Fantasy fans were thrilled when Netflix released the first season of Shadow and Bone, based on Leigh Bardugo’s bestselling book trilogy. It followed Alina Starkov as she discovers she is a Grisha – someone with elemental-bending abilities.
In addition, the show introduced a band of criminals known as The Crows that attempted to kidnap Alina. The second season will introduce two new characters from Bardugo’s books: Nikolai Lantsov (aka Sturmhond, Patrick Gibson) and Wylan Hendricks, one of their members.
Alina Starkov
Alina Starkov is a half-Shu who was orphaned and left to survive on her own in Ravka. Although she didn’t fit in, Alina knew she had no choice but to fight for what was right – which ultimately meant standing up for herself.
During her training with Baghra, Alina discovers General Kirigan is an amplifier — a human who can harness the sun’s power and use it to summon darkness. He believes Alina to be the Sun Summoner and promises her assistance in dispelling the Shadow Fold.
The trailer for season 2 promises a major conflict between Alina and Kirigan. They must decide if they’re willing to sacrifice what matters most for their friendship.
Co-showrunners Eric Heisserer (Chronology) and Daegan Fryklind revealed that this season will feature new elements for fans of the novels as well as unexpected turns in Alina’s story arc. As for Alina’s relationship with Kirigan, Ben Barnes hinted that it will remain intricate in an intriguing light-and-dark dynamic.
Mal Oretsev
Mal Oretsev is the handsome young tracker who joins Alina on her mission to defeat the Darkling. He serves as both her loyal friend and love interest throughout all three books.
When the Darkling threatens Alina and her family home, Mal is there for her even without his amplifier powers yet. He even willing to risk his own life in the Shadow Fold in order to help her.
But, despite his devotion, he may not always be the most trustworthy person. He feels somewhat resentful of Alina’s Grisha power, especially since she isn’t an orphan like him and has a history of discrimination against him.
In the second season of Shadow and Bone, Anna and Jinny must locate two mythical amplifiers – a quest that takes them from Ravka to Ravka again. Along the way they will meet new characters in the on-screen Grishaverse such as Nikolai Lantsov (Patrick Gibson), Tamar Kir-Bataar and Tolya Yul-Bataar.
Alexander Kirigan
Netflix’s hit fantasy series Shadow and Bone is based on Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse novels. It follows an orphaned girl as she discovers she is a Sun Summoner – a Grisha who can channel light.
General Alexander Kirigan (Ben Barnes), leader of the Second Army, was initially introduced to the series as a potential ally but it soon becomes evident that he is an especially evil character. Onscreen referred to as The Darkling, Kirigan is known for his greed, desire for power and control as well as a dark sense of justice.
Season 2 of Shadow and Bone will follow Alisha escape from the Darkling, adapting two books from Bardugo’s Grishaverse: “Siege and Storm” and “Six of Crows.” In this season, Alina along with Dregs gang members Kaz Brekker (Freddy Carter), Inej Ghafa (Amita Suman) and Jesper Fahey (Kit Young) search for mythical creatures to amp up Alina’s powers. Along the way they meet Tolya (Lewis Tan), Tamar (Anna Leong Brophy) and Wylan (Jack Wolfe).
The Crows
Alina Starkov discovers her power to control light and becomes a Grisha. She then goes off to train under General Kirigan (Ben Barnes), who later proves to be one of the major villains in the series.
Kaz Brekker (Freddy Carter), Inej Ghafa (Amita Suman) and pistol prodigy Jesper Fahey (Kit Young) are back for Shadow and Bone Season 2. Additionally, Nikolai Lantsov and his crew including Heartrender twins Tamar Kir-Bataar (Anna Leong Brophy) and Tolya Yul-Bataar make their return this season.
Although it remains uncertain if Six of Crows will ever take off, showrunner Eric Heisserer recently stated that it will continue interweave with Alina’s narrative without causing too much disruption. Regardless, viewers are eager to see how the Crows gang and Nina Zenik (Danielle Gilligan) interact in Season 2 of the show – hopefully for everyone involved! We’ll keep you posted with any news as it happens!