The Perfect YA Book Pairings For Your 8 Favorite Fall TV Shows
by Valerie Tejeda
Raise your hand if you’re obsessed with at least one TV show right now. You can’t see it, but both of my hands are in the air. From “The Walking Dead” to “Once Upon A Time,” there are so many amazing new and returning shows that my DVR is seriously having a showgasm. Multiple showgasms, actually. So what’s a girl/guy to do when we’re in-between episodes and anxiously waiting for the next one?
Enter YA books: The everyday solution to your TV problem. Just like your favorite TV shows, YA books have it all. Love triangle? Check. Superheroes? Check. Suspense? Check, check and check.
Whatever your taste, there’s something for everyone, and if you’re a fan of the shows listed below then you’ll definitely love these YA books filed under their name.
1. "Supernatural"
A secret society of demon hunters and a pair of hot twins (one is named Jared!) makes "The Legion Series" by Kami Garcia ("Unbreakable," "Unmarked") the perfect choice for fans of CW’s “Supernatural.”
Another good pick? "This Is Your Afterlife" by Vanessa Barneveld, which follows a young girl who is haunted by the ghost of the recently murdered captain of the football team and goes on a mission to help find his killer. The book feels likes an episode of “Supernatural,” minus Sam and Dean of course. Both of these books are a good time, and are also perfect reads leading up to Halloween.
2. "The Vampire Diaries"
The obvious choice here is reading "The Vampire Diaries" book series by L.J. Smith, which features all your favorite characters including Elena, Damon, Stefan, and Bonnie. However, it does follow a bit of a different storyline from the TV show, so readers beware.
Now, if you’re looking for a non-vampire book that still has a paranormal romance with a cute girl, lovable bad boy, and hot love triangle, "The Dark Elements" series ("White Hot Kiss" and "Stone Cold Touch") are a perfect choice to satisfy of all your “Vampire Diaries” needs. Warning: You’ll get addicted.
3. "The Flash"
If you’re loving CW’s “The Flash,” chances are you’re obsessed with all things superhero, which means you need to read "Steelheart" by Brandon Sanderson A.S.A.P. "Steelheart" follows David - a boy on a mission to kill Steelheart - the "Epic" with super strength who killed his father.
Another fun option is "Illusive" by Emily Lloyd-Jones, a sci-fi adventure hailed as "X-Men" meets "Ocean’s Eleven." "Illusive" features a teenage girl who uses her handy ability to change her appearance to aid her life of crime. Both books are great, and perfect for the geek-within.
4. "Reign"
If you love “Reign” and a good old-fashioned YA historical fiction, try "The Wild Queen" by Carolyn Meyer. The book chronicles the life of Mary Stuart -- beginning at the young age of five years old, when she was sent to France to be raised alongside her future husband -- and continues from there. And of course there’s drama, a murder scandal, and Mary being her fiery self. Basically, if you like “Reign,” you should enjoy "The Wild Queen."
5. "American Horror Story: Freak Show"
Viewers are loving this season’s circus-themed “American Horror Story: Freak Show,” and if you’re a fan of the creepy, clown-filled, one-of-a-kind show then Brendan Deneen's "The Ninth Circle" is the perfect book for you. Inspired by "Dante’s Inferno" and a fascination with the circus, "The Ninth Circle" has lion tamers, a bearded lady, sword swallowers and a lot more awesomeness with a great story to boot.
6. "Once Upon A Time"
Hook, Emma, Snow, and Regina. So many great story lines, so little time. So, since “Once Upon A Time” is such a complex show, we have three totally addictive books for you. First, there's "Cinder" by Marissa Meyer, a futuristic/sci-fi take on "Cinderella" with cyborgs, an evil stepmother, and of course, a handsome prince.
Next is a nod to last season’s Oz-packed "OUAT," "Dorothy Must Die" by Danielle Paige. "Dorothy Must Die" follows Amy Gumm, the other girl from Kansas whose mission entails working with The Revolutionary Order of the Wicked in order to take out the now evil Dorothy herself. Think last season’s "OUAT" meets "Kill Bill."
Last but not least is Amanda Marrone's "Devoured" -- a dark retelling of "Snow White" with loads of twists and turns that you will most likely “devour” in one sitting.
7. "Pretty Little Liars"
The next “Pretty Little Liars” episode may not air until December, but that doesn’t mean you have to live without your four favorite characters. So if you’re having PLL withdrawals, try diving into the "Pretty Little Liars" book series by Sara Shepard.
Another great option for PLL fans is Sara Shepard’s latest "The Perfectionists." Think "PLL," but creepier and more mysterious. The story follows Ava, Caitlin, Mackenzie, Julie, and Parker - a group who will stop at nothing to be perfect. There are lots of juicy secrets and tons of drama, and the characters even manage to find themselves involved in a murder scandal. You’ll be obsessed in no time.
8. "The Walking Dead"
A post-apocalyptic world full of zombies, blood and survival makes "The Forest of Hands and Teeth" a perfect choice for fans of “The Walking Dead.” The story follows Mary, a young girl living in a small village completely enclosed by miles of tall metal fencing. Beyond the fence lies nothing but forest and thousands of flesh-eating zombies. But after the village is breached, lots of problems arise (as you can imagine). It’s super suspenseful, so be prepared to be on the edge of your seat.