Who Does Alina Marry? Unraveling The Romantic Fates Of Two Prominent Alinas
The name "Alina" might conjure up different images for different people. For fans of fantasy literature and television, it immediately brings to mind Alina Starkov, the Sun Summoner from Leigh Bardugo's beloved Grishaverse. For others, particularly those following current events, it might refer to Alina Habba, a well-known lawyer. This article aims to clear up any confusion and delve into the romantic lives of both these prominent figures, answering the burning question: "Who does Alina marry?"
It's crucial to distinguish between these two individuals, as their stories and relationships are vastly different. We'll first explore the complex romantic journey of Alina Starkov, a character whose love life is as intricate as the magical world she inhabits, and then shed light on the marital status of Alina Habba.
Alina Starkov: The Sun Summoner's Romantic Entanglements
Alina Starkov, the protagonist of the Shadow and Bone series, finds herself at the center of a love triangle (or even quadrangle) throughout her journey. Her relationships are deeply intertwined with her destiny and the fate of Ravka. The question of who she ends up with is a common point of discussion among fans, with significant differences between the books and the Netflix adaptation.
Alina Starkov in the Netflix Show
In the Netflix adaptation of Shadow and Bone, Alina's romantic path takes several interesting turns. During Season 2, we see Alina making a significant decision regarding her future and the future of Ravka.
- Engagement to Nikolai Lantsov: Alina agrees to marry Nikolai Lantsov, who is next in line for the Ravka throne. This decision is largely a political strategy, a means to strengthen the monarchy and provide help and protection to her country. At first, Alina goes along with the idea, seeing it as a way to improve morale between the First Army and the Grisha.
- Breaking the Engagement: However, the season doesn't end with Alina and Mal getting married, nor does it end with her marrying Nikolai. By the end of the season, Alina returns Nikolai's engagement ring, indicating that this political alliance does not culminate in marriage.
- Relationship with The Darkling: While learning at the Little Palace, Alina does grow closer to the Darkling. However, in the show, as in the books, Alina does not get together with the Darkling in a romantic sense in the end.
- Fate with Mal: Unlike what some "Alina and Mal shippers" might hope for based on the books, the show's second season leaves Alina's romantic future somewhat open-ended, though her bond with Mal remains strong. Mal, alternatively, decided to become a pirate, taking a different path than his book counterpart.
It's also worth noting a significant divergence in the show's Season 2 ending compared to the books: in the show, Alina decides to accept Nikolai's proposal to marry him as a political strategy and leaves Season 2 ready to become royalty. This contrasts with the books where she again refuses to marry Nikolai after a certain point.
Alina Starkov in the Books (Grishaverse Novels)
The books, specifically the original Shadow and Bone trilogy (Shadow and Bone, Siege and Storm, and Ruin and Rising), offer a more definitive answer to Alina's romantic fate. Fans of the original novels know that Alina's journey is complex, but her ultimate partner is clear.
- Alina and Mal: The End Game: Alina and Mal shippers will be pleased to know that Alina and Mal become a couple in the novels. Eventually, Alina ends up with Mal, her best friend, who has been by her side from the beginning. Their relationship is a cornerstone of the series, evolving from childhood friendship to deep romantic love.
- A More Complicated Path: However, Alina’s path to Mal is much more complex in the books, with a "third love" interest, Nikolai Lantsov, playing a significant role. In the books, Alina, Mal, and Nikolai enjoy an interesting friendship until Nikolai (who had been masquerading as the privateer Sturmhond) reveals his true identity. From there, Alina again refuses to marry Nikolai, solidifying her choice.
- No Darkling Romance: Just as in the show, Alina does not get together with the Darkling in the books. Their relationship is one of power, manipulation, and conflict, not romance.
- Loss of Powers and New Identity: A major plot point in the books, particularly in Ruin and Rising, is that the protagonist loses her Grisha powers and takes on a new identity after faking her own death. This way, she is able to start a new life with Mal, away from the pressures of being the Sun Summoner.
So, to definitively answer for Alina Starkov: in the books, she ends up with Mal. The show, while hinting at this, takes a slightly different path in its current seasons, leaving some aspects more ambiguous or altered for adaptation.
Alina Habba: Her Real-Life Marriage
Beyond the realm of fantasy, there's another prominent "Alina" whose marital status is a subject of public interest: Alina Habba, a well-known American lawyer. While her professional life is often in the spotlight, her personal life, particularly her marriage, is less frequently discussed, leading some to wonder about her relationship status.
- Married to Gregg Reuben: Alina Habba is currently married to Gregg Reuben. He is a businessman with a long history in the parking industry.
- CEO of Centerpark: Reuben is a Harvard Business School graduate and the CEO of Centerpark, a company in the parking sector.
- A Seemingly Private Marriage: Alina Habba and Gregg Reuben are rarely seen together publicly, which might make it a surprise to some to know she's married. This has led to her husband being referred to as "seemingly secret" by some.
- Family Life: Alina, alongside her two kids from a previous relationship with Mathew, is also a devoted stepmother to her husband Gregg Reuben’s son, Parker, from his previous relationship with Sarah. Just because Alina Habba didn't find everlasting love in her first marriage does not mean that her journey to find love came to an end. She found it again with the Centerpark founder.
So, while Alina Starkov's romantic fate is a matter of fictional narrative and adaptation choices, Alina Habba's marriage is a real-life fact, with her being happily married to Gregg Reuben.
Conclusion: Two Alinas, Two Fates
The question "Who does Alina marry?" reveals two distinct answers depending on which "Alina" you're referring to. For fans of the Grishaverse, Alina Starkov's romantic journey is a complex one, culminating in a deep and enduring partnership with Mal Oretsev in the books, though the show has taken a slightly different, more open-ended approach regarding her direct marriage choices in its current seasons. She notably does not end up with the Darkling in either adaptation. On the other hand, Alina Habba, the prominent lawyer, is indeed married in real life to businessman Gregg Reuben, with whom she shares a blended family. Both Alinas, in their respective realms, have found their paths, whether fictional or real, leading to varied and interesting romantic conclusions.
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