Thank the Saints “Shadow and Bone” fans everywhere because the fantasy series is back for a second season! The show’s first season had all the trappings of a great YA guilty pleasure. Cue the young, outcast Alina Starkov, a girl who seems to be destined for mediocrity until she does the miraculous. She soon finds herself tossed into a world of political drama, dangerous rogues and religious prophecy. All while the mysterious, sexy General Aleksander Kirigan takes an interest in our sweet protagonist. There’s also a pretty intricate and fascinating magic system that sees gifted individuals born with magical powers called Grisha being inducted into military service. The first season of the series ended on a pretty spicy note that you should check out for yourself.
We have high hopes that “Shadow and Bone” will take itself to next level but till it comes out, here are some exciting facts you need to know before heading into its second season!
1. Kirigan and Alina Meet Again
At the end of the first season, we see that General Aleksander Kirigan, played by Ben Barnes, survived his time in the Shadow Fold. Though severely scarred and wounded, the Darkling is not quite done with the world of Ravka yet, nor is he finished with Alina and her friends. For those wondering if Kirigan and the Sun Summoner would meet again this season, rest assured that they certainly will. At some point in the second season, Alina, played by Jessie Mei Li and her best friend, Malyen “Mal” Oretsev played by Archie Renaux are ambushed and captured by Kirigan and his followers. From there, Kirigan reveals to Alina that she’s got more to worry about than just Volcras.
2. There are New Monsters Called The Nichevo’ya
Beyond the winged Volcras that stalk the Shadow Fold, there is a new foe that Alina and her friends must face this season. In the final scene of the first season, we see Kirigan walking out of the Fold alive but before going forward he makes a command: follow.
From there, we see two faceless, humanoid-like shadow creatures emerge from the wall of darkness. Judging by their appearance, they fit the description of another one of the Black Heretic’s creations in Leigh Bardugo’s second book in her “Shadow and Bone” trilogy called “Storm and Siege”. They are the Nichevo’ya, also known as the Nothings. These creatures created by Kirigan are completely subservient to Kirigan’s will and cannot be destroyed by light. Needless to say, Alina’s in trouble.
3. The Crows are Back Again
The first season of the show was mostly based on Bardugo’s first novel of the same name. That being said, there is a major change that showrunner Eric Heisserer made. Remember the gang of cutthroat thieves and rogues called the Crows? Yeah, they’re supposed to be in the show. In fact, they don’t ever appear in Bardugo’s entire trilogy of books, only in another book called “Six of Crows”.
We can’t speak for fans of the book but we absolutely love the trio. From the steely-eyed leader Kaz Brekker, played by Freddy Carter, to the deadly knife-wielding Inej Ghafa, played by Amita Suman, to the delightfully promiscuous gunslinger Jesper Fahey, played by Kit Young. Based on the teaser released at this year’s TUDUM event, we know that the Crows will be returning for the second season! So get ready for some more glorious mayhem.
4. Ravkan Royalty will be Joining the Show
A fan-favourite of the books, the dashing Prince Nikolai Lantsov will be showing up in the latest season of “Shadow and Bone”! The disgraced royal turned privateer will be aiding the Darkling in his quest to capture Alina and Mal, all while leading the flagship Volkvolny. His identity is concealed at first as he goes by the name of Sturmhond.
While Lantsov is under Kirigan’s command, he’ll soon find his allegiance in conflict when meeting the Sun Summoner herself. Will he find the strength to break free from the clutches of the Black Heretic? You’ll just have to wait to find out! Our dear prince will be played by Patrick Gibson, who also played Steve Winchell in the Netflix sci-fi series “The OA”.
5. There be Dragons here
Throughout the first season of “Shadow and Bone”, viewers were introduced to the magical world of Ravka. We had full of wondrous creatures like Morozova’s stag and hellish beasts like the Volcra. Get ready for more fantastic beasts because the Rusalye is making its way into the show. In Ravkan folklore, it is a mighty sea dragon that is drawn to beautiful maidens. Much like the stag’s horns, its scales are amplifiers to a Grisha’s magical abilities. A prize that Kirigan plans to seize with Alina as the bait. We’re excited to see how Netflix will handle the Rusayle’s appearance in the second season as the Volkvolny goes on the hunt for the great ice dragon!
6. The Sun Summoner has an Army
While the Darkling gathers forces to dominate all of Ravka, Alina and Mal are not alone in the fight. One of Alina’s most loyal allies throughout the Grishaverse trilogy, Tamar Kir-Bataar will be appearing in the series, played by Anna Leong Brophy, along with her twin brother Tolya Yul-Bataar played by Lewis Tan. Initially a member of the Volkvolny under Kirigan, she soon turns on the Black Heretic to aid the Sun Summoner in her battle to save Ravka’s soul. She’ll eventually train and lead an army called the Soldat Sol, a militia group dedicated to serving the Sun Summoner. War is coming to Ravka and Alina is going to need all the help she can get.
7. Nina and Matthias’ Love Story Continues
One of the most heartbreaking scenes in the first season of “Shadow and Bone” was seeing Matthias Helvar renounce his love for the Grisha Nina Zenik after she has him imprisoned to save his life. Throughout the first season, their steamy romance played a major role in the show. The story of how a hunky, zealous Grisha-hunting Drüskelle fell in love with the very thing he swore to destroy. He sacrificed his duty for Nina, only to end up hating her again.
Thankfully, Nina may just get a chance to see him again. At the end of the first season, we see Nina, played by Danielle Galligan meeting up with the Crows, who just happen to need a Heartrender in their crew. In the teaser for the second season, we see a shirtless Matthias played by Calahan Skogman being escorted by two guards. It’s been confirmed that both actors will be appearing in the second season. We’re sure that Matthias and Nina will meet again and hopefully under happier circumstances.
8. Season 2 could set up a Spin-Off Series on the Crows
The inclusion of the Crows, Nina and Matthias in the first season of Netflix’s “Shadow and Bone” has been a most curious decision. Seeing that these characters don’t appear in the original book trilogy but rather in a spin-off book series set in the same universe called the “Six of Crows” duology. Another key character in the “Six of Crows” storyline is a young demolition expert named Wylan Hendriks. It just so happens that actor Jack Wolfe will be appearing in the second season as well. Could showrunner Eric Heisserer be setting up all the key players for a new series based on the “Six of Crows” books? It would seem so for now but be sure to stay tuned for any new updates.
The second season of “Shadow and Bone” is set to release in 2023, till then you can catch the first season on Netflix!
