There are many reasons to love fantasy fiction. For me, the first thing is the complexity and the beauty of the universe created within which a story is told in a fantasy fiction. How insane and talented a story teller you must be, to bring to form a world that exists only in your imagination, fill it with believable aspects and convince readers/viewers that not only could it be real, but they’d want to be part of it. I always focus on the novel aspects that storytellers introduce in the universe of a fantasy fiction movie/series, like the elaborate Grishaverse in the Shadow and Bone series streaming on Netflix.
Strong sorcerers, or Grisha (people with magical powers connected to the elements of the earth and other natural factors) facilitated the functioning of the world until they were hunted down because certain other powerful entities deemed them dangerous. Years later, the consequences of the persecution are borne by men and women both magical and common. The world is shaped around a massive black ‘Fold’ or a dark shadow filled passage that cannot be crossed, nor destroyed. Ravka and Fjerda, two Kingdoms on the opposite sides of the Fold are at war to add political/social momentum to the otherwise fantasy story.
Alina Starkov, a common girl who joined the army because she wanted to stay close to her best friend Mal goes on to discover that she is the most important person in their world. The story of Shadow and Bone follows her journey as she escapes kidnappers, monsters and a very powerful teacher. The sub-story of the ‘Crows’- a gang of criminals initially hired to kidnap Alina adds a lot of substance.
Shadow and Bone is complete with impeccable casting, truly convincing aesthetics and a captivating storyline. The storyline is multi-directional and takes some dedicated attention on the viewer’s part. However, the ending is quite predictable but the writers and cinematographers have done an incredible job at unveiling the climax with as much adventure as possible. The series is based on a book series so naturally, there are a number of details that make the story multi-dimensional like flying boats, dreamy white stags, etc. On a scale of just fine to mind-boggling fantasy, Shadow and Bone manages to cross the above-average mark with great ease and linger on the awe-inspiring plane. It embodies almost every aspect that marks a good fantasy series – magical people, non-magical people, love stories, merciless villains, dreamy characters, gorgeous locations, back-stories and whatnot. Its a shame that Netflix cancelled the show after just two seasons; so off to the bookstore we go. Leigh Bardugo’s (the author) Grishaverse is certainly worth the time.
Yet another fantasy fiction that I loved a lot is here. Completely different content format though.
Leave a Reply