The Grishaverse has skyrocketed in popularity in recent years and this fictional world has expanded far beyond the Fold. For a new reader, diving into the Grishaverse can be quite intimidating, but don’t let that deter you from exploring this wonderfully crafted universe. I’ve created this comprehensive guide to the Grishaverse to make the process a little easier for readers to digest.
What is the Grishaverse?
“The Grishaverse” encompasses the books and other projects by author and creator Leigh Bardugo that take place in the fictional world of the Grisha. This is a fantasy world where some people, known as the “Grisha,” are gifted with abilities that allow them to manipulate the elements. Some may even call it magic. These stories span from Russia-inspired Ravka to Amsterdam-inspired Ketterdam, and many places in between. They follow soldiers, kings, thieves, and complex, lovable characters of all kinds. There are ten books and one TV show in the Grishaverse.
1. “Shadow & Bone” Trilogy
The first book in the Grishaverse is called “Shadow & Bone.” It follows Ravkan soldier Alina Starkov as she discovers a power she didn’t know she had and is thrust to the center of her country’s inner turmoil. “Shadow & Bone” is the first in a trilogy, followed by “Siege & Storm” and “Ruin & Rising.” These three books are the starting point of the Grishaverse and should be read before anything else on this list.
2. “Six of Crows” Duology
Set mostly in the country of Kerch two years after the events of “Ruin & Rising,” “Six of Crows” details the adventures of brand new characters as they attempt an impossible heist. Kaz Brekker and his Crows are notorious thieves and gang members in the city of Ketterdam, but the heist proves difficult even for them. They continue their story in the sequel, “Crooked Kingdom.”
3. “Shadow & Bone” TV Show
A Netflix original series, “Shadow & Bone” season one is made up of eight episodes that chronicle the events of the first “Shadow & Bone” book. It also serves as a prequel for “Six of Crows,” since it features most of the main characters from the duology before the events of the novel take place. It’s best to read all of the books above before watching this show. It stars Jessie Mei Li as Alina Starkov, Ben Barnes as The Darkling, Freddy Carter as Kaz Brekker and many more.
Season two, consisting of eight episodes, is set to release on March 16 of this year. It is said to follow the events of “Siege & Storm,” “Ruin & Rising” and “Six of Crows” – an ambitious feat. Many new cast members have joined this season, including Jack Wolfe as Wylan Hendriks, Patrick Gibson as Nikolai Lanstov and Anna Leong Brophy as Tamar Kir-Bataar.
4. “King of Scars” Duology
“King of Scars” takes place one year after the events of “Crooked Kingdom” and it follows characters Nina Zenik, Nikolai Lanstov, Zoya Nazyalensky and others. You can read along as they try to figure out their lives in Ravka and Fjerda after the catastrophic events of “Ruin & Rising” and “Crooked Kingdom.” It is followed by a sequel, titled “Rule of Wolves.”
5. Other Books
Bardugo has written three companion novels for the Grishaverse, and while you don’t have to read them in any particular order, it’s better to explore them after you’re more familiar with the novel universe. I would recommend having read or watched most of the other Grishaverse content before you begin these.
“The Lives of Saints” is a collection of tales about the Grishaverse Saints. The Saints are mentioned throughout the Grishaverse, but this book provides a deeper look into the myths and legends, and the people behind them.
“The Language of Thorns: Midnight Tales and Dangerous Magic” is a collection of dark fairy tales that the characters of the Grishaverse may have heard as their bedtime stories growing up. These short stories are also accompanied by beautiful illustrations.
“Demon in the Wood” is a graphic novel about the Darkling (aka. General Kirigan) when he was young, before the events of “Shadow & Bone.” While this serves as a prequel, it’s best to enjoy after reading the original trilogy.
Also by Leigh Bardugo
While they have no connection to the Grishaverse, Bardugo has written another duology worth mentioning. “Ninth House” and its sequel “Hell Bent” are adult fantasy fiction novels set at the prestigious Yale University. These novels follow Alex Stern, Darlington, and others as they navigate the dark, paranormal under goings of Yale’s secret societies.
As of now, there are no more books or screen adaptations set in the Grishaverse. The list above is a complete compilation of all existing Grishaverse content in chronological order. I hope this is helpful in embarking on or continuing your Grishaverse journey. Happy reading or watching!