Shadow and Bone (Season 02)
Though not as polished as the first, Shadow and Bone Season 2 delivers fun and heart.
I’ve been having a great Grishaverse run recently. Reading the trilogy (still on the last one - Ruin and Rising) and rewatched Season 01 last week! I hadn’t watched Season 02 yet, maybe because I wasn’t watching a lot of series or films when this came out but now I have finally completed it and have some views about it 🙃
Watching Shadow and Bone Season 2 was like returning to a world I had grown fond of but realizing things had gotten a bit chaotic since I last left. I was eager to dive back into the Grishaverse now and get my excitement level to the max due to the books! While the season delivered on its promise of magic, action and gorgeous visuals, it felt a little too stuffed for its own good. Yes, the series may not be true to the books but still, I couldn’t help but enjoy the ride.
The story kicks off with Alina and Mal on a mission to find the amplifiers to destroy the Fold once and for all. Meanwhile, Kaz and the Crows are up to their usual heist antics, trying to outsmart Pekka Rollins and reclaim their place in Ketterdam. I loved seeing my favourite characters back on screen, especially Jesper, who remains a burst of energy and charm. Nikolai’s introduction was another highlight, bringing a mix of swagger and vulnerability that instantly made him one of the favourites. However, juggling so many storylines sometimes made the season feel rushed and a bit overwhelming.
What actually kept me engaged was the chemistry between the characters. Kaz and Inej’s slow-burn dynamic had me rooting for them all over again and Jesper’s budding romance with Wylan was just the right mix of sweet and playful. Even Alina and Mal had their moments, though their relationship felt a little uneven at times. The emotional beats were there but I wish the show had spent more time letting those moments breathe instead of racing to the next big plot point.
Visually, the show remains stunning. The costumes, the magical effects and the world-building are as captivating as ever. I especially loved the vibrant set designs and how Grisha’s powers came to life on screen. And the music, oh, the music! Joseph Trapanese’s score added so much depth to the series, enhancing the magic and tension in every scene.
Smash Hit Score: 7.8/10
While Season 2 wasn’t as tightly crafted as the first, it still had plenty of heart. The characters, the world and the sheer fun of it all kept me invested, even when the pacing got a little messy. While there’s so much more story to tell; especially with the Six of Crows, Netflix has cancelled all the plans as of now, including Season 3. I’m just glad I got to experience Grishaverse on-screen first and that’s what made me push to read the books. Please read the books!
