Happy Friday, everyone!
My week has been an absolute whirlwind, so sorry if I’ve been a bit absent these past few days! I finally started coding for my thesis, have a video project due in my Russian class, and on top of that, I’m currently in the middle of moving. I’ve been thinking about getting a flat closer to university for a while now – I currently live out in the countryside with my parents – so when a room in my best friend’s shared apartment unexpectedly became available and she asked me whether I’d be interested, I figured – Why not? My TA job pays well enough that I can afford it, I certainly wouldn’t mind seeing people my own age again somewhat regularly, the vicinity to the city would make things much easier workwise, I’d have more independence, and I can still go home on weekends if I want to… It’s a new adventure, and after over a year of lockdown, I am more than ready for that!
Still, despite my week already being super busy, just couldn’t stop myself… I knew Shadow and Bone was waiting on Netflix, ready to be consumed, so the moment I finished all the work I had to do that Friday, I dropped everything and started binging 😂🙈 I think I finished Saturday at about three in the morning? 😅 And although getting up the next morning to do homework was absolute torture, I can’t say I regret it. I had a such a fun time being back in this world and am currently in the middle of re-watching the series in Russian, so that I can use “language practice” as an excuse to pay attention to more of the details this time around 😁
So yeah, overall, I was very pleasantly surprised! I must admit, after suffering through countless bad adaptations and the fiasco of a fanfiction-reminiscent ending we got to King of Scars, I was a bit skeptical that this would turn out good, even with Leigh Bardugo on board. Especially when I heard Netflix would be mixing two different series set at completely different points in time… But for the most part, I think it worked!
WARNING: This review includes spoilers for the entire Shadow and Bone Netflix series, the Grisha trilogy, and the Six of Crows duology. I also hint at a few things that happened in King of Scars, but nothing that I’d consider to be a spoiler.
First off, I just love this world. The cinematography was absolutely stunning in the way it brought everything to life, and the details!!! 😍 If I hadn’t already wanted to visit Ketterdam before, I would definitely want to now. The Fold was eerie in the absolute best way possible. All the shots of Ravkan landscapes and architecture had me entranced, even though things didn’t look exactly the way I had pictured them. Also, someone please introduce keftas into everyday fashion, so that I wouldn’t look weird wearing one? Seriously, they’re even cooler than I imagined!! 🤗
My favorite detail by far, though, has probably got to be the introduction of the Ravkan writing system. AAAAAAAHHHH!!!!! You guys know I am an absolute sucker for anything language-related, so the fact that they invented an alphabet and put it in the show has me over the moon!!! And now that I’m re-watching it, you bet I am hitting “pause” pretty much every time writing crops up, so that I can practice reading all the Ravkan words and compare them to Russian 🥰 Yes, I know I’m a bit weird. But if you’ve been reading my posts for a while, that probably shouldn’t surprise you all that much 😜
But let’s get to the show itself! Like I already said, I’m mostly very happy with how the story unfolded. I was initially skeptical about how Netflix planned to integrate the Crows, but surprisingly, I think the changes worked rather well. Yes, I do think their roles currently pale a bit in contrast to Alina’s, and I wonder how many of the details someone who hadn’t read the books would pick up on – Did anyone else squeal when they saw Kaz meticulously taking off his gloves?! 😍 – but overall, I think the writers stayed very true to everyone’s character and used the Crows to add an interesting subplot to the original Shadow and Bone story. The characters were similar enough to the ones we knew that I immediately loved them, but the story was also so different from the source material that I was able to separate the two of them enough in my head to not get upset by all the changes.
And the friendships! Jesper being there whenever Kaz and Inej needed him. Kaz trusting Jesper and Inej with his life, when he is so deeply mistrustful at heart. Inej being the absolute coolest Wraith ever while she was swinging from that rope right in front of Jesper’s pistols and Kaz was seconds from having a panic attack. The Kaz and Inej tension in general was just done so well! Kaz willing to wager the Crow Club for Inej’s freedom and not telling her about it had my heart melting, as did the look on Inej’s face when Kaz called her his “investment”. And Kaz trying to hide his panic when Inej got stabbed! It was everything!! Oh boy, this had better be leading up to that epic bathroom scene, because I am already fangirling about this relationship every bit as much as I did when I first read Six of Crows. 😍😍😍
However, I think the love story this season got me most invested in was the one between Nina and Matthias. The enemies-to-lovers trope is one of my absolute favorites, so I was absolutely thrilled that we got to see their backstory play out in so much detail! Danielle Galligan absolutely nailed Nina’s personality, and I couldn’t help but fall in love with her all over again. And Matthias! That boy is such a precious little waffle, and I don’t think I’m going to be able to read Crooked Kingdom again any time soon without bursting into tears 😭 Seriously, Matthias is adorable, terribly good-looking, and his accent is just the cutest! Nope, I didn’t think I’d ever be saying this about an accent that sounds so similar to the horrifying German one, either, but here we are… I definitely want more Matthias! I can’t wait for season two, where he and Nina will hopefully reconcile 🙃 Also, did someone mention we might be getting Wylan?
However, now that I’ve gushed a bit about the Crows, let’s move on to Alina! Don’t get mad at me, but I think I actually like her a bit more than I did in the books. The show did a great job in giving her a bit more complexity, and I kind of like how the decision to make Alina half Shu adds another layer to the story. Sure, logically speaking, I do think it’s strange that Alina having Shu features is such an abnormality, since Ravka and Shu Han share a border, but I’m willing to suspend that disbelief since I loved how much depth the exploration of racism added to the show. And getting to see Alina slowly come to terms with being Grisha was also really interesting! Though I kind of wish we’d gotten to see a bit more of her training and interactions with other people at the Little Palace…
Though maybe I shouldn’t be complaining, because we sure got a bunch of interactions with the Darkling! Seriously, Ben Barnes, how did you do it? This time around, I knew from the get-go that the Darkling was evil, but I still couldn’t help but fall for his charms and find him alluring. Evil, but alluring. Do I want Alina to end up with him? Obviously not. I have never shipped Alina and the Darkling, I’m team Mal all the way! But I guess I do kind of see where the Darkling is coming from, in his own weird, twisted way? He’s been hurt. He’s suffered. He’s alone. He wants Grisha to be treated with respect. [And he’s a power-hungry maniac.] As much as I’ve always hated him, he’s a fascinating character, and probably one of the most interesting ones in the entire Shadow and Bone trilogy. And, in my opinion, the show did him justice.
And then there’s Mal. I’ve always loved him and never understood all the hate he gets, but here? My love for Mal increased a hundred-fold! I think the show really benefited from actually showing what he was up to while Alina was snatched away to Os Alta. That gave us much more insight into his personality, and I loved that! Especially since Mal is just about the purest friend imaginable. Seriously, how could anyone prefer the Darkling to this guy? Nikolai, I could maybe get on board with, but do you all really hate Alina enough to want her to end up with the Darkling??? Especially when Mal is just so perfect 😍 Plus, I also love how the show went out of its way to establish the friendship between Alina and Mal, rather than barging straight into the romance. It makes their connection seem so much stronger and genuine! It was still obvious how much they cared for one another, but things were just way more slow-burn, which I wholly appreciated. I’m actually pretty pleased they got rid of that awkward pre-stag-slaughter kiss.
Speaking of the stag, though – that collar was the most disgusting thing I’ve seen in my entire life!! UGGGHHH! That wasn’t at all what I’d pictured, and I couldn’t wait for Alina to finally get rid of it. Looking at it was seriously disturbing!!! But I can’t deny that it added a lot of wonderful dark undertones to the show 😈
To sum it up, I was very happy with this adaptation, and am definitely pumped for the next season! Even though a lot of changes were made to the source material, I didn’t mind and even enjoyed most of them. Sure, there were a few minor things I didn’t really see the point of, like Alina burning those maps to secure herself a spot on that ship and no one being suspicious when she immediately offered to go on the mission. There were some aspects that could have been explored a bit further, like Alina’s shock at finding out who the Darkling really is, or the lives of the other Grisha at the Little Palace. The whole amplifier storyline felt a bit rushed. But on the whole, I’d say Shadow and Bone is a success. [Even if it does pronounce Genya’s name wrong. There’s no way it doesn’t start with a /g/ sound, or my entire life is a lie!]
Anyway, it has now gotten me quite excited to reread the Grisha trilogy and Six of Crows duology, which I should probably be doing anyway because I haven’t read Rule of Wolves yet… I guess I’ve just been putting it off since I wasn’t a huge fan of King of Scars, especially that ending, and from what I’ve heard, the sequel takes that stuff to a whole other level 😅 But I guess I’ll never know unless I read it, so maybe I should get a move on!
But yeah – that was it for today! If you’ve made it this far, I am very much hoping you’ve already seen the show, too, so, please, spill the beans in the comments and tell me what you thought! Were you disappointed because it was so different from the books? Or were you like me and loved it anyway? I’d love to hear your opinions!
A Book Owl's Corner 
This was such a great review! I think Ben Barnes made me like the Darkling; he played his role so well! One thing I thought they could have done better was Genya’s ‚betrayal‘ as it was quite heartbreaking in the book, but not so much in the TV show. Otherwise, I thought it brilliant that there were actually producers out there taking our much-loved YA novels seriously. It was a pretty faithful book-to-screen adaptation.
PS. I’ve always pronounced Genya as JEN-yah for some reason, though I’ve heard people pronounce it like GEHN-yeah too, so I’m not sure!
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Thanks, Maya! And I agree – Ben Barnes did a fantastic job portraying the Darkling! I love how there was a lot of vulnerability beneath all the evilness 🥰 But then again, I’ve always loved the Darkling in an “I love to hate you” kind of way, so it was really satisfying to see him brought to screen 😊
And I also agree that this was a pretty faithful adaptation. Sure, they added the Crows, but everything from Shadow and Bone stayed very close to the original. And I think I liked the mixture of new and old! 🙃
And I am totally a GEHN-yah pronouncer. I was so sure other people must be saying it wrong, but here is the show, also going down the JEN-yah route. Such sacrilege! 😜🤣 But yeah, seeing her betrayal tug at our heart strings a bit more certainly wouldn’t have hurt…
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I literally agree with everything you just said!
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Ahh you have almost the same thoughts as I did about the show. It was amazing. (Although, how could you not mention Jesper and Milo. They stole the show during the crossing of the fold) and this show made me love Nina and Matthias when I didn’t care about them much in the book? Their storyline was so well done!
High five to everyone who shipped Malina from the books! And Jessie mei li played Alina wonderfully too. But that antler collar thing. It was disgusting and creepy and I can’t imagine why anyone would ship Alina and the Darkling after he did that. Also, hearing the name Kirigan made me cringe a leeetle.
I really hope we’d get to see Nikolai and Wylan in the next season!
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Haha, well, I didn’t mention Milo because I’m still not sure how I feel about that scene 😅😂 I mean, don’t get me wrong – I love Milo, and the way he ended up being crucial in setting Mal free? It was awesome! But I did find it a bit unbelievable that it’s supposed to me highly dangerous to cross the Fold and then, rather than making sure they had enough coal, the Conductor put so much emphasis on them having a goat just to make them feel better… But I’m not denying that Milo is adorable 😍
And ahhh, yes, the acting skills of everyone were so on point, Jessie Mei Li included! I really felt as though they knew the book characters through and through, and I’m hoping Wylan and Nikolai will be just as awesome when we finally get to see them! 🤗
And I’m so glad you agree on the collar. Those antler parts sticking out of Alina’s skin were beyond disgusting! 🤢 I’m still traumatized 🤣
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I’m sure this was a great review, but unfortunately, I couldn’t read much of it due to spoilers ☹
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Well, I’d just suggest you go watch the series and come back afterwards? 😁 I thought it was really well done, so otherwise you’d be missing out 😉 No pressure, though! 😜
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I love how you justified rewatching the show by doing it in Russian 😂
Overall, I also think it was a good adaption, and as someone who wasn’t the biggest fan of the Shadow and Bone books, I’d even say the adaption was better. I think my favorite thing about it was how they just nailed the look of everything. Clothes, buildings, everything just looked amazing. Except for that amplifier collar… I’m still close to vomiting whenever I think about it 🤢
I loved Ben Barnes in it as well!! 😍 I was screaming at the TV during the first episode when they were only showing the back of his head! Like, I know he has a beautiful face so just let me see it!! 😅 I didn’t really ship anyone when I read the books but that kiss scene between Alina and the Darkling was kind of hot and I totally get it now.
I’m also excited for the second season, first of all, because we know it means Nikolai, but I’m also pretty confident it means Wylan based on how far along we got with the Nina and Matthias storyline. The Crows getting bigger roles is only going to make this show better, I feel.
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I also think the adaptation was better than the Grisha trilogy, but as of now, I still prefer the Six of Crows books 😉 But depending on how the next seasons go, there’s still potential! Especially since I agree with you and think the more of the Crows we get, the better 😊
And yes, the way things looked was awesome! You could tell that they put a ton of effort into every single prop on set, no matter how small, and the clothes and places made the world come truly alive 🥰 And I still really want a kefta! Can we please make wearing them socially acceptable when the pandemic is over and we’re allowed to go outside again? 😇
And I couldn’t agree more with everything you said about Ben Barnes! That kiss was more than just “kind of hot” and I had to keep chanting “No, no, no, he’s a murderous lunatic,” in my head to prevent myself from falling under the Darkling’s spell. And then they showed us his totally tragic backstory and I couldn’t help but sympathize even more 😅😅
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Yes, I agree. Six of Crows is still better, but Freddy Carter was amazing as Kaz, so I’m really excited to see the show be more about him.
We should totally make Keftas acceptable! There’s a lot of people in the bookish community. We can make it happen! 😄
And damn those hot murderous lunatics with tragic backstories! 😂 It’s really not fair!
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I couldn’t read the review coz I haven’t read or watched shadow and bonnes, but the emojis led me to the conclusion that you love it a lot 😂
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I did think it was pretty great 😁 Sure, it had some issues, and I wouldn’t go as far as saying it’s one of my new favorite shows of all time just yet, but there’s definitely potential, depending how the rest of the seasons turn out! I highly recommend watching it! 😂
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I’ll still probably read the books first and then watch the show 😛
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Of course 😇
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You are a Teacher’s Assistant??! Cool! I have not seen this or heard of it before. I would do that too with the launguage!
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I am! I have to correct homework and give tutorials for math students in lower semesters 😉 It’s actually a really nice job since the working hours are so flexible and I get to do something that has to do with teaching and math, both of which I love!
And yay, I’m so glad I’m not the only one with a weird language obsession 😁
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Lol yeah! Cool job!
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omg yesss i binged this in like 2 days (because my mum didn’t let me watch for 8 hours straight 🙈) but can we talk about the ENERGY jesper brought – he was so funny i loved him!! and kaz and inej’s castings were so perfect, i don’t even know where to begin. nina and matthias’ storyline completely broke me and i love them so much, so i cant wait to see their enemies to lovers in s2 🥺
i would go on screaming haha but then i’d never be able to stop, so i’m just going to say i completely agree with everything you’ve said here 😂 lovely post 💓💓
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Hahaha, your mom probably has a point… I felt like an absolute zombie after watching the whole thing in one go 🤣 But AAAHH, it was just soooo good!! Yes, Jesper’s energy was amazing, and the friendship between him and Inej especially had me completely heart-eyed 😍 And I am dying for more Nina and Matthias in Season 2 as well!! This series definitely deserves lots of screaming, and it makes me so happy you loved it as well, Ahaana! ❤❤❤
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OMG YESSS INEJ CALLING JESPER “JES” WAS THE BEST AND KAZ’S REACTION I- 😂😂
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YES!!! That was one of my absolute highlights as well 🥰🥰🥰
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I really enjoyed it as well, Naemi! Considering this as fanfiction right from the start definitely helped, as we already saw this being different from the very first scene where Alina talks about being half Shu. You know I was afraid going into this, but it was a pleasant surprise, as you said! I think I prefer this over the original, though it lacked a lot of depth imo – Alina’s struggles at the Little Palace could’ve been portrayed in more detail, I think. Also, he final episode was the weakest one imo… there was just too much going on, too many players involved. But I really enjoyed this, especially the Crow storyline, though I think they did Dirtyhands dirty – I’m not happy with the portrayal of Kaz. He feels more like a sidekick to Jesper and Inej, not like the brilliant mastermind he actually is. The portrayal of Nina is completely chef’s kiss, just perfect.
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Ahhh, I’m so glad you enjoyed the show, too, Klaus! As much as I love your rants, getting one for Shadow and Bone would probably have broken my heart at least a tiny bit 🤣 And yes, I think I prefer the adaptation over the original as well, at least where the Grisha trilogy is concerned (Six of Crows is still better 😇). It really benefitted from having more subplots and also focusing on characters other than Alina, if you ask me. Although yes, I agree that there could have been more focus on Alina’s time at the Little Palace. I wanted magical training scenes and Grisha intrigue! 😁
As much as I love that Dirtyhands pun, though, I think disagree – I actually really liked how Kaz was portrayed! I felt like his privateness and difficulties in opening up to other people came across really well, and in scenes like the one where he obviously knew Alina had a double, his scheming mind already shone through. I do hope they’ll up it a bit in coming seasons, though – as an introduction, I was satisfied with what we got, but I want to see some true Barrel intrigues in the future!
But yes – they absolutely nailed Nina! Out of all the characters, she probably came closest to how I had imagined them 🥰
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i was so worried, most adaptations aren’t that good but this one was almost perfect. and that a+ casting, nearly everyone was perfect.
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Yes, this one really did things well! It by far surpassed any expectations I had, and I can’t wait for the next season! 🤗
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