So recently a video popped up on my feed about a new Netflix show called Shadow & Bone. There are three books in the Shadow and Bone series (also known as the Grisha trilogy), and two other books in the universe called the Six of Crows.
Shadow and Bone has been renewed by Netflix for its second season, most likely following the events of the series' second book--Siege and Storm.
The show is really interesting and follows a number of characters from the books, but first, I'll start out with the history and the main character in Shadow and Bone--Alina Starkov.
Many years ago, the country of Ravka was divided in two by this mysterious and dark shadow storm called the Fold. It was created by a powerful *Grisha called the Black Heretic, who could manipulate shadows.
The Fold separated Ravka into the western and eastern parts, and because the country is landlocked by their enemies, the only way to get from one side to the other is to go straight through it on skiffs. There are always casualties.
In the years later, General Kirigan, a powerful shadow Grisha only second in command to the king, has been trying to destroy the Fold, but has realized that nothing can be done if they don't find a Sun Summoner--but those aren't real.
The first book follows Alina Starkov and her best friend from the orphanage, a boy named Mal, as the two are chosen to make the trip through the Fold.
The only thing to keep the monsters away from the people on the skiff is to travel in complete darkness, or for the Sun Summoner to summon enough light...
But a Sun Summoner doesn't exist.
Yet.
If you want to watch the trailer, here's the link (only available on Netflix):
The first book follows specifically through Alina's perspective (though I'm not sure about the rest of the trilogy itself), while the show takes a different turn and introduces you into the Six of Crows characters early.
Even though some adaptations are made on both plotlines in the show, the overall story stays the same and it doesn't change anything. We're not introduced into the Crows until their specific series (if I'm not mistaken), but the show added them for the fans, and I have to say, I actually loved it.
I only know a little bit about the Six of Crows characters, but the main three are a con, a sharpshooter, and a wraith, and the other two are a Heartrender Grisha and a Grisha hunter. The sixth character will probably be introduced in a later season.
The content in the first book I have to say is... a bit dark. The dragon-like creatures in the Fold called the Volcra are nowhere near shy of eating people and there is some critical but a bit gory scenes. There's of course a little bit of language, but not too casual in conversation, and one really... tiny bit creepy kissing scene? It doesn't end up going anywhere though. There's some history about the use of amplifiers (using animal bones to amplify powers) a creepy religious man, and the calling of Grisha "Saints". I'd say thirteen and up.
Overall I'd also say 13ish and up for the show--again, there's a bit of gore, but since you can see it that changes your perspective a little. Fake blood is used often.
There's another kissing scene or two that honestly looks like it's going to go farther than it does. Don't worry, nothing happens. More language and of course, inappropriate commenting, a prostitute, a drag queen, and a gay kissing scene and flirting. Anything I stated about the book content is probably in the show.
Again, the concept is a bit dark but the show adaptation is honestly more interesting to me than the book series. The main character is a bit stronger and sure of herself, her best friend is an amazing character and is so much more interesting than the book, and the acting of Ben Barnes as General Kirigan is perfect. The scenery is also amazing and modeled somewhat after Russia. I'm really amazed by the acting skills and improv of the cast, especially when their characters are nothing like their real personality.
Like I said before, I think I actually like the show better, and it's worth a watch :)
Here's the different Grisha orders:
*{Grisha are people who can manipulate elements and get people safely across the Fold. They are divided into three categories--Corporalki, Etherealki and Materialki.
Corporalki are the Healers (ability to heal, no brainer), Heartrenders (ability to control a persons blood flow, soothe tempers, make someone's heart explode--you know, normal stuff), and Tailors (change appearance, remove scars etc.).
Etherealki are the Squallers (summon wind), Inferni (summon fire), Tidemakers (summon water), and the two most powerful Grisha: the Shadow Summoners and the Sun Summoners (shadows and light).
Materialki are the last classification and are called Durasts (they can manipulate physical materials) and Alkemi (alchemy), but they're interchangeably called Fabrikators.}
Let me know what you think!
Ciao,
~The Book Gobbler
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