What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedShadow and Bone
Leigh Bardugo · Book · 2013
If you loved Shadow and Bone, start with Shadow and Bone (Eric Heisserer, 2021) — a series from the same story. Below: 4 films, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Shadow and Bone across media.
If you loved Shadow and Bone, you crave stories where young protagonists navigate complex political landscapes while discovering their own formidable power.
Start with the source
Adaptation
Shadow and Bone
Eric Heisserer · Series · 2021
Films on the same thread
Stardust
Matthew Vaughn · Film · 2007
Explores: Destiny, True Love, Self-Discovery.
Much like Alina Starkov’s journey in Shadow and Bone, this film captures the wonder of stepping into a magical realm to realize your true destiny through a transformative quest.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring
Peter Jackson · Film · 2001
Explores: Good vs Evil, The Corruption of Power, The Burden of Responsibility.
The weight of responsibility seen in Shadow and Bone mirrors Frodo’s burden, as both stories focus on unlikely heroes forced to confront an encroaching evil to save their world.
The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones
Harald Zwart · Film · 2013
Shares a thread with Shadow and Bone: Chosen One.
Fans of the hidden magical hierarchy in Shadow and Bone will recognize the familiar discovery of a secret, supernatural lineage that shifts a protagonist’s understanding of their own reality.
Bāhubali: The Beginning
S. S. Rajamouli · Film · 2015
Explores: Hero's Journey, Good vs Evil, Royal Intrigue.
This epic tale echoes the royal intrigue and destiny-driven narrative of Shadow and Bone, focusing on a foundling who uncovers exceptional gifts that demand he claim his rightful place.
Series on the same thread
Game of Thrones
David Benioff · Series · 2011
Shares a thread with Shadow and Bone: High Fantasy.
If the high-stakes political maneuvering in Shadow and Bone kept you hooked, you will appreciate this series' intricate power struggles and the looming threat of an ancient, awakening evil.
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Joss Whedon · Series · 1997
Shares a thread with Shadow and Bone: Chosen One.
Buffy’s experience as a lone chosen one fighting supernatural forces mirrors Alina’s arc in Shadow and Bone, centering on the toll that inherent power takes on a young woman’s life.
She-Ra and the Princesses of Power
ND Stevenson · Series · 2018
Explores: Friendship, Betrayal, Good vs Evil.
Adora’s discovery of her identity and the ensuing conflict with a former friend captures the emotional betrayal and growth found in the character dynamics of Shadow and Bone.
Shōgun
Rachel Kondo · Series · 2024
Shares a thread with Shadow and Bone: Political Intrigue.
The intense political intrigue and survival stakes present in Shadow and Bone are mirrored here as characters navigate a volatile power struggle during a period of civil war.
Podcasts on the same thread
1619
The New York Times · Podcast · 2019
Explores: systemic racism, national identity, legacy of slavery.
While this is a documentary, it explores the deep-seated legacy of national identity and systemic power that informs the complex world-building found within the pages of Shadow and Bone.
The Adventure Zone
The McElroys · Podcast · 2026
Explores: improvised storytelling, group dynamics, high fantasy satire.
Those who enjoyed the camaraderie and high-stakes adventure of Shadow and Bone will find a similar spirit of group dynamics and world-building through this improvised, fantasy-driven tabletop journey.
Keep exploring
Common questions
What order should I read the Grishaverse books in starting with Shadow and Bone?
You should begin with Shadow and Bone, which is the first book in the trilogy by Leigh Bardugo. After completing the Shadow and Bone trilogy, you can continue exploring the Grishaverse by reading the Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom duology.
Is Shadow and Bone based on a book?
Yes, the 2021 television series Shadow and Bone is based on the book of the same name written by Leigh Bardugo. The novel was first published in 2013 and serves as the opening entry in the Grishaverse literary series.
Who wrote the Shadow and Bone book?
The book Shadow and Bone was written by Leigh Bardugo. She is a number one New York Times bestselling author who also penned other works set in the Grishaverse, including the Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom novels.
How does the Shadow and Bone series relate to Six of Crows?
Both Shadow and Bone and Six of Crows are set within the same fictional world known as the Grishaverse. While Shadow and Bone is the first book in its own trilogy, the author Leigh Bardugo also wrote the Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom books.