Leigh Bardugo’s iconic book series are coming to the screen soon in the show “Shadow and Bone,” which premieres this spring, but before you watch, allow me to convince you to read the books first. 

The Grisha Trilogy (containing “Shadow and Bone,” “Siege and Storm” and “Ruin and Rising”) follows Alina Starkov. After a near-death experience, Alina discovers she is the Sun Summoner, a Grisha (magic wielder) with the unique ability to manipulate light. She also learns the Darkling, the most powerful Grisha in the world, is a major threat only she can defeat. Throughout the series she hones her magic, becomes allies with a prince, assembles a group of skilled friends, becomes a living saint with a literal cult following and travels the world to find Morozova’s three magic amplifiers; the only items with enough power to defeat the Darkling. If that isn’t enough, don’t worry, there’s more.

The “Six of Crows” duology (taking place two years after “Ruin and Rising”) follows a group of six extraordinary teenagers on a mission to protect Grisha from a drug that would make them dangerously powerful.  In “Six of Crows” and its sequel “Crooked Kingdom,” each chapter follows a different character: Kaz Brekker, the mastermind, Inej Gahfa, a girl skilled with knives, Jesper Fahey, a sharpshooter with a gambling addiction, Nina Zenik, a powerful Grisha, Matthias Helvar, an escaped convict and Wylan Van Eck, a runaway with a knack for explosives. You fall in love with them as a group of strong-willed kids becomes a true force to be reckoned with. 

If any of this sounds interesting, you’re in luck! The series “Shadow and Bone” is based on all five books of the Grishaverse and will be released on April 23rd on Netflix. The cast includes Ben Barnes as the Darkling, Freddy Carter as Kaz Brekker and many more. While I highly recommend reading the books first, the new series is something to look forward to for new fans and old alike.