Top Ten Tuesday: Ten Books I’d Love To See As Movies/TV Shows

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. 

This week’s prompt is Ten Books I’d Love to See as Movies/TV Shows. Here’s what I came up with (in no particular order):

1) The Vampirates series – Justin Somper

I’m picturing this as a movie that eventually leads into a television series (kinda like what happened with Buffy the Vampire Slayer). From what I remember, the world is really well described, and it would be a perfect follow-up to the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise (are they ever going to stop making those movies??).

2) Every Breath – Ellie Marney

It’s the gritty YA book version of Sherlock, so it could just as easily be the gritty, YA movie version of Sherlock. The only problem is, I think a lot of Ellie Marney fans have their own perfect mental image of Mycroft, and I’m not sure any real life version would be able to compare.

3) The Artemis Fowl series – Eoin Colfer

There have been rumours of a movie adaptation since the first book came out (14 years ago!!). So far, that has not happened. I still remain hopeful that one day I’ll see Artemis, Holly, Butler, et al., on the big screen. And with all the special CGI effects they’re capable of these days, the underground world of the fair-folk would be glorious.

4) The Graveyard Book – Neil Gaiman

Frankly, I’m surprised there isn’t already a movie. I think it might be in development, but no one’s been cast. I haven’t listened to the audio book version yet, but Andrew Scott (Moriarty from Sherlock) does the voice of The Man Jack, and now I can’t picture anyone else in the role.

5) The Marlowe School series – Daniel & Dina Nayeri

While I didn’t love the last book of the trilogy, and, frankly, all of the characters in the first book were terrible people, this could make a fascinating Supernatural-esque TV show. Sure, it would have to move away from the source material after a certain point, but don’t they always?

6) Masque of the Red Death – Bethany Griffin

After I read this, Vikki Van Sickle (who is an author and a very cool person in general) mentioned that she thought the setting would make a great amusement park. I completely agree, and I think it was atmospheric enough that it would make a creepy-cool movie (maybe combine it with the sequel?).

7) Johannes Cabal: The Necromancer – Jonathan L. Howard

Deals with the devil, charismatic vampires, a road show/circus – this book was so good, I’d love to see it as a movie! Plus, if it did well, there are currently three sequels to adapt!

8) The Night Circus – Erin Morgenstern

I don’t know how much of the novel would be lost in a movie adaptation, but it’s so beautifully described, set designers and special effects people would have a field day! I’m thinking Tim Burton as a director, but that’s just me.

9) Children of the Red King – Jenny Nimmo

Obviously this would be a children’s series, but how much fun would it be to follow Charlie on his adventures? I’m picturing an animated show, sort of similar to the weird Jacob Two-Two cartoon they made a few years ago.

10) Magonia – Maria Dahvana Headley

I want a movie just so I could see the costumes. Again, gorgeous descriptions would make it relatively easy to adapt, and it would be a refreshing change from all the John Green adaptations that are happening (not that I have anything against John Green, but still. Give the rest of the YA world a chance!).

That was hard work! Let me know in the comments any books you immediately thought of for this topic.

Fiction Friday Round-Up – May 22nd, 2015

Here are some books I’ve been reading/finishing over the past week or so. Please click the links for full reviews!

• The Blooming Goddess Trilogy – Tellulah Darling: “I really enjoyed this series: it was fluffy at times but still had a strong plot. The writing was funny and compelling, and if you like contemporary takes on Greek mythology, you’ll love Sophie’s world.”
• Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda – Becky Albertali: “I loved this book. It’s a character-driven novel, so the plot is relatively simple, but in this case, it worked because I enjoyed getting to know Simon and the world around him.”
• The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches – Alan Bradley: “Flavia’s personal journey is what makes this book my favourite, and I can’t wait to get started on her next adventure.”

This week, I attended the book launch for Sarah Henstra’s fabulous debut, Mad Miss Mimic. Read my recap here!

Because it was #IreadYA week, you can see some of the YA books that I’m excited about here!

What have you read recently?

Until next week, happy reading!

#IreadYA 2015

It’s that glorious time of year again – it’s #IReadYA week! A campaign brought to us by Scholastic’s This is Teen, #IReadYA week is all about celebrating those of us who read – and love – young adult books.

Last year, I broke down some of my favourite authors/series, this year I decided I would talk about some of the more recent YA adventures I’ve been on. There are actually different discussion topics for each day posted on the Scholastic website, but I was not paying attention, so I’m doing things my own way!

MY TWO NEW FAVOURITE TRILOGIES

I talk about these books so much on my blog, you probably already know what I’m going to say:

Every series – Ellie Marney

One word: Mycroft. For him alone, you should read these books. Also Watts, who is an incredibly strong female protagonist (she grew up on a farm, solves crimes, and plays roller derby!). Their chemistry is redonk, and the mysteries are so well written. Wattscroft forever!

The Dispossessed series – Page Morgan

Sexy, brooding gargoyles and late 1800’s Paris. What more could you ask for? Notable for being one of the only series where I was actually perplexed re: the outcome of the love triangle (I’m so happy with the way it turned out, but I was legitimately torn for a while there i.e. during the entire second book).

OUTSTANDING DEBUT

Mad Miss Mimic – Sarah Henstra

I love me a good strong Victorian heroine. This was well written, well researched, and, well, I loved it. I also attended the launch yesterday, which was super cute and so my style (tea sandwiches! Lots of sweet treats! Fun cocktails!).

DISCUSSION STARTER

When Everything Feels Like the Movies – Raziel Reid

This has been making waves in the Canadian literary scene because stuffy adults don’t think this much attention should be paid to something so “graphic”, but the message at the end is so important, and if it gets the LGBTQ conversation going, then it should win EVERY AWARD.

GORGEOUS COVER, GORGEOUS PROSE

Magonia – Maria Dahvana Headley

I didn’t review this one even though I read an ARC months ago (it was before I was actively reviewing ARCs), but the Neil Gaiman-esque prose is lovely, the cover is magnificent, and the story was unique and compelling.

GRAPHIC NOVEL

Nimona – Noelle Stevenson

Granted, I’m pretty obsessed with Nimona right now, but talk about strong female protagonists! From her bold hairstyles to her butt-kicking fighting technique (“I’M A SHARK”), Nimona is a pretty great role model – even if she is technically a villain.

UNRELIABLE HEROINES

We Were Liars – E. Lockhart

I wasn’t as impressed with this book as everyone else seemed to be (it got so many glowing reviews), but Cady’s narrative keeps you guessing, even when you think you’ve figured it out (or, like me, you accidentally spoiled the ending for yourself).

YA FROM A MOSTLY MG AUTHOR

Why We Broke Up – Daniel Handler

While it did tend to ramble on for a while, Min’s account of her intense and turbulent relationship with Ed can be a bit of a tearjerker. It’s also a beautifully designed book, so for that alone, I’d recommend it.

ON MY TBR

Here are 2 books on my “TO BE READ” list that I’m really excited for:

Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda – Becky Albertali

I read the first page and was hooked in an instant, so you know it’s going to be a great read. Plus it’s been getting excellent buzz from bloggers that I tend to agree with, so I’m fairly certain I’ll enjoy it.

Also a good contender for a “discussion starter”, from what I’ve heard.

Daughter of Smoke and Bone – Laini Taylor

I’ve wanted to read this for a while (I even own a copy), but I haven’t gotten around to it yet. Pretty covers, angels, demons – sounds amazing.

What are some of your favourite YA books (in general, or that you’ve read recently)?