“Steeped in fantasy, this is an action-packed romp through time and space. Suitable for the YA market, due to its fantastical elements, the book has echoes of the Harry Potter books and could be easily made into a TV series along the lines of His Dark Materials.”
-Madison Brightwell, Amazon Best-Selling Author of The World Beyond the Redbud Tree
I am open to inquiries regarding a book-to-screen adaption for my award-winning novel, The Monarchs. Several have noted the cinematic potential for this mind-bending book, which will ultimately become a trilogy.
Please see below for the initial feedback from ScreenCraft regarding a potential film or TV series adaption.
ScreenCraft 2025 Cinematic Prose Competition First-Look Feedback
“Firstly, I did have a look at your website, which is equally impressive as the book. The concept, I have to say, is reminiscent of the haunting mysticism you’d find in Neil Gaiman’s work and the existential introspection of Kazuo Ishiguro. Like Gaiman, the novel captures that sense of otherworldly wonder in a deeply personal setting, while Ishiguro’s influence shines through in the layered, introspective way Samuel’s memories and reality blur, questioning what makes him human. In the first 25 pages, we’re thrust into a facility where psychic children are treated as experiments, not people, hinting at broader themes of surveillance and the loss of identity. Samuel’s vulnerability and fragmented memories pulled me in immediately; there’s an intimacy and a rawness here that’s hard to resist. Your writing really compelled me to keep reading, and I was tempted to read beyond the initial 25 pages.
“It’s safe to say that it’s a page-turner. The escape sequence is riveting, a mix of desperation and surreal intensity that feels almost cinematic. Samuel’s break from the facility, especially with Cyrus at his side, is charged with tension; they’re moving through an endless maze of sterile corridors, every turn feeling like a dead end. It’s superbly daunting, as if the walls themselves are closing in on him. This journey isn’t just physical but symbolic—a rare, brief taste of freedom that heightens his awareness of his entrapment. Speaking of the escape attempt, while excellent, it might feel a bit isolated from Samuel’s emotional stakes. Right now, the attempt itself is thrilling, but without a clear consequence from someone who tried before him, it can feel less personal. You could consider a quick flash or a brief memory where Samuel recalls a close friend attempting escape and facing brutal consequences, possibly isolation or severe punishment. This would subtly set up a greater risk for Samuel and add a haunting weight to his decision, making us feel the desperation he must reach to try it himself.
“Then there’s Alice, a character who’s fascinatingly complex. She’s more than just another scientist; there’s an unspoken connection with Samuel, a hint of empathy that cuts through the facility’s coldness. Alice becomes this ambiguous figure in Samuel’s life, like a reluctant mentor, and the story nails that layered dynamic. Her odd mix of care and manipulation keeps us wondering about her motives.
“The highlight of the first 25 pages remains the core of Samuel’s prolonged experiments, particularly the harrowing confrontation with Dr. Salazar. When Salazar administers the injection, it’s a moment steeped in dread, pushing Samuel into a visceral experience that blends vivid memories with surreal visions. This sequence brilliantly symbolizes Samuel’s psychic awakening, as he’s thrust into a hallucinatory state where reality twists and warps. The imagery—like him becoming both his mother comforting a child and a powerful force witnessing destruction—offers a deep exploration of his psyche and the trauma he’s endured. What you’ve written on Pg 20 is pure gold.
“This story truly excels in how it captures the psychological complexity of these experiments, making us feel Samuel’s terror and confusion. It’s a compelling way to show the high stakes of his situation, reinforcing how his powers come at a steep price, and it keeps us invested in his journey as he wrestles with what it means to be human in such a controlled environment.
“I really have to say this story has immense potential to be shaped into a feature series, or even a TV show. I am inclined more toward a TV series because I feel it needs that extra time and space to build this dystopian world and stretch the characters. Frankly, I would strongly suggest that you refrain from making any astronomical edits to this draft because it’s virtually perfect. In fact, making too many changes can disturb the grammar of the project.
“That said, please consider my notes only if they align with your broader vision. I wouldn’t want to impose on your artistic integrity. All the best, and I really hope that it sees the light of day. It was a refreshing read indeed.”
Nothing to Doubt Blog 