by Katie Robertson

The first season of Shadow and Bone – based on the YA books by Leigh Bardugoid – introduced us to the war-torn country of Ravka. There, the young Alina Starkov (Jessie Mei Li) discovers she’s the Sun Summoner – a being possessed with a rare form of Grisha magic. This brings her into conflict with the Darkling (Ben Barnes) and the malevolent criminal gang, The Crows.

Season Two sees Alina, aided by Malyen Oretsev (Archie Renaux), on a quest to increase her powers and prevent the Shadow Fold (a mysterious darkness) from engulfing the entirety of Ravka. She will need the help of the privateer, Sturmhond (Patrick Gibson) and his crew of courageous fighters. Meanwhile, Kaz Brekker (Freddy Carter) and his Crows have been offered a heist more dangerous, reckless, and exciting than ever. First, he must face the nightmares of his past and get a taste of vengeance.

This adaptation of the novels Siege and Storm and Ruins and Rising captures the allurement of the books. Yet fans of the series may be annoyed at changes, such as the meeting between Sturmhond, Jesper Fahre (Kit Young) and Brekker. Although the hilarious interaction makes the story more enjoyable, in the books, it doesn’t occur until Crooked Kingdom. Still, it will be fun to see how the writers use this connection to their advantage in future.

This season has a great balance of action, magic, and heartbreak, and it’s impossible to find a dull moment that could not be brightened by our favourite Sun Summoner. A great, immersive fantasy show and a delight to watch.