Shadow and Bone returns with a successful and well-filled second season. The plot will keep many readers of the books on the edge of their seat.Shadow and Bone is back. The Netflix fantasy series is back after two years with a second season. The series, which brings to life Leigh Bardugo's popular Grishaverse books, combines the stories of Alina Starkov and The Crows into a well-filled and exciting series. Where the first season introduces the story quietly, the second season goes through faster. Books two and three of the trilogy are treated and then the story of The Crows is also woven through it. Still, it doesn't feel too full.
Without giving away any spoilers, I can say that there are significant departures from the books, especially towards the end of the season.
Shadow and Bone is set in the fictional land of Ravka, which is divided by a jet-black 'fold' that literally splits the land in two, called the Onzee. Grisha exist in this world, individuals who have supernatural abilities. In their own words, they practice 'small science'. In particular, the series follows Alina Starkov, an orphan from Ravka who appears to have mythical gifts. She has the never-before-seen power of the sun. A force that can destroy Ours. The story of the second season picks up where the first ended.
I enjoyed this season very much. Without giving away any spoilers, I can say that there are significant departures from the books, especially towards the end of the season. This makes the eventual third season incredibly intriguing. Elements from the books are introduced that will faithfully continue the story, but an unexpected element is added that also makes it new for book fans. In a good way.
The cast of Shadow and Bone consisted of mostly unknown faces in the first season, who have come into their roles well in this season. The most famous name is Ben Barnes (Westworld), who plays the role of the Darkling. We also see Jessie Mei Li as Alina Starkov, Archie Renaux (Gold Digger) as Mal Oretsev, Sujaya Dasgupta as Zoya Nazyalensky, Freddy Carter (Pennyworth) as Kaz Brekker, Amita Shuman (The Outpost) as Inej Ghafa, Kit Young as Jesper Fahey and Danielle Galligan (Game of Thrones) as Nina Zenik. A number of new cast members have been added: Patrick Gibson (The White Princess), Jack Wolfe (The Witcher), Anna Leon Brophy (EastEnders) and Lewis Tan (Wu Assassins).
My point of criticism that I do want to mention is that there is not always enough time to think about building the characters and the world. I know the story, I know the books and I already know this world much better. I can understand that it's a bit harder to form a connection if you don't already have one. Sometimes it goes a little too fast for that. However, that doesn't make it any less entertaining.
It has now become known that a spin-off for The Crows is in the works. Eric Heisserer, the creator of Shadow and Bone, has also said that the series will have three seasons as far as he is concerned. Hopefully, both will become reality. However, Netflix's reputation for renewing expensive series after their second season makes this exciting. We will see.
