On Dec. 17, Netflix revealed new information about the release date of the new TV show adaptation of the “Shadow and Bone” trilogy by Leigh Bardugo. Bardugo is an American young adult and adult fantasy writer. She is best known for her Grisha Universe, or the Grishaverse, books which involve two seperate series. The “Six of Crows” duology and the “Shadow and Bone” trilogy which are both young adult fantasy books. The “King of Scars” duology is also part of the Grishaverse world. She released her first new adult dark fantasy novel, “Ninth House,” back in October 2019. “Rule of Wolves,” the sequel to “King of Scars” is releasing on March 30. 

There are a total of seven books set in the Grishaverse. It hasn’t been confirmed whether or not Bardugo will continue in this world. “Shadow and Bone” was the first book she wrote set in the Grishaverse, released June 5, 2012. In “Shadow and  Bone,” we follow 17-year-old Alina Starkov who grew up in the great nation of Ravka, which has been split into two by the Shadow Fold, where darkness lingers. When her regiment gets attacked on the Fold by the volcras (creatures), she triggers a well-built power that both she and her regiment had never encountered, or at least that was thought to be true. She is brought forth to be questioned by the Darkling who is the leader of the Second Army. When she is seen as a valuable asset to the Darkling’s plan to destroy the very thing that tears Ravka apart, she is to leave everything familiar to her behind, including her best friend, Mal, to save the nation. She is expected to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the Darkling. As Alina learns to use her powers, she uncovers secrets not only about herself but  also of the Grisha and the fate of Ravka. 

The second series that the show is going to be based on is called “Six of Crows.” The first book of this duology was released in 2015. “Six of Crows” follows criminal prodigy, Kaz Breker, who is given the chance to pull off the deadliest heist he’s ever pulled. But to accomplish it, he must team up with five other people: a convict thirsty with revenge, a sharpshooter who can’t walk away from a wager, a runaway with a privileged past, a spy known as the Wraith, a Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums and a thief with a gift for unlikely escapes. Kaz and his crew, the crows, must go through all odds to complete this impossible heist that may cost their lives, if they don’t kill each other beforehand. 

The show is going to be a Netflix original TV series if season one does well. Set to premiere on April 23, season one is called “Shadow and Bone.” It is rumored that season one will only cover the events in “Shadow and Bone” and won’t continue onto the next book, “Siege and Storm,” until season two. This ,is because one of the characters that is introduced in “Siege and Storm” is not cast yet leaving the fans to believe that there will be no content from the sequel as of now. The events that happen in the “Shadow and Bone” trilogy happen two years before anything happens in “Six of Crows.” This jump in time between the two storylines makes fans wonder how it is even possible. It is has been confirmed by the directors and Bardugo that the “Six of Crows” content in the show is all brand new. That is why when the first teaser trailer was released on Feb. 26, the crows were barely shown. They didn’t want to spoil anything for both fans of the books and new fans. 

While there will be no already known content from the “Six of Crows” duology, it is still recommended to read them to get familiarized with the characters that will be introduced. While watching the teaser trailer, it can be kind of confusing as a newcomer into the world to figure out what is happening in the trailer. There are specific scenes that fans of the books may be able to point out that other people can’t. 

Fans of the books are worried about the adaptation falling short to the expectations but do have confidence in it. Bardugo has been involved in the show as much as an author can be, and if she liked the way it turned out and loves the cast, then it’s predicted that the fans will too.

A common question that’s asked to her and the directors is how this show will appeal to not only fans of her books but also to new people as well who may have seen the trailer and are interested in watching. Considering that “Shadow and Bone” was written back in 2012 and is considered a young adult novel, she made it clear that it’s been a struggle  finding a way to satisfy more than just readers that are familiar with the series so that the show does well. 

The show is rated for mature audiences which makes the readers assume that the show will have more violent scenes but also more sexual activity. With the books being originally targeted to young adults, the show is now aiming to attract older audiences. Whether you’ve read the books or not, this show is not one to pass up watching.

Caitlin Alicea | The Oswegonian