The Next ‘Twilight’: The Search Continues At BookExpo America
We pick five books that could live up to the hype to be your next book addiction.
By Brian Jacks and Sabrina Rojas Weiss
Mega-successful books series like “Twilight” and “Harry Potter” don’t come around every day. The flowery tales of Edward and Bella and the fantastical adventures of Harry and his schoolmates have entrenched themselves in the hearts of loyal followers, leaving room for little else. But the June 5 release of Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight” spin-off novella “The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner” marks the end of an era. That’s why the publishers, authors and booksellers at BookExpo America this week were eager to tout their upcoming releases as the next big thing.
MTV News scoured the trade show and soaked in the hype. Check back at our Hollywood Crush blog for reviews of many of these titles when they’re available. But in the meantime, here are five buzzed-about books whose mythical creatures and evil dystopias seem the most promising. Many of them are already being prepped for the big screen too.
What It’s About: A group of young aliens land on Earth after their own planet is destroyed, secretly integrating themselves into society where they slowly learn they’re developing powers. When those responsible for blowing up their planet track them down and begin killing them in sequential order, our hero John Smith (otherwise known as Number Four) vows to dish vengeance on the bad guys, all while juggling a hot and heavy love triangle involving his fellow extraterrestrial Sarah (Number Six) and a human girl.
What Could Make It the Next “Twilight”: The book by “Pitacus Lore” (the pseudonym of James Frey and Jobie Hughes) doesn’t hit shelves until August 17, but that didn’t stop Steven Spielberg, Michael Bay and the creators of “Smallville” from teaming up to produce a big-budget film that’s set for a 2011 release. Alex Pettyfer of “Beastly” and Dianna Agron from “Glee” are among the stars already attached. That alone could help the book shoot to the top of the pile, but at its heart the title is about one young man and his quest discover himself, get the girl and take down the enemy.