BEN BARNES DIDN’T NEED TO DO THIS TO ME | Watching **SHADOW AND BONE** for the first time - SEASON 1

[@coniiiism]

I actually feel personally attacked by Ben Barnes because now I can't stop watching his videos ... like sir free me

[@thebestofstephx]

ok meeeeeeeeeeee

[@x0xlovu]

Same!

[@leadelmond8141]

Saaammme😭

[@happyjellycatsquid]

It’s a lot like morozova’s collar and slavery, questionable behaviour on your part Ben 🤔😳

[@valentinaarmijo3172]

Me 2

[@asterwashere]

in conclusion, the darkling has pretty privilege

[@leannemiranda96]

The fact that Ben himself improvised the part where he steps out of frame to run back so he could kiss her again because he wanted to add a sweet moment... 😭❤ Man is too precious.

[@Ineeee]

@Vanessa L. I heard her say that the script already had that in.

[@brendadotter4433]

@@Ineeee I think Ben suggested several additions to the love scene, which were then discussed & approved. Someone posted that nowadays intimate scenes can't be changed except through a set process. Evidently, Ben suggested the asking permission line as well as the running back to kiss Alina. This guy is a treasure!

[@Epic4Evr1990]

I love that part, 😩😍🥰🥰🥰🥰 I so happy he did that. I that it was soo cute!!!

[@MRHMLK1000]

crazy how quickly my moral compass leaves my body when it comes to villain ben barnes

[@kaytheeintrovert6260]

Facts 😅😅

[@vitoriadecastro8615]

Sameee

[@guadalupetorres]

here it is, i found it, i found the comment that describes me perfectly

[@aryanemarques2089]

Yeeesss

[@caitt9300]

literally

[@Callmekatielee]

When Ben Barnes showed up with the Caspian hair for the Darkling flashbacks I SCREAMED.

[@lizzytaylor1862]

Sameeeee🥰

[@k1w1dr3ss]

my heart stopped for 4 seconds before i could scream, the Narnia movies are my childhood

[@senumidesilva2706]

Same here...😍😍

[@jessicarichards7263]

The hair and makeup department knew what they were doing

[@ajmalaika1287]

AHHHH Caspian hair should be its official name YASSS

[@equestrianrosie]

I swear if Kirigan wasn't played by such a gorgeous gentle man my view of the Darkling would be completely different. BEN BARNES YOU MAKE HATING YOU IMPOSSIBLE.

[@fmellark]

If villain, why hot?

[@jessicarichards7263]

“I was just so mesmerized by his eyes” - aren’t we all?

[@aryanemarques2089]

His dark eyes are so beautiful 😍

[@kaycedaniels6035]

Sameeeeee

[@chiloutdude5130]

The most groundbreaking part of this series is the part where two characters, Mal and Alina, have an interpersonal conflict (neither has received a single word from the other) that can be resolved if they would just sit down and have a conversation about it, explaining the issue from each of their perspectives... And then, they do that, like...as soon as it makes sense for them to do so. And almost immediately, that issue is resolved. And that's it; they aren't stupidly angsting at each other for several episodes because neither refuses to talk, they just...talk. And it fixes things. Unprecedented. Groundbreaking. Basically witchcraft.

[@AmethystEyes]

In the books it’s the opposite. Mal is terrible in them. They made him such a better character and person in the show.

[@gracebrown3074]

Oh my gosh I’m glad everyone felt that way because as soon as that happened I was like, “Are they allowed to do that? Have they always been able to do that, this feels illegal somehow but I love it.” It was also the moment I was locked into malina. Healthy relationships are my kink.

[@vixiestarfire]

Can you believe Ben Barnes is 40?! FLIPPING 40! I’m still in love but damn

[@thebestofstephx]

I was shocked

[@bethcruz4198]

Almost 40.he has 39

[@bethcruz4198]

But yeah stells hot

[@Pinkfigleaf]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, the older he gets, the more handsome he becomes.

[@sanxxxx]

He's still very handsome but he looks his age in my opinion, he looks around 40. I don't think he got more handsome, he was beautiful in Caspian, he just aged gracefully unlike some other actors (*cough*Leo*cough*).

[@vixiestarfire]

Fun fact! The Darkling’s mother is played by the lady that also plays Madame Hooch in Harry Potter! 🥰 (the one who teaches them to fly in the first movie)

[@mysticfox1663]

I can't believe she's Cassandra from Dr Who too

[@elopickle]

Girl give Zoë Wanamaker some credit, she’s a British acting veteran

[@vittoriabianchi4484]

She is the Friend of Poirot by David Suchet

[@veronicablake5389]

THATS WERE I KNOW HER FROM

[@awolf9036]

I KNEW I’VE SEEN HER BEFORE Thanks

[@AG_KEMPER]

I am not attracted to men, yet I know that Ben Barnes is an objectively gorgeous man.

[@amik5858]

The blonde Woman in purple who hugged Alina first in the throne room scene is the author of the books, Leigh Bardugo.

[@EdricHsu]

That’s really cool!

[@spacegalaxy19]

In the books his name is just The Darkling, but they changed it to General Kirigan so people wouldn’t automatically assume he’s the bad guy lmao

[@bashboi4074]

Well that failed lmao

[@xbookwormqueenx]

And the fact he casually said his real name a few episodes in unlike in the books where it meant so much.

[@brendadotter4433]

Plus, can you hear the Grisha army calling him General Darkling?! 🙄🙄🙄

[@lordsathariel4384]

@@bashboi4074 lets be honest no one is gonna trust a dude who can decapitate a room with a dagger of darkness

[@alinac5512]

44:45 ok, as someone who has read the books, all Ill say is this: Kaz and Inejes relationship is very difficult and complicated on both of their parts. They both suffer from PTSD (Inej was forced to worked in the "Menagerie", which is a brothel, so shes got kind of a complicated past and Kazes backstory isnt very fluffy either) so its absolutely supposed to be a slowburn. I highly recommend the books, btw (the Six of crows duology). I hope that clarified some things :).

[@wtvlily]

i haven't read the books but i already knew kinej wass a thing, but i just love them kaz is my fav and inej is just amazing, their dynamic is so beautiful, they really value eachother :D

[@findingmyself7334]

Six and crows is my favorite.and yeah as you said their relationship is complicated but the books still make you feel happy for them

[@lucymerb_10]

The reason that Kaz wears gloves almost broke me

[@Sara-yl8lx]

The Darkling had me in conflict throughout the whole trilogy. In the books it's even more confusing because I hate Mal, I don't like him at all ... But the Darkling ... Ooh God ... and then they put Ben Barnes in the adaptation. This was like a roller coaster of emotions.

[@nyushav9600]

Yup its the same for me i just can’t stand mal at all

[@angelazayn4878]

Your reaction is my reaction when I first watched the show. I couldn't stop simping over Ben Barnes.

[@angelazayn4878]

I still can't stop simping over Ben Barnes.

[@heresfrankbetches921]

Y e s

[@meganjohnson9022]

Just a little tidbit to make you love Ben even more -- that little "walk away and come back for another kiss" plus asking for her consent in Ep 5 were both Ben's inventions.

[@thebestofstephx]

could he be any more prefect?

[@mooshroom_ashe8303]

Ben is Awesome.. He makes a great Villian! :3

[@vixiestarfire]

When I tell you my childhood self was SO in love with Prince Caspian... 😅

[@thebestofstephx]

who wasn’t??

[@sixofpages]

it’s so interesting seeing someone who hasn’t read the books watch the show, as someone who has read the books! also the scene in the war room where kirigan goes back to alina for one more kiss was improvised

[@sixofpages]

also in the books, alina wears the antlers as just a collar, but they made it look like that in the show to show just how gruesome it is and so people wouldn’t romanticize it

[@secret_giggle_2992]

I wouldn't call it improvisation . Ben actually gave the idea to the director & others and they discussed about it prior the shootings. He told this in an interview. Also the consent part was also his idea.

[@brendadotter4433]

@@secret_giggle_2992 Yes, that is what happened with the consent & the extra kiss! It ALL has to be agreed upon beforehand.

[@angelazayn4878]

Can I just say Mal in the Series is such a sweetheart and so understanding in the Books I hate him so much the Series is such an improvement.

[@thebestofstephx]

that’s what i’ve heard. i’m gonna try to read the books and am prepared to hate book Mal lol

[@guilhermesales9757]

Book Mal is selfish, possessive and constantly jealous. His personality is quite terrible in the books, and I'm so glad they did him better in the show

[@neveralone7748]

@@guilhermesales9757 also controlling, and it’s like the real life kind of controlling (which is so much scarier since it’s so realistic)

[@pbbbby]

I havent seen a more accurate reaction of darklina moments than hers. That’s how i totally screamed every freakin moment.

[@dumbraven7763]

I'm asexual and only romantically attracted to women. I have never felt so sexually confused than when I watched ben barnes push her against that table. I'm having a crisis. It's 12:30am and I'm just thinking about mr. prince caspian gone rogue of all people jesus Watching this video as I finish each episode. Only seen through 5 so far, but loving your reactions!!

[@ReviewBoard-uy5nv]

Argh I know. I think I’ve had a physical reaction to that scene each of the twenty times I’ve seen it

[@freckleKaren]

@@ReviewBoard-uy5nv hahahhah

[@titin885]

You are the second person that is attracted to women that felt things about Barnes in this scene. I guess his level of charm is beyond tastes and gender

[@brendadotter4433]

@@titin885 😆😆😆 Also, I've read comments by straight guys who said they thought Ben Barnes was attractive in this role! He's an amazing actor. This goes way beyond just his beauty. It's his acting as well!🖤🌄🖤🌄🖤🌄🖤

[@frazzyblue1384]

Oh my god me too!! I’m on the asexual and aromantic spectrum as well and man Ben Barnes hit me like a freight train, I never knew I could feel like I couldn’t breath and was getting flustered, bro sent me into an existential crisis 😂😂

[@azdajajeanne]

3:49 Answers to questions for anyone who doesn't know yet (and is confused)! Here are the place names, their ethnicities, and the real places they're inspired by. Ravka, Ravkans. Yes, they're based on Russia and Russians. I'm a Slav and I love this series, but lemme tell you, we all weep at Bardugo's terrible Russian. (Personally, I wonder if [the reason] they had a linguist on this show create conlangs [was] to avoid this criticism.) The Shu Han, the Shu. Asia generally, mostly East Asia and China in specific (Bardugo conflates China and Mongolia a little, yes). Unsurprising, since China is next to Russia IRL. The Suli are the Romani, an Indian diaspora group in Europe. At present, their biggest numbers are in Russia, which is certainly why Bardugo includes them here. The Romani are a stateless people, so the Suli aren't depicted as having their own nation, either. The books claim they're from the Shu Han, which is why I say it's meant to be Asia and not just China (off the top of my head, some major Shu characters have Chinese names, but other Shu characters have Semitic names, so you see my point). Novyi Zem, Zemeni. The African continent. If Bardugo based it on a specific country, I'm not familiar enough with Africa to tell. Fun fact: Literally means "New Land". (If anyone takes issue with Black characters in Fantasy Europe, allow this European to tell you, POC have existed in Europe since antiquity. Yes, even before colonialism and slavery. This is literally one of my areas of expertise.) Fjerda, Fjerdans. Norsemen, AKA "Vikings", in general. Not based on a specific country, but inspired by Norway, Sweden, and other northern Germanic places and peoples. Ketterdam is the city, Kerch the nation. It's based on the Netherlands, which you might know colloquially as "Holland", where they speak Dutch. The Wandering Isle is the nation, but Kaelish is the ethnicity. Celtic in general, Gaelic more specifically, and Irish in its stereotypes. (Does it drive anybody else a little nuts that Pekka Rollins has a Finnish name when he's supposed to be Irish? "Pekka" is the Finnish version of "Peter", if you're curious.) That's everything on the maps from the books! I hope, if you're like Stephanie and watched the show first and got confused by the many place names, this helped! :) Any place I didn't mention (Keramzin, for example) is a city in Ravka.

[@Aelinnai]

THANK YOU! I waited for that comment. Also a Slav here - although not of Russian ethnicity - and Bardugo's use of Russian also killed me. I especially snorted loudly when in the second book there is a character named "Privyet".... This guy is named "HELLO", for crying out loud! Also wondered why she chose the Finnish "Pekka", but wasn't as much troubled by it as by "Privyet" :P Also the alcoholic drink named "kvas"... I mean, I get that some iterations of "kwas" do have low count of alcohol, but still it made me laugh a bit, but that one was just a curiosity. I like how you made the connection between Suli and Romani - haven't actually thought of that and I don't know why, it's so glaringly obvious when you just stop for a second to think of it.

[@azdajajeanne]

@@Aelinnai Heh. I tell everyone who will listen that Alina and Aleksander are trans, because what bugs ME the most is that she got the names of her MAIN CHARACTERS wrong. There's so much I could nitpick, but...she didn't research...the names...she gave to MAIN CHARACTERS?! Who did she hire to do her Russian translations, and can she hire me instead? I read the audiobooks, and I kept correcting the narrators' pronunciation in my head, too.

[@Aelinnai]

@@azdajajeanne Right, and it was so easy to avoid. Just transfer the a from Morozova to Starkov and there! It's fixed :)

[@azdajajeanne]

@@Aelinnai Exactly!! YOU get it. The sheer number of times I've accidentally called her "Alina Starkova" because it's just common sense?! Staggering. Like, even English names can be gendered, like "Joseph" versus "Josephine", so I know they're familiar with the concept. I really don't get what's so hard to understand here!

[@aryanemarques2089]

Wooow this is so interesting! Thank you! I didn't know this thing with alina and aleksander's surnames, this is actually funny lol I think that when she wrote the first book she did not have help from anyone regarding Russian and also probably didn't search a lot about it. Now it's hard to change that, since in all books and on the TV shows the names are starkov and morozova, now it would be confusing if she tried to change it

[@Callmekatielee]

You are right, Baghra is Cassandra in Doctor Who! She’s also Madame Hooch in Harry Potter. She’s part of the group of British actors that just cycle through everything British and/ or on the BBC.

[@stuffedpotato9826]

when you look at Ben the line from Taylor's song *"Cause you're so gorgeous it actually hurts"* it finally makes sense

[@Currentlyabroad]

Ben : literally is just standing there Stephanie: UGHHHHHHHH !! GOD I GET IT 😭😭

[@vixiestarfire]

I almost died of laughter with the Jesper and the goat bit 😂

[@seansilence2697]

Also, the parts with Alina are EXCELLENT adaptations of the books. The stuff with the Crows is basically a prequel for them that isn't in the books, but it doesn't really change anything for their actual storyline.

[@pedramcq]

I support anyone's ship. It's fantasy. But I prefer Darklina (Darkling+Alina), because to me, it's the more interesting story.

[@aryanemarques2089]

Me too

[@evelynvas3800]

as long as you understand the problematic aspects of the ship and respect the ending leigh chose for alina then it's all good.

[@pedramcq]

@@evelynvas3800 Oh yea ofc, it's fantasy. As adults I presume that we can separate reality from fiction. Obviously I wouldn't support that relationship in the real world. I just prefer Darklina because I am a sucker for a redemption arc for a villain and also Ben Barnes and Jessie Mei Li's chemistry was just through the roof ^_^

[@brookeproctor7689]

The characters in this show/book series are all so interesting. The show seems to be exploring the idea of making them more dynamic and developing their characters. Very few things about this universe are black and white. Multiple ppl have stated how much better Mal's character is in the show and I have to agree. I think that has a lot to do with the fact that the show allows us to see things through his perspective and not just Alina. I know that the story largely revolves around Alina but the Darkling is the center of it all for me. His character is unbelievable if you look deeper than his surface. Even maybe the 2nd or 3rd layers of him are carefully constructed to be what he is comfortable with someone seeing. The hatred and fear of him is a place where he is used to inhabiting. He adopts what they assume him to be. He's good at it. All the bad qualities that he possess are real, they just aren't even close to all that is going on behind those eyes. He absolutely is terrifying and ppl are right to revere him, but they haven't really let him be anything other than the monster they assume he is. That's why I LOVED the line, "Fine, make me your villain." Imagine being 500 years old and consistently watching those you come to care about die. And not just die, but be brutally murdered for the very idea of simply existing as Grisha. Imagine the horrors and patterns of man that you would see come to pass over and over again. Your view and understanding of reality would be vastly different from every other living soul. Can you even imagine the responsibility he must feel to protect these people. The burden that his gifts place on his shoulders. And how incredibly lonely that must be to have to take all these things on alone. Not only does he not have anyone helping him but he doesn't have anyone to confide in or to understand him. He doesn't have anyone to see him. To see his pain and to see the parts of him that are very much still human and crave connection and redemption. That is what Alina represents for him. And I think that is why he puts all of his eggs in her basket. He wasn’t lying when he said he had been waiting for her for a very long time. Even just the hope and possibility that she brings literally and metaphorically light his existence. At first glance, his behavior with her does read as manipulation, and to some extent it is. But the driving force is desperation. He is just as taken off guard by her as she is by him. To be honest, it may be even more terrifying for him from a relationship stand point. He thinks he is in complete control. He thinks he is bending her to finally attain the power he's been looking for, but so much more is happening. Those moments of vulnerability with her are slips and cracks in his calculated disguise. I could literally go on and on but I won't lol. I will leave some things to the imagination and surprise. Another thing that I find interesting is that the show softens the Darkling but shields the audience from moments that make Alina a little fallible. She isn't perfect. She is a girl thrust into immense power and responsibility. She doesn't always make the moral or correct choices. I can't wait to see where else they take this. I'm pleasantly surprised with everything I've seen. And I don't even mind the deviations. That gives me hope for the possibility of some of my wish list scenarios to come true haha #AGirlCanDream

[@secret_giggle_2992]

Wow. Your in-depth characterisation is so well written. 👌

[@brookeproctor7689]

@@secret_giggle_2992 thanks 😊. It is a very real need of mine to unpack ppl and make sure they are understood. Hopefully I'm not seeing things that aren't there haha.

[@secret_giggle_2992]

@@brookeproctor7689 Hopefully I'm also not seeing things that aren't there 'cuz I have same opinions on his character. 😅

[@aryanemarques2089]

I absolutely loved your analysis of the darkling! I hate when people reduce the darkling to just evil and his interactions with alina to pure manipulation, yes he did deceive her, but at the same time you can clearly see that there is a lot more going on in his relationship than just deceit, his relation with alina is complex, you can see in the tv series how in so many times he is in the brink of tears because of her(like when kaz tells him that she willingly runned aways for him, this is not manipulation, alina is not there to see his face, how would that be manipulation? He was clearly shaken because she runned away), I think that the darkling did not expect that he would catch feelings for her(there is a phrase of the books in which he says about alina "she made me feel human again") and it's hard for him to deal with this, it was something unexpected that cracked his carefully constructed facade. This is why I love his character, he is such an alluring, magnetic and challenging person to understand. He has such depth and so many layers. Also, I like his relationship with alina because even though it has many problems, it also has such an interesting dynamic, my eyes are glued to the tv every time they are together. Mal and alina are cute, but very uninteresting and predictable in my opinion. Your analysis of him is just brilliant and so accurate(at least to me), you must be a very smart person.

[@brookeproctor7689]

@@aryanemarques2089 The show is definitely doing a good job with displaying his emotions. I'm not going to pretend he doesn't commit some truly heinous acts. I rooted for him through every single book, but some of his later decisions blow my mind with how dark he can get. What I find interesting though, is that they are almost always a direct reflection of his pain. Yes, he is using violence and manipulation as a way to get what he wants, but when he reacts.... those are the times you see the scared, hurting little boy. I think the facade is that he feels nothing. How many times does she describe him in the books as being calm and cold. And he even tells her at one point that if he let himself feel everything to the extent that she does right now, that it would be unbearable. I think the truth is that he isn't cold at all. He feels his emotions overwhelmingly when he allows himself. When his facade slips and he can't outrun what he's feeling... that's when you see these huge reactions that seem villainous. He breaks my heart every time I read him. Especially knowing what we know about his childhood. He's such a good character!

[@alezane4919]

You did not react to "Make me your villain" ?? I'm offended ! 😂😂

[@thebestofstephx]

i knowwww! I missed a prime opportunity!

[@brunaleticialopes7704]

I'm still with the Darkling

[@DM-lh5hk]

Same

[@titin885]

Same

[@issysomething1077]

Same

[@amsterdamhotelroom]

44:41 kaz and inej are DEFINITELY not going to kiss lol

[@evancarvalho2195]

This hurts my kanej soul deeply lol

[@emmadyer]

im currently watching it with my friend rn and she doesn’t know why im laughing when she asks if they’re gonna hookup

[@brendadotter4433]

Well . . . read "Six of Crows" & "Crooked Kingdom," if you haven't already! I'm in the middle of Leigh Bardugo's last duology, "King of Scars," and I'm expecting all the Crows to show up any time now.🤔🤔🤔

[@miklimecat9636]

"He should be illegal." (@9:33 ?) 😁 Girl, I hear ya. Except that we all need our Ben Barnes fix.

[@mariaguadalupe3233]

"I love a good heist scene!" 18:50 Stephanie should read six of crows 👀 because I think they are going to develop that storyline in second season 💖

[@brendadotter4433]

Then be sure to read "Crooked Kingdom." It's a continuation of the Crows' storyline.

[@spacegalaxy19]

Inej is the love of my life. That’s it. That’s the comment

[@azdajajeanne]

STEPHANIE WATCHED SHADOW AND BONE STEPHANIE MADE A SHADOW AND BONE VIDEO OMG like everyone has been posting these yes but when i tell you i screamed out loud -- i am probably the most excited for this one. OH MY GOD ARE WE REALLY GETTING STEPHANIE'S REACTION

[@thebestofstephx]

Omg thank you!!!

[@azdajajeanne]

@@thebestofstephx I look forward to your videos because they help me de-stress. (The only current ones I haven't watched are the Kipo ones, since I'm not caught up with the show.) So, thank you, actually! ^^

[@camilamarcano3182]

OMG I loved this video so much. I love when I see positive reactions for Shadow and Bone from a non-reader perspective. Your reaction in the entire show was literally my reaction reading the books for the first timeeee, It felt like having a dejavu lol. You have to read all the books, I promise that it will fill that void.

[@thebestofstephx]

I want to! I have the first one. idk when i’ll have the time to read it but i want to!

[@spacegalaxy19]

I HAD NO CLUE YOU WERE GOING TO WATCH THIS WTF I LOVE THOSE BOOKS AND YOU IT FEELS LIKE MY WORLDS ARE COLLIDING BYE 👁👁🤚

[@thebestofstephx]

omggggg! Hope you enjoy!

[@RSK9903]

Ok but Stephanie going AHHHH at various points in the show was so me when I was watching it lol

[@alisondensley4716]

The betrayal on your face when you realized Ben Barnes was a villain 😂😩 me too bro. Me too. I read the books so I knew but it still hurt

[@happyjellycatsquid]

Leigh Bardugo says in a QA that she didn’t know were to make her country take place until she saw some travel book on Imperial Russia and it just clicked so yes it’s inspired by that specific type period in Russia

[@CowCowMeows]

I think, amongst many things, one thing they did well was how they flipped the script on the characters. If it was their intention to send a message that 'charm' is usually false, and that first impressions are not always accurate, then they succeeded. Above anything, strength of character is what's being rewarded here.

[@brendadotter4433]

Well said!

[@dragonrune6800]

I literally just binged this series yesterday! This is a VERY good series to get lost in. I love the magic system.

[@sassyseraphify]

They were way too subtle about how exactly the king got sick in the show. The exact method of ingestion. In the books it is very clever in that if the king hadn't continued he would have been fine, but also it is when you really understand the odd combination of grisha magic types that Genya has and how unique she is.

[@emilycrawford5027]

it was pretty vague in the first two books, it’s fully explained in ruin and rising so hopefully later in the show it’ll go into more depth!!

[@alinac5512]

Oh, yes. I recently discovered you and love you (cause youre a Zutara shipper 😂) and now you react to shadow and bone. I just hope you love my babies Inej and Kaz.

[@inulipussegoda6352]

OMG SHADOW AN BONE YOU ARE REACTING TO SHADOW AND BONE *You just made my day*

[@LisaKokx]

This is the first video I'm seeing of you and you got me cracking UP with your comments. The "what was he going to do? he himself is one man" was iconic ps. thank you for showing me that I'm not alone in my ben barnes as the darkling hysterics pps. I can't believe you recognized the moisturize me lady omg

[@thebestofstephx]

thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Logan27T]

“This man keeps getting better looking with age! He’s so attractive! He should be illegal.” YES! Completely agree. 😍

[@mahfuzachowdhury1069]

I’ve already watched so many reaction videos of S&B now and yours is by far the best! I love your reactions when Ben Barnes enters the scene and I’m pretty sure I gave the exact same reaction. Love it. Keep it up! 🖤

[@thebestofstephx]

omg thank you!

[@mooshroom_ashe8303]

Ben Barnes is Great... I luv the reactions too he is literally awesome!!

[@cleverjade巧玉]

Love to find another Helnik shipper!!! (Nina + Matthias!)

[@WAYTOGO0101]

Skskssk your reactions were funny. Feel the same way about Ben Barnes. That man... Oof... Also, it's the books. A lot of why you don't get a lot of the scenes because the details are from the books 🤣 If you want to understand them, you can go for the books. They're good especially the Six of Crows. Your questions about Inej's dancing and Jesper's gambling will be answered there. It's a long story.

[@BooksStuffbooks]

Nina and Mathias will be the death of me

[@thebestofstephx]

I love them so much probably because I’m most like Nina with all the sass.

[@fmellark]

Started to watch for Ben... and stayed for Ben because honestly, what else can I pay attention to when he's in the room? not my fault he is more attractive than 80% of earth's population pur together? Still dont know half of the plot because i only pay attention to his scenes omg lol

[@RulesOfAtraction]

i have the exact same reaction to Ben Barnes xD

[@janainakuhl]

Oh girl, same reaction here when nina and Matthias did have a good ending, at least one couple needs to work out. I don't know in the books but i really like them together so omg we need a second season for this

[@natashadarko3066]

i made the huge mistake of watching shadow and bone after midnight and Ben Barnes raised my adrenaline levels SO HIGH that couldn't sleep for TWO hour AFTER i stopped watching. i ended up sleeping at 3 50 am and had to wake up at 6 am for school. it was worth it

[@user-ll5zo3uf6p]

I WAS OBSESSED WITH THE BOOKS I LITERALLY CRIED IN THE VERY FIRST EPISODE BECAUSE IT WAS SO OVERWHELMING 😭

[@zoharamitai8719]

YAY YOU WATCHED SHADOW AND BONE 14:49 this is the author of the books (and executive producer of the show) in the purple coming for a hug

[@Meggimagine]

I discovered the show without reading the books... and after devouring the whole show in a single night, I'm already done with the first two books and halfway through the third :3

[@Alternativegoldoyku]

You screaming and thirsting over ben barnes is all of our mood :D

[@phoenixfire124]

Ben Barnes was in a limited British series called "Gold Digger". It's like 6 episodes long and it's some of the best acting I've seen from him. I highly recommend it.

[@DanEvil6666]

I was searching for someone's reaction to this show. Good to see you do reaction to it

[@jonathaneverson3673]

Inej was part of a Suli traveling Circus before she was kidnapped and sold into slavery at the Menagerie. So her doing the silk ropes is actually her getting back to her roots.

[@titin885]

When you say "he is sooo attractive" hahahaha it was my exact reaction to this very first scene😂😂😂. I got hypnotized. Like wtf! Instant crush

[@annasmith6090]

Me, simping for Ben Barnes: I mean what's actually so bad about the fold?

[@katyklein8649]

Good to know I wasn´t the only one being totally invested in Ninas and Mathias lovestory!!

[@blabla7417]

„I shouldnt have been so trusting in the beginning, its my fault. i was just so mesmerized by his eyes.“ THaTS It. THaTs ThE BOoK.

[@godzillakingofmonsters32]

They did an amazing job with this show I started reading the books series because of it, just finished the first one!

[@karatekostapappaioannou8407]

I was really searching for people who react to shadow and bone when i get this notification😂

[@thebestofstephx]

yay!!!!!

[@RSK9903]

ReactionDragonz’s reactions are pretty good if you havent seen them yet. Those two guys haven’t read the books but they still got pretty invested in the show. I’ve enjoyed them and all eight episodes have been reacted to already.

[@karatekostapappaioannou8407]

@@RSK9903 I will check they account

[@RSK9903]

@@karatekostapappaioannou8407 Sure, hope you enjoy! Oh and it’s Reaction Dragonz, with a space in between.

[@karatekostapappaioannou8407]

@@RSK9903 Thank you very much :)

[@heyescusemee3954]

Girl , Everytime you reacted to Ben Barnes it literally reminded me of my reaction and this is the first time I've seen his acting.

[@Jsjshsjanxj]

I would definitely recommend reading the six of crows duologie! It’s such a great series and in my opinion waaayyyy better than the shadow and bone books. Also the events from the show don’t really happen in the books (it’s just a prequel in some cases) so you won’t have any spoilers.

[@darthdaenerys545]

“I simp so hard for this man” well aren’t we all 😍

[@DiamondJoyJoy]

Does anyone else kind of want Alina & Aleksander to end up together? I can’t help it! MADD chemistry on screen. And OMG Stephanie you are hilarious!

[@kccgurl]

If we get more season, I promise the couples all get resolved.

[@Truthster772]

I loved that they brought in elements of Asian, Russian, 18th and 19th centuryish, Indian and I noticed even some African notes here and there, all together. The madame has an Irish accent towards the end of her scene. Even the bad guy had a Scottish accent I think.

[@christie6515]

WHAT YOURE REACTING TO THISS OH MY GOD I LOVE U

[@Christianonfire7]

You had me laughing so hard. Lol. Shadow and Bone is amazing Ben Barnes is perfect. I love the Darkling because of him and actually want him and Alina to truly join forces lol. After binging it the day it came out I started reading the books. I am half way through the second book now. I can't wait until season two!!!

[@seansilence2697]

I'm so happy you decided to watch this!

[@evelynvas3800]

Kaz and Inej's bond is even more complicated than what the show suggests. Hopefully we'll get to see Kaz's backstory in season 2 because that way, his fear of touch ( caused by trauma ) will be introduced properly. Kaz can not bear the feeling of skin against skin and Inej, after being forced to become a sex worker at a very young age, also finds it hard to grow accustumed to physical affection. In the books, it's mentioned that she flinched the first time Nina tried to hug her. The fact that Kaz and Inej can never touch without either of them being overwhelmed by triggering memories of their past allows other, much more valuable aspects of their relationship to show trough. They have deep understanding and trust towards one another. Their 'magnetic pull' is so, so visible. From the way they look at each other to every sacrifice they make. Like how Kaz was willing to give up the Crow Club, a business he spent many years building, for her. Or how Inej wouldn't kill a man to win her freedom but she did it with no hesitation to save Kaz. I leave you with a quote from the books. "She'd laughed, and if he could have bottled the sound and gotten drunk on it every night, he would have."

[@brendadotter4433]

Psssst! Kaz hates human touch because of something that happened to him as a boy . . . and it has nothing to do with sex. If you haven't read them already, be sure to read "Six of Crows" and "Crooked Kingdom." If you love Kaz & Inej's relationship, you'll be well rewarded!😉😉

[@evelynvas3800]

@@brendadotter4433 I... I know. I've mentioned that. I have read the books. What are you talking about? 😅

[@brendadotter4433]

@@evelynvas3800 Evelyn, along toward the end of "Crooked Kingdom," there is an interaction between Kaz & Inej where they overcome their aversion to touch! Just enough to give them (and us) hope! I'll try to find the exact place and get back to you.🥰🥰

[@evelynvas3800]

@@brendadotter4433 First of all, they did not suddenly 'overcome' their aversion to touch. Like you said, it is a mere glimpse of hope. I'm sure it'll need them quite some time to really overcome their struggles. And God, it's like you're talking by yourself and refusing to read what I said back. You act like you know more than I do when I've already mentioned I HAVE READ THE BOOKS. You don't have to send me anything.

[@evelynvas3800]

@@brendadotter4433 Psst, *this* is the part you were looking for. Spare yourself the searching. I know because I read the books two years ago. 'Back on Black Veil, he'd told her they would fight their way out. Knives drawn, pistols blazing. Because that's what we do. She would fight for him but she could not heal him. She would not waste her life trying. She felt his knuckles slide against hers. Then his hand was in her hand, his palm was pressed against her own. A tremor moved through him. Slowly, he let their fingers intertwine. For a long while, they stood there, hands clasped, looking out at the gray expanse of the sea.'

[@torig8785]

I only watched the show at first and now im starting the 3rd book in teh Shadow and Bone triology an dlet me tell you. There are SO many scenes i wish they included. Also, I am very much in love with Ben and I would marry him in a second

[@julianamendes8802]

One of the best reaction video hands down! 👏🏽👏🏽 so much fun. 🤣🤣🖤

[@maxineberrios510]

The Darkling's mom is the broom flying professor from Harry Potter

[@AmeliePoulain_01]

As someone who speaks Russian well... listening to them wasn't easy.

[@mariafernandalagunesvillas5753]

I've read the books and i can tell you this show Is good, very, very good ❤️❤️

[@Ineeee]

All of your reactions to Ben Barnes. You are all of us. I feel seen.

[@NaamahTapp]

I don't usually watch people reacting to show that I've seen and love, because I am aware of my reactions and I don't really care for others. I saw your chill vibe in the thumbnail, and I clicked on it, and the fact that you separated your videos by episode, I absolutely loved it.

[@chanireiss4650]

I used to think I liked him when I first watched him as prince Caspian. When asked why, I said, "He has nice hair and eyes, and I just want to talk to him ." Oh, did I forget to mention he had a sword?

[@franchescagiglio7525]

Darklina forever 🖤💛🖤

[@nyushav9600]

🖤💛🖤

[@angelazayn4878]

I fully acknowledge that despite their chemistry The Darkling is a monster and what he did to Alina is an unjustifiable violation.

[@ReviewBoard-uy5nv]

Still team Darkling. Does that make me a bad person?

[@angelazayn4878]

@@ReviewBoard-uy5nv It makes you another Victim of Ben Barnes is incredible good looks, great acting ability and amazing chemistry with Jessie. When you rewatch the Series from the beginning its hard not to root for them.

[@robinator18ps3]

YAAS GIRL! I am here for it! Watching you swoon is everything! I feel you on getting invested in this!

[@krystal_senem]

you are like that person who speaks so loudly due to their headphones :D we hear youuu

[@GreyCookieWeirdo]

I have needed someone to get as hooked as i got! And i needed someone to say all the things i've been feeling about Ben barnes/General kirigan!

[@lunskyie]

ngl your reaction is MY reaction everytime ben appeared on screen😭 i need to pause it once in a while

[@frankoceanstanaccount7126]

Yesss! This show was so good, not the biggest fan of Alina as a main character 😅 but I really enjoyed the rest of the plots

[@vixiestarfire]

I think a lot of stories like this, fantasy romance specifically, have a pretty bland main character intentionally so the reader or viewer can self insert themselves into that adventure 😅 that’s what I find to be pretty common imo anyway with all the YA books I’ve read. One of my favorite books is The Forbidden Game and Jenny is SO boring i swear I couldn’t tell you a thing about her but I remember Julien and all of her friends. Not all YA books are like this but there’s a good chunk of them lol

[@frankoceanstanaccount7126]

@@vixiestarfire Yeah, I used to read lots of YA books, so I can see this "trope" of the main character being the less interesting hahahaha. I haven't really read that much of Fantasy YA, I focused more on the Sci-fi YA where most of the female protagonists were actually pretty badass and relatable at the same time. I think the issue I find with Fantasy is that somehow they always get themselves in this "fairy tale" makeover, where they get their hair done, put on beautiful dresses and fall in love with a strong gorgeous gentleman... Then they forget their mission and the story losts it's charm. I loved that they used diferent perspectives on the show, because if it was Alina focused I'd have turned it off half into the season😅

[@diegoromo5875]

Hi! I'm new! And I suscribed your channel. I just saw the first time recommend of Mamma Mia 1 and 2. And The Dragon Prince. But love your video so much. I enjoyed it so much. Love u and stay safe. 💖

[@tanii7813]

Such a blessing to have found your video!!! Love this show and your comments haha AAAAAND GIRL ! you are not alone sympathizing with the darkling/ talking his actions somehow good because we all have a crush on Ben Barnes here 🤣🤣🤣

[@tatertot7198]

idk if this is answered later but on your question about inej doing the performance thing she was raised as an acrobat.

[@TGIFridayy]

Kaz and Inej will literally never kiss lmao. Better get used to it now bb~*

[@matthewweng8483]

The couples are all still together... they just don’t know it yet. Fantastic show, I was right there with you - I really dig the casual format, btw. I say stick with it.