Summary
TheShadow & Bonespinoff I have wanted for over a decade is finally possible after the publication of Leigh Bardugo’sRule Of Wolvesin 2021. Introduced in the second book of theShadow & Bonetrilogy,Siege & Storm,Nikolai Lantsov is a beloved character.He has always been one of my favorites, and I was so excited for his spinoff, theKing Of Scarsduology. I was even more enthusiastic about thetelevision adaptation, largely because ofthe excellent cast ofShadow & Bonecharacters, which includes Ravkan Prince Nikolai Lantsov.
However, when we first meet Nikolai inSiege & Storm, he is under the disguise of his alter ego, privateer Sturmhond. Once Nikolai takes the throne at the trilogy’s end, he hangs up his Sturmhond identity to focus on his kingship. Although theShadow & Bonetimelineis complex, theKing Of Scarsduology occurs three years after the end ofRuin & Rising, equivalent toShadow & Boneseason 2’s ending.Rule Of Wolves, the second and final book,introduces a shocking narrative twistthat sets up the spinoff I have been waiting for sinceSiege & Storm.
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Nikolai’s Ending In Rule Of Wolves Finally Makes A Sturmhond Spinoff Possible
Nikolai Can Focus On His Sturmhond Identity
Rule Of Wolvesends in an unexpected revelation: Nikolai steps down from the Ravkan throne and gives it to Zoya Nazyalensky. This decision allows Nikolai to pursue his Sturmhond identity full-time, which sets up the best possible spinoff—a series that focuses on Nikolai’s adventures as Sturmhond the privateer. It is a freeing prospect, given that illegitimacy rumors and his true desires have haunted Nikolai throughout his reign. When he finally realizes that the better path for Ravka does not involve him being the king, he takes it, allowing him to focus on what he knows how to do best—being Sturmhond, the privateer.
Why I’ve Wanted A Sturmhond Book Since Siege & Storm Debuted
Sturmhond Has A Lot Of Potential
Ever since I readSiege & Storm, the potential for a Sturmhond spinoff has persisted in my mind. When we first meet Nikolai as Sturmhond, he quickly becomes a compelling character, but there is not much potential for his own narrative. However, as the plot inSiege & Stormunfolds, Sturmhond reveals that he is actually Nikolai, the prince of Ravka, and Sturmhond is just his secret identity. This revelationsets up the idea that there is a whole other side to Nikolaithat nobody knows, especially since Nikolai does not appear as Sturmhond again in the trilogy.
The ending of Rule Of Wolves is the perfect opportunity for the Grishaverse to finally let Sturmhond shine and explore his life as a privateer. Ideally, a series of short stories would be best, but a full-length novel can work, too, if Leigh Bardugo comes up with a great story.
Nikolai acts as Sturmhond inCrooked Kingdom, the second book in theSix Of Crowsduology, and he appears as his privateer alter ego once more inRule Of Wolves. Otherwise,the narrative focuses on Nikolai himself, steering away from his privateer life. The ending ofRule Of Wolvesis the perfect opportunity for theGrishaverseto finally let Sturmhond shine and explore his life as a privateer. Ideally, a series of short stories would be best, but a full-length novel can work, too, if Leigh Bardugo comes up with a great story.
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Although a Sturmhond spinoff would be exciting, and I will continue to hope for it,Leigh Bardugo has mentionedthat she has no plans to continue the Grishaverse. While this is certainly a bit of a letdown, it should not take away from the fact that she gave usone of the best fictional characters in Young Adult Fantasy. Nikolai Lantsov will remain beloved, even if Bardugo does not write anything new for the Grishaverse. If I miss Nikolai, all I have to do is read theShadow & Bonetrilogy and theKing of Scarsduology again.
Shadow and Bone
Cast
Shadow and Bone is a fantasy series set in a world divided by a barrier of darkness. Released on June 09, 2025, it follows a young soldier who discovers a unique power that could reunite her country amid a backdrop of scheming forces, including thugs, thieves, and assassins.
