Mal is a human amplifier, which means a Grisha can use his powers to enhance their own. He learns that he descended from the Darkling's aunt, who was killed by her sister, Baghra, the Darkling's mother, and then brought back to life by their father, Ilya Morozova, which turned her into a human amplifier.

What race is Mal in Shadow and Bone?

Unlike the novels, in the Netflix series, both Mal and Alina are mixed-race—part Ravkan, and part Shu-Han (in real life, Alina actress Jessie Li Mei is a Chinese-British actress, while Mal actor Archie Renaux is White English)—two countries that have long been at war with one another.

Is Mal a darkling?

While searching for the last amplifier, Mal and Alina find out the truth about Mal's heritage. He is descended from Baghra's sister, making him a great-nephew of the Darkling. It also makes him an amplifier.