WITCHER VS SHADOW AND BONE | WHICH NETFLIX ADAPTATION IS THE BEST?

[@girlwithflowers8058]

I think I go against the current here, but I thought Ben Barnes was purrfect for Darkling. He has an ageless quality, a special something that mixes authority and innocence at the same time. It's not a coincidence that he also played Dorian Gray, someone who also doesn't age throughout the story. Henry Cavill made a great Geralt, but I remember being surprised when he was cast as I found it very hard to not see him as Superman.

[@ladybocknite5120]

Your last sentence is why he stopped playing Superman. He didn’t want to just be Superman. It’s hard to see him as anything else though. He’s stuck in my head as Superman.

[@annie-rose]

I don't remember the costumes from the Witcher at all except Geralt wearing black armour and Yennefer's emerald green eye shadow (because it caught my eye and I wanted to recreate her look on myself) I think Shadow and Bone's keftas are a lot more memorable (and cosplayable) for both the vibrant colours and the embroidery, which in itself is insanely labour-intensive, and how they both represent the different kinds of Grisha and powers. There are little details that maybe not everyone caught, like Genya's kefta being embroidered with little scissors because she's a tailor, Alina's embroidery resembling sunrays and Kirigan's looking like tendrils of darkness etc. I think that all seemed like a lot of thought went into the design and creation, while Wtcher's costumes just looked like the typical medieval garbs you see in most fantasy adaptations. I did like both shows, but I think I do prefer Shadow and Bone overall. One other thing to note here is that it doesn't have the male gaze and that is a plus for me because it's annoying to see female characters being sexualized constantly. But I will continue to watch both and am looking forward to the second seasons.

[@RuthieDR89]

As someone with no knowledge of Witcher before watching it i was incredibly captivated by it. Yes it was weird at first and a bit meandering when i was trying to piece together the seperate story lines (cause i like keeping things cohesive and linear in my brain so i dont miss things). but when the fractured storyline is revealed and knowing that all things are happening at different point in the story i was awed. Idk if its because shows hardly take me by surprise, if its because i gave something a chance without looking into it (i thought it would be a mindless watch) or maybe is the fact that i didnt feel dumb when the reveal happened (which a few friends were like wtf idk what just happend and we had to sit down and talk about it in order for them to get it straight). Point is Witcher in my head is a bit more memorable because it was different for me and shadow and bone even though it was enjoyable and loved seeing the characters come to life i had jumped on the hype train before the show and read the books for the first time right before the show released so i guess i already had expectations and things i wanted to see come from it

[@RuthieDR89]

Actually now that i think of it the only reason i watched the show at all was because of you. The first video i ever watched of yours was the "controversy" of the cast video (i cant remember the actual title) and remember thinking 'what is wrong with people its just a show🙄' so obviously if i wanted to have an opinion on the show and to see if it was controversial i had to watch it lol. So thanks for the introduction i also got to pick up that illumicrate edition of last wish hopefully get to read it soon

[@ebnovels]

Oh wow, that’s kinda awesome! I’m glad that random video led to you watching the show and really enjoying it-I almost wish I was there to see you and your friends have this reaction to the end :D I must say, I eventually took that video you mentioned down because the comments were horribly racist, sexist, etc, and I did not want my video to be a place for people to come and loudly express hateful things, but it’s kinda nice to know that there was a positive outcome at least for you when it comes to that video. So thanks for sharing this with me! It’s strangely made my morning! :)

[@sirens990]

I didn’t realize I was watching different timelines in the Witcher until about episode 3 😅 but I still really liked it and I’ve watched it twice all the way through (and I’m about to start a third lol).

[@sheepinaspaceship]

All the points you mentioned are valid, and although I really enjoyed S&B, especially the parts with the Crows(I love those characters), the WItcher show, with all of its faults managed to make a super fan out of me. I've always been a fantasy fan, but before the show, the only thing i knew about the witcher was that the main guy was a monster hunter and he had white hair. After seeing the show, I played Wild Hunt, adored it, read Wikipedia articles about different "WItcher" things, re-watched the show, and now I'm on book 5 of the WItcher series :). So even though it's far from perfect, it managed to do something right. And for S&B, if I hadn't read Six of Crows before watching the show, I'm not sure that I would have been so excited about season 2.

[@o_o-lj1ym]

Your channel is literally the best. The ideas behind all your videos are so smart

[@emmalambrecht4000]

Nice comparison video. For the pacing question, I'd answer The Witcher BECAUSE it was so weird. I agree that Shadow and Bone was easier to follow, but easy isn't necessarily what we're looking for. The Winter didn't take us by the hand but threw us into different timelines and stories that you had to puzzle together along the way and I really enjoyed that !

[@ebnovels]

Yay, I’m glad you liked that aspect! I don’t know that a lot of other viewers feel that way, but that’s what’s so great about art and entertainment-there something for everyone! 💕

[@chadia25]

I agree 😊

[@SuperBondfan007]

Although I've not seen S&B, as a fellow music lover, I can say that both shows have really great scores. Each album had memorable tracks, and I think the composers did a great job for both. Also, RE Dandelion, the actor was good, I just didn't like the way they made his and Geralt's friendship. In the books, and games, Dandelion and Geralt are very good, or even best friends. In the show, it was shown that Geralt could barely tolerate him, but I'm hoping they'll improve on that for season 2.

[@MarinaUz]

Great video idea! I think both are great adaptations! I liked Shadow and Bone more than The Witcher, but I'm excited for both because I appreciate a good book to series adaptation ☺️

[@ebnovels]

Well thanks, what a lovely comment! I’m excited to see how season two goes for both of these 😄

[@catsandbats77]

I didn't know anything about The Witcher going into it and was captivated and a bit confused at first. Shadow and Bone, I just wish we'd had a bit more. I understand that you have to cut things out. I just wish there'd been a bit more build up to the reveal at the end and a bit more at the Little Palace.

[@Soria97]

I completely agree with enjoying Shadow and Bone as an adaptation more than The Witcher show. I enjoyed the Witcher books and the games, but I was pretty disappointed in how they adapted The Witcher as a show. My biggest issues for the Witcher show adaptation are in the storylines, especially the Brokilon storyline and Nilfgaard. Overall the storylines felt rushed in season 1. And then changing how villanous they made Cahir and Fringilla was bothersome. The special effects in episode 6 were cringey and the episode felt overall campy. I also wasn’t a fan of a lot of the costume designs in The Witcher show. So many changes they made in the show adaptation didn’t feel necessary or for the better. I’ll continue watching The Wicher, but I really hope everything is better in season 2.

[@anomalus625]

Apart for a few scenes and that song, the witcher felt rushed for the most part. Hopefully S2 is more consistent

[@chicken1456]

Yessss would love to see you continue this

[@MidnightRider_]

I haven't seen Shadow and Bone, but I couldn't help but feel the Witcher just felt, cheap? It seemed like Netflix gave 1/5th of the budget of Game of Thrones to a wine mom who watched a lot of CW stuff, and they just sort of made a thing. (The golden dragon, seriously?? Also the sex scenes were so awful and felt like generic unearned fan service.) I did not love it or hate it, and I'll watch season 2, but I'm not really excited for it. Here's hoping!

[@Deni-mt9bj]

It honestly felt like the author didn’t read all 7 books before making the series. I hope the quality will go higher, not just effects, but the writing as well. And honestly some casting choices are… not the best. As a slavic, I have really strong bond to this series.

[@soum247]

I agree completely. I'll be watching season 2 almost only because I feel like I can't miss it as a huge fan of the game and the books.

[@MinaReads]

Loved this video so much!

[@nataliehale96]

i love the music for Alina .... in the tent whe she first shows her powers and when her and aleks kiss the music is so moving but I love both soundtracks

[@ebnovels]

I want to go back and listen to the music for both! But to your other comment, I too am nervous 😮😮😮

[@lisagoldstein5676]

IMHO I liked the witcher better because it made me want to read the books to better understand what was happening. Sometimes time jumps or lapses don't need introduction, especially in fantasy books. IMHO though. I loved them both, otherwise but yes the song u mentioned is still in my head now as an earworm. Love ur videos!

[@andrewberenson5717]

Good video. I would like to see you compare Game of Thrones with another fantasy series that has been completed.

[@ebnovels]

I’ll keep that idea in mind! 😄

[@tanishqbhatt9619]

I liked both of them, but i'm a blind witcher fan, so i obviously enjoyed it more. And witcher is definately better for rewatching - i've watched it 2 times.

[@FreyaWarr]

In my most humble opinion, I’m probably always going to go with Henry Cavill in a bathtub over just about anything else 😂

[@mischarowe]

Lol same.

[@audreyajose632]

I'm embarrassed to say, same😂 although I do love both series.

[@ebnovels]

Season 2 is probably going to suck for you then 😂

[@FreyaWarr]

@@ebnovels IM STARTING A PETITION! 😂😭😹

[@melsbookshelves]

Loved this video!!

[@antonioiglesias2031]

Yes and yes to both your adaptation questions.

[@stviz87]

I'm ok with multiple timelines, but I love Westworld too so it wasn't too bad. Rewatching value is high

[@crozraven]

7:44 Totally disagree that I wouldn't even know S&B exist if not for Netflix. Meanwhile I knew Witcher since probably 2007-2008 LOL Dark Gritty Fantasy genre is now on its high rising popularity. Even Shadow & Bone show at times showing such dark scenes that not really covered heavily in the books. Witcher definitely far more rewatchable imo. I disagree with S&B have better overall VFX & makeup. 'cause in makeup department Witcher is far better imo, especially with the fantasy creatures & monsters. Also disagree with costume designs. The Witcher's Nilfgaard armor & some other characters questionable wardrobes are the biggest L for the show imo. But then again, I would argue S&B costumes are almost too safe, too easy, as mostly are uniforms so maybe that's where the losing numbers came from LOL What is weird the amount of hype level for its season 2 clearly dominated by Witcher. On the overall success perspectives, Witcher clearly won it even with all the slight gripes & hurdles, while S&B is like that possible rise of YA fantasy genre after its declines in cinema particularly with the closing of THG series.

[@mischarowe]

For both these shows, I started watching them first. When I watched The Witcher, I got confused but was otherwise in love. Then I decided to read the books. I've started watching Shadow and Bone but kind of ... stopped. It lost my interest (will probably go back later) and I found it way too cliche. Don't want to read the books. At all.

[@ebnovels]

I’m curious if you find you consume more Witcher news and content and engage more with that fandom than Shadow and Bone. Having a love for both and seeing love for both by other people I interact with, I think it’s hard for me to see outside that to people who only like one and aren’t interested in the other.

[@crozraven]

@@ebnovels I had no prior knowledge of the grishaverse books before watching the S&B show so maybe I do not have a bigger appreciations that seems to be held by the majority of the books fans, especially when a lot of books fans considered the show is significantly better than the first book (S&B). An elevated adaptation & clearly a big surprise to many of the book fans. Tbh, after watching S&W, I kinda wish for a Mistborn TV series too LOL

[@ebnovels]

I would LOVE an adaptation for Mistborn, although I still want a video game for it 😄

[@Sebanisu]

Finally watched Shadow and Bone this weekend after watching this video. It was pretty good. I like that it was more PG than Witcher as I could maybe share the show with more people.

[@audreyajose632]

As someone who has not read the witcher books,I really enjoyed the witcher series as a show without comparisons to the book. I watched it with a friend and that made the experience much more fun. However I have read shadow and bone and I loved the show. I thought Ben was an awesome darkling! And thought most of the casting were spot on maybe except Kaz but I think he'll grown on fans in later seasons. Can't wait for season two of both shows and the anime witcher movie, it looks great from the trailers.

[@ebnovels]

I almost wish all of Witcher was animated 🙈🙈🙈 I’m glad you enjoyed both stories!

[@dallascowboyshighlights9632]

I guess my imagination is lacking. I normally prefer to watch the movie/series before reading the books. Then I have a better idea in my mind what the characters look like.

[@ebnovels]

Hey Cowboys-big fan here 🏈 I think that makes perfect sense! :)

[@Ulmo90]

I hope that in season 2, all action scenes are as well designed as the one the first episode and that all speciel effects looks a bit better

[@Jan-sl6ki]

I mostly liked Shadow & Bone because of the crows and the superfast pacing. It felt kind of like fast food. I didn't like the main character, she made me cringe a lot actually. The Witcher has so much more potential, fascinating characters, worldbuilding. Much more of a culinary dish than S&B is in my opinion

[@ebnovels]

Ohh, interesting. I’m excited to see how they go about season two for both of these 😮

[@JARHuygebaert]

Shadow and Bone was so much better

[@sammyylamb]

But Ben Barnes was made for the darkling’s role I’m just saying

[@ebnovels]

😂😂😂 I don’t know too many roles I’d be disappointed in hearing Ben Barnes was cast for

[@sammyylamb]

@@ebnovels ok fair lol he’s such a good actor!! (It also helps that he’s crazy handsome)

[@catsandbats77]

Absolutely

[@pera9224]

I just loooooove the casting choice for Yennefer. She looks stunningly unique plus I can't even put it into words how much I think her interpretation is perfect, she just blows my mind... is it just me? :D

[@mischarowe]

Not just you. Show Yennefer may take a different ethnic origin but Anya Chalotra hit the role out of the park.

[@ebnovels]

Not just you! I think she executed the role wonderfully, the writers just gave her a backstory we don’t quite dive into with the books. I’m so interested to see how they develop her character moving forward!

[@Deni-mt9bj]

I will never stop imagining Eva Green when I read the books but Anya did a great job BUT I need her a bit more bitchy 🤣

[@adnanfejzic5029]

Seen it both and S&B is better. And also, Netflix "experts" cancelled Cursed.

[@joannaciechanowska9782]

I'm sorry but for me Witcher was just dissapointing. It was chaotic (which was very frustrating and confusing for me), the characters do not resemble themselves both on physical level and personality construct, for eg. Geralt was brought to be a growling killing machine without a hint of his charm and charisma and this is just sad. It was full of threads that are not in the books and the title shouldn't be "The Witcher" but "The Yennefer: genesis" xD But "Toss a coin" is a great song! :D / S&B was awesome :D

[@ebnovels]

Hahaha, don’t hold back :P I’m kidding, I have some similar feelings, but I’m eager to see how they go about season 2!

[@Lilac-and-Gooseberries]

I agree it was very chaotic, had to try to explain a lot to my husband what timeline they were in. He hasn’t read the books. Basically Yen is past, Geralt is present and Ciri is future.

[@Lilac-and-Gooseberries]

With the Witcher I wish they had just focused on Geralt and kept Yennefer & Ciri more mysterious. Like for two episodes each, last wish and dragon hunt for Yen & dryad forest and fall of Cintra for Ciri. I hated how they changed the dryad scene and Geralt & Yen’s relationship where they were pretty much a one night stand, they were together for a while before breaking up several times in the book, then meeting again for the dragon hunt.

[@ebnovels]

I definitely think they could’ve fleshed out Yen and Geralt’s relationship. I 100% agree about how they changed the part with Ciri and Geralt-they were supposed to meet beforehand! I love that part in the books…but alas, I guess some things have to change for the adaptation 😆

[@Lilac-and-Gooseberries]

@@ebnovels Oh yeah maybe a few extra episodes with Yen then, the story where she’s choosing between Geralt and Istredd perhaps.

[@aishaarshadalam3412]

So I just rewatched the Witcher and although I agree there should have been more time given to Geralt and Yennefers relationship, I didn't find it completely hollow and empty in the 2nd rewatch. Geralt and Yennefer were definitely together in the show for a while and then broke up, it's in the conversation that they both have in the Dragon episode and the fact that Geralt and Yennefer have loads of chemistry I think helped. I've found that a rewatch of the Witcher makes it better. In comparison I found shadow and bone a bit boring and flat.

[@Lilac-and-Gooseberries]

@@aishaarshadalam3412 I recently rewatched in preparation for Season 2 as well but the relationship still seems like, to me, that they hooked up once then he left then they hooked up later and she left. They did have good chemistry though.

[@Sadene]

Witcher show was a huge disappointment :D will not watch season 2 🤷

[@toastedmarshmallows6348]

Uhm, I'll select Shadow and Bone overall. I haven't read the Witcher, but Six of Crows is one of my favorite series ever! Besides, I never even completed the Witcher show. Even though I'm a pretty hardcore fantasy fan, it was really troublesome for me to follow the timeline in Witcher. But I really loved the actress of Yennifer (is that how it's written?)

[@ebnovels]

Yennefer :) even as a fan, I often have to double check! I get what you mean though, the show is not the easiest to follow!

[@sarahvossen451]

Toss a coin to your Witcher is my ringtone 😂😂

[@Bbrs62]

I have one question for you since I am very interested. I read on the internet that when, for example, the Lord of the Rings and the Game of Thrones are compared, people think that the Game of Thrones is like a much more mature and serious book, while the Lord of the Rings is like more for younger audiences and exclusively for children. Maybe even when watching movies from the series because, for example, there are many sick scenes in the Game of Thrones, while there is not much blood and explicit scenes in the masters. What is your opinion on all this, do you also think that the Game of Thrones is a much more serious and mature world than the Lord of the Rings

[@ebnovels]

I don’t have kids, but I guess if I did, I would let my kids watch LOTR, but I wouldn’t probably want them watching GoT until they were a little older :)

[@nataliehale96]

Im very nervous about both season 2s

[@jauslynne1150]

Please do this for Season 2!!!

[@ebnovels]

I think I will! 😄😄😄

[@Syrilian]

So you decided you're going to watch Witcher season 2? I remember in one of your reviews that you probably weren't going to watch it.

[@ebnovels]

I have come around 😂 I really want to see what they do with Season two, I was just…a bit bummed after season one 😅😅😅

[@MuhammadUmar-df4nb]

Who is your favorite Witcher character...

[@saugatthapa7859]

I tossed a coin to the witcher. He never returned it back

[@ebnovels]

What a tool

[@Edidin]

To be fair, he killed a few monsters and saved your life, so there's that.

[@LawrenceCaldwellAuthor]

Saw both, didn't read both, just the Witcher. I think Shadow and Bone was better, but since I didn't read the books, I have no idea. I think the Witcher tv series fell incredibly flat, especially at the end.

[@sicdav1d0ff]

Does the netflix show cover events from the whole Shadow and Bone trilogy or just the first book? I want to read the book series before watching the show so i wanna know if reading the frist book is enough for now?

[@ebnovels]

It just takes things from the first book! I made a video going in depth about this, so it might be more helpful than a super long reply 😅 kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGrJpJSqp9qFpLs

[@sicdav1d0ff]

@@ebnovels Thanks. That vid also answers some other questions i had :)

[@ebnovels]

You’re welcome! 💕

[@Syrilian]

So I am half way through the Shadow and Bone and I think I prefer the Witcher but I am liking Shadow and Bone as well. The Witcher fx people need to talk to the Shadow and Bone fx people though because the fx in Shadow is soo much better than Witcher. My main issue with Shadow is just a personal preference thing. It's definitely YA with alllllllllll the tropes that come with it. Plucky girl who doesn't believe in herself yet is actually a bad ass? Check. Love triangle between average normal dude and angsty dark brooding handsome guy? Check. Moody stares at each other? Check. Anyone who looks older than 25 not trustworthy? Check. I have not read the books but the actor who plays Kaz looks waay too young. It's hard to believe he is this hardened mob boss when he looks like he is 12. That being said, all the actors are good and I am at the point where I think they aren't going to drag out the love triangle so much. And yeah the pacing in Shadow and Bone is better but I blame the Witcher books more than the Witcher show for that.

[@BookswithBridget]

I was SO excited for both of these adaptations and definitely ended up loving S&B more. It just ended up being exactly what I was hoping for - the actors, the costumes, the world, the plot…everything! The Witcher felt a little awkward at times to me but I’m still going to watch season 2 to see what they do with it.

[@chadia25]

I loved Witcher more than Shadow and Bone. Yennifer was awesome! 😊

[@summerb5153]

CGI in The Witcher was atrocious! I remember in few scene me and my sister just look at each other and laugh out loud! They looked so fake.

[@ebnovels]

Some of the special effects were…not my favorite 🙈

[@imthekeeperofthecheese5579]

I like the sex in Witcher better

[@Cortisch]

Will you tune in for the Wheel of Time adaptation? I know you weren't a great fan of the books but still 😅

[@ebnovels]

Yes! My hubby and I did a video called A BOOK FAN AND A CLUELESS MAN REVIEW S&B since I’d read the books and he hadn’t, so for WoT, since he’s read all of them, we’re thinking of doing A BOOK FAN AND A CLUELESS (WO)MAN REVIEW WOT. I’m actually quite excited for the show. Even though the books weren’t for me, I’m hoping I’ll like the adaptation 😄 Thanks for asking!

[@Cortisch]

@@ebnovels oh yes! So excited to see that

[@tomosheax]

the witcher is one of my favourite tv series, but i have to say: that nilfgaardian armour was stupid.

[@mischarowe]

Yes. As much as I love the show, this is truth.

[@ebnovels]

😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@screamityeah]

I think Toss A Coin To Your Witcher is overrated. I did not cared for the song. When it was trending I was surprised that so many people loved it. The thing is when I compare that lonely 1 song that people liked from the series with all the amazing songs that the Witcher 3 offered i just cannot like Toss A Coin To Your Witcher Sorry when I shower I play Witcher 3 music not the Netflix Series.

[@ebnovels]

Witcher 3 music is AMAZING. I think Toss a Coin is just so ridiculously catchy, plus it has words people can sing along too. Witcher 3 has…some singing 😅

[@Edidin]

Hmm... S&B got me bored. I watched one episode a day and still dropped it after episode 4 or 5. The production value is amazing, but the story was just not there for me. Witcher on the other hand - binged in one night and was surprised how fast that went. :)

[@precious3863]

Which one do u like shadow and bone thumbs up and Witcher thumbs down?

[@ebnovels]

I don’t think dislikes show on comments 🤔

[@precious3863]

@@ebnovels it's picking ur favorite not putting a dislike on the other.

[@mischarowe]

The Witcher. Hands down. I mean, I haven't read the Shadow and Bone books but... I'm just too in to The Witcher. ;)

[@ebnovels]

Hey, I get that! S&B is definitely more “starter” fantasy, which isn’t always to everyone’s taste :)