character in her video interview about Siege and Storm when it was about to come out, but I've never heard or read about her saying Zoya is her favorite character. Just that she's interesting to write about.
hopefully Zita will pull a Celeste by the end of RaR.
Natalie wrote: "hopefully Zita will pull a Celeste by the end of RaR."This might be a really stupid question but what is a Celeste?
oh no! that's okay! shes from the selection series and at first she was seen as a mean/evil person but in the third book she redemeed herself
I disliked Zoya in the S&B but for some reason in S&S, I ended up liking her. I don't know what changed from between those books... maybe it's because we saw more out of her in S&S. I'm hoping they explore her character more in R&R to explain why she is the way she is and treats Alina the way she does.
Kelly wrote: "I disliked Zoya in the S&B but for some reason in S&S, I ended up liking her. I don't know what changed from between those books... maybe it's because we saw more out of her in S&S. I'm hoping they..."Leigh did say that Zoya was one of her favorite characters to write, I wonder why, and I wonder what that could mean?
I have this theory that Mal & Zoya spent more time together than has been guessed by most people - he was stationed in Kribirsk for who knows how long, and so was she... They obviously slept together, probably the night before Alina's "discovery" - as she suspected they would. I think it's possible Zoya has feelings for him (though I do NOT ship them; and I doubt they're deep feelings, just possessive - due to her comment about wanting him when Alina was "done with him") - or at least did - before his worry over what had happened to Alina became more and more apparent in him. He probably asked her if she knew what had happened, being Grisha, and that I believe is what led to her hatred of Alina - which has no foundation otherwise.Also every time Mal tries to mention it, Alina won't let him tell her what went down between them.
Canyon wrote: "I have this theory that Mal & Zoya spent more time together than has been guessed by most people - he was stationed in Kribirsk for who knows how long, and so was she... They obviously slept togeth..."I really hope they address this later, because I completely agree that they seem familiar with each other. But then again Mal and Alina's communication skills aren't exactly A+.
I know as much as I LOVE them (well, Mal more than Alina, really), Alina really needs to step up her communication efforts. She's constantly "I wanted to (action), but I didn't" this, and "I felt like saying (actual declaration of her feelings for him finally) but I bit my tongue" that - and it is infuriating!Meanwhile, every time she can get more than a few words out of him, he completely bares his soul to her, and always ALWAYS mentions how he feels for her, his devotion to her and whatever she wants, and how it's hard being around her when they can't act on their feelings.
I know he needs to be with her to be happy, but, honestly, I am no longer of the mind that she even deserves him anymore.
I just want him to be happy - that's really all that matters to me!
Canyon wrote: "I know as much as I LOVE them (well, Mal more than Alina, really), Alina really needs to step up her communication efforts. She's constantly "I wanted to (action), but I didn't" this, and "I felt l..."Oh I know, Alina really needs to at least tell him more, like OH BY THE WAY THE DARKLING AND I HAVE BEEN APPEARING TO EACHOTHER FOR MONTHS.
but yeah, I don't really think their relationship will last if it continues like this.
Also! Something else that seems to support my theory is that immediately when Zoya returns to the Little Palace and embraces Alina, she says "you stink of Keramzin" - who told her that was where Alina was from? I think it was Mal, and he just couldn't help himself, talking to her about the girl he was missing and their childhood together. Because Alina doesn't just tell people she's an orphan, remember in the beginning she says she & Mal avoid mentioning where they were raised to other people.
But I think if he and Zoya were close enough, he wouldn't mind mentioning it to her in his loneliness at the absence of Alina.
Canyon wrote: "Also! Something else that seems to support my theory is that immediately when Zoya returns to the Little Palace and embraces Alina, she says "you stink of Keramzin" - who told her that was where Al..."I'm so glad you feel this way too, Canyon :D Abou Mal. <3 Sigh. Isn't he amazing? I also think Alina need to talk to him more.. I need her to prove that she deserves him. Because he proves that he deserves her all the time. Which he does. He is just so open and honest and brave and loyal and loving. Love him so much :)
I also think he has sort of been friends with Zoya? Or not. But at least talked to her, like you say :)
I think Mal is a great guy.He's just as confused as Alina and let's not forget he's 17.I'm stuck between shipping Malina and Darklina.I love 'em both!What I like about Mal is that he continues to be loyal to Alina even after all they been through.In the end,all that matters is that they all find hapiness no matter who ends up with who.
Evelin wrote: "I think Mal is a great guy.He's just as confused as Alina and let's not forget he's 17.I'm stuck between shipping Malina and Darklina.I love 'em both!What I like about Mal is that he continues to b..."Exactly. I feel the same way :)
Canyon wrote: "I know as much as I LOVE them (well, Mal more than Alina, really), Alina really needs to step up her communication efforts. She's constantly "I wanted to (action), but I didn't" this, and "I felt l..."Yes to this.
It feels like Mal is the only one trying to keep their relationship going, and Alina is always hesitating or not really showing Mal that she deserves him. I understand that she has other responsibilities and all, but you can't just ignore someone that much if you want to have a relationship with them. It's understandable why Mal felt like shit.
Also, yes. Alina never wants to hear what Mal says about what happened between him and Zoya. Leigh said we'll see what happened between them in Ruin and Rising. Since Zoya knew where Alina was from, I think Mal talked to Zoya about Alina many times. I'm curious about why Mal talked about Alina if him and Zoya were really having a fling. You don't go bringing your childhood best friend up out of nowhere.
Forgot to add this but, why would Leigh bring up what happened between Mal and Zoya if the readers were supposed to assume it's a fling?Leigh said she writes everything for a reason. I wonder what was so important about what happened for Leigh to bring it back, and why Alina was apparently mentioned.
Are we supposed to think it's just a fling? We know as much as Alina about it, and she doesn't know. She might hope, but she doesn't seem to assume, "Oh, Mal was with someone other than me therefore it must not be real", or at least not that I noticed. Sorry if the above sentences were a little rude of me. I do kind of ship Moya, so I guess I was being a little defensive?
Vindictev wrote: "Forgot to add this but, why would Leigh bring up what happened between Mal and Zoya if the readers were supposed to assume it's a fling?Leigh said she writes everything for a reason. I wonder wha..."
This is what I think went down between Mal and Zoya.Mal went to the grisha tent and had a one night stand with Zoya,then when Alina got taken away Mal went to Zoya to ask about her.Zoya probably felt played and she grew a strong dislike for Alina.I don't think Zoya is in love with Mal,I think she's attracted to him and she feels like she has to prove something to him.
@VindictevI like your tumblr by the way,you're really talented!
Elvina wrote: "Are we supposed to think it's just a fling? We know as much as Alina about it, and she doesn't know. She might hope, but she doesn't seem to assume, "Oh, Mal was with someone other than me therefor..."Yeah, I agree. A lot of Zoya's comments to Alina hint that she and Mal may have been quite close during his posting in Kribirsk. And Alina not wanting to talk about it seems like denial. I feel like Mal sleeping with a lot of girls is something that has always bothered her, especially because he would flirt with them in front of her all the time. I hope Leigh addresses this in R&R
@EvelinThat is exactly what I think happened between them. I'm glad it will finally be brought up in R&R, although I hope it isn't so that Mal & Zoya are being setup to end up together.
Evelin wrote: "@VindictevI like your tumblr by the way,you're really talented!"
Thanks!
Canyon wrote: "@Evelin
That is exactly what I think happened between them. I'm glad it will finally be brought up in R&R, although I hope it isn't so that Mal & Zoya are being setup to end up together."
It'll be really really cheap if Mal and Zoya ended up together, though. You'd expect Leigh to at least give us some build up between them in the first 2 books, so I doubt it'll happen. If that's the case, then why would Leigh waste her time always writing about Mal's love and loyalty to Alina? TBH, she just should have never made everything seem like a love triangle when making Mal a love interest wasn't necessary. It would be perfectly reasonable for your best friend to be there for you.
Mal and Zoya don't strike me as best friends or serious lovers, because Mal was surprised when Zoya kissed him and they hardly interact.
He didn't seem surprised to me, more horrified that Alina saw.
Elvina wrote: "He didn't seem surprised to me, more horrified that Alina saw."Uh No. He didn't see Alina until after the kiss.
I thought he saw her as Zoya kissed him.
Does anyone think Zoya is from a noble Fjerdan family? It would explain her proud demeanor and the familiarity in her voice when she spoke of them burning Grisha alive in R&R.
Megan wrote: "Does anyone think Zoya is from a noble Fjerdan family? It would explain her proud demeanor and the familiarity in her voice when she spoke of them burning Grisha alive in R&R."She`s proud, because she`s one of the Darkling`s favourites.
Zoya is one of the best characters in the series !!!!without her Alina would be dead she’s also the perfect match for Nikolai…ARGUE WITH TGE WALL
Zoya is a baddie 😏
Vanessa wrote: "Megan wrote: "Does anyone think Zoya is from a noble Fjerdan family? It would explain her proud demeanor and the familiarity in her voice when she spoke of them burning Grisha alive in R&R."She`s..."
She’s proud because she’s proud. That’s her personality. Her personality stays the same even in the duology. It’s her character flaw
what is there to say I mean Zoya is just perfection to me 😆🥰
Audrey wrote: "what is there to say I mean Zoya is just perfection to me 😆🥰"She groomed an underage girl…and was okay with throwing her at strangers, getting her to flirt and use sexuality and charm to get info.
Then the underage child gets kidnapped, as is expected, and almost SA by multiple men in the Fjerdan boat.
And 2-3 years later when the now 17 year old finally returns….Zoya sends her on the most dangerous mission surrounded by enemies again…. The whole treat your subjects like you would your children is bs and ignored by both Nik and Zoya. They forced 13 -14 year old kids to march into battle or be used as spies….after witnessing what happened when Genya was used as a child spy
I *love* Zoya!!! She is the best. Even though she’s kinda the worst in the early books, learning her backstory makes her such and interesting character. She’s definitely my favorite lady, after Inej of course 😉 (Nina follows)! I’m hearing a lot of hate on her, and wondering, ig this was before KoS was released right? Because I feel like those books reveal a whole new side to her character and personality and definitely make me love her more!
Zoya can step on me and I would thank her. Bow down to the dragon queen
Clara wrote: "Zoya can step on me and I would thank her. Bow down to the dragon queen"For real. Leigh Bardugo should make her next book about Zoya's time as queen. There can be cameos from the crows and Alina and Mal. Maybe Nikolai shouldn't play a big role in the book, but he can be their comedic relief. Also, she can split the book up so we can see Hanne and Nina and how they are ruling Fijerda (sorry for my spelling)
nah bro bc Zoya’s and absolute QUEENi get that some people are like “but she’s too mean or b**chy” but like?? it’s a trauma response?? bc she’s tryna keep people away bc she’s been hurt by so many especially men??
idk i love her smmmmmm
I love zoya she is my favorite character in the grishaverse
Clara wrote: "Zoya can step on me and I would thank her. Bow down to the dragon queen"Yesss
