The Host - an adaptation of Stephenie Meyer’s adult sci-fi novel is to hit cinemas in 2013 it’s been announced. Although a while away, I am excited to see what they do with this book but pretty nervous – if you haven’t read it tells the story of an alien invasion of earth where human bodies are taken over by alien souls. The book is really long and most of it is about two minds in one body talking – not sure how they will pull it off but I hope they do.
Movie adaptations of books are always difficult. Fans of the books want the story retold page by page but this is ever possible. What I like to see is a great vision of the characters and the overall arc and tone of the story to be left intact. The Harry Potter films were never going to be able to capture JK Rowling’s incredible detail but they have captured the tone and essence of the novels and brought the characters to life. The Twilight films have also faithfully kept to the tone and arc of the books and managed to sell the romance pretty well. Interestingly I actually prefer the films in one aspect – Bella and Edward’s relationship is more grown up and equal in the films – in the book he often treats her like a child but they toned that down in the film, which improved their relationship for me.
Some of my favourite young adult books will be joining Twilight on screen soon and whilst I’m nervous about how well they will be adapted, I am also looking forward to seeing them and I hope I’ll enjoy them as much as the HP and Twilight films. Here’s my picks to look out for when they hit the cinemas:
- Fallen – based on the books by Lauren Kate and being adapted by Disney. We’re up to book 3 out of 4 and I’m really enjoying this series about a girl called Luce who has been cursed to die when she reaches her 17th birthday preventing her and her angel soul mate Daniel from truly being together. This lifetime though somehow Luce is still alive and she and Daniel must fight heaven and hell for their love.
- The Mortal Instruments - based on the series by Cassandra Clare. The movie is in development with Lily Collins as Clary and Jamie Campbell Bower as Jace. These books have a really detailed world drawn in them and follow the Shadowhunters – a group of demon killers and their fight against evil and the supernaturals on the fringes of society called Downworlders. Jace and Clary are the star-crossed lovers caught up in the war against evil.
- The Hunger Games – The adaptation of Suzanne Colllins is being written by author herself so I’m hoping this will be pretty faithful. The book is a post-apocalyptic sci-fi novel about Katniss, a sixteen year old forced to compete in the TV reality show the Hunger Games where participants have to fight to the death to win. This is coming in 2012.
Are you looking forward to any future book adaptations?
Vix
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