Since screen adaptations of popular books can be so hit or miss, it’s relieving forShadow and Bonefans that the Netflix adaptation of Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse books actually turned out pretty well. The show represents the world and the characters well and has even brought a lot of new fans into the fold. But those who loved theShadow and BoneTV series likely want more content, and there’s no better place to look for that than where it all started - books!
These recommendations are perfect for both old fans and new, whether you’re looking to get into the literature that inspired the show or a long-time book fan who wants some recommendations for similar stories.
The Best Books For Shadow & Bone Fans
The Grisha Trilogy Boxed Set
Read the series that started it all! This boxed set comes with all three Grisha Trilogy books, following Alina’s journey from start to finish. Though the events of the show follow the same basic structure, there’s more detail and worldbuilding in these novels for those who fell in love with Ravka in the show!
Six of Crows Boxed Set
If you’re more of a fan of theSix of Crowsside of the storyline, check out their spin-off book series! This duology is actually more popular than the Grisha Trilogy, due to its lovable cast of characters that fall into the found family trope, as well as the intricate heists. If you may’t get enough of the Crows, read about more of their adventures!
Demon In The Wood Graphic Novel
There’s nothing more interesting than a complex villain, so if you’re a fan of the Darkling and looking to learn more about his story, check out this graphic novel written by Leigh Bardugo and illustrated by Dani Pendergast. This story follows the Darkling’s origin story from a lonely boy with extraordinary power to the dark force that Alina finds herself opposed to inShadow and Bone. It boasts some truly gorgeous artwork throughout!
The Language of Thorns
This book will immerse you in the world of Ravka by giving some insight into the classic tales told in the land. This collection of six stories features tales of haunted towns, talking beasts, mermaids, and more, all highlighted by full-color illustrations throughout. This is a perfect read for die-hard fans and newcomers alike, as it helps flesh out the universe ofShadow and Boneeven more.
The Lives of Saints
This book is a must-have forShadow and Bonelovers!The Lives of Saintsis a replica of the book of the same name (Istorii Sankt’yain Ravkan) featured in the series that details the lives of the saints that play a huge role in Ravkan culture. Dive into the worldbuilding ofShadow and Bone- particularly the religious element - with this gorgeous book that features full-color illustrations!
The Severed Moon Journal
They say the best way to relax and organize your thoughts is to journal, so why not do it in a way that also feeds your love of the Grishaverse? This year-long journal features an introspective question or thought-provoking Grishaverse quote that will inspire your writing and help you explore your thoughts even deeper. It also has foil accents and a ribbon bookmark.
The Familiar
If you’re already well-acquainted with the Grishaverse books and are looking for more magical stories from Leigh Bardugo that aren’t set in Ravka, then you should check out her newest novel -The Familiar. It’s set in the Spanish Golden Age and follows a young woman named Luzia who can wield magic. Though she’s just a servant, when her powers are discovered, she’s thrust into a world unlike anything she’s ever experienced. The book will be released in April 2024 and is available for pre-order right now!
Blood Heir by Amélie Wen Zhao
The Russian-inspired setting of Ravka is one of the things that makesShadow and Bonestand out. If that’s one of the elements that you love about the story, try this YA novel that’s a retelling of the story of Anastasia. With royalty, magic, curses, and a dark underbelly of society, this book is perfect for fans of the Grishaverse.
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
Part of the Grisha Trilogy’s charm is the way it can often feel like a folktale, with the magic and the importance of the saints.The Winternight Trilogyhas a similar vibe. The story is set in medieval Russia and follows a girl who can communicate with spirits. It features magic, monsters, and a villain who’s even more complex than the Darkling!
Truthwitch by Susan Dennard
If the intrigue of the magic system is what drew you to the Grishaverse, Susan Dennard’sWitchlandsseries might be a great choice for your next read! The protagonist ofTruthwitch, like Alina, has special powers that could save the world, but she tries to escape this fate that has been handed to her. The story is full of magic, female friendships, and slow burn romance. What more could you ask for?
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Leigh Bardugo, author of the Grishaverse novels, has the pull quote on the front of this book, and if she approves, that means it must be something thatShadow and Bonefans will love! This story takes place in yet another magical world (this time, the world of faeries) and features intrigue, deceptions, and a delicious enemies-to-lovers romance.
We Hunt The Flame by Hafsah Faizal
This book will appeal to those who enjoy complex characters and intricate magic systems.We Hunt The Flameis about a girl named Zafira who must embark on a quest to find a magical artifact that will save her people from the growing darkness that sweeps the land. The villain is a boy named Nasir who is known as the Prince of Death, who assassinates those who defy the sultan. This duology is gorgeously written and full of super memorable characters.
FAQs
How Many Shadow and Bone Books Are There?
There are 3 books in the Grisha Trilogy series, which is the first story Leigh Bardugo wrote aboutthe world of the Grisha. In order, they are:Shadow and Bone,Siege and Storm, andRuin and Rising. These books follow Alina Starkov’s storyline, which is half of what the showShadow and Boneexplores. The other half of the show is dedicated to the characters fromSix of Crows, a spinoff series of the Grisha Trilogy that Leigh Bardugo wrote later. This series has 2 books:Six of CrowsandCrooked Kingdom.
There is also one more duology that takes place in the Grishaverse and follows Nikolai, Zoya, and a few other big characters after the events of the previous Grisha books. This series is calledKing of Scarsand has 2 books:King of ScarsandRule of Wolves.
Chronologically, the events ofSix of Crowshappen after the events ofShadow and Boneand its sequels, so if you’re looking to read all of the books in the order in which they happen, start withShadow and Bone, thenSiege and Storm, thenRuin and Rising, and then start theSix of Crowsseries (Six of Crowsand its sequel,Crooked Kingdom). However, becausethe events ofSix of Crowsare unconnected to the events of the Grisha Trilogy, you could technically read theSix of Crowsseries first and not be confused. There are a few references and character cameos inSix of Crowsthat will be more meaningful if you’ve read the Grisha Trilogy first, but it’s not necessary for story purposes.
The Bottom Line
If you’re looking to delve deeper into the world of the Grisha, these recommendations are a great place to start, especially if you discoveredShadow and Bonejust through the show. If you’ve already read all of the Grishaverse books and are looking for something similar, hopefully, the books recommended above pique your interest and fill the Ravka-shaped hole in your heart. Additionally, if you’re interested in any of these books,Amazon has a 30-day trialfor fast and free shipping!
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