From the Book to the Small Screen

Have you ever read a book and thought the story would be great if it were made into a TV show? It is nothing new for film adaptations to be made out of novels great and small – that is virtually common place. But now book adaptations to the small screen are nearly as common place too.

Over the next three weeks, I will be examining just some of the books that have been adapted to the small screen over the last decade or so, including popular teen-oriented books, science fiction favorites and more.

Blood Ties

First, there are the “Blood Books” by Tanya Huff, which were made into the Canadian series called Blood Ties that starred actress Christina Cox as heroine Victoria “Vicki” Nelson, a former police officer turned private investigator with failing eyesight and actor Kyle Schmid as Henry Fitzroy, a vampire and writer of historical romances who is actually an illegitimate son of Henry VIII before he was seduced by a vampire.

The series of “Blood Books” emerged in 1991 with the first book entitled “Blood Price” and ran until 1997 with 4 other books being published: “Blood Trail” and “Blood Lines” both released in 1992; “Blood Pact” in 1993 and “Blood Debt” in 1997. There was also a short story collection entitled “Blood Bank”. In 2006, omnibus editions (two books within one) of these books were released.

It was in 2007 that the series Blood Ties appeared in the United States (on Lifetime) and in Canada. Unfortunately, the series only lasted one season, consisting of 22 episodes. Viewers will recall that the first 12 episodes aired as if it were Season One with the remaining episodes airing in the fall of 2007 as if it were Season Two.

Despite fan fervor and the production company’s efforts to acquire new partners to help keep the show on the air, no more episodes were made.

Other cast members in the TV series included actor Dylan Neal as Mike Celluci, Vicki’s former partner on the police force and actress Gina Holden as Coreen Fennel, Vicki’s office assistant extraordinaire.

Pretty Little Liars

Next there is the young adult novels by Sara Shepard called “Pretty Little Liars” that follows the lives of four girls – Spencer, Hanna, Aria and Emily – whose clique falls apart after the disappearance of their leader, Alison.

In the book series, it is years later that the four girls begin to receive various messages from someone using the name “A” who threatens to expose all of their secrets. The new ABC Family Channel series of the same name premiered in June of last year and their timeline was shortened to one year after Alison’s disappearance.

The book series consists of “Pretty Little Liars” that was released in October of 2006, followed by “Flawless” and “Perfect” both in 2007; “Unbelievable” and “Wicked” both in 2008; “Killer” in 2009 and “Heartless” and “Wanted” in 2010. Shepard announced at the very end of 2010, she would write four more novels in the book series; starting with “Twisted” that is expected to hit bookshelves in July of this year.

The main cast of characters in the TV series include: Actress Ashley Benson as Hanna Martin, the once overweight girl who has now taken Alison’s place as the most popular girl at their high school: Rosewood. Actress Troian Bellisario plays Spencer Hastings, who is an overachiever from a wealthy family who has a tendency to inadvertently (to a degree) steal her older sister’s boyfriends on various occasions. Actress Shay Mitchell portrays Emily Fields, who is a competitive swimmer and only child who comes to the realization (much to the dismay of her mother) that she is a lesbian. Actress Lucy Hale is Aria Montgomery, who moves back to Rosewood with her parents and younger brother after a year’s absence in Iceland, becoming romantically involved with her new English teacher, Ezra Fitz. Actress Sasha Pieterese plays Alison DiLaurentis, the former leader of their clique, who ruled the group with an iron fist, but who has been missing for over a year.

The adult members of the cast include Holly Marie Combs and Chad Lowe as Aria’s parents, Laura Leighton as Hanna’s single mother and Nia Peeples as Emily’s mom.

Legend of the Seeker

Lastly, there is the popular sci-fi series of books “The Sword of Truth” from Terry Goodkind that was developed into the syndicated TV series Legend of the Seeker and premiered in November of 2008.

The TV series follows the epic journey of a young woods guide named Richard Cypher, portrayed by actor Craig Horner, a mysterious woman (with special powers, making her known as a Confessor) name Kahlan Amnell, portrayed by actress Bridget Regan, and a wizard name Zeddicus Zu’l Zorander, portrayed by actor Bruce Spence. The show aired for two seasons in syndication, introducing a fourth major character to the show in the form of a warrior named Cara, portrayed by actress Tabrett Bethell.

The book series consists of the following novels (in reading order): “Debt of Bones” a novella that was first published in 1998 (that later came out in hardcover in 2001 and in paperback in 2004); “Wizard’s First Rule” (which is considered the first book in the epic series and the source for the TV series) was released in 1994 and re-released in paperback with new cover artwork in 2001; “Stone of Tears” published in 1996; “Blood of the Fold” in 1997; “Temple of the Winds” in 1998; “Soul of the Fire” in 1999; “Faith of the Fallen” and “The Pillars of Creation” both in 2001; “Naked Empire” in 2003; “Chainfire” and “Phantom” both in 2005 and “Confessor” in 2007. Goodkind announced in April of last year that another book in the series – this one entitled “The Omen Machine” will be released in July of this year.

The series lasted for two seasons (consisted of 22 episodes in each season) in syndication. Much like Blood Ties, fans from across the globe as well as the production company attempted to keep the show on the air with petitions, letter writing campaigns and seeking new financial sponsorship; but to avail. The series ended in May of last year.

If you want to learn more about Tanya Huff and the “Blood Books”, please visit here. You can read more about “Pretty Little Liars” here and you can thrill in the adventures of “The Sword of Tears” novels here.

Meanwhile, you can read up on the TV shows inspired by these books at: Pretty Little Liars; Legend of the Seeker and Blood Ties.

Happy reading and TV viewing until next week!