So, the next themed read is officially Books Adapted to/from Video Games. For this list, I chose books that are based on popular video games, but I also included one that inspired a very successful game series.
When a boy named Ico grows long curved horns overnight, his fate has been sealed - he is to be sacrificed in the Castle in the Mist. But in the castle, Ico meets a young girl named Yorda imprisoned in its halls. Alone they will die, but together Ico and Yorda might just be able to defy their destinies and escape the magic of the castle.
Based on the video game: Ico
Bioshock: Rapture (2011) by John Shirley
It's the end of World War II. FDR's New Deal has redefined American politics. Taxes are at an all-time high. The bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki has brought a fear of total annihilation. The rise of secret government agencies and sanctions on business has many watching their backs. America's sense of freedom is diminishing... and many are desperate to take that freedom back.
Among them is a great dreamer, an immigrant who pulled himself from the depths of poverty to become one of the wealthiest and admired men in the world. That man is Andrew Ryan, and he believed that great men and women deserve better. And so he set out to create the impossible, a utopia free from government, censorship, and moral restrictions on science - where what you give is what you get. He created Rapture - the shining city below the sea.
But as we all know, this utopia suffered a great tragedy. This is the story of how it all came to be... and how it all ended.
Based on the video game series: Bioshock
Assassin's Creed: Renaissance (2009) by Oliver Bowden
Betrayed by the ruling families of Italy, a young man embarks upon an epic quest for vengeance. To eradicate corruption and restore his family's honour, he will learn the art of the assassins. To his allies, Ezio will become a force for change, fighting for freedom and justice. To his enemies, he will become a threat.
Based on the video game series: Assassin's Creed
Alan Wake (2010) by Rick Burroughs
Welcome to Bright Falls - a seemingly idyllic small town in the Pacific Northwest. The perfect place for Alan Wake, a bestselling crime novelist, and his wife, Alice, to relax for a few weeks. Maybe a second honeymoon and the fresh air will cure Wake of his writer's block.
But when Alice goes missing under mysterious circumstances, Wake's desperate search for her leads him into a hell only he could imagine. In the depths of nearby Cauldron Lake, a dark and malevolent presence has awakened from a long slumber. It's reaching out now, turning the townsfolk into mindless killers. Sheathed in shadows, vulnerable only to light, they are Taken.
Wake's journey will lead him to the very edge of madness, and deep within the dark woods, he will come face-to-face with a story he has no recollection of ever writing.
Based on the video game: Alan Wake
The Last Wish (1992) by Andrzej Sapkowski
Geralt of Rivia is a witcher. A cunning sorcerer. A merciless assassin.
And a cold-blooded killer.
His sole purpose: to destroy the monsters that plague the world.
But not everything monstrous-looking is evil and not everything fair is good... and in every fairy tale there is a grain of truth.
Video Game it inspired: Witcher
Have you read any of these? Which is your favourite video game to book adaptation? Which video game would you like to be adapted into a novel?
Based on the video game: Ico
Bioshock: Rapture (2011) by John Shirley
Among them is a great dreamer, an immigrant who pulled himself from the depths of poverty to become one of the wealthiest and admired men in the world. That man is Andrew Ryan, and he believed that great men and women deserve better. And so he set out to create the impossible, a utopia free from government, censorship, and moral restrictions on science - where what you give is what you get. He created Rapture - the shining city below the sea.
But as we all know, this utopia suffered a great tragedy. This is the story of how it all came to be... and how it all ended.
Based on the video game series: Bioshock
Assassin's Creed: Renaissance (2009) by Oliver Bowden
Based on the video game series: Assassin's Creed
Alan Wake (2010) by Rick Burroughs
But when Alice goes missing under mysterious circumstances, Wake's desperate search for her leads him into a hell only he could imagine. In the depths of nearby Cauldron Lake, a dark and malevolent presence has awakened from a long slumber. It's reaching out now, turning the townsfolk into mindless killers. Sheathed in shadows, vulnerable only to light, they are Taken.
Wake's journey will lead him to the very edge of madness, and deep within the dark woods, he will come face-to-face with a story he has no recollection of ever writing.
Based on the video game: Alan Wake
The Last Wish (1992) by Andrzej Sapkowski
And a cold-blooded killer.
His sole purpose: to destroy the monsters that plague the world.
But not everything monstrous-looking is evil and not everything fair is good... and in every fairy tale there is a grain of truth.
Video Game it inspired: Witcher
Have you read any of these? Which is your favourite video game to book adaptation? Which video game would you like to be adapted into a novel?
Excited to learn some more about books I wouldn't usually find myself reading!
ReplyDeleteRaashi
raashiagarwal.blogspot.com.au
I'm so glad that you enjoyed the list! I like video games and although I haven't played all of these, I'm planning to do it eventually.
DeleteAll these books sound so cool!
ReplyDeleteHave fun reading them :)
Thank you, I hope I will! They all sound interesting and I can't wait to pick them up :D
DeleteAlan Wake caught my attention :D Sounds really interesting. Hey, btw I grabbed your button and put it on my favourites ^.^ Hahaa great post Aeriko :)
ReplyDeleteIt's been a while since I've read a psychological thriller, so Alan Wake will be great! Thank you so much, I'm honoured :D
DeleteI've nominated you for an award!
ReplyDeletehttp://fortheloveofbooksreviews.blogspot.ca/2015/09/sunshine-blogger-award.html
Thank you so much! :D
DeleteAlan Wake sounds really interesting!
ReplyDeleteIndeed, I can't wait! :)
DeleteHello I have returned from being lazy and doing nothing!
ReplyDeleteAnyway this is a pretty interesting theme read. I was never really aware that there were many books that came from video games and a few of those do look pretty good. Just based on the cover and the plot synopsis alone Ico looks great and I've been meaning to read The Witcher books for quite some time now, I'll be interested to see what you think of them all!
Welcome back!
DeleteI thought I'd like to shake things up with a theme that's not usually seen around. I already wanted to read most of those books, especially Bioshock that I played earlier this year and my hopes are really high. Ico must be great as well, I've started the game as well, in order to be able to compare the two mediums :)
Ooh there's books of Assassin's Creed & Bioshock!? That's so cool, I love both of those games. I'll definitely be adding those to my to-read list. Excited to hear your thoughts on these! :) And I think Infamous would make for a good book.
ReplyDelete~Cari @ <a href='http://myaddictionbooks.blogspot.com">My Addiction: Books </a>
Yes! The Assassin's Creed series has five books, I'll start with the first one and if it's as interesting as in the games I'll definitely read the rest as well :)
DeleteInfamous would make a great novel, I agree!
Great post!
ReplyDeleteHaven't read any of the books, but I know the games (and played a few of them, or tried at least). I guess I will be checking those Bioshock and Allen Wake books soon, they look really interesting and fun.
I can't wait to read these two books, as well! I loved playing Bioshock: Infinite and Allan Wake is intriguing so far (although it's a little difficult game) :)
Delete