Shadow and Bone season 2: What happens next?

Netflix announced that Shadow and Bone was greenlit for a second season during the streamer’s Geeked Week event, likely the result of the show’s success over its opening weekend, along with its Top 10 ranking during the week that followed. Based on Leigh Bardugo’s best-selling YA series, the fantasy epic is shaping up to be one of Netflix’s biggest original series of all time, at least if the recent Nielsen data is anything to judge by.

And with a second outing confirmed, the series is set to delve into Bardugo’s other Grishaverse books, most notably the remaining two in her Grisha Trilogy. While Season 1 of Shadow and Bone followed the events of the first book, which bears the same name, the second will likely adapt its sequel, Siege and Storm. 

Siege and Storm picks up after the Darkling’s betrayal of Ravka, with Alina and Mal on the run from him. Of course, hiding from someone as powerful as General Kirigan is no easy feat. And they’ll be particularly visible because the two have vowed to return to Ravka and use Alina’s powers to save it — something they may be forced to do sooner than they anticipated.

So Shadow and Bone‘s second season will continue with the epic fantasy story laid out in Bardugo’s trilogy, and perhaps even tackle some of her spin-off series as well. It’s too soon to say if Netflix will cover everything, but the season 2 confirmation means fans will at least get to watch Siege and Storm unfold onscreen.

So, what happens next in Alina’s story?

General Kirigan will be stronger than before in Shadow and Bone season 2

General Kirigan may have suffered defeat at the tail end of season 1, but the final moments of the finale reveal that he’s still alive — and angry. Viewers can expect to see him regroup and return stronger and more dedicated to his cause than before. Now that the Stag has failed him, he’ll be on the hunt for Morozova’s other amplifiers, one of which is likely to make an appearance early on in the new episodes.

The brief shot of him emerging from the Fold also shows blackened scars across his face. If season 2 sticks closely to what happens in Siege and Storm, those aren’t a mere reminder of his fight with the volcra; his power will now be connected to the creatures, making him an even more formidable villain to contend with.

With resentment following his defeat, a stronger commitment to his cause and new powers, General Kirigan’s storyline will be a highlight of season 2 — especially with Ben Barnes bringing him to life again.

Alina Starkov will take control of the Second Army

General Kirigan may level up during Shadow and Bone season 2, but he isn’t the only one. While the first season of the show saw Alina gaining control of her light-wielding abilities, the second will allow her to hone that skill. Now that she has one of Morozova’s amplifiers, the Sun Summoner stands to become as powerful as Kirigan himself. And that’s not the only way she’ll follow in his footsteps in future episodes.

Siege and Storm also sees Alina returning to the Little Palace and taking control of the Second Army. Although some of the Grisha will continue to follow Kirigan even after everything he’s done, others will follow Zoya’s lead and stay behind to defend Ravka.

With no one to command them, the Grisha will be looking to the Sun Summoner for answers. Fortunately, she’ll be in a place to take on a bigger role in the fight against General Kirigan, giving viewers even more character growth to look forward to.

Nikolai Lantsov will make his first appearance

If you’re wondering why Ravkan royalty would ever entrust another powerful Grisha with the Second Army, let’s just say Alina gains some convenient new allies over the course of Siege and Storm, including the king’s youngest son, Nikolai Lantsov.

Although as the youngest son Nikolai isn’t directly in line for the Ravkan throne, Siege and Storm drives home just how much he cares about his kingdom. Seeing Alina as the only person with a chance of holding her own against Kirigan, he jumps on the opportunity to align her goals with Ravka’s.

In addition to getting Alina back to the Little Palace, Nikolai will serve as yet another potential love interest for the series’ main character. Although her romance with Mal is likely to go further in the upcoming season, Nikolai will present Alina with another option — and remind her of the reality of being the Sun Summoner, along with all the expectations that go along with it.

What about the Crows?

When it comes to what’s next, the biggest question heading into season 2 is what will become of the Crows. Unlike Alina’s story, which has been laid out pretty clearly in the remaining Grisha Trilogy novels, it’s hard to say what will happen to Kaz, Inej and Jesper during Shadow and Bone season 2. In Bardugo’s books, these characters don’t make an appearance until after Alina’s story is over and done with.

Despite their duology being set later on, showrunner Eric Heisserer worked Kaz, Inej and Jesper into Alina’s story during season 1, and he could very well do the same for season 2. It’s also possible the series will delve further into what awaits the Crows when they return to Ketterdam — most notably, a pissed-off Pekka Rollins and Tante Heleen.

Whatever route Shadow and Bone takes, it doesn’t seem possible the series could tackle Six of Crows or Crooked Kingdom just yet. The writers would need to make major changes to the Ice Court heist and the motivations behind it in order to make it work alongside Alina’s journey.

More likely, the next season or two of Shadow and Bone will add some character development and backstory to the Crows — and Nina and Matthias — before throwing them into their book storylines. Whether this will lead them to cross paths with any of the Grisha Trilogy characters again is anyone’s guess. (Given Inej’s fascination with the Sun Summoner, it totally seems possible!)

To stay up to date on everything fantasy, science fiction, and WiC, follow our all-encompassing Facebook page and sign up for our exclusive newsletter.

Get HBO, Starz, Showtime and MORE for FREE with a no-risk, 7-day free trial of Amazon Channels