In the book, Jolene uses her degree in physical education to aid Beth through her addiction, but does not provide money for Beth to get to Russia.
In the show, Beth is indebted to Jolene’s contribution to help Beth get to Russia.

Tevis proves that conscience will help those going through struggles to continue fighting their battles (as Beth reached out to Jolene at the bottom of her addiction.)
Instead, in the show, Jolene coincidentally appears at Beth’s front door right when Beth needs her.

Lastly, Tevis’s novel highlights the 1950s gender battle for women in academia, depicting the constant sexism Beth encountered with her fellow competitors
In the Netflix drama, Beth’s male competitors are surprised by her intellect rather than threatened.

Queen’s Gambit (2020) | Motion Picture Association

Verywell Mind | Conscience vs. Conscious

Queen’s Gambit (2020) | America Magazine

In Bardugo’s novel, Alina lacks power when it comes to her relationship with the Darkling. The love/hate relationship follows a typical storyline of the man holding most of the power in a romantic relationship.
Heisserer however went for a modern take, making Alina the instigator of the relationship, further highlighting the control she holds over the male antagonist.

The Darkling, supposedly had a dark history as a lonely young boy, molding the power-struck antagonist that Bardugo created.
In contrast, Heisserer went for a tragic romantic backstory for the Darkling.

Bardugo shapes a relationship between Mal and Alina full of angst, jealousy, and indecisiveness.
But instead of this rocky relationship, Heisserer depicted it as stable, loving, and never-dying.

Shadow and Bone (2021) | Netflix Life

Shadow and Bone (2021) | Insider

Queen’s Gambit (2020) | Netflix Original

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