A Deep Dive into Nikolai Lantsov

Arguably one of the fandom’s most beloved characters that originated from the trilogy, Nikolai Lantsov gets introduced to us in Siege and Storm and captures hearts with his witty dialogue and skill for strategy.

(Spoilers ahead if you haven’t read past Siege and Storm or watched Shadow and Bone! Unsure of the reading order? Go here!)

From speculated bastard to privateer to leader of Ravka, the character gets around and is rarely seen sitting still. Although he is not someone we meet immediately, he ends up becoming vital to the series’ events and he even has his own duology later on in King of Scars. But being the second son, he wasn’t always destined for the crown, so how did he get there? What makes him so fit to wear it and why does this lead to other characters’ (and our) admiration? Let’s dive in and answer this ourselves!

A Charming Meeting

We first get to meet Nikolai, as was mentioned above, in the second installment of Shadow and Bone. He was first shown to us in a rather peculiar circumstance with Alina and Mal trapped on a ship searching for Rusalye, but he quickly gained the characters’ and our trust by demonstrating how he wasn’t actually the Darkling’s ally.

Even with his induction into the main cast being a bit rocky, he was crucial to bringing Alina back to Ravka after forming an alliance with her so that they could formulate a plan to defeat the Darkling and his forces. He showed himself to genuinely care for the country unlike the rest of his family who merely took pleasure in their wealth, instantly setting him apart.

Brief History on the Seas

It does not do to talk about the Ravkan monarch without talking about his alter ego, now does it? One would not normally expect a descendant of royalty to take to the seas in disguise but that’s just one part of him that makes him so intriguing.
  Before we get to meet Nikolai Lantsov, then-prince, we meet him as Sturmhond, his privateer alias. As Sturmhond, he commanded a fleet of ships that helped Ravka during war time. This gives us an early glimpse at the man’s never-fading sense of adventure and desire to always be doing something, rather than sitting around in a palace.

The Civil War

Throughout the series, we come to learn of Nikolai’s many skills. It was undoubted from the beginning that he had people skills, but he also displayed knowledge in various areas, such as strategy and invention—those flying ships were quite the sight to behold.

With the Darkling, shadow monsters, neighboring nations, and even rumors of his parentage all fighting against him, he rarely backed down in the face of adversity.

Cutting Family Ties

A turning point in Nikolai’s future came in the form of him ultimately forcing his father into abdication after proof of a heinous crime and sending the family off to live elsewhere.
  With the rich who cared not for those of lower status out of the way, he was now able to fully lead without any meddling. And only the rest of the series’ events know how well he wore that role.

Nikolai Lantsov’s Coronation

By the end of all the madness, Ravka naturally needed a leader, and it was up to a well-known, blond fox to step up to the challenge. Growing from a restless boy into an essential piece behind the country’s restoration, him becoming the newly crowned King would go on to change the course of history, just as he intended.

Tainted by Scars

While we surely won’t reveal too many details here if you haven’t gotten to the King of Scars duology yet, why not entice you while you’re here?

The (current) last main series within the Grishaverse and set after Crooked Kingdom’s events, it follows Nikolai as he navigates trying to build Ravka up after the effects the war had on the nation. The title of the book being a nickname based upon an unfortunate encounter in the first series, we also witness him battle against his inner demons and become even more complex of a character. While we’d certainly recommend everyone to read these last two books, Nikolai fans especially would be sure to not leave disappointed.

Sly Fox or Friendly Adventurer?

Nikolai Lantsov’s Irresistible Likability

With his various traits and shortcomings, this scarred Lantsov worms his way easily into people’s hearts, but why is this the case?

For all his privileged upbringing, it is clear throughout the story that use it to his advantage as he might, it isn’t something he relishes in quite as much as his family. He hates being idle, seeks out adventure, hones his abilities both for his personal interest and the sake of his country, has a fighting background, and the ability to make you laugh in almost any situation.

But maybe, most of all, he is human. We got to view him as an underdog, the second-born and rumored to not even be his father’s son. The more obvious choice for an heir based on skill and labor yet held back by old traditions of bloodline and hierarchy. Yet he never stopped fighting, and perhaps that is the secret.

That’s All (For Now)!

Evidently, Nikolai Lantsov has led quite the life (and who’s to say this is the end of his journey?) and gained much acclaim, both in and out of canon. He’s certainly a compelling character in many ways, whether or not he’s your cup of tea—though, he would certainly gasp at the mere suggestion.

What do you think of Nikolai? If you’d been in Alina’s shoes, would you have jumped at the chance to get closer to him? Let us know all your thoughts!
  Until next time!