The Grisha are the series' equivalent of magic-users, though their abilities are rooted in science at the molecular level. Ravka has two armies: the First Army, comprised of ordinary soldiers, and the Second Army, the Grisha forces led by General Kirigan. Ravka, the main setting of Shadow and Bone, is a monarchy located between Fjerda and Shu Han, and the three nations have long been at war along their constantly shifting borders.

While the show often has few reference points for the map of locations and cultures within its world, quickly bouncing from one country to the next, the Grishaverse books can fill out that information for viewers who have not read the Shadow and Bone books. However, the Six of Crows characters hail from Kerch, and other countries are mentioned as either the homelands or the escape routes of Shadow and Bone’s many characters. Much of Shadow and Bone’s plot hinges on Ravka’s long war with Fjerda and Shu Han.

Related: Shadow & Bone Glossary & Vocabulary Guide: Grishaverse Terms Explained

Ravka’s situation is also complicated further because of the Shadow Fold that cut through the country, the looming threat that Alina may be able to destroy for good with her newfound power as the Sun Summoner. While most of the series takes place in Ravka, home to Alina Starkov, the story also strays into or touches upon the other countries on the map and features characters from several in-world cultures.

Smoke and bone series