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Blockbuster Books Turning to TV. Awesome Adaptations on the Way!

Bestselling authors Deborah Harkness (Discovery of Witches), Justin Cronin (The Passage), and Games of Thrones own George R. R. Martin (Nightflyers) were a huge hit during New York Comic Con (NYCC) earlier this month. Fans flocked stage and panels as all three authors were on hand throughout the weekend to discuss turning their tales into a TV series success. Check it out…

A Discovery of Witches – Author: Deborah Harkness

A Discovery of Witches, Deborah Harkness
Deborah Harkness during panel at NYCC. Image: Linda Marie

NYCC played host to an exclusive screening of the thrilling new supernatural drama, A Discovery of Witches, based on Deborah Harness’s debut novel published in 2011. A Discovery of Witches is the first book in her All Souls Trilogy that includes Shadow of Night, published in 2012 and Book of Life, published in 2014. Having read the series myself, I was eager to see my imagination materialize on screen and I am happy to say, I was not disappointed.

“The series follows Diana Bishop (Teresa Palmer), a witch and historian of science, who is thrust into an ancient mystery when she discovers a long-lost book in Oxford’s Bodleian Library. While in Oxford, Diana meets vampire and scientist Matthew de Clermont (Matthew Goode), and the two embark on a love affair and adventure that threatens to upend the careful order enforced by all magical beings and creatures.” Source: Entertainment Weekly

The panel room was packed with excited fans ready to immerse themselves in the historical/fantasy world of vampires, witches and daemons. Following the screening, Ms. Harkness stepped out on stage to take part in a Q&A  as she discussed her thoughts on the adaptation of her series.

“I think that TV’s ability to linger on stories, to develop characters, to give you that sense that you’re on a journey with them, it’s just is so much more feasible to tell a story of big, epic scope with a big cast of characters on a television series than it is on a 90-minute movie framework.” – Deborah Harkness – Source: SyFy

A Discovery of Witches 8 episode series will begin streaming online in America starting January 17th, 2019 via Sundance Now and Shudder.

The Passage –  Author: Justin Cronin

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Crew from The Passage during Live Stage at NYCC. Image: Linda Marie

NYCC provided fans with a sneak peek of upcoming post-apocalyptic thriller series, The Passage, based on the bestselling trilogy by author Justin Cronin. The Passage, published in 2010, is the first book in his trilogy that includes The Twelve, published in 2012 and The City of Mirrors, published in 2016.

“The Passage is about a secret government medical facility experimenting with a dangerous virus that could either cure all disease or cause the downfall of the human race. The series focuses on a 10‐year‐old Amy Bellafonte (Sidney), who is chosen to be a test subject for this experiment, and Brad Wolgast (Gosselaar), the federal agent who becomes her surrogate father as he tries to protect her.” – Source: Deadline

After showing a premiere of the first episode, cast members, including stars Mark-Paul Gosselaar (NYPD Blue, Saved by the Bell), Saniyya Sidney (Hidden FiguresAmerican Horror Story), Brianne Howey (The Exorcist), Emmanuelle Chriqui (Entourage) and Vincent Piazza (Boardwalk Empire) joined executive producer Liz Heldens (Friday Night Lights, Deception) and author Mr.Cronin on stage as they discussed being part of this evocative project.

“Piazza talked about how he’s constantly realizing the different nature of the show, saying how the creators brilliantly manage to ‘balance plot and character.’ Gosselaar echoed this, calling it a ‘character driven genre show’ and also ‘kind of schizophrenic’.” – Source: SyFy

Fan Fest News was fortunate to be front and center at New York Comic Con’s Live Stage during a brief appearance by The Passage cast and creators. All spoke passionately about the portrayal of their characters and the importance of sustaining the story’s structure.

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Crew from The Passage during Live Stage at NYCC. Image: Linda Marie

The Passage is slated to premiere on Fox TV, January 2019.

Nightflyers – Author: George R. R. Martin

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Nighflyers banner at NYCC. Image: Linda Marie

NYCC served as the perfect platform for a premiere screening of the space-horror series, Nightflyers, based on a 1980 novella written by George R.R. Martin. SyFy network recently took on the task of developing a series based on the Nightflyers film adaptation that was released in 1987. Having yet to see the first episode in its entirety, castmembers Eoin Macken, Gretchen Mol and David Ajala were engrossed in watching along with the enthusiastic audience.

“…the series follows eight scientists and a telepath who embark on a mission to the edge of the solar system in the hope of making contact with alien life. Terrifying and violent events begin to take place, testing the loyalties and mental fortitude of those aboard the titular ship.” Source: Collider

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Nightflyers cast at NYCC. Image: Linda Marie

“It’s a mind trip that takes from sci-fi’s best, bringing some genuine psychological horror (that references 2001SunshineThe Matrix, and more) to the screen.” Source – SyFy

In an effort to offer fans a new viewing experience, the first five episodes of Nightflyers will be available starting December 2nd through December 6th, and episodes 6 through 10 will be available on December 9th through December 13th. Viewers will be able to access the episodes through the Syfy channel, Syfy On Demand, online at Syfy.com and in the Syfy app.

What books would you like to see adapted into a television series? Let us know at Fan Fest News!