Welcome to this week’s installment of Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week, wherein we shine a spotlight on strong women who inspire us. Now, this not only includes fictional female characters in geeky media but creators as well. These ladies are a prime example of female empowerment and how crucial it is for youth to have said example to follow.
DISCLAIMER: The following contains spoilers for Netflix’s adaptation of Shadow and Bone. If you haven’t caught up on seasons one and two, check them out here!
RELATED: Looking for another crush? Check out our Geek Girl Authority Crushes of the Week here!
Nina Zenik
Fast Facts:
Nina Zenik (Danielle Galligan) is a Heartrender within the Second Army and served as a spy for the Darkling (Ben Barnes). In season one of Shadow and Bone, she was tasked with finding Grisha defectors and returning them to Ravka. However, during one of her missions, she was captured by Fjerdan soldiers and placed on a ship heading to the Ice Court. It’s on this ship that Nina first meets the young drüskelle Matthias Helvar (Calahan Skogman).
While aboard the ship, the two bicker and fight as Nina tries to convince him to let her go. Eventually, a storm capsizes the boat, and the two are forced to work together to make it to shore. Things aren’t all rainbows and sunshine for the two, but they manage to work together. Over the next few nights, Nina and Matthias work together to survive the cold before heading toward town. It becomes clear that they can set aside their differences and even begin to fall in love.
RELATED: Keep up on Shadow and Bone with our recaps!
However, while trying to decide their next step in Arkesk, the Second Army members find them, arrest Matthias, and send him to Hellgate. During season two of Shadow and Bone, Nina requests help from Kaz (Freddy Carter) and his Crows to free Matthias. In return, she uses her skills to assist them in their fight for control of the Barrell. However, even that isn’t enough to save Matthias, so she continues to help the Crows as they head to Shu Han on orders from the Prince. It’s clear she will do anything to save him, but will that be enough?
The Real Deal:
Nina Zenik is the real deal. When we first meet her, she works as a spy looking for Grisha. Nina can carefully disguise herself in several different ways and knows six different languages that she speaks fluently. And even though she is a master Heartrender, Nina can hold her own in a fight. She knows hand-to-hand combat and how to protect herself when she finds her hands tied – literally. Nina is also unapologetically loud and speaks her mind. She isn’t afraid to share her beliefs or argue against others trying to hold her back.
RELATED: The Cast of Shadow and Bone Chat Bringing Their Characters to Life in Season 2
Why She Matters:
So why does Nina Zenik matter? Shadow and Bone is packed with inspiring and kickass women, and Nina is one of them. She is a fighter who is quick on her feet and with her fists but also loud and willing to argue her way to the truth. She isn’t afraid to stand up to those looking to push her down. Even while chained up and stuck on the drüskelle ship, she argues her cause against Matthias. Nina is also dedicated to her friends, going as far as joining the Crows and fighting alongside them to find a way to save Matthias from Hellgate.
So, be like Nina. Hone your skills, challenge yourself, help those around you, be loud and boisterous and fight for what you believe in.
https://www.geekgirlauthority.com/shadow-and-bone-inej-ghafa/
Who I Am: A nerd by the strictest definition. I enjoy diving straight into my favorite fandoms without a care in the world. I live on video/board games, fantasy movies and TV, and all things geeky.
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