The darkness has been lifted over Shadow and Bone, as the long awaited fantasy series arrives on Netflix today. Now available to stream in its entirety, the first season contains eight episodes, as reported by Entertainment Weekly.
Shadow and Bone is the latest in a string of fantasy series released on Netflix, following in the footsteps of The Witcher and Cursed. As many lovers of the fantasy genre have felt a gaping hole since Game of Thrones ended its run on HBO, Shadow and Bone is a promising new candidate. It’s based on the acclaimed YA fantasy trilogy Shadow and Bone written by Leigh Bardugo (Ninth House) in addition to her novel Six of Crows, which is also set within the same world. The Netflix adaptation mainly draws from the Shadow and Bone trilogy, but it also infuses beloved characters from the bestseller Six of Crows.
Shadow and Bone takes place in the fictional war-torn country of Ravka, which author Bardugo likens to imperial Russia. The country is separated in two by what is called the Fold, a wide magical realm of dark smoke. It’s inhabited by vicious creatures called Volvra, making it very dangerous and nearly impossible to cross. There is an old legend that states one day a Grisha, someone who can harness magical gifts, will arrive and drive out the Fold permanently with the power of light. Alina Starkov, a low ranked soldier in the army of Ravka, attempts to pass through the fold and discovers she is a Grisha with incredible powers. Word spreads that she could be the one to rid Ravka of the Fold once and for all, and she soon becomes sought after by both good and evil forces.
Jessie Mei Lei (Last Night in Soho) stars as Alina. The series also features Ben Barnes (Westworld), Freddy Carter (Free Rein), Amita Suman (The Outpost), Archie Renaux (Gold Digger), and Kit Young (Endeavor). Eric Heisserer (Arrival) is the series showrunner and executive produces alongside Bardugo.