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 sci-fi 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
Series: 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, Sci-Fi
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, especially if you a fan of dystopian books like The Hunger Games.
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 ❀ Canadian YA book blogger, Starbucks lover, & professional bibliophile.