Classic Books Meet Zombies...and vampires...and sea monsters...
by Larissa Ione
We've all seen the craziness. Authors taking books in the public domain and revamping (pun!) them to work with today's paranormal popularity.
I have to admit, when I first saw Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, I thought the idea was clever. But I didn't really think I'd read the book.
And then, as more books popped up, it seemed less clever. I had absolutely no plans to read one of these hybrid beasts.
And now...now I'm tempted. I didn't like the classics back when I had to read them. I know, *gasp!* But now, with the crazy paranormal stuff added, maybe they'll actually be interesting. I know, Yes, I should be flogged for speaking bad of the literary classics. I think there are really only two I ever liked; A Tale of Two Cities and Dracula.
But they'd be even better if they were A Tale of Two Cities Full of Zombies or Dracula the...ah, well, okay, Dracula can stay Dracula. :)
So, what about you? Have you read any of these crazy hybrids? What do you think? Are there any classics you'd like to see revamped?
Is anyone working on a movie of any of these books yet? Because you know that's next...
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About Larissa:
Larissa Ione is the New York Times bestselling author of the Demonica series. Her latest book, Ecstasy Unveiled, is about a demon assassin who is pitted against his own brothers and a gorgeous angel in a battle of life and death. You can learn more about her and her work at www.LarissaIone.com
When I saw the first one, I thought 'that could be kind of campy' but then they kept coming and it just became ridiculous. It's almost like you don't have to write a real book, just tag off someone else's brilliance and throw in some zombies or whatever. It's like a lazy man's way to write. And then you take the one campy idea and rehash it ad nauseum (did I spell that right? If I weren't so lazy I'd probably look it up...).
ReplyDeleteI haven't heard good reviews on the books either, and being a big Jane Austen fan I had no interest in reading the first one or the ones that came after that.
I'm not a fan of the concept either. I haven't read any of these books and don't intent to right now. Will I in the future? Maybe who knows.
ReplyDeleteHave to agree, I'm not a fan of the concept. Partly because I'm resistant to change :) But partly because it's lazy.
ReplyDeleteAfter all Jane Austen's work, someone comes along and peppers in some zombies? I'd be annoyed as a writer. It's an interesting concept, Zombies in Classics, but wouldn't it be better if a writer crafted their own story about zombies in the pre Victorian era.
Alas, I just can't get behind the trend. Maybe that's just me though.
Well...I guess I'm in the minority here. I've read P&P&Z and I loved it! I like my books with a bit of comedy and this one made me LOL several times. And I must say, Wickham's punishment in this book was spot on! I have S&S&SM, but will admit that I couldn't get into that one.
ReplyDeleteI don't think that every classic should be twisted like this. That would be overkill, but if it's done right, with the right book, it makes for a quirky spin on the classics.
I'm not feeling this trend at all.
ReplyDeleteDon't like it and have no plans to read any of the books...the covers aren't even interesting to look at.
I've read some of them. I adored Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. But Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters not quite as much. Definitely want to read the Abraham Lincoln book and Queen Victoria: Demon Hunter.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many out there now! It really is crazy.
Hm, maybe Dracula should be a political figure? Or maybe a movie star, lol.
ReplyDeleteHaven't read any, though they do seem like a fun take on the classics. Except Lincoln. He's my hero, and I take exception to his name tarnished in any way, even in fun.
I just have to say that "Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter" is one of the wittiest, best-written books I've read in a long time.
ReplyDeleteI'm a huge fan of this concept because, in all honesty, I never fancied an Austen novel until there were zombies in it. Yes, I'm aware that such a comment would cause literary scholars to put a hit out on me but, really, who cares? Sales of "real" Austen novels have gone up a ton because of these books, so as her fanbase.
So long as people are reading, what's the harm?
In the same vein, however, "Jane Bites Back" was terrible - just saying. ;)
I don't like these books at all - why would anyone change someone else's work? I would hate to have someone take my book and add octopuses to it.
ReplyDeleteI did TRY to read Mr. Darcy, Vampyre but I just couldn't get through it. And I was only curious because, well, first off, I love vampires, and second, I love Mr. Darcy, so I thought it would be good.
So, yeah, I'd like to stick with the originals please :)
Hey - I haven't read these books but I may at some point just for a hoot - but I will say - that it kind of reminds me of fan fiction in a way. There is also an entire sub-genre of spin off books based on Pride and Prejudice. And from what I hear there are movies in the works for some of these books. It's the implosion of lit. But hey - all in fun right? Give me Austen any day. ;) Cheers!
ReplyDeleteWasn't drawn to the first two, but I might be interested in the Lincoln one. And I won't be able to resist Queen Victoria. Hah!
ReplyDelete--Chiron O'Keefe
My husband has Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, and Sense and Sensibility and Seamonsters - and has enjoyed both. I don't mind putting twists on the classics. I like the prequel novels like March (backstory to Little Women.)
ReplyDelete