About two months ago I started reading books by Leigh Bardugo that I heard about during Popular Literature classes at the university and today I finished watching Shadow And Bone – the Netflix series. So, I guess it’s time sum it all up now!

At first let me give you all Leigh Bardugo book titles. You’re welcome!

The Grisha Trilogy is made of three books:

1. Shadow And Bone,
2. Siege And Storm,
3. Ruin And Rising.

There are also two duologies that I have to mention. The first one is Six of Crows:

1. Six of Crows,
2. Crooked Kingdom.

And the second duology is about the new king:

1. King of Scars,
2. Rule of Wolves.

Two other books that were written by Leigh Bardugo:

1. The Lives of Saints (it’s the supplement to this fantasy world),
2. Wonder Woman: Warbringer (totally not connected but it’s good to know about it).

So, now let me compare it all to the Netflix show… It’s made of two seasons by now and I heard rumors about a spin-off… But well, Shadow And Bone turns out to be not only about Shadow And Bone! It’s good to know these books mentioned above when you watch the series but you still may be surprised in many ways! I mean I didn’t expect that it would be so similar and different at the same time (but it’s definitely closer to books than The Witcher)! I must also add that it’s probably more linked than original books. I currently read Six of Crows (the 5th part) and there are very subtle signs of The Grisha Trilogy in it but it’s still a totally different narrative and a point of view. It’s the same fantasy world but the different side of it… I talk about books… In series Crows are there from the start… Well, I definitely recommend to read books at first! Both – trilogy and duology about Crows.

The third book that it’s good to know before you start watching the Netflix series is the Lives of Saints. No, it’s not boring at all! Don’t listen to people’s opinions! It’s actually fascinating!

Well, I remember when I started reading Shadow And Bone… After very first chapter I knew that Slavic/Russian culture inspired this book. I’m Polish so it was very clear to me! Also, let me share two facts about it. The first of all – Grisha (Grisza) is a sweeter/shorter form of the name Grigorij. And secondly – kvas (kwas chlebowy) is a non-alcoholic drink. My grandpa loved to drink it more than anything else because it’s a natural traditional Slavic drink that works better for thirst than water. And it used to be more available and cheaper than other artificial colorful drinks… Also, it’s a really old recipe (Middle Ages) that is known in all Slavic counties but each nation has their own kvas and they all have a little different taste, color etc. I personally love Lithuanian the most but Ukrainian is good too… And if you’re a woman… It may help you to lose weight… But shh, I didn’t say anything!

Let me go back to the series… I think there is still a lot that can happen there though the original Shadow And Bone ends in the Season 2. I mean the story of two books is put in 8 episodes and it makes me think that maybe it makes sense because there are a lot of dialogues and standing in one place (in books). It makes sense when you read it but putting it on screen could be boring for some so, I guess it makes sense…

But honestly, I love both things – books and the series. The ending of Ruin And Rising was so bitter-sweet and writers of the series made it less bitter in my opinion but it’s sad that is goes in a totally different side and it’s far from peace that Alina and Mal deserved to get… But well, it’s just my opinion! And I hope I didn’t spoil anything! Because honestly, it’s bitter-sweet all the time and these characters are so real when it comes to being good or bad… It’s just like a real life, I guess… Nobody is rotten to the core or an angel all the time…

Well, I also talk about these fantasy books in one of my latest videos. You can watch it here if you still haven’t:

I think that’s all that I needed to say today… The next post is coming on Saturday and you know… It’s gonna be special because my previous blog Great Lady’s Diary is turning three then!

Also, let me remind you about Summer Sale! You can buy my both books 20% cheaper + free delivery for selected items here. It’s this week only, remember about it!

So, greetings!

A.A.