Shadow and Bone Is Like Game of Thrones For Teens; Here's What Parents Should Know

Shadow and Bone will certainly have viewers on the edge of their seats from the get-go. There are tons of fight scenes with a slew of different weapons involved, from guns to swords to throwing stars. In the second episode, we also see some human innards on the ground in the corner of one shot. Although it's not a close-up, it may be a good idea to fast-forward through this part if you have squeamish teens.

Moreover, there are a few scenes that hint at the possibility of torture. Although we don't see anything over the top — other than a few characters tied up and threatened with knives — these scenes could be startling for young viewers.

From the very start, it's clear that Alina and her friend, Malyen (Archie Renaux), had a tumultuous childhood. Growing up in an orphanage, the pair eventually became soldiers together and face many instances of xenophobia. Considered to be a grisha — or a person who practices "small sciences" and has magical powers — Alina and other grishas are frequently the focus of hurtful comments based on their background.

According to an elder educator we meet later in the series, grishas have a long history of being persecuted. At one point, Alina is introduced to another woman who whispers "you stink of the orphanage, half-breed" into her ear. These conversations may prompt older children to ask relevant follow-up questions about xenophobia even after they stop watching.

Although incredibly intriguing, the fold is a dark place that has danger lurking around every corner. The Volcras — winged, dragon-like creatures that eat humans and moves in big groups — might give younger viewers a jolt, as many characters die early on at their hands. Although you don't necessarily see anything gory, watching people get dragged off a ship into the dark oblivion can be frightening.

Throughout the series it becomes clear that a spy, Inej Ghafa (Amita Suman), was sold into slavery at a young age. While on a mission to kill a man known as "The Conductor," we learn that he had a massive hand in breaking up poor families and selling the children into the slave trade.