With Shadow and Bone taking over Netflix and becoming quite the sensation, an age-old topic of debate has resurfaced – book to screen adaptations. Fandoms have been stung many times when their favourite books are translated to the screen. To be fair to the filmmakers and screenwriters, it is incredibly hard to translate a fictional world based in no reality to the screen; elemental control, fantastical beasts, creatures that we have never seen before. So as millions of readers interpret a large fanged flying lizard in millions of different ways, their imaginations running wild, untethered, unleashed, it is a near impossible task to meet expectations. Yet, this does not mean that it is impossible to achieve. The Potter fandom, and the Hunger Games fandom are the first to spring to mind when thinking of the most successful adaptations. But as in every translation there’s always some plot points changed (much to the dismay of the avid book lovers), either for the ease and flow of the story on screen or to be more relevant to the times.

Now, here is what makes a successful adaptation to me – it is truly impossible to replicate the book 100%, changes are inevitable, so the success lies in the changes made and how they are executed. Epic fails are many, but the worst to me is the Percy Jackson movie adaptation (here’s to hoping we aren’t disappointed the second time round). But Shadow and Bone poses an interesting case. Leigh Bardugo’s protagonist, Alina, is made in the show a biracial character, half Shu half Ravkan (one of the many changes made to the book’s plot). Given the political environment of the time, I think this works exceptionally well as a parallel to modern day society. While it is not a necessity for all entertainment to be allegories to the current state of the world, it is indeed a formidable tool in sending a message to people who might otherwise receive it, but more importantly to provide solidarity to those undergoing struggle. This is especially impactful in Shadow and Bone, when it is someone oppressed by a system for no fault of her own but merely for the way she looks and the colour of skin is destined to be the saviour of that system. Some might argue this indicates that the oppressed must adhere to the beck and call of the oppressive structures, while to others it symbolises the possibility for change, that no matter who you are or where you come from, no matter what society tells you, you are capable of wielding power (be that of the Sun Summoner or the power to choose the way you live) and becoming a force your oppressors have to reckon with, a tool for change. This dichotomy in interpretation makes it evident that it is impossible to please all, but at least you get a more representative cast out of it which is an absolute win. I really hope you found a character on the screen you could relate to, whether you are an Inferni, Tidemaker, Ravkan, Crow, or Shu, or at least felt represented by the actors on this fun adaptation, because I know I did and that is an incredible feeling to have.

While the show is no pinnacle of the fantasy genre, Shadow and Bone is definitely an enjoyable piece of art that does some justice to the books it is based on. I strongly suspect that has something to do with the world-builder, author Leigh Bardugo, being heavily involved in the process (thankfully, can you imagine what combining two series of books into one season would have been like otherwise?!). However if you are a fan of the show, I would definitely recommend reading the books. The depth and complexity of the characters that is not possible to replicate in a film covering the grand plot and not individual psyches are truly worth reading, and definitely supplement a greater understanding of the show.  If you’re a fan of the books and are apprehensive of the show, trust me, you have it way better than the Percy Jackson fandom; which is not saying much but at least you have that consolation.