Don’t Judge a Book by its Movie is a feature on The Candid Cover spotlighting and reviewing book vs. movie adaptations.
The Darkest Minds is the kind of book that I knew would make an incredible movie from page one, and I am happy to report that the film version lived up to my expectations. Both the book and the movie have their share of snappy dialogue and action-packed fight scenes, although the plot twists aren’t quite as shocking in the film. The adaptation is very close to the original, and I would definitely seeing it in theatres.
Book vs. Movie: The Darkest Minds
Title: The Darkest MindsSeries: The Darkest Minds
Author: Alexandra Bracken
Also by this author: Passenger (Passenger #1)
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Cast: Amanda Stenberg, Mandy Moore, Bradley Whitford
Director: Jennifer Yuh Nelson
Screenplay: Chad Hodge
Genres: Dystopian, Young Adult Fiction
Publication Date: June 26, 2018
Rating:
Series Rating:
When Ruby woke up on her tenth birthday, something about her had changed. Something alarming enough to make her parents lock her in the garage and call the police. Something that got her sent to Thurmond, a brutal government "rehabilitation camp." She might have survived the mysterious disease that killed most of America's children, but she and the others emerged with something far worse: frightening abilities they cannot control.
Now sixteen, Ruby is one of the dangerous ones.
But when the truth about Ruby's abilities-the truth she's hidden from everyone, even the camp authorities-comes out, Ruby barely escapes Thurmond with her life. On the run, she joins a group of kids who escaped their own camp: Zu, a young girl haunted by her past; Chubs, a standoffish brainiac; and Liam, their fearless leader, who is falling hard for Ruby. But no matter how much she aches for him, Ruby can't risk getting close. Not after what happened to her parents.
While they journey to find the one safe haven left for kids like them-East River-they must evade their determined pursuers, including an organization that will stop at nothing to use Ruby in their fight against the government. But as they get closer to grasping the things they've dreamed of, Ruby will be faced with a terrible choice, one that may mean giving up her only chance at a life worth living.
It has been a while since I picked up a dystopian, and I have to admit, it isn’t my favourite genre, but I found myself loving The Darkest Minds. The book is set in a society in which children develop special abilities and are consequently sent to camps run by the government. I loved the fast-paced nature of the book and the shocking plot twists that develop. There is so much going on in the story that I was excited to see how it would play out in the film.
❀ Spot-On Book to Movie Adaptation
As far as book-to-movie adaptations go, this one is pretty spot on. The characterization is perfect, and it was just like I was reading the dialogue in the book. I especially enjoyed Chubs’s character and his comedic lines. Of course, there are a few small details missing, and certain parts feel a little rushed, but I understand that the story must be condensed for the movie. My only complaint is that the plot twists that shocked me so much in the novel are lost in the film. There are too many clues early on, and it just doesn’t have the same effect. That being said, the movie is still incredible, and I can’t wait for the sequel!
❀ Action-Packed Movie
The Darkest Minds is an action-packed book and movie. I was impressed with the accuracy of the adaptation. I would definitely recommend reading this one and seeing it in theatres, even if you are not a fan of dystopian like myself.
About Alexandra Bracken
Alexandra Bracken is the #1 New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the Passenger series and the Darkest Minds series. Born and raised in Arizona, she moved east to study history and English at the College of William & Mary in Virginia. After working in publishing for several years, Alex now writes full-time and can be found hard at work on her next novel in a charming little home that's perpetually overflowing with books.
About The Candid Cover
Olivia ❀ YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, novice New Yorker, & professional bibliophile.
I am so glad to hear that you enjoyed it. I have been hearing mixed reviews. I have not seen it yet but am almost finished re-reading the book to be ready to see the movie. I was so excited for this movie to be made.
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I was surprised about the mixed reviews, actually. I guess it is going to be an adaptation that you either enjoy or not. 🙂
Wonderful review! I’m really happy you enjoyed both the book and the movie adaptation – I haven’t read the book just yet or seen the movie, but I’m very excited about it, it sounds really good! 😀
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It is a fantastic story. I hope that you enjoy it. 🙂
Oh my gosh!! I seriously need to jump into this book and the movie asap!!!
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Yay!! I hope that you love it as much as I did. 🙂
Yay! I am so happy to hear that the movie is good. Most of the time that is just, unfortunately, not the case. I am definitely looking forward to checking it out, asap!
Right?! I felt that this one was very well adapted. 🙂
Oh my gosh! I am so excited for the movie of this!
I’m so glad you liked it! I feel like there hasn’t been a movie like this since The Hunger Games and I kinda miss those days. I haven’t read the book yet but I have it on my Kindle so I definitely want to read it before seeing the movie. ♥
I agree! I can’t wait to find out what you think! 🙂
Ooh I cant wait ti watch it!!
I have seen a trailer I think of this movie once. It didn’t get much airplay by me. I don’t know why. I think it sounds fantastic. I must read and see this movie. Glad you enjoyed it!
Mary
I am not sure that I saw much advertising for this film either. 🙂
What I love the most about The Darkest Minds were the plot twists and I’m kind of nervous as to how I’ll like the movie. But I can’t believe I haven’t seen the movie yet! With school starting, I just can’t seem to find the right time. Anyway, great review and I’m so happy you liked this! 😀
I hope that you love the movie when you get a chance to see it! 🙂
I’ve been hearing mixed reviews about this movie but i’m glad to hear you enjoyed it. I haven’t read the book yet but i’ll soon. Great review btw! 🙂
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This is a dystopia I just might have to pick up. Great job on your movie/book review!
I enjoyed The Darkest Minds as a book though I found it lagged at times. But when I was reading it, I thought “this could make a great movie”. I was hoping it would be a bit of a Maze Runner situation where the condensed format amplifies the stronger aspects of story–which it sounds like it does! I dunno if I’ll see it in theatres but I’m keeping my eye out for a copy.
Right?! It just reads like a great movie, doesn’t it? I hope that you enjoy it if you do see it. 🙂
This is a must read/watch! Im starting with the book though! Lol thanks for sharing!
I’m intrigued! I love books and movies like this! It makes me happy to see that they are close to the same storyline!