Action & Adventure

Animation

Comedy

Crime

Drama

Family

History

Kids

Mystery

Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Soap

War & Politics

Western

Dive into the gripping world of Sally Green's 'Half Bad,' the source of the captivating TV series. The novel immerses you in the intense life of Nathan, a young man caught between two warring factions of witches. With its powerful narrative and intricate character development, the book offers a deep exploration of identity, prejudice, and survival. 

Reading 'Half Bad' allows you to experience Nathan's journey through vivid descriptions and a richly detailed world that the TV series only begins to touch. Green's prose captures the raw emotions and inner turmoil of her characters, giving readers a more profound connection to their struggles and triumphs. If you're a fan of dark fantasy with complex characters, picking up this novel will provide an unforgettable reading experience that screen adaptations can't fully convey.

Caught between two warring clans, the son of a notorious witch responsible for a deadly massacre tries to find his place in the world — and his powers.

Half Bad

The Bastard Son & the Devil Himself

While the TV series 'Public Disorder' captivates with its visuals and plot twists, nothing compares to the immersive experience of reading the source novel. J.T. Harper's intricate prose allows readers to delve deeply into the psyche of its complex characters, uncovering their motivations and fears that drive them in a disordered society.

Reading 'Public Disorder' offers a rich tapestry of themes and subplots that get overshadowed by screen adaptation. Each page offers an opportunity to interpret the story in your own way, fostering a personal connection to the characters and the dystopian world they inhabit. Discover the layers of nuance and depth that make the novel an unforgettable journey—experiences best savored within the pages.

Following the fateful aftermath of a demonstration, tensions rise within a riot squad that struggles to separate work from personal life.

Public Disorder

Dive into the enchanting world of L. Frank Baum's "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz," a timeless classic that has captured the imaginations of readers for over a century. Unlike the TV series "Tin Man," Baum's original masterpiece transports you to the magical land of Oz with vivid descriptions and a rich narrative that explores themes of courage, friendship, and adventure in its purest form. Discover the original path Dorothy takes, accompanied by her iconic friends—the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion—as they journey to the Emerald City and beyond.

Reading Baum’s original work offers a deeper understanding of the cultural impact and literary significance of this fantastical world. The novel's charm lies in its simplicity and imaginative storytelling, creating a foundation for countless adaptations and reinterpretations. Experience the authentic magic of Oz that has inspired generations, providing an enriching and immersive reading experience that extends far beyond the screen. Embark on an adventure that remains as relevant and inspiring today as it was over a hundred years ago.

The miniseries is a continuation of the classic story The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, with science fiction and additional fantasy elements added. It focuses on the adventures of a small-town waitress named DG who is pulled into a magical realm called the O.Z., ruled by the tyrannical sorceress Azkadellia. Together with her companions Glitch, Raw, and Cain, DG journeys to uncover her lost memories, find her true parents, and foil Azkadellia's plot to trap the O.Z. in eternal darkness.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Tin Man

Dive into the magical world of Cressida Cowell's 'How to Train Your Dragon' series, where the unique relationship between Vikings and dragons unfolds with a depth and charm that simply can't be conveyed on screen. Cowell's storytelling is vibrant and immersive, drawing readers into a richly imagined universe where humor and heartwarming adventures meet thrilling escapades. Each character is brought to life with Cowell's detailed illustrations and thoughtful character development, presenting a world that is at once familiar and unique. Her depiction of Hiccup, Toothless, and their journey of friendship and bravery holds layers of meaning and emotion that reward readers with each page turn. 

By choosing to read the 'How to Train Your Dragon' books, you allow yourself to experience the original narrative tapestry and the underlying themes of bravery, leadership, and acceptance in its most intimate form. The books delve deeper into the struggles and triumphs of young Viking Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III as he navigates the challenges of growing up and becoming a hero in his own right. With Cowell's wit and wisdom, the beloved series provides more than just entertainment—it imparts valuable life lessons conveyed through the trials and triumphs of its beloved characters. Step away from the screen and into an adventure that stimulates the imagination and heart alike through the written word.

From the creators of "How to Train Your Dragon" comes a new series that takes Hiccup and Toothless to the edge of adventure.

How to Train Your Dragon

DreamWorks Dragons

For those who seek a deeper understanding and richer experience, delving into the "Fate/Zero" novels offers unparalleled insight into the intricate layers that the anime can only skim. With Gen Urobuchi and Kinoko Nasu's masterful storytelling, the novels immerse readers into the multi-dimensional minds of their protagonists, painting vivid backstories that fuel their motives in the epic Holy Grail War.

The novels provide a luxurious tapestry of narrative depth that enhances the moral complexities and philosophical questions posed by the characters' quests for power. By engaging with the source material, readers can explore the existential themes and character arcs in full, resonating on a personal level far beyond what the screen can offer. Choose the path less traveled—discover the profound universe of "Fate/Zero" in its original literary splendor.

In the Holy Grail War, seven magi chosen by the Holy Grail itself must summon seven Heroic Spirits to compete for the omnipotent Grail, a magical device that grants the victor any wish they desire. After three inconclusive wars, the fuse has now been lit once again for the fourth time.

Fate/Zero

Dive into the enchanting world of İpek Gökdel's novel "Karakalem ve Bir Delikanlının Tuhaf Hikayesi." This captivating story offers a richly detailed narrative that provides a more intimate look at the characters and their journeys than the TV series. Gökdel's narrative weaves together elements of Turkish folklore with contemporary issues, creating a unique tapestry of adventure and emotion.

Reading the novel allows you to immerse yourself fully in the vibrant culture and history of Istanbul, a city that serves as more than just a backdrop but an active participant in the story. Gökdel's engaging prose invites you to explore themes of destiny, courage, and identity in a way that only literature can. Experience the depth and nuance of this tale through the vivid descriptions and intricate plotting that make the novel a must-read for fans of dramatic and mystical storytelling.

The epic adventure of Hakan, a young shopkeeper whose modern world gets turned upside down when he learns he’s connected to a secret, ancient order, tasked with protecting Istanbul.

Karakalem ve Bir Delikanlının Tuhaf Hikayesi

The Protector

Immerse yourself in the original narrative of 'The Ipcress File' by Len Deighton, which masterfully captures the tension and complexity of Cold War espionage. The book transports you directly into the spy world with its sharp writing and vivid detail, offering an experience that television adaptations simply cannot match. Through its focused prose and atmospheric storytelling, the novel ensures a more personal and intermediate view into the life of an intelligence agent, providing depth and nuance to each character and situation.

Reading 'The Ipcress File' allows you the luxury of time and imagination to decode intricate plots at your own pace, something a TV series’ constraints can seldom afford. The characters, settings, and psychological depth unravel more intricately, offering the reader the autonomy to dwell on every intellectual revelation and subtle twist. Experience espionage through Deighton’s eyes, where every page turn is filled with edge-of-your-seat excitement and the thrill of espionage woven into every paragraph.

As the Cold War rages, ex-smuggler turned reluctant spy Harry Palmer finds himself at the centre of a dangerous undercover mission, on which he must use his links to find a missing British nuclear scientist.

The Ipcress File

Delve into the world of Mo Dao Zu Shi, a captivating novel that immerses readers into a universe of complex characters and rich lore. Unlike the series adaptation, the book offers a more nuanced exploration of the characters’ backstories and internal thoughts, providing a more intimate connection to their journeys. The original text captures the essence of the story’s intricate relationships, cultural intricacies, and the moral dilemmas faced by the protagonists. 

Reading the novel allows you to not only enjoy the narrative at your pace but also to appreciate the depth of world-building and character development that might be condensed or altered in the adaptation. Discover the layers of mystery, emotion, and philosophy deeply embedded within the pages, which offer a different perspective and often a more satisfying comprehension of the complex world created by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu.

Wei Wu Xian and Lan Wang Ji, two talented disciples of respected clans, meet during cultivation training and accidentally discover a secret carefully hidden for many years. Taking on the legacy of their ancestors, they decide to rid the world of the ominous threat.

Mo Dao Zu Shi

The Untamed

Dive into the classic world of mystery and adventure with The Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew novels. These timeless series provide a much richer and more detailed exploration of the teenage sleuths' escapades compared to the TV adaptation. The books allow you to experience the suspense and intrigue firsthand, developing a deeper connection with each of the daring detectives.

Unlike the constraints of television, the novels offer a wider range of cases and deeper character development. Whether you are accompanying the Hardy Boys on their latest adventure or unraveling a thrilling mystery with Nancy Drew, each page promises to ignite your imagination. Discover the origins of these beloved characters and enjoy an engaging storytelling style that has captivated readers for generations.

The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries is a television series which aired for three seasons on ABC. The series starred Parker Stevenson and Shaun Cassidy as amateur sleuth brothers Frank and Joe Hardy, respectively, and Pamela Sue Martin as girl detective Nancy Drew.

The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries was unusual in that it often dealt with the characters individually, in an almost anthological style. That is, some episodes featured only the Hardy Boys and others only Nancy Drew.

Nancy Drew series

The Hardy Boys series

The Hardy Boys / Nancy Drew Mysteries

Dive into the world of graphic novels and experience Gene Luen Yang’s groundbreaking 'American Born Chinese' in its original form. This highly acclaimed book weaves together three distinct stories, blending rich storytelling with stunning artwork to explore themes of identity, cultural heritage, and self-acceptance in a uniquely captivating way. The source material allows for a more intimate connection with the characters and delves deeply into their internal struggles, offering nuanced perspectives that may be overlooked in televised adaptations.

While the TV series provides a visual spectacle, the book's pages give readers the chance to appreciate the subtle artistry and the intricate narrative structure at their own pace. Each panel is meticulously crafted to bring out the emotions and complexities that define the characters’ journeys. By opting to read 'American Born Chinese,' audiences will gain a deeper appreciation for Yang’s storytelling brilliance and the cultural motifs interwoven throughout the novel. Embrace the opportunity to let your imagination paint the scenes and truthfully engage with a narrative that paved the way for Asian American representation in literature.

Average teenager Jin Wang juggles his high school social life with his immigrant home life. When he meets a new foreign student on the first day of the school year, even more worlds collide as Jin is unwittingly entangled in a battle of Chinese mythological gods.

American Born Chinese

Dive into the captivating world of 'Sacred Games,' a novel by Vikram Chandra that offers a rich, immersive experience beyond the confines of television. The book provides a deeper exploration of the characters, a more intricate plot, and an expansive portrayal of Mumbai's vibrant yet tumultuous life. Through Chandra's masterful storytelling, readers are introduced to a gripping narrative that interweaves the destinies of a Sikh police officer and a notorious gangster, revealing the complex social, political, and spiritual fabric of modern India.

Reading 'Sacred Games' invites you to engage with the text in a way the series cannot, allowing for a personal and imaginative encounter with its universe. The novel's nuances and depth are best appreciated by savoring its language, absorbing the layered narrative, and experiencing the introspective moments of its characters. The book challenges and rewards readers by offering a profound commentary on the human condition, all while delivering page-turning suspense and unforgettable drama.

A link in their pasts leads an honest cop to a fugitive gang boss, whose cryptic warning spurs the officer on a quest to save Mumbai from cataclysm.

Sacred Games

Delve into the rich tapestry of the American West with James A. Michener's 'Centennial', a masterpiece that offers far more depth than any screen adaptation could convey. Michener's narrative weaves intricate histories of Native American tribes, fur trappers, settlers, and more, bringing to life an era in vivid detail that visuals alone cannot capture. 

Each character in 'Centennial' is meticulously crafted, their stories spanning generations and revealing the complex interplay of culture, ambition, and survival. Michener’s prose is an invitation to immerse yourself in the rugged landscapes and dramatic historical shifts, allowing readers to not only witness history but truly understand the human spirit that navigated its challenges. The novel's grand scale and depth provide a rich, immersive experience that no television series can replicate.

The economic and cultural growth of town of Centennial, Colorado, through the intertwining lives of the brave men and women inhabiting it. Spanning two centuries from the settling of the area in the 1700s, to the late 1970s.

Centennial

Alexandre Dumas' novel 'The Count of Monte Cristo' offers readers an unparalleled journey into a world of meticulously crafted revenge and intricate plot twists that a television adaptation can scarcely capture. Delve into the depth of Edmond Dantès' transformation as Dumas' exquisite prose unfurls layers of character development, moral dilemmas, and richly detailed settings. 

In the book, Dumas exercises a masterful command of narrative and suspense that carries readers through every betrayal, revelation, and triumph. The nuanced exploration of justice and the human condition is something to experience firsthand. The novel's profound reflections on life, intertwined with its gripping adventure, offer a reading experience that resonates long after the last page is turned.

A TV mini-series adaptation of the classic Alexandre Dumas novel. Edmond Dantes is unjustly sent to prison for 18 years. He escapes to reclaim his fiancée Mercedes and revenge against his nemesis, Mondego.

The Count of Monte Cristo

Delve into the captivating world of Lewis Carroll's Wonderland through the original narratives, "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There." These seminal works offer a unique literary experience that is unmatched by television adaptations. Carroll's masterful use of language, wordplay, and symbolism creates an immersive journey that invites readers to explore the depths of logic, fantasy, and imagination.

Reading the books allows you to appreciate the nuanced characters and richly detailed landscapes as envisioned by Carroll himself. Each page reveals profound reflections packaged within delightful absurdity, allowing you to discover the layers of satire and wit that have fascinated readers for generations. Experience Wonderland in its purest form, where your imagination is the only limit, bringing the stories to life in a way no screen portrayal ever could. Enjoy the timeless allure and challenge your perspective as only literary classics can accomplish.

Sometimes she's too big. Or much too small. Sometimes things are backwards. And there's always too much pepper in the soup! Nothing is quite right since Alice chased a very unusual White Rabbit and stumbled into an adventure that grows curiouser and curiouser. One of the greatest childhood fantasies is captured in Irwin Allen's colorful production adapted from Lewis Carroll's "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland." Originally aired over two nights in 1985 on CBS.

Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Alice in Wonderland

Immerse yourself in the beautifully illustrated world of Dinotopia through James Gurney's enchanting books. Unlike the TV series, the novels offer a rich tapestry of lush landscapes and intricate characters, each page a stunning visual delight.

Engage in the original storytelling that captivated readers worldwide, with detailed art and imaginative narratives that invite you to explore the depths of Dinotopia's culture and history. Reading Gurney's works promises an unforgettable journey beyond mere visuals, into a realm where imagination runs wild.

After a plane crash, two opposing half-brothers find themselves on an amazing lost island where enlightened pacifist humans and intelligent talking dinosaurs have created a utopian medieval society. But imminent disaster approaches.

Categories

TV Series by Year

TV Series