Shadow and Bone
Before we go on...
I didn't read any of the books this show is based on so I don't know how they compare nor how truthful it is to the actual story so this short review is based solely on my experience after watching the first season.
OK, here we go...
After I watched the trailer I thought it was gonna be another show about pirates or something like that and I was actually excited because I really enjoyed Black Sails.
I was wrong, however. Shadow and Bone takes place in a setting that's been very much used time and time again and, in my opinion, it doesn't really add much to it.
The story is set in a fictional universe populated by regular humans and magical ones. They are aware of each other and even coexist in society but, as expected, are not exactly fond of each other.
The main arc is your good old Hero's Journey: Alina Starkov, a poor orphan girl suddenly finds out she is "the chosen one" and sets out to pursue her call as the savior of her people.
Eventually, Alina crosses paths with a small band of support characters and that's when things started to get interesting for me. The group is formed by Kaz, the intrepid and crafty leader, Jesper, the dashing gunslinger and the beautiful and deadly Inej.
These three are responsible for a good bit of the actual action that takes place in the show and also the comic part of the show and I believe if it weren't for them this first season would have been a complete train wreck.
Overall, I wouldn't say it's bad but also not very far from mediocre. The first season ends in an interesting cliffhanger so I may watch a season 2, if it ever comes about. Maybe they manage to salvage the show from there on.