On April 23nd, Netflix released its first season of Shadow and Bone, a TV series adaptation of Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse book series. The Grishaverse refers to the Shadow and Bone book series, Six of Crows Duology, and King of Scars Duology that are all connected in one fantasy world full of war and magic. Bardugo began building the Grishaverse in 2012 when she published Shadow and Bone, the first installment of the franchise.

In the TV series, the story follows a character named Alina Starkov who unexpectedly discovers that she has the magical power to bend and summon light at will. She goes on a magical journey and also becomes a member of an alliance called the “Grisha” due to her magical abilities. The show features Jessie Mei Li in the role of Alina Starkov, with supporting characters played by Ben Barnes, Archie Renaux, Kaz Brekker, and more.

From its release, the series managed to be the first show in 2021 to spend its first 12 days at the top of Netflix’s Top 10 List. Only two other shows have managed to do so in the history of Netflix’s Top 10 List, Floor is Lava and Ratched. It has also received high reviews from many publications and currently has an 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Glen Weldon from NPR states, “What really distinguishes the series is its smart storytelling choices, which prioritize a crisp, propulsive narrative over the kind of stately, ruminative world-building for world-building’s sake that bogs down so many would-be epic fantasy series.”

Students at Cypress High have also raved about this show. Nikki Thach, a sophomore, says, “I loved the book series so much, and I think Netflix really did the story justice. It’s an amazing show.”