Shadow and Bone were one of the most anticipated series because of the immense success of the book series that it was adapted from. Finally, Leigh Bardugo’s magic in “Shadow and Bone” of the Grisha Trilogy and the “Six of Crows” duology was manifested into a television series with a star-studded cast by Netflix. Creator Eric Heisserer had a tough job in melding two-book sequences into one tv show with simultaneous situations running along with two crassly different locations and characters. Still, it seems he was successful because of fans’ and critic’s appreciation alike.
Although only one season of this masterpiece fantasy fiction drama, with four main storylines, has been released on April 23, 2021, the show has managed to tame and break hearts through its beautiful storytelling, gorgeous quilts, and exciting characters. The story follows cartographer Alina Starkhov’s fictional world where magic is a rare phenomenon that has created divides between Ravka, Fjerda, and Shu Han, leading to ever-going wars. It originates with a Grisha called the Black Heretic using his magical powers to create a Fold, which is generally impassable where deadly creatures kill most who dared to enter it.
A sun summoner must be found because only they can influence light and close the Fold and thus end the long wars. With no parents but a daunting best friend who refuses to leave her side, Alina is ready to save the world. She has to use her wits, wield her power without hurting her loved ones, and pick between those who want to harm her and those looking out for her.
Miles away in Ketterdam, the dregs and their leader Kaz Brekker prepare to go on an adventure they will probably survive, but the money is just that good. Their story is developing on the side, with the main focus on Alina’s. They cross paths with Nina Zenik, a witch who has her own love story, as she saves Matthias Helvar, a witch hunter trained to capture witches since he was born. The Dregs, including Kaz Brekker, Inej Ghafa, Jesper Fahey, and then Nina Zenik and Matthias Helvar, are to capture Alina.
Expected Cast
The main cast will be returning to the screen even on the 2nd season of the show. The diverse cast includes Jessie Mei Li as Alina, the cartographer with an important superpower, Ben Barnes as General Kirigan, the Darkling with immense power who romances Alina, Archie Rennaux as Mal Oretsev, Alina’s best friend. As for the gang of thieves in Ketterdam, they consist of Freddy Carter as Kaz Brekker, the leader of the Crows, Alina Suman as Inej Ghafa, who’s commonly called “The Wraith” because of her discrete spying abilities, Kit Young as Jesper Fahey, an extremely skilled sharpshooter who can turn even the hardest of situations, light. Nina Zenik, played by Danielle Galligan, a Grisha Heartrender, will have more air time with her forbidden love interest Matthias Helvar played by Calahan Skogman.
There will be new appearances by three Grishas who work for the Darkling —Sujaya Dasgupta as Zoya, Daisy Head as Genya, and Luke Pasqualino as David. Although very little is known about the second season, according to the book, we will see fan-favorite Wylan Van Eck, an expert in designing bombs and such. We might also see Sturmhond, a pirate who helps Alina and Mal. His two loyal crew members Tolya and Tamar, might also grace our screens. Nothing is known about who will be cast in these roles.
Expected Storyline
Season One ends with Kaz, Inej, Nina, Matthias, and Jesper returning home in Ketterdam from their deadly adventure. Mal and Alina separate from the former gang and try their hardest to stay out of the Darkling’s sight. If the second season also coincides with Bardugo’s second book, Siege and Storm, both adjust to life in Novyi Zem and have to hide Alina’s powers from everyone around them actively. However, the Darkling is more powerful than ever and goes on a quest on a ship (where Captain Sturmhond will make an appearance) to find Alina and Mal and take control of Alina’s power. There will also be an arc to fit Wylan into the story.
Rumoured Release Date
The new season has already been confirmed by the cast, Leigh Bardugo, and Netflix! Creator and director Heisserer has informed us that the script for the new season is ready and filming will start soon. It has been predicted that the release date will be announced by Late September 2021 and might air in Late 2022 or Early 2023. Hopefully, we will see a teaser soon!