From Ink To Screen: Everything wrong with Shadowhunters

Sometimes, book adaptations should be forgotten and ignored. This is the case with Shadowhunters, a TV show from Freeform which is based on the books of Cassandra Clare. Although She has writen about the Shadowhunter's world many times, her first series -The Mortal Instruments- were the most popular. Because of her recognition and success, she was offered the incredible chance to have a TV show inspired by her saga. It was a disaster.

Poster of the movie

Before we start talking about the series, we should remember the first time that these novels were adapted. In 2013, a movie called City of Bones was released. It wasn't a blockbuster, but it was okay. Many fans agreed that the casting had been excellent, as well as the special effects. Some changes had been made from the book, but everyone though they were necessary and tolerable. However, the movie didn't make enough bennefits, and Constantin Film Production decided that there wouldn't be a sequel.

Fans were devastated, but soon another oportunity came up. When the TV show was announced, all the readers felt excited and thrilled. The first teaser seemed very good, and the emotion kept growing. The first hint that something was wrong appeared with the trailer. The special effects weren't as good as in the film, and the main actress -Katherine McNamara- didn't surprise in a good way the fans. But the readers still had hopes and believed in this adaptation.

By the time the first season had ended, many fans were already pretending it had never happened. Important changes in the plot had been made, and the characters had different interests and personalities. This show had more diversity than the movie, which is always a good point, but something just didn't work with so many differences from the books. While the movie had a darker perspective, the show seemed more childlike. The characters were hunting demons and weird creatures, but the spectator didn't feel scared or concerned because the story was more optimistic and juvenile.

Official photo of the Shadowhunters show

Cassandra Clare, the author of these novels, was asked about her opinion on these changes, but she said that she doesn't make that kind of decisions. She also said that the fans shouldn't argue about whether the series or the books are better, because they are just different. However, it is difficult to ignore the huge contrast between the two adaptions and the book itself.

To end, I would like to discourage the readers of the book to give it a try. I know you may think that it is not that awful but trust me: It is. If you haven't read the books, there is a chance you might enjoy it, but the odds are you will dislike it anyway. Some of the actors are great, but the storyline is just too bad.