Alina Starkov and Mal Oretsev grew up together in an orphanage. Very attached to each other, they enlisted together in the army of their country, Ravka. Mal is an outstanding tracker, and Alina draws maps. But they’re no match for the army’s elite, the Grisha. These magicians can control natural elements, manipulate materials, heal or stop hearts. General Kirigan, a powerful Grisha himself, use these precious troops to fight the northern enemy, the fjerdans. Ravka is a vast and powerful country, but it is weakened by the Fold, a vast area of desolation that divides the kingdom in two. Plunged into darkness, the Fold is the domain of fearsome creatures, and no one can cross it without great risk.
It is believed that a sun summoner will come and destroy the Fold. General Kirigan is actively searching for this exceptional being. However, while crossing the Fold, Alina’s ship is attacked. Faced with a massacre, and with Mal in danger, Alina summons a ball of light… From then on, her life is transformed. Brought to the Tsar’s court, she discovers a hostile world where the most attractive are the most dangerous. With the help of three thieves, Jaz, Inej and Kesper, she sets out to find Mal and control his destiny.
The world doesn’t need a Saint, it needs a Monster
The series is adapted from two trilogies by Leigh Bardugo. One set of novels focuses on Alina and the Grishas, while the other explores the story of the Crows (Kaz, Inej and Jesper). The novels are excellent. But it’s actually a very good idea to cross the two plots. The script is even richer, which sometimes makes it difficult to pace. At first, the line between good guys and bad guys seems clear-cut, but the story quickly reshuffles the deck to defy Manichaeism. The people feed on hope and await the coming of a Saint. But can this hero of light exist without a dark counter-power?
In addition to the epic scale of the adventure, the great strength of the series lies in its visual aspects. The special effects are highly successful, and the costumes strikingly beautiful. Featuring a cast of young actors, the series is aimed at a young adult audience, but will also appeal to fans of heroic fantasy and magic. Unfortunately, cancelled after two seasons (too expensive), it leaves a taste of unfinished story.
2 seasons, 16 episodes (55 mn), 2021-2023, on Netflix
WITH :
- The Grishas : Jessie Mei Li as Alina Starkov, Ben Barnes as General Aleksander Kirigan, Zoë Wanamaker as Baghra, Daisy Head as Genya Safin, Sujaya Dasgupta as Zoya, Danielle Galligan as Nina Zenik, Luke Pasqualino as David Kostyk
- Archie Renaux as Mal Oretsev, Freddy Carter as Kaz Brekker, Amita Suman as Inej Ghafa, Kit Young as Jesper Fahey, Patrick Gibson as Sturmhond / Nikolai Lantsov, Calahan Skogman as Matthias Helvar