Shadow and Bone

by

Leigh Bardugo

Zoya is an extremely beautiful—and mean—Squaller. Even Marie and Nadia, whom Alina finds catty and mean themselves, don’t have anything nice to say about Zoya. Zoya first appears in the novel’s opening pages, when she catches sight of Mal and seems to take an interest in him. Later, once Alina is settled at the Little Palace and Zoya returns from her military post, Zoya is particularly cruel to Alina: she taunts Alina for being poor and uses her powers to hurt Alina during combat practice.
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Zoya Character Timeline in Shadow and Bone

The timeline below shows where the character Zoya appears in Shadow and Bone. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 11
Conformity vs. Individuality Theme Icon
...Grisha who seemed interested in Mal arrives. Marie groans and mutters that her name is Zoya; she’s a year older and “horrible,” as she’s extremely snobby. Alina rolls her eyes and... (full context)
Identity and Self-Knowledge Theme Icon
Gender, Sex, and Power Theme Icon
Zoya joins the Grisha at their combat lesson, and Botkin kisses her on the cheek. Alina... (full context)
Identity and Self-Knowledge Theme Icon
Conformity vs. Individuality Theme Icon
...tries to read. She’s certain people will be gossiping about her after the altercation with Zoya. As Alina gets up, she notices her reflection in the mirror. She looks ill and... (full context)
Chapter 12
Desperation, Leadership, and Corruption Theme Icon
Gender, Sex, and Power Theme Icon
Greed vs. Mercy Theme Icon
Surprisingly, the next morning is fine: Zoya ignores Alina at breakfast and it’s a beautiful day. But when Alina reaches Baghra’s hut,... (full context)
Identity and Self-Knowledge Theme Icon
Class and Privilege Theme Icon
Greed vs. Mercy Theme Icon
...is furious and accuses Alina of not trying, but Alina is just tired of failing. Zoya continues to ignore Alina. Still, though, Alina feels like she’s a failure who doesn’t belong—she... (full context)
Chapter 14
Identity and Self-Knowledge Theme Icon
Gender, Sex, and Power Theme Icon
With a grin, Genya drags Alina down the hallway and into Zoya’s room. She announces that on the Darkling’s orders, Alina needs to use this room. Zoya... (full context)
Chapter 20
Greed vs. Mercy Theme Icon
Conformity vs. Individuality Theme Icon
...The Darkling hovers, shooting Alina warning looks, as Alina pushes through the crowd. She passes Zoya, who is, ironically, clearly jealous of Morozova’s collar. Finally, Ivan ushers Alina into a tent... (full context)