Netflix’s Shadow and Bone arrives this Friday, bringing the world of Leigh Bardugo’s bestselling young adult trilogy to life. The streamer has been hyping up its newest fantasy epic, and for good reason. The show will appeal to book fans and newcomers alike because it’s told with accuracy, enthusiasm and style.
Unraveling the story of Alina Starkov (Jessie Mei Li), a cartographer who realizes she has the power to summon light during a trip through her nation’s greatest danger — the Fold — Shadow and Bone takes the typical chosen one narrative and mixes it up with unique characters and elements, setting itself apart from similar stories.
The Russian-inspired world of Ravka and everything in it — from the intricate Grisha magic system to the characters from Bardugo’s Shadow and Bone and Six of Crows novels — are brought to the screen with enormous precision and detail. Add in the stunning cinematography, engaging action, and suspenseful twists and turns, and the show is sure to attract a fanbase that extends far beyond those who have read the books.
Even in the few places where Shadow and Bone falters, the series is leagues ahead of the first seasons of other shows that can struggle to find their footing. For that reason, it’s easy to see the show going far despite minor criticisms. Showrunner Eric Heisserer has already suggested he has plans for at least three seasons, and given the opportunity to capitalize even further on its potential, this series could become one of the next big fantasy hits.
Shadow and Bone is everything fans could hope for
As an adaptation, Netflix is bringing book fans everything they could have hoped for. It’s one of those series that sticks to the source material as closely it can, and wherever the show does deviate from the books, the changes only enhance what Bardugo has already created.
It’s clear the writers and producers have a great amount of respect for the story on the page. That commitment to the books shines through, as does the enthusiasm of everyone involved. The cast gives their all breathing life into these characters, and the result is something truly special.
Fans will no doubt appreciate how well the actors slip into their roles. From Ben Barnes’ General Kirigan to Amita Suman’s Inej, it’s as though someone reached into the books and pulled the characters straight off the page. That in itself will bring joy to anyone crossing their fingers for an accurate adaptation. (And the group has great chemistry with one another to boot!)
True to its origins, Shadow and Bone also strikes the perfect balance of high-stakes, serious conflict and fun, entertaining moments, making the ride as enjoyable as it is gripping. The writing for the show captures the heart of the original story well, but with Bardugo’s heavy involvement and Heisserer’s love for her series, we’d expect nothing less.
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