Shadow and Bone (TV series)

Lore & Background

The series is set in the Grishaverse, comprising the nations of Ravka, Fjerda, Shu Han, Kerch, Novyi Zem, and the Wandering Isle. Grisha are magic-users who practice the Small Science, manipulating matter at the molecular level. Ravka is divided by the Shadow Fold, a region of darkness created by the Black Heretic, and is at war with Fjerda. General Kirigan, the Darkling, leads the Second Army and seeks the Sun Summoner to destroy the Fold. Alina Starkov, a cartographer in the First Army, is revealed as the Sun Summoner, becoming the target of multiple factions including the criminal Crows and Fjerdan witch hunters.

Reader's Guide

Shadow and Bone received generally positive reviews, praised for its world-building and cast, though some criticism was aimed at its pacing. The first season adapted Bardugo's novel Shadow and Bone and included an original storyline involving the Crows from the Six of Crows duology. The second season adapted Siege and Storm, Ruin and Rising, and parts of Crooked Kingdom. Despite growing fan support, Netflix canceled the series after two seasons in November 2023, and plans for a spin-off centered on the Crows were abandoned. The series is significant for bringing Bardugo's Grishaverse to a wide audience and for its diverse cast, including reimagining Alina as half-Shu.

Did You Know?

• The series was developed by Eric Heisserer for Netflix.
• The first season premiered on April 23, 2021.
• The series was canceled after two seasons in November 2023.