Three Great Books that Would Make Great Movies: Sten, the Eye of the World, and Rainbow Six

At one time or another most of us have read books that we'd like to see made into movies. As a fantasy, science fiction, and spy novel buff, there are many books I've read that I'd like to see made into feature films or even a whole series of films. Here are my top three picks.

Sten, by Allan Cole and Chris Bunch.

This is the story of Sten, a boy forced to grow up when his forced-laborer parents are killed by a "cost-effective" decision by the Company. He lives on Vulcan, a huge space station that functions as factory and warehouse space with living space for the Migrant Workers, or Migs. Sten rebels against Company authority, and an eight book series of space battles and special forces/spy missions ensues. Special effects would be amazing for this movie.

Director: Paul Verhoeven. With Total Recall, RoboCop, and Starship Troopers under his belt, who else?

Sten: Chris Pine. The new Kirk would be the perfect blend of youth, toughness and gritty good looks.

Alex Kilgour: Gerard Butler. He'd have to put on some weight, but he would do nicely.

The Emperor: Christopher Lee. Nobody else has that creepy evil presence.

The Eye of the World, by Robert Jordan.

This epic story of The Wheel of Time begins here. Rand al' Thor, a simple farmer, barely an adult, is about to find out that the most evil force in creation is after him. It seems the famous and infamous Dragon is reborn, and Rand just might be him. There is a distinct Lord of the Rings feel to the story, but more complex and much darker.

Director: Peter Jackson. Lord of the Rings. Enough said.

Rand al'Thor: Orlando Bloom. The story transitions Rand from a boy to a powerful leader reborn. Bloom fits the bill all the way.

Moiraine Damodred: Eve Myles. Torchwood's Welsh goddess has the perfect temperament and looks to play the Aes Sedai.

Egwene al'Vere: Scarlett Johansson.

There would be an ensemble cast, so this is just a sample.

Rainbow Six, by Tom Clancy.

A masterful tale of an international anti-terrorist team called Rainbow. The name is derived from the team's international team members, led by American John Clark. Reaching "old" age for an "operator," Clark is becoming more a leader than a shooter, and just in time. The world is being plagued by a string of terrorist attacks, seemingly unrelated but actually funded by an ex-KGB agent. There is far more than meets the eye to the story, and the world may depend on Clark figuring it out.

In the current international climate, this is a slam dunk.

Director: Pierre Morel. The director of Taken has the perfect style for what would be an action heavy movie.

John Clark (Rainbow Six): Tom Selleck. Lately starring in the Jesse Stone movie adaptations of Robert B. Parker's books, Selleck is all rugged good looks and seasoned manner. Put him in a black assault suit with a machine gun and the package is complete.

This would also be a major ensemble cast with the team members to fill in, but first candidates might include Liam Neeson, Michael Clarke Duncan, and Vin Diesel.

The biggest downfall of making movies out of books is the adaptation stage, but each of these books has a story that could be trimmed without altering the plot and overall theme. Sten, The Eye of the World, and Rainbow Six would make excellent movies.

The Books:

Sten, by Allan Cole and Chris Bunch

The Eye of the World, by Robert Jordan

Rainbow Six, by Tom Clancy