Shadow and Bone Season One Netflix Review: A Reader’s Perspective
To the Grishaverse fans,It’s been a long time coming, but the time has come: The Shadow and Bone Netflix adaptation!!!!! The last time I saw a YA fantasy adaptation probably was Shadowhunters. . .and ummmm let’s just not talk about it 🙈. So, it’s been a while since I felt like YA fantasy took to screen. I am hyped and excited for this adaptation, but also highly nervous because of how YA adaptations have been done before.
After watching Shadow and Bone, I must say . . .
this was a phenomenal adaptation ♥️🖤♥️.
I had no expectations going into the show and my mind is still reeling from everything.
The only way I knew how to process what I watched was to write a post about it.
So, I just want to preface that this review has SPOILERS if you haven’t watched the show or read the books. The overall rating will be spoiler free, but after that, I will spoil the show for you and I wouldn’t want that!
So, proceed in this post with caution.
Oh, and I will include a Season two expectations or hopes portion of this post, and that might have Siege and Storm (book two of the Shadow and Bone trilogy), Six of Crows, Crooked Kingdom spoilers, so beware.
And if you haven’t watched the show, I highly recommend watching it, coming back, and fangirling with me 😄.
Overall Rating
FIVE FREAKING full bloom flowers from me
Cast: I have seen many YA casts before, and I liked them, but I absolutely LOVED each person they cast for our well-loved characters ♥️. Everyone did such an honorable and fantastic job portraying the Shadow and Bone and Six of Crows characters—I felt like they truly put their care and heart into making sure they kept true to the characters we all know and love. Their dedication to their characters showed in everything they did. As a reader, that was beyond heartwarming because it made me feel like they wanted to create this world as honestly as possible. And that is all I could ever ask for as a reader and fan. I also loved how you could tell how much the cast loves each other on and off set, and you can see that love in their work. I also want to give credit to the cast because multiple times during the show, I could not stop saying, “Wow, they are great actors and actresses!” The emotion, anger, passion, and quick-footedness was amazing 👌🏼. Like, I want to be as cool as them!
Plot: As someone who read Shadow and Bone years ago, but recently reread the Six of Crows duology, I will say this is hands down one of the best adaptations I have seen from a YA fantasy 💙. I loved how the producers, executives, and writers interweaved both stories in an understandable way that builds up to plots from the Shadow and Bone trilogy and Six of Crows duology. I could see where they were heading with Nina and Matthias’s plot. I thought it was smart to have their underlying storyline and then bring everything full circle with the Crows in the end. I also loved the way this season introduced the Crows . . . I can’t wait to see what mischief I know they will be up to. I will say while I was watching the show there were moments where I was like, “Oh, that was in book two or book three” and I felt like they were speeding up the plot lines in some areas. So, I am interested to know how that will work out in time. But I thought it was also smart to speed certain areas up because it made sense to where I think the producers, executives, and writers might go. I also thought adding details from further in the books might have provided clarity to the plot that maybe people who have not read the story would understand.
Setting: Honestly, whoever did the CGI or whatever movie term 😆 (excuse my lack of cinematic knowledge), needs a standing ovation because I felt transported to Ravka and Ketterdam! I loved how detailed and realistic everything felt down to the Fold. Gosh, I loved it!
Costumes/outfits: And whoever created or designed the costumes/outfits needs a standing ovation as well because gosh darn were they all looked STUNNING! I loved the detail of the Kefta’s all the way to Jesper’s hat and Kaz’s glove. My favorite outfits had to be Alina’s dark dresses and Kefta’s ♥️. I also absolutely loved Kaz’s style because gosh darn was he looking on point for Kaz Brekker.
Adaptation: I couldn’t have asked for a better cast or a better show. I hope that season two will only get better because I feel such promise in this show. Also, we need Nickolai and Wylan if we’re going to continue this show 😆.
Season One Review
♦️Spoilers Contained Below ♦️
Episode One: A Searing Burst of Light
The first episode was a wonderful opening to the show. I felt like it built what this world was, and it provided a lot of background knowledge that wasn’t confusing or overwhelming. I liked how there was obvious chemistry between Mal and Alina. They were best friends who were too nervous to admit to wanting or being something more. I loved how Mal was classic Mal in looking after her or taking care of her. I liked how Mal had friends 😂. I probably don’t remember it from the book, but it was nice to see him be boyish and joke around with friends. It was a normalizing thing. I also liked how the show teased the Darkling in that one shot because it made him all mysterious. I also liked how they included all these backstory shots of young Mal and Alina. I thought it added richness to their story and made it easier to understand how strong a relationship they have. They really kept true to the essence of Mal and Alina’s relationship.
I liked that one scene from the first episode where Alexei was like, “I’ll be here.” I mean, the show is kind of a dark and heavy show, so it was nice to have some humor in there. Speaking of Alexei it was interesting how they interweaved his plot with introducing the Crows. Gosh, when I saw Ketterdam it was like seeing the promiseand ♥️. I loved all the detail from the coins, money, the Crow, Heleen, the knives, the shotguns, the cane, gloves, the Slat. It was all so meticulously and beautifully done and I appreciated that. Ketterdam deserves the best. I could not help feeling a rush of serotonin at seeing the Crows together, but especially my Kaz. Kaz Brekker, my traumatic little thief.
Brek my heart any day 😂.
And seeing Kanej? Brek it some more. I thought it was an interesting choice to introduce Pekka Rollins in season one. I guess, it makes sense further down the line (which I can talk about later). What I found different though was how they portrayed Pekka. Pekka in the books didn’t seem super ruthless at first compared to how he was portrayed in the show. I mean, I could be wrong because Pekka’s this big bad, but I never really saw him as a big bag until the show, I guess. I liked introducing him and seeing how there’s obviously some beef Kaz has with him.
I also really liked how they connected Alina to the Crows storyline. It was smartly done. I just wondered how in the world would Kaz and the Crows kidnap Alina 🤪. That seemed not impossible for Kaz because Kaz Brekker could do anything. But it seemed futile even for him to go kidnap the Sun Summoner because if the Darkling found out it was him . . . he was gonna get it!
The last scene of Mal and Alina on the boat was pretty spot on. I loved the drama and volcra. I loved how everything played out to how I imagined it when I read the book. She really lit that boat up!
Episode Two: We’re All Someone’s Monster
The second episode was soooooo gooood! I loved every minute. Honestly, it didn’t even feel like the episode was long, but apparently it was almost an hour. Best hour of my life.
The highlight of the episode obviously was when we saw the Darkling 😉. I mean, when he struts out of his anti-Cinderella carriage, I was here for it 🖤. He had main character bad bish energy and I loved it. I loved the power Ben Barnes just exuded because GOSH what an amazing actor. I was confused why the Darkling was called General Kirigan because that was absolutely not in the books 😅. I had to recheck. But it wasn’t. So, I was confused. But then it made sense once I researched why the new name. Ben Barnes wanted to humanize the Darkling by giving him a common name rather than outright calling him the Darkling because that would put his character on a different, higher-level from the get-go. Also, now that I think about it, calling someone the Darkling makes them seem terrifying, rather than making the character feel real/human. I honestly appreciated the name change and I appreciated how Ben Barnes was so dedicated to his character and saw the human in the Darkling. I mean, as someone who knows the Darkling as the Darkling, that’s why I have been calling him that. But I see why the Kirigan name gives him an equal feel to Alina and the other Grisha in the second army. I guess why that is why in the third episode he told her his real name was Aleksander when that wasn’t revealed until book three. So, I am thinking the writers and Ben Barnes wanted people to connect and fall for the human and vulnerable side of the Darkling.
I mean, they certainly got me. Someone get me a crow cane because I am hobbling on my Darklina heart 🖤😂.
I loved the scene in the tent where the light shot out of her like some Star Wars lightsaber thing. It was magical scene, a very intimate scene 😏. I loved that for Darklina! Sucked to be Mal! But in all honesty, the graphics and cinematography of that scene was pure perfection because I could just feel her power.
Gosh, I will say I felt sad that Alina and Mal were separated because they were all each other knew. Sucked, but you know, Darklina.
I also loved the Darklina scene where the Fjerdan’s were attacking and they came for her. Gosh, I gasped so loud when that one guy dragged her out of the carriage. I was like, ooooh he’s gonna get it! When the Darkling came on his horse, I was like, “Cue White Horse by Taylor Swift” 😂. Or maybe Dark Horse by Katy Perry is more suitable now that I think about it. No matter what song reminded me of the moment, it was an epic moment when he just cut that Fjerda to pieces! Don’t you touch his Sun Summoner. I couldn’t when it panned to Jessie’s face and she had blood in her teeth and all over her face and she was scared out of her wits in front of this attractive all-being. Jessie’s amazing ♥️. I of course enjoyed their little horseback conversation and how he swept her off her feet. He’s like Kaz in protecting his investments, if you know what I mean.
I also just love Jessie Mei Li, she makes the perfect Alina 💛. I loved how I could feel her connection to her character and how she really portrayed a young woman who found out this shocking, life-changing news but finding who she was with that change.
I also liked that moment when Alina was in the Little Palace—-what irony—and she held out her hand and looked to the side to where Mal would be. And then there was Mal in his tent, holding out his hand looking at where Alina would be. Then the scene would switch between their younger versions and older versions and I just loved that. Pure perfection. I also liked seeing more of the background with why Alina didn’t get tested. I’m pretty sure in the books she and Mal accidentally stumbled upon her power and that’s why they had matching scars, but they kept it a secret. I could be wrong, it’s been a while. But I like how they kept that sentiment in—that they matched—because it further built their relationship.
I loved meeting Genya and everyone. It made my heart break for Alina when she had that brief break down moment when being in her room by herself. Her whole life changed and she was separated from the only person she knew/was comfortable with. I felt her pain and sorrow. I wanted to hug her 🥺.
Back on Ketterdam, I loved seeing more of the Crows ruthlessness and plot taking take place. I didn’t know we would be going to the Menagerie, but that was interesting. I thought it was interesting that they sped up paying off Inej’s investment with the Crow Club shares. I wonder why they wanted to do that when that happened later in the series. Later in the show, Jesper and Inej also talked about what she could do with her freedom, which was also something that came later in the books. So, still curious about this. The new character guy (the Conductor dude)—he was soooo not a Crow. He was filth. I didn’t like him.
But I liked how the writers also explored how Inej didn’t kill because of her faith. I thought that was a nice touch because it showed how Inej eased into being the Inej she was in the books.
Episode Three: The Making at the Heart of the World
The Little Palace was fabulous!
I loved the gowns, the keftas—gosh the kaftans were fabulous—, the walkways, the grounds. It was all amazing. My Darklina heart couldn’t take it when the Darkling spent every waking second with her, trying to woo her over 🤪. I mean, let’s go! He knows how to woo a young woman for sure! I will say, I don’t condone toxic, manipulative men, but for the sake of a fantasy show, I love Darklina, so let me live.
I am not sure if it was this episode, but we met the Appart (if you know you know) and gosh, they got his creepiness down wonderfully! 🤪 I liked how Alina was so interested in the library, classic reader move. I would love to be Alina’s reader friend for sure. Alina was also very well written and just like the books she wrote these letters to Mal and Mal wrote back. But day by day she wasn’t getting letters back, so it made her feel alone. I loved when they both called each other their true north in these letters. Very on point.
I love love loved the scene where they meet the King and Queen and the Darkling held her hand and escorted her. What a gentleman for someone who’s toxic 😆. A snake can be charming. I liked how the show kept the King and Queen aspect because I forgot about that, but I liked how they kept to the books with that. Gosh, knows I didn’t forget about Nickolai. Someone zoom in closer to the sons in the background because Nickolai was NOT there. I need to see him there next season, for sure 😉. I loved that the Darkling helped Alina light up. It was also the first time we saw him use his power, which was magnificent. I loved the utter power that encapsulated the room. They also did a wonderful job with showcasing his shadow power and her light. They really seemed like the dream team side by side. And we can’t forget how Leigh Bardguo, the Queen herself, was in this scene!!! I liked how she was the first person to hug the Sun Summoner. I love an author cameo!
The training scenes were WONDERFUL. Albeit, I would have liked more training scenes because there weren’t a lot. I absolutely loved that they kept Botkin in there and that scene where Alina fought Zoya and Zoya uses her Squaller powers on her. I still didn’t like Zoya because of her jealously there. But you know, Zoya’s an interesting character who develops more in the show and in the Grisha verse. I also appreciated they kept Baghara! I was wondering if she was in the show as I began to saw edits and people talking about the show. I mean, Baghara is one of my favorite characters because she gives tough love. They made her Hobbit-like cave wonderfully done. I also liked how they kept Baghara’s essence. I loved every second of it. I loved how she pushed Alina to figure out who she was and accept who she was just like in the books.
For our Crows, they found the Conductor and were heading across the Fold. I mean, power to Kaz and the Crows for taking an insane voyage with a random man 🤪. I loved when Kaz carried a goat 😆. I mean, I never knew I needed to see Kaz carrying a goat until I saw him carrying a got. It was insanely funny, but cute. I CACKLED when the Conductor was like, “Shut up and hold the goat” when they were traveling across the fold. I wondered why they needed a goat, and my first thought was to feed the volcra? But I didn’t want that to be true because it was an innocent goat 🥺. I’m happy Milo was just an emotional support goat. Maybe Leigh Bardugo should have written in an emotional support goat for Kaz in the Six of Crows duology. Maybe that would have taught Kaz how to show his love more 🤪. I felt kind of sad that Jesper detoured and gambled their money away because gosh knows that’s going to be a point of conversation later in the series and books. I thought it was also such a kick butt moment where Jesper used his guns to target each volcra. It was like a rapid fire succession and it was epic. Jesper really flexed on us in that moment; Kit really went off on that scene too! The training and finesse he put into the scene? Chef’s kisses 😘👌🏼. I also have to say, I appreciate the wit, lightheartedness, and self-love Kit brought to Jesper. It really honored the Jesper I know and love. It was great ♥️.
I also liked that moment between Kaz and Inej where they are standing in front of the names of those who passed on crossings across the Fold. I think it added depth to understanding Inej and her faith.
Kaz also had a really good eye to know what the Conductor was doing. I mean, do not try to trick Kaz Brekker and that’s a fact. I think this is the episode where Nina gets captured by Fjerdan’s in her room. I liked being introduced to Nina and I liked how they made her as some spy for the Darkling instead of someone who fled the war like in the books.
Episode Four: Otkazat’sya
Mal really has his time to shine in episode four.
I appreciated how the show showed more of Mal because gosh knows after Alina is taken to the Little Palace, we didn’t get to see Mal (in the book). So I liked how we saw Mal and his bros go hunting for the stag on General Kirigan’s order. If you know why Mal is a good tracker you know why this was his crowning moment 😉. Of course, Mal was going to find the stag. My heart hurt that his bros got hurt, they were such good men. I liked his friends—Mikael and someone else, I’m pretty sure—because they talked Mal down from going after Alina at the Little Palace because there was no way he was going to get inside. That’s some true friends right there, and when you are in the first army, you don’t really have a lot of true friends. They were amazing. Mal was amazing. I mean, the man took on Fjerdan’s as a non Grisha. All the power to him.
My Darklina heart really thrived in this episode 🤪.
I loved when they had their cute little horseback riding date to that random fountain in the woods, and when they looked into each other’s eyes. I liked how the writers incorporated backstory about how the Fold was created. It was done seamlessly and without confusion. When Ben Barnes was brooding in the background, I was like he’s thinking about how he created the fold and Alina doesn’t even know. Sigh. She will soon enough. I remember in the books that he kissed her at a pond or something and it was like a random kiss. I remember reading that scene and being taken aback because it was so suddenly and weird. So, I thought he might kiss her in this scene. However, I liked how in episode five, it was Alina who kissed him first and took him by surprise because I don’t know if he genuinely liked her or if it was just part of his schemes to get her to like him. Honestly, deep down I felt Ben Barnes portrayed General Kirigan as first beguiling her (as Nina would say) and then he started to understand and connect with her. Then when she went to his room in the middle of the night, did I think his feelings start to shift from I have to protect this rare power to I actually might like her. Then over the course of the show, I really felt like part of him really did like Alina the more he spent time with her or saw her.
Speaking of the bedroom scene, I LOVED the part when she went to his bedroom and they had a wonderful conversation and they looked at each other and he touched her cheek passionately before leaving. GOSH, don’t even get me STARTED on that shot where Alina leaves and then the scene pans to the Darkling walking to the closed door and she’s standing on the other side, ready to walk away and him ready to open the door. But he doesn’t. I mean, what a brilliant shot!
I appreciate the people who are trying to hype up my Darklina love.
Gosh, I need to stop liking relationships I know are wrong 😂.
But all the power to Alina for letting go of Mal. She was tired of hoping that he would reply to her letters, so instead she let him go and focused on the Darkling because he seemed to love and care for her. He seemed to make her feel less alone in a place she didn’t feel like she belonged. And they bonded over that. Honestly, he was taking advantage over a young girl who could solve all his problems and fix him. He was taking advantage of a young girl who was confused and didn’t know who she was and gave her sweet talking, so she didn’t know better because gosh darn how was Alina supposed to know better when she had all that to fall in love with. I don’t blame her. I support this relationship as much as I don’t want to, I completely do.
It made my heart sad when she asked Genya to erase her scar—the one that matched Mal’s. It felt like she was trying to erase him. Honey, he was writing letters to you but your darn Tailor was hiding them from you!!!! I mean, couldn’t you burn his picture of something else of his? Keep the scar!
But no matter the love triangle or whatever, gosh knows she didn’t need a man. She had her power and light and liberation. When she walked into Baghara’s cave, I loved how Baghara was sitting nice and pretty,waiting as if she knew Alina was coming. Baghara probably did. I think Alina finally harnessed her power because she let go of her past and Mal and allowed herself to become who she was meant to be. I loved that for her. I loved how I could feel Jessie portraying that through the screen. And kudos to the people who did the light cinematic because every light scene was phenomenal and stunning ♥️.
I loved how Inej auditioned as a silk performer. Round of applause for the natural talent and beatify of Amita who knows how to do silks. I loved that she was using her skills in the show. I also loved how Kaz didn’t want to showcase a talent in the Crow-de Sole 🤪. I mean, what would Kaz’s talent be? Oh, wait, he could have done like a card trick or magic or something. But I didn’t see Kaz putting on a costume to be with the performers at the Little Palace.
Episode Five: Show Me Who You Are
Absolutely my favorite episode! Well, this episode and the finale.
Honestly, I loved how the first four episodes built up the light airiness of the show and then you hit episode five and it’s like being slapped awake from a dream—more towards the end half of the episode 😂. But still, wow wow wow. I loved this episode. Bring on the DRAMA!
This episode brought light to my Darklina heart and crushed it again for sure. It hits differently when there are actual faces to these characters now and I just want Darklina to be happy. But gosh, I do have terrible taste in men . . . I have a good taste in toxic, traumatized men that’s for sure 😂. I’m talking about the Darkling. They really had to make the Darkling attractive 😂. Honestly, I have tried sooooo hard in the series to deny how wrong it was to like the Darkling and Alina together, but sigh. Darklina lives strong in me 😂🖤. Even if the Darkling is a sick, twisted, vengeful, angry, sadistic, toxic man . . . he’s won me over.
Yikes.
Anyway, I obviously loved every Darklina moment. I loved when she flirted with him in his room and he was talking about how alone he felt and then she was like, but you are not alone. She literally stole his words out his mouth, and used it as a line. When she kissed him? You could hear my volcra scream 😆! My heart 🖤. When he rose up to his full height, I was like, “Oh darn, he said let me take this to new heights!” AHHHH. Loved that scene. I loved when she brought him his black Kefta when he called out for Ivan. Cute. I loved their moment during the Winter fete and there in his room, yet again and they have their passionate kiss, you know the scene. Gosh. I didn’t know whether to scream or laugh 🤪. I mean, it was my Darklina dreams, but because they were skipping dinner, the Darkling really said I will be feasting on other things tonight 🙈. Have you seen the Twitter humor?! I love Twitter humor. He sure was hungry 😂. Despite my overjoyed thoughts, I thought it was just cute how much the Darkling was smitten with Alina. I thought it was humanizing and kind of sweet how someone knocked on the door and they both smiled and laughed. And then he kissed hr again and then he went to answer the door, but then went back to kiss her before actually opening the door. He really liked her. I think they did such a fantastic job of humanizing the Darkling because it made romantic scenes so cute and hard because I know who he is. Honestly, deep down like WAY DEEP DOWN the Darkling is like any villain who has a lot of hurt and anger in his heart, but would be a good person if he didn’t let his anger or hurt consume him. I could the see the man beneath and who he wanted to be. I think all villains think they are righteous, but the way they do something and the ruthlessness behind it isn’t okay and I don’t think it’s okay to excuse their actions. I don’t think it’s okay to hurt a lot of people just to heal your hurt. I would just love for the Darkling to become a good man, but sometimes a man’s greed and hurt are more powerful than his want of letting go.
Anyway, I liked how they portrayed Alina choosing the Darkling because it gave me the same essence as it did in the book. I LOVED how they kept the part where she wore his color because nobody else wore black. I liked how in the show she chooses to wear black, and gosh did Alina look STUNNING in her costumes. No wonder the Darkling was eyeing her up. She was beautiful and he was probably like, “Wow, my queen. My light and shining armor.” I loved the whole dramatic shot of him looking at her. What a scene.
Can we talk about her little light show at the Winter fete? I also appreciated how amazing the cinematic were. I liked how powerful it felt to see the Darkling and Alina side by side again. I LOVED the way Jessie and Ben Barnes looked at each other after/during her light show. I was like, “OOOOH, they’re sharing a look!” His look at her portrayed admiration, wonder, power, and love. I loved that for them. I COULD NOT with how he gave her blue iris’s after Mal told him what her favorite flower was 😂. Smooth move, Darkling. I’ll give you that. But you know when he gave her flowers, it reminded me of the quote Leigh Bardugo said in Six of Crows.
“Many boys will bring you flowers. But someday you’ll meet a boy who will learn your favorite flower, your favorite song, your favorite sweet. And even if he is too poor to give you any of them, it won’t matter because he will have taken the time to know you as no one else does. Only that boy earns your heart.”
Six of Crows (pg. 136)
Mal knew her favorite flowers!!!! Because he took the time to know who she was like no one else. He earned her heart. The Darkling? He faked earned her heart. But I still loved it 😅.
There’s no hope for me.
I like the confrontation of Mal and the Darkling because I don’t think there was a scene like that in the first book? I honestly, again, could be wrong because it’s been a while. But I appreciated seeing how their dynamic would be. I loved the tension and testosterone you could feel exuding from both of them because Mal wanted his woman and the Darkling already won over this woman. I could feel the Darkling’s jealousy a bit, and maybe that’s what drove him to sneak Alina away and passionately kiss her because it would feel like winning her over or speeding up the love he wanted with her. I give Mal credit for standing in the power and nerve-wrackingness of the Darkling, heck, even just being in his room must have been terrifying.
I’m pretty sure this didn’t happen in the books (I could be wrong) but it was the part where Mal was taken to Baghara’s cave and Baghara went to Alina. I’m not sure because looking back on my Shadow and Bone book review, I wrote Baghara disappeared. I think she disappeared after talking to Alina about who the Darkling was and all that, so that was kept true to the storyline. I also thought they revealed just enough from Baghara that made the Darkling’s plan and storyline make sense. In the book, Baghara also has this conversation with Alina, so I appreciated they kept this in. Can’t wait to see where Baghara is in the next book (if you know, you know).
I’m not sure if this happened in the book (I swear I need to reread), but I enjoyed Mal’s whole fight scene because gosh darn, Mal fights AMAZINGLY. He needs more credit for that. I was so worried for him though because he’s not Grisha. But Mal knows how to hold his own. I also loved when Baghara just showed up in the Darkling’s room because I knew what that meant. LET’S GOOOO! The one thought that came to mind though that kept me LAUGHING was how sad the Darkling was going to be or feel when he realized Alina wasn’t in his room. Dinner is gone 😂. When he went back to the room after meeting with Ivan, I was cackling with how sad he was and how he checked his bedroom. I’m sorry, she is not on your bed, sir 🙈. In your dreams (readers: if you know what I mean, you know what I mean😏).
Anyway, the way Alina escaped the palace was comical. I LOVED it.
So, let’s talk about the Crows. I liked seeing Kaz da Vinci 😂. We love an artist.
The whole sneaking into the art building scene was so cool because we got to see the teamwork of the Crows. When they got to the Little Palace, I loved how Jesper flirted with the stable boy. Jesper don’t you worry, sweet Wylan should be coming! I’ll talk about that later 😉. But that was such a Jesper move. I loved how Amita/Inej looked at Alina—-get you a woman who looks at you like Inej looks at Alina. Alina symbolized hope and faith as that crazy Appart was talking about. I will say I did appreciate how they included the Appart early on because it sets up the later seasons well. He was definitely throwing some foreshadowing shade when he was creeping her out.
I loved how irritated Kaz was when their plan went awry and the Darkling gave her flowers in front of them. Someone posted something and said that Darklina and Kanej were in the same scene. LOVED that! I was so worried for Kaz and Inej when they were chased by Grisha because duh they looked suspicious. I mean, how could Kaz and Inej best Grisha? I don’t doubt their strength, but I also don’t doubt Grisha strength. The moment that Inej saved Kaz’s life broke my heart for her—that was her first kill. As a religious woman, that’s not something she believed her Saints could forgive, but I loved the love you could see and hear from Kaz when he tried to tell her that he save her life. But that had to be hard on Inej—it was never her intention to kill.
I also appreciated how clever Kaz was with setting up the Conductor dude because he knew he was a traitor. I knew he was a traitor too, and I kept wondering what Kaz was going to do. He set him up. I thought its was soooo clever that they had a fake Alina running around because they thought someone would go after her. Smart thinking, gosh knows I wasn’t smart enough to catch on when they showed that scene 😅. So, it really hit me different when the Conductor dude tried to kill her, I was like, “He just didn’t kill Sankta Alina!” How dare he! But then Genya came in and whooped his butt! But it made my heart hurt that it was Alina’s friend who took the fall for her 😢. Gosh, that made me sad. That traitor was gonna get it! The Darkling was going to whoop some butt for trying to kill his woman!
When the Darkling questioned him, I knew it was over. When the Darkling silently bowed his head for Zoya and the other Heartrender to leave the room? I was like, “It’s show time.” I knew the Conductor dude was gonna get it! I was here for it! Such an interesting power, I kid you not.
Kaz and Inej had decided to just abandon the plan rather than get caught. So, when Alina hopped willingly into the trunk on the back of their carriage, I was laughing with Jesper. Things do work out in the end. I thought that was a smart way to combine their storylines because in the book she runs away to find the stag and then she meets Mal. I appreciated this change because it rebuilt their friendship and gave Malina shippers romantic scenes. Obvisoly, Malina is the healthier ship and the one I know in my heart I ship, but gosh it’s hard not be beguiled.
Episode Six: The Heart is an Arrow
I liked episode six as well because it focused on Malina and Helink.
I thought it was cute when Mal and Alina found their way back to each other. It reminded me of how they said they were each other’s true north. I did find it kind of weird how he followed her the entire time, I mean on foot? Maybe Mal can give Inej a run for her money 😅. I doubt it. But I liked how he was there for her and they communicated about what happened after she was taken to the Little Palace. What also forgot to mention was how much more I appreciated seeing how much Mal loved her and how he would do anything to be with her or go to her because he loved her. I loved that backstory (I’m not sure it’s this episode) when Mal got himself into the cages because Alina was in the cages. I mean, get you a man who would do anything to be with you. I love that for Mal. The only reason I didn’t really like Mal in the books was because I felt like I didn’t know Mal enough. I like that we are seeing different sides of Mal that make it easier to understand how much he does care. I would like more personality from Mal and to know his jokes or his likes or what makes him truly happy. I just want to see moments where Malina can just be typical teens for a moment.
That’s why I appreciated that scene where they were huddled by the fire and they looked like they were going to kiss. They should have kissed somewhere in this season if we were going by the books. But I appreciated how they didn’t because I think we are making this a slow burn romance and not rushing Alina into another love after being manipulated and charmed by the Darkling. I liked how Jessie and Archie looked at each other in this scene. It was so genuine and pure and full of kind love—healthy love. And I loved that. I really did.
But I couldn’t stop laughing at someone who said that Alina had to light up for him to see her 😂. I mean, I don’t blame Mal for not being open about his feelings sooner because it’s scary when you are friends with someone you want to be more than friends with. Esepcially, in this world or climate they were in, maybe being vulnerable wasn’t a thing. Speaking of climate, I liked the little traces of racial topics going on in the show. Alina is half Shu and Shu are typically Asian’s who experiment on Grisha. So, that’s why no one allowed her food or no one gave her food freely because of their prejudiced ideas. I loved that moment when Mal was like, “You look healthy or you look good.” Because even if he didn’t see the real her, he always saw her—-from her appearance, her tells, and everything in between. And he was happy she was at the Little Palace where people treated her with respect and gave her food to eat when most denied her of that. I loved his small acts of love in bringing her food in episode one or a hat of grapes in the woods. Mal really is a wonderful man who protects and cares for her.
He earned her heart for sure.
I don’t know if this was wrong of me, but I laughed when Zoya tried to make a move on the Darkling in his bedroom, and he was like I want Alina. Good for you Zoya, you don’t deserve his toxic traits anyway. You could do sooo much better. But I felt like the Darkling was angry because she was gone, but more hurt at the idea that someone he thought loved him willingly ran away.
There’s also the Fjerdan and Grisha prejudices where Fjerdan’s capture Grisha because they think they are witches who are evil. I really appreciated how authentic and true to the book Nina and Matthias’s backstory was. I loved the whole banter, which was spot on. We got the beguiling part, the moment when she falls into the ice hole and he was going to release her, and when he said he liked her. I loved how they introduced themselves to each other because it was exactly like the book. I also appreciated Callhan’s Fjerdan accent because he truly gave me Matthias Elsa cave man vibes. I loved the setting and it was all so wonderfully done.
With the Crows, the pub battle with the Grisha was pretty epic. I liked how the show showcased Jesper, Inej, and Kaz’s talent/skill as a fighter. I loved how Jesper just danced and shot his way through the sheets and how Inej fought like the kick butt woman she was. I felt Inej’s pain when she stabbed that woman, but at the same time she knew it had to be done. I was just curious though as to the change where Inej had a brother. I didn’t know that because in the book it only mentioned her parents. But I like family relationships. But Kaz facing off the Darkling was ICONIC. I was soooo scared for Kaz because there’s no way in heck he could beat a Darkling. Kaz knew that too, so he used a stone to do some gas magic trick to escape. I still had no idea how he did that, but good thing he got out of there because the Darkling was looking for some high key vengeance on Kaz and his crew. I had to say though, out of all of them, Inej had the best fight scene. That’s my woman! ♥️Ah, and the look Freddie Carter gave during that scene was fantastic! He looked at Inej with worry, fear, confliction, and love. We love that for Kaz.
Episode Seven: The Unsea
The backstory of General Kirigan gave me life.
But that hair though? Gave me laughter. I could not take him seriously. Not that it was funny in a bad way, but I was laughing more at the fact that that was how I envisioned the Darkling the entire time I read the book. If you read my book review, I said I envisioned him as Kylo Ren. So, there’s that 😂.
But I liked how they added that scene because it humanized the Darkling even more to understand why or how he created the Fold. There was no Luda I think in his whole reasoning behind creating the Fold, so that was different. But I liked that change because it made us see how he could love and how much he did love, but was hurt by people who hurt who he loved. I also liked how we saw him interact with his mom because their relationship sure is interesting (if you know you know). Yea, but I’m pretty sure the Darkling’s backstory for the Shadow Fold was different. I need to honestly reread, but I understood the change and thought it worked. Slightly confusing because why the heck would he create something like that in the first place? Because people feared him? He was angry? Not good reasons for me.
Don’t even get me started on what happened with the Stag.
The stag scene also differed from the books, but I still felt the heart of the scene. This was when Mal and Alina were supposed to kiss and this was when Alina told Mal to kill her before the Darkling could do something to her. Alina didn’t want to kill the stag in the book because it was an innocent creature and in the show, Alina still didn’t want to kill the stag, but I thought it was interesting that she gave that up for Mal. I thought this was an interesting change to showcase how much she loved him and what she was willing to do for someone she loved. I did love the cinematic of the part where Alina touched the stag. Chefs kisses for sure 😘👌🏼.
The whole stag scene broke my heart with how Mal looked so broken and struggling to survive and yet he would do anything for Alina. That’s love. And I loved that for them.
When the Darkling asked that one solider about seeing a half Shu girl and they talked about the tracker, I felt that was when the Darkling’s love died. I felt like he knew he couldn’t compete with Mal because he knew how much he loved her and she him. Heck, he read those letters she wrote to him. What a power move for him to go to Mal after shackling him and to talk to him about his grand plan to make Alina love him. Not so much make, but how he had patience to wait for him to love him. Bro, not enough patience in the world was going to make her love him the way she loved Mal. Truly. I thought he was going to tell him he kissed her or they kissed—that would have really shook Mal to the core. Again, not in the book, but I liked the confrontation.
I didn’t like how Alina felt like a prisoner when they made her that collar. I COULD NOT with how David melded it into her freaking collar bones. EXCUSE ME, I’m pretty sure in the book she just wore it like a necklace, what is this half stag Sun Summoner?!!! Hear my volcra screeeee! Couldn’t she just wear it as a necklace. In my mind I was like she better not go this whole series welding animal parts into herself because that would be kind of weird 😂.
I mean, they really put the bone in shadow and bone
And obviously, people will know things were up if they saw their saint with a bone collar all of a sudden. Speaking of David, I found it funny how when the Crows stole the Darkling’s carriage (because of course they would), David just ran out 😂. That’s a classic David move. I honestly loved the portrayal of David because he was spaced out a lot in the books—or more so, unaware—-but I liked that one moment in the Winter Fete when Genya liked at him and then he looked at her after she looked away. Cute. But I think the only way to properly amp David up was to give him spectacles. That would have felt more like David for sure.
So, suffice to say, I was not here for the half stag Sun Summoner. I liked Jessie’s outfit in this scene—it felt like the most Jessie outfit. I also loved her emotion in this scene, you could really feel her anger, which was similar to the anger and hatred she felt in the books. However, in the books she was treated more like a prisoner than she was in the show. I think being a true prisoner in the show would have been controversial, so I think this change was okay. Because I think in the book Mal and Alina were put on the ship and Alina tried to fight the Darkling in wanting to get off the ship. So, I guess this change was interesting because I could see how it allowed Alina to have some sort of freedom as a prisoner.
I also loved the powerful moment when Alina had that conversation with Genya. Absolutely did an amazing job with portraying the emotions just like in teh book and the sense of betrayal. Gosh, knows I had a bone to pick with Genya in this series. But you know . . . Genya better stick around because she has an interesting arc. But I appreciated how they kept true to Genya’s storyline and everything with the King and Queen. I couldn’t help but feel sad for Alina by how excited she was to see Genya because of how scared or alone Alina felt once again. Genya was her familiar face, but to know Genya betrayed her trust was sad to watch as it was to read about.
The other moment I loved was when Alina and the Darkling had the conversation in the tent. I loved the tension and drama Jessie and Ben Barnes brought to the scene. I loved when Alina gave the Darkling this whole speech about how she would have been his equal if he gave her a choice. I loved the way Ben Barnes’s eyes teared up because gosh that was SUCH a strong emotion because I could feel the Darkling’s wheels turning in thinking that maybe he made a mistake by not asking her what she wanted. I loved the emotion in the scene and it was done so well. But then you see the Darkling retreat back into where he always goes—-darkness and turns the situation around. Honestly, he was still trying to control and manipulate her by telling her they could change the world together and be something more. That didn’t seem possible when he only cared about himself and his goal—it reminded me of the greed of men quote.
But I LOVED that the had the line, “Fine. Make me your villain.” That’s the BEST line in the book and in the show and I was HERE for it. So much power, anger, fury in a silent phrase. Perfect. Honestly, Ben Barnes can say anything and It would be the best thing ever to my ears.
I loved the end scene where they entered the fold. Guess who watched the finale right away? 🤪.
The Crows also had an interesting storyline in this episode. I think this was the episode where Inej and Jesper were in the barn and she was stitching up her wound. Gosh, the look Kaz gave her said it all! I absolutely loved how Amita and Freddy kept the essence of Kanej in the show. It was ll in the looks and body language that you had to pay attention to. I LOVED it. I also loved how Kaz had that conversation with Inej about crows and why he chose to name their group after crows. The quote he used was a Crooked Kingdom reference, so I think the don’t be friends with crows might be used in a backstory later on. I also kept gushing with how cute Kaz was. I bet his mind was amuck with all he wanted to tell Inej in that moment, but I liked how Freddy showed that restraint and hesitancy in Kaz. Because when you are in Kaz’s mind, you see his true emotions, thoughts, and experiences and in the show you don’t hear him thinking, but maybe that would be an interesting addition—say Kaz’s and Inej’s thoughts. But I liked how cute it was when he told her she was like his Saint. That’s a big move for Kaz considering he doesn’t believe in faith and if you know you know. But I loved how simple and meaningful their conversation was. I loved how Inej looked at him. If only Inej knew how much Kaz liked her or did for her. Kaz is a good man, he might not look it or show it, but he is ♥️.
I also respected how they kept the idea of Inej’s freedom up in the air because Kaz knew how much fight meant to her that he wanted her to be happy to do as she pleased without comprising any job and her beliefs. Get you a man who doesn’t to change you, but allows you to be free. If you love them, let them go kind of thing.
Episode Eight: No Mourners
No mourners, no funerals, but definitely something in me got ruined by watching this episode. I was ruined in the best way. WHAT AN EPISODE.
The action. The drama. The tension. The love. The battle. The (somewhat) resolution. I LIVED for it all. FANTASTIC 😘👌🏼.
It was kind of different from the books in terms of Mal and Alina’s parts and the Crows. In the book Mal and Alina were somewhat held captive and Alina begged the Darkling to not kill Mal and that she would serve him without defiance if he just let Mal live. It was a whole dramatic scene and there was even a part where Mal and Alina were in the bottom of the ship and they reminisced about the good times and held hands together. Then Alina used the amplifiers powers against the Darkling to escape with Mal. The Darkling was left to the volcra.
So, there were obvious components they kept, and I will say I liked the changes they made because it added drama and excitement. I couldn’t help but think after awhile how funnily weird it was that the Darkling always tried to show Alina off like a new lightbulb he bought or something. It just seemed at every moment he was showing her off 🤪. Like, “Look at her she can light up.”
I liked Alina’s outfit and hair. Applause to the makeup and design team 👏🏼. She was really shining bright in that Fold. I thought it was cool how the Darkling created this tunnel pathway to protect them. I didn’t like how he used her power, for sure. I LOVED LOVED how Mal was made a temporary Crow when Inej found him. I loved that for Mal! I mean, if Mal was a Crow that would be so cool. I liked how they teamed up during the big fight scene and all of them started to go to the top of the ship and then Kaz reluctantly joined the fight. I LOVED how we saw them say no mourners, no funerals. It was a fantastic moment. I would have liked a bigger moment when all of them said it, but maybe we will get that with the six crows in future seasons.
But I was here for women supporting women when Inej battled that Grisha and Zoya helped her out. I got to hand it to Zoya and how they started to turn her arc around in this episode because she realized how dark and deep the Darkling’s power went and she didn’t want to be a part of that anymore. So, good for her! I know he’s good looking, but good looks are deceptive. I also LOVED when Inej was faced by a volcra who was soooo close to her, Kaz came and hit it with his cane! Grandpa Kaz to the RESCUE 👏🏼. I knew he was going to come for his woman! But can we just take a moment to wonder how the FREAk Kaz beat a volcra with a cane?! I’m sorry? Maybe it’s just his threatening disposition that the volcra was scared about crossing as well 😆.
I also loved seeing Jesper use his revolvers again, and that moment when he shot the Grisha that was squeezing Alina’s heart. I mean, how dare that dude try to take down the Sun Summoner. Do you know who she is? Idiot.
But gosh, when Mal took on the Darkling, I was SCREAMING. Let’s go! Let’s get out your pent up male testosterone. It was SUCH an epic fight scene. I don’t think that was in the books, but goodness did I appreciate it! I just kind of wondered why the Darkling chose not to use his shadow power on Mal. Maybe he thought it wouldn’t be a fair fight and he just wanted to have at Mal because Mal got his woman and Mal has honor. I do appreciate though how they made the Darkling a man of his word. At least, he has some set of morals. Not a lot, but some 🤪.
The moment that I loved was when Mal, Alina, the Darkling, and the crows were on the ship and Alina had this moment of envisioning the stag like she had since episode two. And she released she could use its powers because it was hers. This sentiment resembled the books because Alina also had a realization she could use the stags powers against him. The power she wielded was amazing. I lived for the epic moment she knived out the connecting amplifier in his hand and then that darn bone collar disappeared. best part of the episode 😂. I’m joking. But I couldn’t’ stop laughing or thinking about how she had more bones in her body now. Gosh, imagine the X-rays. Anyway, it was just a powerful scene where she reclaimed her power, and I loved that. This scene also kept the essence of what happened in the book, albeit a bit differently from what I remembered. What stood out to me in this scene was when the Darkling was on his knees and he asked her, “How she welded that much power?” This scene was definitely not in the books because the Darkling would NEVER be caught on his knees. However, I felt this added to the humanizing part of General Kirigan who maybe wanted to be a better man, but had too much anger and greed in his heart—anger and greed that was beyond saving.
I liked how Kaz mentioned this when they were on the lower level of the boat—how the Darkling and him share the same look of vengeance. You got that right. I appreciated the parallel mention of their characters because it makes the viewer see the difference between Kaz’s anger and the Darkling’s. The Darkling’s anger was much worse because it created this Shadow Fold of complete darkness. Darkness is symbolic for a reason. There was so much of it in the Darkling, and I couldn’t stand that he extended the Fold on those innocent people. My heart hurt for Zoya when she said she had family in Kiribrisik and how in the end she was going to search for them. I mean, she can’t just go through the Fold on her feet. But I hope we see Zoya again because she’s a good person who just let her anger and jealousy get to her. In the books we see more of that jealousy because it comes from a place where she thought she was the greatest and how she wanted to be the Darkling’s one and only. But she realized she was replaceable to him and she deserved more than a man who didn’t care for her.
Did I live for the dramatic moment when the Darkling fell off the ship? Abso-freaking-lutely.
In my heart, I was like he’s not dead 😂. You can’t kill him that easily. It’s never that easy. And we need him for other seasons.
The end scene of the show was FABULOUS when he emerged from the Fold all dark-viened and defeated looking. Not for loooong. I loved that scene though because it emphasized his eternal power and strength. Honey, he created the Fold, he can get through it 🤪. I loved the shadow monsters, or nichevo’ya, that the Darkling creates out of the Fold. Doing so, really sets up season two and book two well.
I also liked how the ending connected Mal, Alina, Zoya, and the Crows. I liked their little campfire scene and how joyous Inej was to be in the presence of a Saint. I felt like Inej was going insane on teh inside when Alina gave her a sword. . . we all know what she’s going to name it. I honestly loved this change because in the books Inej has her Santka Alina knife, but I liked how the show set it up to how the knife was given to her and named after Alina. I also liked the moment between Kaz and Alina where he promised to keep her secret. Another one of Kaz Brekker’s secrets/intells to store for later perhaps? 🤔 It’s sad how they go their separate ways, but I feel like they will see each other again. I hope for it 😊. I like that they leave on the same boat and I could tell what journeys were coming next for them. In the books Mal and Alina escape the Darkling and then run away together to go incognito to hide from the Darkling. So, them leaving together moves them to that direction. In Six of Crows, the crew does something that I will not spoil here.
I also appreciated how we have Nina on the boat with the Crows.
Let’s talk about Nina and Matthias.
I knew from the start of their storyline that if they wanted to keep true to the books, Nina would betray Matthias in the end. So, I expected the betrayal in the last episode because it would make the most sense. I liked how the show also kept the essence of the betrayal but added the Grisha component with Ivan. Gosh, I under appreciated Ivan in the books because to me he wasn’t a lead lead character, but I LOVED his character in the show. Ivan found Nina and Matthias and he slowed down his heart, and Nina outed Matthias out as a slaver based on the conversations she heard from the weird men at the bar. She did it to save Matthias from dying at the hands of the Grisha, but Matthias wouldn’t see it that way just like in the book. The difference was when Nina went to see him on the slaving ship and he grabbed her neck there. In the books, it happened differently, but it made sense what they did in the show. I also think it was interesting how the show decided to voice the truth of Nina’s betrayal early on because it happens later in the Six of Crows book. But it worked because it showcased how Nina betrayed him out of love but he was going to hate her for it.
So, this set up going to Heckgate in the next season, and Nina working with the Crows.
But before the betrayal, I really appreciated the Helink moments. I loved the waffle scene 🥺. Gosh, they couldn’t have syrup with their waffles?! Jesper would be disappointed. I also loved how they talked about where they could run away together to just be with each other without judgement. I loved the moment when she rested her head on his big shoulder. My heart. SUCKS that hate each other, but you know . . . read the books 😆.
All episodes welded the two worlds together beautifully and created interesting, intense, and meaningful storylines that I could understand as a reader. I also appreciated how honest and authentic the show was to the books because I don’t like when shows deviate so much from the books to the point there’s an entirely different plot because at that point it doesn’t even feel like the books yea aIll know and love. I believe it is okay to make changes that add or connect to the story or changes that may be surprising. But if it is too much of a surprise and weird, it’s not going to go well. But Shadow and Bone did not do that at all and I highly appreciate that because Leigh Bardguo set up an immensely beautiful plot and world that should be done right. And it was.
I think some areas for improvement it to add more spunk to Mal so we know who he is as a person more so than who is because of his protective nature and love of Alina. I also would have appreciated more training with Botkin and Baghara because we only had that one scene with Botkin and not a lot of scenes with Baghara, and they are vital characters.
So thank you to the cast and crew and Leigh for honoring and creating a stunningly powerful season one. I will for sure be watching season two ♥️. At this point, Shadow and Bone is really living rent free in my mind 😆. And that’s a good thin. I read in the interview in the back of my Shadow and Bone book where Leigh said her hope was that readers leave her books thinking about the world she crated, and I can say she definitely accomplished that with me.
Season Two Expectations and Hopes
♦️Spoilers Contained Below if you have not read Siege and Storm, Ruin and Rising, Six of Crows, or Crooked Kingdom ♦️
So, season two . . .
First and foremost, what I want is Darklina scenes, obvisouly. And Siege and Storm does not lack in Darklina scenes. It has some sketchy and weird Darklina scenes that maybe we shouldn’t do, but I will be highly DISAPPOINTED if Alina doesn’t have a scene in the Darkling’s room somewhere in season two like in book two because gosh knows that would make my Darklina heart go wild 🤪. I also know that Alina has all these dreams or meetings with the Darkling, so it would be interesting to see how that plays out.
The Darkling will find Alina and Mal and we obviously are going to look for the Sea Whip—the second amplifier. David better not meld it to her hipbone like a fine belt because I will go LIVID! 🤪I hope we see Genya and what happened to her because that’s an important part of her arc, a sad part, but important 🥺.
We also need to have Baghara scenes because gosh knows she’s important to the plot with all the backstory’s. Also, I think it would be good if they set up the first episode where Baghara goes missing as she did in the first book. And then we find her. And then you know . . . YIKES.
But most importantly, we need PRINCE NICKOLAI! 😆 Our little prince. I think in the first two episodes, they need to focus on the monarchy history or at least go over the backstory to give context on who Nickolai is. Then we need to have Strumhond on his boat with his crew. If Nickolai doesn’t have a cool ship (boat), I don’t want it 😅. But I love Nickolai—he really is the pride and joy of book two. I love Prince Nickolai. We need the flirtation, the smug ego, and that quick kiss. We also need to see him form that alliance with Alina like in the book and for him to make his debut to the world. Who do you want as Nickolai?
We also need Tolya and Tamar, which would be interesting for sure.
What also happens in Siege of Storm was a lot of Malina drama. I’m not sure how that will work in season two because it seemed like they are rebuilding their relationship after being separated, so them making each other mad all the time doesn’t seem like the mood. I feel like they can have friendship arguments and be jealous, but they need to have a balance of heart to heart moments that build on their love and backstory. We obviously need the moment when Mal kisses Zoya 🤪 and Nickolai kisses Alina. Let’s reck havoc!
Also in terms of Malina, again, I want to see more of their banter and relationship together as they are now. I would also appreciate backstories about how they met or things like that. Maybe that could add to their relationship.
Lastly, we need the invasion at the end because that is an EPIC part of the book. I want full force nichevo’ya, Shadow Fold, Darkling, Sun Summoner, Prince Nickolai/Strumhond action! I also need that end scenes with the Darkling, Alina, and the Appart. All pivotal scenes that set the stage for Ruin and Rising. I think it would be fantastic if done well. So, I am hoping all goes well.
In terms of the Six of Crows plot, we obviously need to have a heist!
I think we need to spend more time in Ketterdam and establish who Pekka Rollins and Per Haskell is. I think we also need more backstory scenes of each crow because gosh knows that is a pivotal part of the stories and they showcase who these characters are. I’m kind of curious how the writers will balance the backstory, the Six of Crow plot line, and the Siege and Storm storyline. That’s a lot. I think they might do a back and forth thing like they did with the first season, but have flashbacks. I think flashbacks are the way. I hope we have flashbacks.
First, I have a hunch they will focus their efforts on getting Matthias out of Heckgate as intended in the books and that’s how five of the crows will get together. Now, now, I know they didn’t put Wylan in season one, but I felt like that was a smart move. Wylan didn’t make sense in season one when the crows spent more time in Ravka than they did their home turf, so adding Wylan in there would have been weird. They have to add him in season two or I will protest for my little Wylan! He doesn’t get enough credit, but he’s an amazing character who has such a fantastic arc. I hope they give him glasses and everything. If they introduce Wylan, they can briefly mention Van Eck, and that would tie into Crooked Kingdom.
Second, they are going on the heist to break out Bo, for sure. I think we are going to go to Fjerda and the Ice Court with the whole crew, which will be a whole adventure for sure. I think maybe they can tie in Fjerda with the invasion or war that the Darkling kind of starts. I’m not sure. But I hope to see Jarl Brum and the betrayal scene. I also want to see Matthias and Nina find their way back to liking each other and for Nina to convince Matthias that she really isn’t the monster he makes her out to be. I want to see Kanej moments with the flower quote, the let your armor down quote, and Inej’s whole climbing up the incinerator shaft and having her epiphany. I want Jesper, Inej, and Kuwei on a tank going out the Ice Court 😂. I think maybe Fjerda will be mad that Kuwei was stolen and that’s why they lend their hand to Ravka or something? Maybe to be up against Ketterdam?
Kuwei and the parem definitely will be introduced. I think parem would be an interesting thing to tie into the Shadow and Bone plot lines. I was thinking maybe parem is something they all hear about and then the Darkling gets word of parem and he wants it to build a Grisha army against Alina. So, maybe he could be on the hunt or have people on the hunt for Kuwei. But then Alina, the crows, and all Alina’s supporters would rally against her to stop parem. So, that would bring everyone—all nations– to Ketterdam to prevent the Darkling from getting parem and they they set up the wholee Crooked Kingdom plot that combines the Six of Crows characters and Shadow and Bone characters. And then the end battle could be where they don’t use parem, but Alina and everyone gets to take down their enemy— Pekka and Van Eck and the Darkling. And then along the way Nickolai survives and then we can have a King of Scars spin off. I’m talking high hopes here 😆. Then in the spin-off, we can focus on rebuilding Ravka and seeing where Nickolai goes. We can also see how Mal and Alina end up and where the Crows go.
Then the ending ending could be Kuwei going to Ravka and finding a cure. Also in the end, certain people can be made heroes or martyrs. It can be a whole dramatic thing. But I’m not sure that made sense, those were just my ideas of how they could combine the storylines. But what do I know? 🤪 Heck, I’m pretty sure the Crooked Kingdom aspect or the big finale battle idea might come wayyyy later than season two. But I guess I’m excited and getting ahead of myself. Again, I’m hopeful.
But I would be here for it too if they kept the plot lines separate because it would be a lot to combine and figure out. Whatever works best and is true to the stories. Especially Crooked Kingdom. Gosh that book was STELLAR.
Anyway, what were your thoughts of season one of Shadow and Bone? What were your favorite or least favorite parts? What was your favorite or least favorite episode? Did you feel like the show stayed true to the book? What do you hope to happen in the upcoming seasons? Let me know below and we can definitely chat about it! 💕
I hope you have a beautiful day whenever and wherever you might be reading this 😊.
And as always, with love,
