With ‘Shadowhunters’ and ‘Shadow and Bone,’ the recent years have seen quite a few adaptations of YA book series into TV shows. And the TV shows have received good feedback from the audience as well! Hence it is imperative, now that the trend has been established, that others will follow suit. Here’s a list of 10 young adult book series that should be adapted on the silver screen. As these are the YA book series perfect for adaptation.
List of 10 Young Adult Book Series That Should Be Adapted | YA Book Series Perfect for Adaptation:
The Raven Cycle by Maggie Stiefvater
A collection of four books, this series follows Blue, whose clairvoyant mother can speak to the dead. Blue doesn’t possess this ability, until a boy, Gansey turns up and tells her he’s from a local private school. Blue has stayed away from the school, whose students are the Raven boys. However, with the arrival of Gansey, her life takes unexpected turns which the series chronicles. With a hefty chunk of books and plenty of content to adapt into a show, we know this will be a hit! IN fact, an adaptation commenced but unfortunately didn’t work out.
The Effigies Series by Sarah Raughley
This dystopian fiction takes place in the world of Effigies – four girls, each possessing a unique power over the four natural elements. Together, the Effigies fight the phantoms that threaten to destroy the world. After the death of the Fire Effigy, Maia is elected in her place. The series follows her hurdles and triumphs that ultimately lead to the realization of her destiny. This book has well rounded characters, each of which could be explored in depth with a TV show.
The Winner’s Trilogy by Marie Rutkoski
The Winner’s trilogy is a twisted and fantastic imagination of slavery. Our story is focused on Kestrel, who sees a defiant and unique slave for auction. Instinctively, she buys Arin, and a series of events stem. There’s loads of romance, lots of motives and important things at stake and a bit of war, politics and strategy. Definitely TV show material, right?
Carve the Mark series by Veronica Roth
In a fantasy world where everyone derives unusual ‘currentgifts’ from the an eternal source of power, Cyra combats her useless and problematic currentgift of pain. Meanwhile, she also refuses to stay a pawn in the hands of her brother, and this sci-fi novel becomes a reflection on the power of women to reclaim their agency. This series would make a terrific TV show because of its unique setting and plot, which allows lots of magical VFX.
Percy Jackson Series by Rick Riordan
This middle grade fantasy series that unites Greek mythology with fiction is a favourite of all YA lovers. It’s the story of the adventures of Percy, the titular character and son of Poseidon, and his friends. With unforgettable characters and truly engaging plot points that would make great cliffhangers, this was practically written to be a show! Besides, the movies didn’t do too well (and were left incomplete), and we definitely need a PJ visual story in our life.
The Stormlight Series by Brandon Sanderson
This epic fantasy series involves an important aspect of society that needs to be discussed – environment and ecology. And what better way to do that than with a TV show that reaches millions at a time? This series takes place in an unusual setting – a rocky terrain plagued by tempests, storms and stones. Following multiple characters from different locations in this world, this story has a Game of Thrones feel. And considering that GoT was one of the most popular series of all time and that the author feels that the series is better suited for a TV show than films due to its length, it’s clear that we need this TV show,
The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer
The first book in the Lunar Chronicle series is a retelling of the fairy tale “Cinderella” but with a sci-fi twist. Queen Levana watches on from Luna (the moon), waiting to make a move to colonize Earth. The fate of Earth hinges on the cyborg, Lihn Cinder and this thrilling adventure is what the novel encompasses. Let’s just say, the hype around this one isn’t without reason. And that it’s time the hype translated into a TV show.
The Inheritance Cycle Series by Christopher Paolini
This masterpiece of a fantasy series centres around Eragon, a poor farm boy who happens to chance on a shiny blue egg like object. He rejoices thinking of its monetary value, but in reality, it is worth far more. In time, this egg hatches into a small dragon, and Eragon is pulled into a world of magic and mystery. As a widely popular series, this deserves its own TV show.
Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J Maas
This story features something that most series that have been adapted into TV shows lack – a badass heroine. In fact, our protagonist, Celaena, is an assassin. Years of labour have hardened her and then she meets the crown prince. In return for her life, she strikes a deal with the prince – a deal that requires her to find a new royal assassin. The series then takes off, spiraling into a series of events that would be truly fun to watch on television.
The Selection Series by Keira Class
This series is the story of America Singer, who must compete with dozens of other girls to be ‘Selected’ to live the life of a princess. Though this is the dream of a lifetime for most girls, for America, this means leaving behind her love Aspen. But as her life progresses and she meets the crown prince, her ideas for the future are challenged. With royalty, glamour, glitter and romance, an adaptation of this book is sure to become a favourite among the girls.
