Leigh Bardugo is a best-selling fantasy author on the brink of literary stardom. She’s just signed a “blockbuster” eight-figure contract with Macmillan to write a dozen books. These are the sort of eye-popping figures not witnessed since the now distant days when JK Rowling was every Millennial’s favourite writer.
News of the deal comes as Netflix unveils the second series of its adaptation of her YA trilogy, Shadow and Bone (Netflix from Thursday, March 16th). Set in an alternate universe Central and eastern Europe, this pacy and binge-friendly saga spins traditional fantasy into intriguing new directions. The look is what might be called “Romanov-chic”, with the kingdom of Ravka explicitly modelled on Imperial Russia.
That’s the homeland of heroine Alina Starkov (Jessie Mei Li), who, in the previous season was revealed to have unique magical powers. These have made her a person of interest to the Darkling, a Ravka general and magic user. Portrayed with a delicious twinkle by Ben Barnes, from the Narnia movies, he was a full-on moustache twirler who dressed conspicuously in black and – brace yourselves – turned out to have been the baddy all along
Series two takes up Alina’s story as she and her love interest Mal (Archie Renaux) flee Ravka. The Darkling is supposedly dead – but let’s just say he continues to make his influence felt as the supernatural rift he created expands and spreads its evil.
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We had sex maybe once a month. The constant rejection was soul-crushing, it felt like my ex didn’t even like me
He stalks Alina in her dreams, too. An even more pressing issue, however, is that the entire Ravka army is after her. Alina has been revealed to be a “Sun Summoner” – a rare “Grisha” wizard with the ability to control light. That makes her a potentially destructive weapon, assuming her expertise can be harnessed.
Shadow and Bone incorporates characters from Bardugo’s later series, Six of Crows, and they are by far the most interesting part of the adaptation. Their home is Ketterdam – a riff on mercantile Amsterdam, full of cutthroats, thieves and corrupt officials.
Its denizens also include Nina Zelik, a magical “heartrender”, whose sorcery can flense an enemy’s internal organs and who is played by Dublin actor Danielle Galligan. Her talents are highly sought after – especially by Six of Crows gang leader Kaz (Freddy Carter) However, she will help only if they agree to spring a loved one free from a maximum-security prison. What could go wrong?
A lot can go amiss, as Six of Crows readers will know. But knowledge of books is not necessary. For newcomers and fans alike, this is a sumptuous saga sure to appeal to anyone who enjoys fantasy with a steam-punk twist. For Bardugo, meanwhile, it goes further towards confirming her status as Gen Z’s own Rowling.
