There is a massive wave of YA novels set to become films in the next few years. Our work experience student, Alex MacAffe, looks at three of her favourites.

City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Based on the first book in Cassandra Clare’s best-selling Mortal Instruments series, City of Bones depicts the story of young New Yorker Clary Fray. Clary has never thought of herself as anything other than normal, mundane, but Clary can see things no one else can see, a world hidden within her own - one full of demons, Downworlders, and the mysterious Shadowhunters. After finding demons in her apartment and her mother missing, Clary is pulled into a world she never knew existed, a world in which she has an important role to play.

City of Bones is a witty, fast-paced, action-packed urban fantasy perfect for 13+ readers.

Divergent by Veronica Roth

The people of the city that was once Chicago are divided strictly into 5 factions, with all those who fail to conform to the faction they choose being labelled factionless and left to live in poverty. This world is shrouded in secrecy and lies and 16-year-old Tris Prior has just learned she is an abnormality, a threat to the delicate society her elders have worked so hard to create. But now that world is falling apart and Tris must fight for survival.

Divergent and its sequel Insurgent are haunting visions of the future, filled with plot-lines of love and betrayal, bravery and survival. The third book in the series Allegiant is to be released later this year and while the movie may be a little far off, it promises to make its mark on the YA movie scene. The series is brilliantly written, with strong characters and an addictive quality that will have you up all night reading.

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

When Thomas wakes up in the Glade, he has no recollection of anything other than his name and the fact that the terrifying maze is hauntingly familiar. Taken in by the Gladers, he learns the mysterious stone maze also serves as a prison. None of the Gladers know why they are there, who sent them or what lies on the other side of the stone walls - but they do know they will risk everything to find out.

The Maze Runner is the first in its series, and it’s a thrilling, mysterious and nail-biting read. The movie has recently begun filming and is set to hit theatres in February next year.

Alex MacAffe is doing work experience with Readings.