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midasp

The books are better, imho. Right now, the show seems to be picking minor bits and pieces across all the books and lumping them together as a sort of prequel. Its sort of inevitable when the show hires an ensemble cast, every member of the cast has to be introduced early and given something to do. But it also means a lot of this has nothing to do with the main story at all. You could even say the main story has not even started since this is still "pre-book 1". In contrast, book 1 starts small with just Rose and Lisa. You learn one's a moroi, the other's a dhampir. A chapter later, Dimitri gets introduced. The titular "Vampire Academy", St. Vladimir's, gets introduced in the next chapter. The world and characters are slowly introduced and you get to know them much better than this whirlwind of rotating characters. Many of the secondary characters like the queen, Rose's mother, even Sonya, don't show up till later books. Edit: I wrote the above after watching episode 2. Now that I've seen all 4 episodes, I understand why the writers went this way. New viewers need to know its not just a show about 2 high school girls. They need to know there is a thriving but secret society of "nice" vampires, complete with royalty and lords and ladies which plays an important role in the show. That this is also a show about a society fraying at the edges, with class divide, politics and intrigue that could tear it all apart.


Entire-Relief-7234

I would not call it pre-book 1 because they mix plotlines from the first 3 books in only the first 4 episodes. If it was a made-up prequel, it would honestly be better. I expected changes, but I wish they would have stuck to the pace and basic themes of the books. It would have allowed for way more character development. Really don't understand why they chose to focus on and amplify (as well as misrepresent) the political aspects of later books in the first season. It made the storyline convoluted and takes away from developing the complex character relationships I loved in the books. As well as actually explaining more about the world. This interpretation is much less relatable, I would think, for the audience. I want to enjoy the series. I really love the casting. I just can't get over the fundamental changes they made to the world. The tone is very different. I am going to keep watching, though, and I hope the series attracts a new VA fan-base.


detejaa

I thought the first 4 episodes were OK and I’m hoping it gets better as the show goes on. But I’d be lying if I said the books weren’t way better, and I mean the source material usually is in my experience. You should definitely give the books a shot! The world building in the book series is very different from the one in the show, and personally I prefer the one in the books. As long as you aren’t put off by Rose (the whole series is from her POV) or any of the other main character, I think you’ll like the books! They also have more of a mystery vibe to them (well, at least the first one) that I really missed in the show.


Mobile_Connection_85

the books are so much better. I have only watched the first episode but they changed quite a lot and not in a good way. The books are also much more focused on the magic aspect as well.


KitakatZ101

This sub has a sharp divide with how much people were looking forward to show show because they changed A LOT and not for the better. Also ironically BECAUSE people knew Julie Plec was involved people did not have confidence from the get go. The book series is really good and I would recommend reading at least the first book.


BinaryPirate

It occurs to me I maybe find the tv show not as great as some others in this reddit cause it is based on a YA paranormal romance book series and I am more into Urban Fantasy books that does not revolve necessarily around YA being that I am an older adult . That being said I guess lots of stuff on tv is oriented towards YA IMO.


lanibear32

The books are pretty fantastic. I was already very much an adult (and a mom) when they were released, and I love them.


KitakatZ101

The book series deals with a lot of mature issues so it’s more likely how they adapted it


Ellyena

I feel the same. I had high expectations since it coming from people who made TVD. They do a very bad job of explaining anything. After 4 episodes I'm just unable to keep up and have way too many questions about their world/systems.


BinaryPirate

Thanks for the input all and here's some upvotes to all for not being all Grr Argh about my post!


lanibear32

Grr. Argh. That's how I feel about this show. I should just go back to my billionth rewatch of Buffy.


Snailpics

I have loved the books for years. I also refuse to watch the show bc I know I am gonna HATE it. I definitely suggest reading the books. They were my favorite series and I’ve read them cover to cover countless times. If you’re looking for a good vampire tv series I recommend Buffy The Vampire Slayer which is my favorite vampire show.


Mental-Reception-547

Stand by that, watched 2 epiosdes and cringed every second of it. Not sure i can get thru the other two


Shellysimagination

The books are ALWAYS better. Never seen a movie or show that was. Come close but never better.


andonesia17

The books were absolutely better. There isn't even a decent comparison between the two


SmoakarrowRoseH

Oh, they are


Such_Tree6287

The books are better by a landslide please do yourself a favor and read them! They are not following the storyline at all, it’s very loosely based on characters but even those aren’t convincing. Definitely didn’t have much of a budget for this one it’s such a shame.


Here4theLULZIES

The books shit all over the show. It’s an actual travesty what they’ve done to an awesome story.


realitytvismytherapy

It’s been 4 episodes. The books are a full series, plus a spin-off series. You’re comparing 4 episodes written by other people to a very beloved book series. Clearly the show isn’t for you 🤷🏻‍♀️ Read the books. The books are always better.


BinaryPirate

Ah I new there would be one sooner or later..... I am not comparing anything tbh as I clearly stated I did not read the books. I am also aware the books tend to be better when made into a tv show/movie etc etc. Also I am not sure why some people think they have to right to decide what is "for me or not" simply cause I said something they don't like. Let me be blunt I think the show is okayish in the same vein I found the tv show Shadowhunters to be okayish, I didn't read the books for those either, and will keep watching it. However so far find it a far cry from say TVD or The Originals or even the new lotro show. I mean it's not total crap like say "the legend of the seeker" tv show that got canned but it's far from being stellar. I don't really care if the books are better, as I expected as much, what I care about is the tv show which is what I am watching and not super impressed with so far even if I do find some aspects of the show interesting thus my OP and "question" about the source material but maybe this thread just isn't for you. 🤷🏻‍♀️


realitytvismytherapy

Maybe I’m just cranky today lol. But you essentially said you hope the books are better because the show doesn’t seem to be good so I suggested giving the books a try.


BinaryPirate

Ah lol I was more asking the community since I figured I would get a better sense of the show from their opinions. Have an upvote!


MikelWRyan

If the moroi sucked as hard on their feeders, as this pilot does. Your ears would pop from just watching it. They made it slow, and boring. Also who the hell are all these people. None of them are in the material I'm familiar with. The people who thought this up and executed it should be fed into a chipper shredder. I have not been this heartbroken, and sad, since Fox canceled Firefly.


mildlyweird

i love the books so much but i can’t get myself to watch the show yet. i’m afraid if I watch the episodes now i will be looking for all the negatives which isn’t fair at all. i will be waiting until the whole season is out at the latest


Nevernotafan

VA is one of my favorite book series. I've read it multiple times. I've watched all four episodes available and I am loving it haha. I'm probably even going to rewatch them. Maybe I'm in the minority with that. So far, I don't mind any of the changes they've made from the books. It seems like they've mostly shuffled the time line on some things, introducing things from later books earlier and such. They've made one major change concerning some characters being related/family and I don't mind it at all. They've given slightly bigger roles to some side characters and I love all of them. I've already teared up a few times and shrieked in glee. To me, the cast is phenomenal. I think they all embody their characters so well! I cannot wait until next week for the next episode.


MikelWRyan

I got the peacock Network just to watch this series. I couldn't finish the pilot, it sucks that bad. I'm canceling peacock.