Shadow and Bone fans are still reeling from the casting announcements for Season 2. Among the newcomers people are excited about are Tolya Yul-Bataar and Tamar Kir-Bataar. Their arrival has been highly-anticipated since the second season's renewal announcement because of how influential they are in the books. Shadow and Bone's casting director is indeed great at the job, because Lewis Tan and Anna Leon Brophy are perfect picks for the twins.
The Shadow and Bone show is a fantasy drama that follows a young woman as she steps into her powers and prepares to save the world from darkness. The second book of Leigh Bardugo's Shadow and Bone trilogy, Siege and Storm, introduces Tolya and Tamar. Shadow and Bone Season 2 will likely follow Siege and Storm in the same way Season 1 followed the first book in the trilogy. Of course, since the Crows are involved, it will also sprinkle in more backstory for that found family and maybe some elements from the Six of Crows duology, which follows the main trilogy.
Who Is Tolya?
Like his sister, Tolya is introduced as a member of Sturmhond's crew in Siege and Storm. Sturmhond is later revealed as Nikolai Lantsov — another character who will appear in Season 2. Tolya is a former mercenary of Shu Han and Ravkan descent who knows his way around various weapons. Tolya's stature and persona can be intimidating, which immediately amplifies when he gets his hands on a weapon.
The irony is that he doesn't necessarily need the weapon to protect himself, Nikolai, or anyone else. Tolya is Grisha -- a Heartrender, to be exact. Heartrenders are Grisha of the Corporalki order who can use their powers to damage or manipulate a person's internal organs. For example, they can slow down or speed up heart rates or take all the air from someone's lungs. The only hitch is that their victim must be in their line of sight.
Tolya meets Alina (and Mal and the Darkling) while at sea on Nikolai's ship. Season 2 will probably follow at least the beginning of Siege and Storm closely since it explains how the Darkling survived the Fold and the forms of darkness that followed him out it. Moreover, it introduces the next Grisha amplifier -- the sea whip Rusalye, aka the Ice Dragon. Tolya, Tamar, and even Nikolai quickly realize their endgames stand a far better chance if they align their missions with Alina's.
Who Is Tamar?
Shadow and Bone Season 1 changed Alina's identity from the books by making her half-Shu. The series' handling of that aspect of her identity is rocky, but it could be better with a bit more focus in the new season, particularly considering Tolya and Tamar's Shu Han roots. Alina can confide in friends who share that heritage, assuming that part of Tolya and Tamar's identity remains unchanged. Plus, the three characters can connect over their Grisha abilities since Tamar is also a Heartrender who finds herself on Nikolai's ship.
She and her brother end up with Nikolai after trying to avoid the drafts into the Second Army, which is entirely made up of Grisha. Their versatility in Small Science (Grisha abilities) and weapons (Tamar has a way with axes) makes them an asset for the wrong kind of people. So, Tamar and Tolya have to make their own way. Season 2 will likely adapt multiple aspects of the books to make her -- and her twin -- integral to the TV show.
For instance, the very creepy Apparat (a priest who advises the King) will probably have a more prominent role if Shadow and Bone brings in the Soldat Sol. They aren't as important until the third Shadow and Bone book, Ruin and Rising, but Season 2 could change that. With the incorporation of Inej from the Six of Crows duology, Shadow and Bone established a character with an emotional throughline attached to her faith and belief in the Saints.
Inej and Alina's meeting is one of the most fulfilling and delightfully surprising scenes, since it doesn't happen in the books. Shadow and Bone Season 2 can expand on that dynamic with the arrival of Tolya and Tamar. They, too, believe in Alina, see her as a Saint, and become some of her fiercest protectors. Alina, Tamar, and Tolya embody the "sunshine x sunshine protector trope," and it's terrific. And with Inej also on Alina's side, does the Darkling stand a chance?