For those of you who love the complexity of good and evil battling to survive in a fantasy world and are fans of the ‘Shadow and Bone’ series, here’s some good news for you – Season 2 is on its way. The series, which are based on Leigh Bardugo’s bestselling Grishaverse novels, has been renewed by Netflix for Season 2.
The series has been renewed by Netflix basis strong viewership numbers for the first season. According to Netflix’s Twitter account, the series was watched by over 55 million subscribers in its first month. Other reports suggest that in 93 countries, the series made it to the Top 10 list, while it secured No. 1 position in 79 countries. Such is the power of the Grishaverse, and well, with those impressive stats a renewal was just a matter of time!
Here’s what we know so far (spoiler alert for season 1):
Plot
While the first season of the series was based on the book ‘Shadow and Bone’, there is a possibility that the second season may be adapted from the second book ‘Siege and Storm’ of Bardugo’s Grisha trilogy. In the second book, Alina Starkov and Mal (her childhood love) Hunted across the True Sea, try to make a living in a new place. But since she is the Sun Summoner, she finds it tough to keep it a secret. On the other hand, the Darkling survives and is back from the Shadow Fold with more power, an army and a plan. Since the first season also had the Crow Club, which is originally from Bardugo’s book ‘Six of Crows’, there is a possibility of seeing more of them as well.
If you remember, in the first season’s finale Nina gives up Matthias to save him, when Fedyor tries to take her back to East Ravka. Matthias, however, wrongly believes that Nina manipulated and betrayed him (because that’s what Grisha's are believed to do). In East Ravka, the ship makes its way through the Fold with Alina, Darkling, other dignitaries, The Crows and Mal, onboard. Through the journey, the Sun Summoner shields the ship with her light. Right before reaching the other side, though, Kirigan shows his true intentions and expands the Fold towards West Ravka.
It is revealed that Kirigan intends to use the Fold as a weapon and force other nations to bow before Ravka's will. Zoya, a Grisha who was on Kirigan’s team, witnesses what he does to West Ravka (where her relatives lived), and turns against him. Following a struggle, Alina gains full control of her powers and uses her light against the Darkling. Eventually, during a fight between Mal and Kirigan, the latter is seemingly killed by Volcra.
Alina and Mal, along with the Crows and Zoya, leave the Fold. The survivors part their ways, but not before Zoya warns Alina about her being a bigger target now. While Kaz and the gang meet Nina at the skiff, Alina and Mal also reach there to learn more about her powers. While the survivors try to go back to normal, Kirigan walks out from the Fold with an army of shadows.
But, since there were a few surprises in the first season, we can be sure that there would be major ‘gasp’ moments in season two as well.
Cast
Following Season one’s finale, there is a possibility that all of the current cast will return. In the official announcement, we saw Jessie Mei Li (Alina Starkov), Ben Barnes (Kirigan) ¸ Freddy Carter (Kaz Brekker), Amita Suman (Inej Ghafa)¸ and Kit Young (Jesper Fahey), among others. So we know at least all of these actors will feature in the series. Other than that, since actor Archie Renaux, who plays Mal Oretsev, is quite critical to the plot we are assuming he’ll return too. However, only after an official announcement is made about the cast will we finally know about this.
Here’s how we know that Ben Barnes, who plays Kirigan, is sure to return:
Watch the announcement here:
Release Date
Although the new season has been announced, there the release date was not mentioned. But we’d probably have to wait until late 2022 for it. Netflix usually releases its series seasons a year apart. However, if there is news about the release you will hear from us first.
Check this space for more on Shadow and Bone.
