Smugglivus 2012 Guest Author: Jennifer Nielsen

Welcome to Smugglivus 2012! Throughout this month, we will have daily guests – authors and bloggers alike – looking back at their favorite reads of 2012, and looking forward to events and upcoming books in 2013.

Who: Jennifer Nielsen, author of three different young adult and middle grade fantasy series’ – the Ascendance Trilogy, Infinity Ring, and The Underworld Chronicles.

Recent Work: The amazingly awesome The False Prince, fantasy novel and the first entry in the Ascendance trilogy. Thea absolutely LOVED this book (it’s still on her top 10 list of 2012) – heck, she loved it so much she twisted Ana’s arm and made her read it, too (and yeah, Ana also liked it a bunch).

Here to talk about movie adaptations, please give a warm welcome to Jennifer, everyone!

2013 MOVIE ADAPTATIONS WORTH WATCHING

Okay sure, Christmas is always a wonderful time of year. And on most years, presents and parties and pieces of candy are enough. But this year, Christmas brought me two bonus gifts, movie adaptations of two of my favorite novels: Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables, and J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit. Great film adaptations = excited me.

Sometimes adaptations from books work out well (Shawshank Redemption, Silence of the Lambs). Sometimes not so much (Da Vinci Code, The Cat in the Hat). But here are a few of the 2013 adaptations I’m most looking forward to.

Beautiful Creatures

This movie, set to release on February 13, is based on the book series by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl. It is the story of Ethan Wate, who is attracted to a mysterious new girl in town, Lena Duchannes. Together, they begin to uncover dark secrets about their families and their town.

The Host

Although Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight series wasn’t my favorite, I loved The Host. I gave up a day of eating, writing, and recalling that I had children to read this book about a future where aliens have invaded and one girl’s struggle with the alien who has attempted to use her body as a host. I really want this to be good. It releases on March 29.

World War Z

Max Brooks’ book chronicling a futuristic zombie war has long been popular with readers. Now, releasing on June 21, the movie starring Brad Pitt is sure to be a box office hit. At least, I’ll be there to watch!

Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters

Okay, so the first movie was just so-so, but I didn’t think the first Harry Potter movie was all that great either and look how well that movie series evolved? Rick Riordan’s bestselling series returns to the screen on August 16. My whole family will make an evening of this one!

The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones

Um yeah, this movie will be huge. Cassandra Clare’s fabulous series starring Lily Collins will likely propel her into a major star. This story, about a girl who discovers she is part of a supernatural world, will be released as a movie on August 23.

Ender’s Game

I’m a big fan of Orson Scott Card, and also several of the cast members, including Asa Butterfield, who plays the titular character. It’ll be released on November 1 and should be fantastic!

The Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Released on November 22. I’ll probably see the midnight showing. Not because I’m quite that rabid, but my kids will make me go. (Okay, I admit, they won’t have to ask too hard.)

The Maze Runner

Although James Dashner’s bestselling series is slated for a 2013 release, I think that’s pretty optimistic. But I’ll be there whenever it’s released, to see the beginnings of the mystery of why Thomas is in the maze, and what will happen to him when he’s released.

The Forest of Hands and Teeth

Ditto above, except the author is the amazing Carrie Ryan, and this is the story of Mary, who finds herself caught between competing forces that either guard of threaten the village protected from the Forest of Hands and Teeth.

How about you? Did I miss any upcoming adaptations that should be on my watch list?

Thank you, Jennifer!