CRAVE
SHOULD BE A MOVIE
CRAVE SHOULD BE MADE INTO A MOVIE SERIES ASAP
The Crave series by Tracy Wolff has taken over bookish communities. With obvious references to Twilight (the book that made many of us fall in love with reading) as well as popular and new paranormal creatures, adventure, and mate troupes, how could we not fall in love with this series?
Keep reading to see an analysis of key scenes that should be adapted, characters, popular references, and the best quotes.
KEY SCENES
ENTERING ALASKA
There are a lot of little parts of the intro that don’t necessarily need to be included in a movie adaptation, mainly because it was already done in Twilight.
In both Twilight and Crave, the main character leaves a warm place and lands in a cold place, and is driven to their new home, where they feel awkward and out of place.
Been there, done that.
Crave should mix it up a little bit. Here’s what I think should happen for the opening scene…
- Snow is falling on an airfield and a tiny, beat up two passenger plane drives right into the camera
- Grace and an older man climb out. Grace is all bundled up, so we can’t really see what she looks like yet.
- They start to walk across the snow with a suitcase in each hand, Grace is struggling and falling behind.
- Macy RUNS into the shot, very excited, and breaks the sad, moody vibe
- Macy starts talking a lot, but we as the audience (and as Graces POV) aren’t really paying attention, its mostly background noise until Macy mentions “snow mobile”
- The stationary snowmobile comes into focus, suddenly we are crossing the wild Alaskan terrain for a few seconds, then end up right at the front steps of the imposing new board school, where a shadowy figure is staring out a window in the tallest tower down at Grace.
- We don’t see Grace’s face until she walks all the way into the school and slowly unravels her face scarf. Lots of build-up in anticipation of seeing her face!
MEETING JAXON
After Macy, Jaxon is the first person that Grace meets at her new boarding school. He is moody, mean, and … very attractive.
Basically, he is exactly like Edward in Twilight when Edward attempts to talk to Bella while also warning her away.
This is how the scene should go if it could be turned into a movie:
- Grace is playing with the paranormal chess board, looking sad and lonely
- Jaxon walks very confidently up to her (behind her) and says “Be careful, she bites”
- Grace jumps and turns around and is speechless because of how attractive Jaxon is
- She stutters a little but then says “the chess piece will bite me…?” with a little sass
- Jaxon and Grace have their little banter moment that should 100% follow the script AS.IT.IS.WRITTEN.IN.THE.BOOK!!
- I really don’t even need to continue writing out how this scene should go…. just follow the book. ALL OF IT! Every line, every look, EVERY PART!
TEA PARTY
Grace is welcomed to the school with a tea party that doesn’t go the way that Macy is expecting.
Macy, ever the optimist, thinks the party is going to be a great opportunity for Grace to make new friends.
Spoiler: That’s not really how it goes down…
If this chapter were adapted, it would look a little something like this:
- Grace and Macy walk into a very large lounge area, with cliques in every corner and a buffet of untouched food.
- Macy is confident and strolling towards her group, Grace is trying to be invisible
- Everyone is looking at Grace, except the vampires
- Jaxon and his crew walk in while Grace is talking to Flint near the buffet
- Jaxon looks PISSED, so he strolls up to the table, ignoring Flint and Grace, and grabs a strawberry.
- Everyone is staring at Jaxon while he sits in a comfy chair across the room and glares at Grace
- Grace looks confused and scared
- Jaxon takes a bite out of the strawberry. Not in a sexy way…in an “im going to bite your head off” kind of way.
- Grace flees the scene
NAVIGATING PARANOMAL CLASSES
Throughout the book, we hear about the various classes that Grace attends. Many of these classes one ones that race never had to take in her regular school, so she struggles a little bit.
If this concept could be adapted into just one scene, it would look a little something like this:
- Grace, rushing to class
- The classroom is in a converted dungeon
- Grace, taking notes on weird paranormal stuff
- The alarm ringing (not a normal bell)
- Grace, rushing to another class
- The teacher is a giant… almost literally
- Grace, looking around the room to see if this is a prank
… you get the picture. It would just be shot after shot of Grace rushing to get to her next class and being VERY confused by how NOT-normal everything is.
TWILIGHT REFERENCES
The first Twilight reference should be Flint climbing up a tree in the snow like a “Spider-Monkey” with Grace on his back. But instead of the same Twilight dialogue, Flint should say “Don’t drop the snowballs” and Grace should snarkily respond with “Don’t drop me!”.
It should be more casual and funnier than the similar Twilight movie scene.
The second, and last, Twilight reference should be Grace finding a copy of Twilight on her bed with a note on top from Jaxon. The note is a quote from the book.
This should be a quick scene! If it’s too drawn out, then the reference is too obvious and cringy. If it’s quick, it’ll be like an exciting easter egg for all the Twi-hards out there.
MEETING LIA
In movies and tv shows, especially ones based on books, it is made pretty clear who the villain is.
There is also foreboding music, and the villain LOOKS evil.
What if Crave changed things up a little bit? We know Lia is the evil villain, but when we see her in the movie, she should be portrayed as a new friend, maybe even a BEST friend. That way, for those who didn’t read Crave before seeing the movie (not recommended), there is an element of utter shock and surprise when sweet, friendly Lia turns out to be the bad guy!
ENTERING THE TUNNELS
Dark and creepy should be the words that come to mind in this scene adaptation.
Flint is there with Grace, but Grace is trying not to panic at the creepy decor, dungeon cells, and handcuffs. She is getting more and more scared with every step she takes, and suddenly Flint starts to look like the bad guy. Then Lia comes in and things lighten up a little bit. Remember, we are under the impression that Lia is her friend, so Grace feels more comfortable with her showing up.
The three of them walk up to the cell with the secret entrance, and the dark hidden door opens up into a large closet full of bright art supplies.
The mood change should be startling, because, well, that’s how Graces feels in the book.
LIA - THE VILLAIN
There are a thousand ways this reveal could be made.
Should it be directly in line with what’s in the book? Maybe there should be a little bit of artistic direction. Or a lot!
Instead of giving you my opinion, why don’t you give me yours?
Drop your ideas at the bottom of this article!
MORE VAMPIRE BOOKS TO LOVE
LOVE THE CHARACTERS
THE CHARACTERS IN CRAVE ARE RELATABLE, FUNNY, ATTRACTIVE, AND (LIKE AN ONION, AND SHREK) FULL OF LAYERS.
IT IS SO EXCITING TO SEE EACH LAYER STRIPPED BACK CHAPTER BY CHAPTER. WE FELL IN LOVE WITH THEM WITHIN THEIR FIRST LINES, AND, AMAZINGLY, WE FALL EVEN HARDER THE MORE WE LEARN ABOUT THEM.
CHECK OUT THESE MAIN CHARACTERS AND WHY THEY ARE SO GREAT!
GRACE
BACKGROUND INFO:
GRACE IS THE MAIN CHARACTER OF THE SERIES AND ALL OF THE CHAPTERS ARE FROM HER POINT OF VIEW (except for a couple of bonus chapters).
HER PARENTS DIED AND SHE HAS TO MOVE TO A BOARDING SCHOOL IN ALASKA WHERE HER UNCLE IS THE HEADMASTER.
SHE MEETS JAXON, AND WE KNOW THAT HE IS HER LOVE INTEREST.
WHY WE LOVE HER:
- STRONG
- ADVENTUROUS
- INDEPENDENT
- LOVES TO READ
HER STRUGGLES:
- THE LOSS OF HER PARENTS
- MOVING AWAY FROM HER FRIENDS AND HOME IN CALIFORNIA
- GETTING RE-ACQUAINTED WITH HER COUSIN AND UNCLE
- BEING THE NEW GIRL IN A NEW SCHOOL
- GOING TO SCHOOL WITH PARANORMAL CREATURES AND NOT EVEN KNOWING ABOUT IT
- DATING A MODDY VAMPIRE (and not knowing he is a vampire)
- HAVING MULTIPLE PEOPLE TRY TO KILL HER
MACY
I wish Macy were my cousin.
She is so energetic, compassionate, and ready to be anyone’s BFF if they need it.
She made sure racy had EVERYTHING she needed when coming to Alaska, including snacks, clothes, basic bedding, and a best friend.
WHY WE LOVE HER:
- OPTIMISTIC
- CHEERFUL
- HELPFUL
- EMPATHETIC
- CREATIVE
- HONEST
UNCLE FINN
UNCLE FINN IS GRACE’S UNCLE AND MACY’S DAD.
HE IS A WARLOCK, AND A VERY POWERFUL ONE, BUT HE IS MODEST AND KEEPS CONTROL OF HIS POWERS.
HE IS ALSO THE HEADMASTR OF THE PARANORMAL SCHOOL THAT GRACE NOW ATTENDTS.
WHY WE LOVE HIM:
- OPTIMISTIC
- CHEERFUL
- FATHER FIGURE TO GRACE
- GREAT DAD
- POWERFUL WARLOCK
- GREAT UNCLE
- COOL HEADMASTER
JAXON
JAXON IS THE LOVE INTEREST, WHO WE MEET PRETTY EARLY ON IN THE STORY.
HE IS OBVIOUSLY VERY ANGSTY, MOODY, AND AGGRESSIVE. HE IS ALSO THE “POPULAR” KID, EVEN THOUGH EVERYONE STEERS FAR AWAY FROM HIM.
OH, AND HE IS ALSO A VAMPIRE.
WHY WE LOVE HIM:
- THE LOVE INTEREST
- ATTRACTIVE
- MOODY AND DANGEROUS
- SENSITIVE
- GOOD FRIEND GROUP
- HE’S COMPLICATED
FLINT
FLINT IS THE COOLEST CHARACTER, MAINLY BECAUSE HIS CHARACTER ISN’T ONE THAT WE SEE IN TYPICAL PARANORMAL/FANTASY STORIES… HE IS A DRAGON!
HE IS ALSO SUPER CHARMING, FLIRTY, AND FRIENDLY.
HE DOES SOME PRETTY MESSED-UP STUFF AT THE END, BUT YOU CAN’T HELP BUT FORGIVE HIM FOR IT.
WHY WE LOVE HIM:
- FUNNY
- ATTRACTIVE
- SUPER FRIENDLY
- PROTECTIVE
- LOVES HIM FAMILY
- OPTIMISTIC
- HELPFUL
- FLIRTY
AMKA
LETS BE CLEAR, THE LIBRARIAN IS ALWAYS THE COOLEST CHARACTER IN ANY STORY.
AMKA ESPECIALLY IS AMAZING BECAUSE SHE IS WELCOMING, FUNNY, GIVES GREAT ADVICE, AND IS SUPER QUIRKY. SHE IS EVERYTHING THAT A LIBRARIAN SHOULD BE!
HER VARIOUS IRONIC STICKERS AND BOOK PLACEMENTS ARE #GOALS
WHY WE LOVE HER:
- LIBRAIRAN / PROTECTOR OF THE BOOKS
- FUNNY
- OPTIMISITC
- GIVES GOOD ADVICE
- MISCHIVIOUS
- FRIENDLY
- WELCOMING
- HAS LOTS OF STICKERS
POPULAR REFERENCES
THERE ARE A TON OF POP CULTURE AND LITERARY REFERENCES IN CRAVE.
TRACY WOLFF IS CLEARLY A WELL-READ BOOKWORM, AND WE LOVE HER FOR IT!
CHECK OUT THIS LIST OF ALL OF THE REFERENCES IN THE FIRST CRAVE BOOK.
CHAPTER 7
LEGACIES
If you’ve seen Legacies (the Vampire Diaries spin-off show) then you’ll understand why this reference is so funny, and so ON POINT!
SPOILER: Legacies is a show about a boarding school for paranormal teens.
Crave is about a girl who attends a boarding school for paranormal teens.
CHAPTER 19
TWILIGHT
This book is HEAVILY influenced by Twilight – a novel and movie that we all love… and love to hate. Chapter 19 is our first real Twilight reference.
“Quiet down or you’re going to give away our hiding place,” he tells me as he starts climbing the tree like some Alaskan version of Spider-Man, hands and feet practically sticking to the tree’s bark as he carries me up the gigantic trunk…”
Honestly, Tracy Wolff might as well have written “Spider-monkey” instead of “Spider-Man”.
CHAPTER 20
ALICE IN WONDERLAND
“CURIOUSER AND CURIOUSER”
At this point, the readers have caught on to the fact that there are paranormal at the school, but Grace is a little behind. Therefore, all of the little inhuman oddities just don’t make sense to her…yet.
Like Alice, Grace is using her human/reality centric mind and experiences to try to understand a brand-new world.
CHAPTER 25
TWILIGHT
“I said it would be better if we weren’t friends, not that I didn’t want to be.” – Jaxon quoting Edward in Twilight
FINALLY! A quarter of the way through the book, we FINALLY get a DIRECT Twilight reference.
SPOILER: Jaxon sends Grace a copy of Twilight.
This is hilarious for many reasons:
1 – Jaxon, the moody and depressed vampire, has read Twilight
2 – Tracy Wolff is acknowledging just how much Twilight influenced her book.
3 – Jaxon wrote a note, and its a direct quote from the book. One of the most iconic lines from the book, actually. The direct Twilight quote actually does a great job of telling us, and Grace, exactly how Jaxon feels about their…predicament.
CHAPTER 26
BRAVE NEW WORLD
Have you read Brave New World?
Well, it’s a classic dystopian novel written in 1931 where childhood is basically nonexistent, and no one has any real freedom or independence. Basically, you belong to everyone, and everyone belongs to you.
I’m going to be honest, I haven’t read Brave New World in many years, so I’m struggling to find the connection. However, I am fairly certain there is one because the word choice of “brave new world” in a casual sentence is just too coincidental. Especially when we know that Tracy Wolff is VERY well-read and fond of classical and modern literary references.
CHAPTER 27
LADY CAROLINE LAMB and lord byron
“MAD, BAD, AND DANGEROUS TO KNOW.”
In this scene in Crave, one of the characters, Byron, is looking a little too mischievous. Based on his facial expression, Grace is immediately reminded of Lady Caroline’s famous affair in 1812 with Lord Byron, where she described him as “mad, bad, and dangerous to know”.
CHAPTER 40
J.K. ROWLING
“THE KIND THAT DOESN’T COME FROM J.K. ROWLINGS BRILLIANT IMAGINATION.” – Macy
J.K. ROWLING, Author of Harry Potter, makes an appearance in Chapter 40 of Crave.
Macy is the one who makes the reference just before she shows Grace a little bit of magic.
CHAPTER 40
GAME OF THRONES
“You and Mekhi are trying to convince me that I’m living in the middle of a less bloody version of Game of Thrones. And Winter is already here.” – Grace
Even if you have never seen Game of Thrones, you know that “Winter is Coming” is the #1 most quoted line.
Grace referenced it during a conversation with Macy when Macy is trying to convince Grace that the paranormal world really isn’t that bad.
It’s especially ironic because they are in Alaska… where it is ALWAYS winter.
CHAPTER 43
FINAL DESTINATION
“AT THIS RATE, MY ONLY HOPE IS THAT THE UNIVERSE DOESN’T HOLD A FINAL DESTINATION- TYPE GRUDGE.” – Grace
This line may sound a tiny bit dramatic, but Grace has a fair point.
She has gone through A LOT and, to her, it feels like the only thing going for her is that the universe wants her to stay alive and is not coming up with creative ways to take her life…
CHAPTER 40
BABY YODA
“WHICH LEADS ME TO WONDER IF VAMPIRES AGE THE SAME WAY, OR IS THIS A BABY YODA THING, WHERE MATURATION IS MUCH SLOWER THAN NON-MAGICAL HUMANS.” – Grace
If you don’t really know who Baby Yoda is and haven’t seen the Disney Tv Show, then this probably won’t make a lot of sense to you.
Basically, Grace wants to know more about how vampires age.
CHAPTER 61
FRANKENSTEIN
“I READ FRANKENSTEIN LAST YEAR – I CAN ONLY IMAGINE WHAT ABOMINATION SHE’LL BRING BACK FROM THE DEAD IF HER LITTLE PLAN ACTUALLY WORKS.” -Grace
At this point in the story, Grace has been attacked, kidnapped, and tied to an alter by Lia, the evil villain. Lia is trying to bring back her recently deceased boyfriend, using Grace as the sacrifice and body replacement.
Weird…
CHAPTER 61
PROJECT LAZARUS
“NO WAY WOULD SHE BRING HIM IN TO HER OWN PERSONAL PROJECT LAZARUS.” – Grace
Grace is feeling very betrayed right now. Lia, who Grace thought was her friend, is actually a psychopath trying to kill her and get her dead boyfriend to come back from the dead. Now, Grace is questioning if Jaxon was in on the plan too.
Ultimately, Grace decides that Jaxon isn’t in cahoots with Lia.
BEST LINES
THESE ARE SOME OF THE BEST LINES IN THE CRAVE BOOK THAT WILL HAVE TO MAKE AN APPEARANCE IN THE MOVIE (if a movie ever gets made).
“IF THIS IS THE END, I DON’T NEED TO SEE IT COMING.”
– GRACE
“THERE ARE MORE THINGS IN HEAVEN AND HELL, HORATIO / THAN ARE DREAMT OF IN YOUR PHILOSOPHY.”
– JAXON
“DEEP DOWN, I AM NOT DIFFERENT FROM YOU. I DREAMED YOU, I WISHED FOR YOUR EXISTENCE.” – JAXON
” THERE ARE A THOUSAND WAYS TO GET SOMEWHERE, BUT NOT ALL WAYS ARE THE CORRECT ONE.” – AMKA THE LIBRARIAN
” AFTER ALL, THERE’S NOTHING QUITE LIE THROWING YOURSELF AT A BOY AND HAVING HIM TURN INTO A HUMAN STATUE TO MAKE A GIRL FEEL WANTED.” – GRACE
Want to see more quotes from Crave? Click HERE!
CONCLUSION
5/5
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