The new fantasy series with a touch of science fiction and a dose of drama is Shadow and Bone. This Netflix Original Series is based on the book series by Israeli-American author Leigh Bardugo and is a downright hit! In 8 episodes, Netflix manages to introduce a huge number of characters and give each of them their own story. A real must-see for every fantasy lover!
Shadow and Bone is set in Ravka, a fictional land based on the Russian Empire of the early 19th century. Ravka is divided by the “Shadow Fold”, a Shadow Veil that runs through the country. This “Fold” was created by a Grisha, a human who can manipulate a specific element to use as a weapon, due to a mistake in summoning shadows. This mistake can only be corrected by a “Sun Summoner”. But unfortunately, the Sun Summoner has not been found yet. Until now.
Alina Starkov, an orphan and cartographer, turns out to have Grisha blood after a journey through the Fold. And not just any Grisha blood. Alina is the long-awaited and saintly Sun Summoner! In one fell swoop, her life changes, and she becomes the most valuable person in Ravka. This also makes criminals like the “Crows” very interested in her.
With multiple storylines, Netflix challenged itself to do justice to this series. But they succeeded! The first episode serves as an introduction to the story. Most main characters are introduced, and the first action scenes take place. Shadow & Bone takes off and only slows down its breakneck pace when the credits of the last episode roll.
The strong cast of Shadow and Bone
With names like Jessie Mei Li, Archie Renaux, and Amita Suman, they are certainly not the most famous actors and actresses who have managed to secure a role in Shadow and Bone. In addition, the slightly more famous Ben Barnes (Narnia: Prince Caspian, Dorian Gray, Westworld) plays the charming General Kirigan, a “Shadow Summoner”. As a result, the series also serves as an introduction for this young and inexperienced cast, each bringing their own character along for the journey. Almost all characters undergo personal development, contributing to the character development. In just 8 episodes, the characters experience a lot, which has turned them into different people. Very well done!
Season 2
The story is based on two book series written by Leigh Bardugo: the Grisha trilogy and the Six of Crows duology. Both series take place in the Grisha universe. Now that Netflix has bought the rights to these successful book series and season 1 has proven to be a success, the arrival of a second season seems inevitable. And good news, Netflix has announced that they are working on a second season! Filming is scheduled to begin in early 2022, so perhaps the second season of Shadow and Bone will be available by the end of next year.
While Shadow and Bone may have the potential to be a good fantasy teen drama, comparisons are inevitable. Until the second season arrives, fans of other fantasy series like The Witcher, Cursed, Fate: The Winx Saga, Merlin, Game of Thrones, and Avatar: The Last Airbender can feast their eyes on this first season in the meantime.
Shadow and Bone – Season 1 – Netflix
Dark forces conspire against orphan mapmaker Alina Starkov when she unleashes an extraordinary power that could change the fate of her war-torn world.
Cast: Jessie Mei Li, Ben Barnes, Archie Renaux, Freddy Carter, and others.
Creator: Eric Heisserer
Studio: Netflix
