With the release of Shadow and Bone season 2 right around the corner, the official trailer has been released, giving fans a sneak peek into what is in store for Alina Starkov. After escaping the Darkling’s control in the finale of season 1, Alina must now prepare herself to face his wrath. Unable to control her power, even within the depths of the shadow fold, the Darkling has made Alina his most dangerous and powerful enemy. And now, she is the only one who stands in the way of his plans and poses a threat to his longstanding power.
Set to premiere on Mar. 16; the second season will continue to follow the books from the Grisha trilogy and the Six of Crows duology written by Leigh Bardugo. Check out the trailer below to get a taste of what is to come for the next season of Netflix's original show Shadow and Bone.
A Plan to Defeat the Darkling
Every great story must have a final showdown with its villain, but what differentiates each is the way in which the protagonist finds means and methods to defeat their foe. For Alina Starkov, we find out from the trailer that she requires two amplifiers besides the one she already has. Referred to as Morozova's amplifiers, these artifacts come from specific mythical creatures. Within the Grishaverse, amplifiers are extremely powerful and unique tools the Grisha use to strengthen their magic.
However, it is rare even among the Grisha to possess one amplifier and completely unheard of to equip oneself with three. But to defeat the Darkling, Alina's only hope is to grow her power as quickly as she can. With the Stag's antlers already in her possession, Alina has two more to locate to complete Morozova's trifecta of legendary amplifiers.
In season 2, we will journey with Alina on her quest to find the legendary Sea Whip and Fire Bird in a dangerous attempt to wield more power than any Grisha has ever known, except perhaps the Darkling, who has had centuries to grow his power and hone his strength. So the real question for Alina is, can she handle the two additional amplifiers and the amount of power they will bring to her? And will it be enough to defeat the Darkling and his unkillable shadow army?
Allies New and Old
The trailer also gives us a brief look at new allies that will join Alina on her adventures for the second season. Beloved and familiar characters from the books include the rogue Prince Nikolai (portrayed by Patrick Gibson) and the formidable twins Tamar (cast as Anna Leong Brophy) and Tolya (played by Lewis Tan). Nikolai brings his vast resources and knowledge to the team and an inclination toward danger, adventure, and ingenuity. Both Tamar and Tolya are skilled fighters, and Grisha with Shu Han lineage like Alina, which will enable them to understand the racial prejudice Alina faces as her power grows.
Together these three will provide Alina with the resources she requires to find the other two creatures. The team will also act as her much-needed support system and defense team, protecting her in her endeavor to defeat the Darkling. Of course, the journey will test Alina's resolve and leadership. As an orphan who only recently discovered her Grisha powers, Alina will lean heavily on her team, especially her childhood best friend Mal and her new Grisha friends. Their combined efforts to get Alina where she needs to be will all come to a head in the final battle foreshadowed in the trailer.
Kaz and the Crows Will Return
Season 1 of Shadow and Bone served as a prequel to the Six of Crows duology to tie Kaz, Inej, and Jesper's story to Alina's. However, they originally had nothing to do with each other except that both stories were set in the same world. But Kaz and his Crows will be back for season 2 to pick up their story from the books. And there will be an addition to the crew, Wylan (played by Jack Wolfe). Despite his background with its lack of criminal activities, Wylan seems to have a knack for demolition, thus making him a valuable addition to the Crows.
Although the trailer doesn't give us much insight into what they will be getting up to, we can be sure it will be epic. However, we do wonder how the show will intertwine their story with Alina's and the imminent war that plagues their country. Will they continue to play a role in her story, or will they completely diverge? We look forward to finding out. Shadow and Bone season 2 returns later this month, with a premiere date set for Mar. 16.