Shadow and Bone is a 2021 Netflix Original series that is based on a series of popular books. While I was not familiar with the books, I thought that the trailers looked fantastic so I decided to check it out. Over its eight-episode first season, Shadow and Bone entertained me and it has me very excited for the second season, which I have heard they are making right now.
How to Stream or Download Shadow and Bone
You can stream it or you can download Shadow and Bone from Netflix, using the Netflix App. Click on the Download button at the end of this review.
The Movie Review
The main character of the show is Alina and she has a very special power, a power that can save the world. The fictional setting of the series is very cool and made up of nations that resemble real-world places. I found myself very intrigued by all of these different places and I hope they are developed more as the series goes on.
In the series, we have these people that are called Grisha and they are basically people who can wield magic. Interestingly, Shadow and Bone does not call it magic, instead, it is referred to here as “The Small Science” which I found to be fun. These Grisha are persecuted in the nation of Ravka.
The reason for their persecution is The Fold. The Fold is freaking awesome, it is this shadow place that separates the nations and is full of these horrible creatures. However, it is the Grisha who can potentially destroy The Fold. You see there is a “magic school” where Grisha testers will take children that they have found who have magical abilities.
They form the Second Army where they train and hone their skills. Kind of like a video game, there are three classes (orders) here that people are put into. Etherealki can use natural elements like wind or fire, Materialki can make use of materials like metal and glass, and Corporalki has the ability to manipulate people’s bodies. There are “sub-classes” here too, in all, it was a part of the show I found to be very interesting.
Now, back to our main character Alina. It turns out that Alina has the ability to control light and this is the key to destroying The Fold. You would think that everyone would be on board with this, but that is not entirely the case and she has to figure out who she can trust and who wants what is truly right.
You have a couple of main plot points going on in Shadow and Bone, but all of the main characters feel like they matter. The way the show combines, fantasy, action, and even bits of romance and horror are very cool. Overall, I liked the dark tone of the show and while I cannot speak for how faithful it is to the books, I had a lot of fun with this show.
I am surprised that Shadow and Bone has not been a bigger hit than it is. I know that things are getting pretty bloated when it comes to “Netflix Originals” However, I really think this is one of the best out of the recent batch of them. If you like fantasy TV shows and shows that can get pretty dark, Shadow and Bone is a show that you will probably have a lot of fun with.
