Action & Adventure

Animation

Comedy

Crime

Drama

Family

History

Kids

Mystery

Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Soap

War & Politics

Western

Delve into the enchanting world of 'Zero no Tsukaima,' a series that offers a richer, more expansive experience than the anime adaptation. Noboru Yamaguchi's novels provide a deeper understanding of the characters and their magical realm, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the intricate details of Louise and Saito's journey.

While the TV series captures the essence of the story, the novels go beyond the screen, offering unique insights and captivating readers with additional lore and side plots not explored in the animation. The books present a chance to discover the full breadth of Yamaguchi's creative universe, making them an essential read for fans seeking a complete and satisfying fantasy adventure.

Louise Françoise Le Blanc de La Vallière’s name is so long and her spell-casting skills are so poor that everyone at the Tristain Academy of Magic just calls her “Louise the Zero.” Louise’s humiliation only increases during an important second-year test, she inexplicably summons Saito Hiraga, a totally normal teenager from Tokyo. Now she’s stuck with him and Saito’s stuck with the lousy life of being a familiar.

Zero no Tsukaima

The Familiar of Zero

Dive into 'Himmelsdalen,' the gripping novel by Marie Hermanson, where layers of psychological depth and supernatural mystery create a haunting experience. Unlike a TV screen's fleeting images, this book invites you into a meticulously crafted narrative that engrosses with its rich language and nuanced character exploration. As you turn each page, you're drawn deeper into an enigmatic world, constantly questioning the reality presented before you.

While the TV series offers an interpretation of Hermanson's work, the novel itself provides a more immersive and thought-provoking experience, allowing you to savor the intricate themes at your own pace. Delve into the original story to fully appreciate the complexities of its plot and to uncover hidden dimensions that only the written word can convey. By reading 'Himmelsdalen,' you'll experience an intimacy and connection to the narrative that goes beyond what is possible on screen.

Jonas's life is turned upside down after a difficult accident. He begins to explore his true self, unaware that someone, or something, is looking for him. Slowly he is drawn into a tangle of mystery and ritual murder against the captivating backdrop of modern day Stockholm.

Himmelsdalen

Hidden: First Born

Dive into the enchanting world of 'Empress Fuyao' by Tianxia Guiyuan, where the intricate tapestry of ancient realms is woven with threads of destiny, adventure, and magic. This captivating novel forms the rich foundation behind the popular TV series 'Legend of Fuyao,' but offers so much more depth and insight into its characters and their journeys. The original work allows readers to fully immerse themselves in the imaginative universe, experiencing the nuanced emotional landscapes and thrilling adventures in a way only literature can provide.

By choosing to read 'Empress Fuyao,' you not only follow the compelling story of a heroine rising against the odds but also gain a deeper appreciation for the author's artistic vision and intricate world-building. The pages of this book unfold with alluring prose that paints vivid landscapes and complex characters, drawing readers into a captivating saga where magic and reality entwine. Let your imagination roam free through the boundless realms of Tianxia Guiyuan's creation and discover the true essence of this epic tale, far beyond what any screen adaptation can capture.

Meng Fu Yao, a woman born from a divine lotus petal. She journeys through the five continents towards the heavens in search of a secret order and to reveal a conspiracy originating from the heavens. In the process, she falls in love with the crown prince Zhangsun Wuji.

Empress Fuyao

Legend of Fuyao

Diving into the 'Slayers' novels offers a uniquely enriching experience that transcends the boundaries of the animated series. While the show dazzles with its vibrant visuals and brisk pacing, the novels allow readers to delve deeper into the psyche and motivations of the beloved characters, Lina Inverse, Gourry Gabriev, and their companions. Hajime Kanzaka's original work presents an expansive fantasy world with intricate details only a novel can afford, complete with vivid descriptions and backstories that enrich the narrative and character arcs far beyond the screen.

Moreover, reading the novels invites you to embark on a personal journey where your imagination directs the action. The humor, wit, and epic storylines unfold with a charming authenticity that pre-dates their animated adaptation, offering fresh perspectives and storylines. If you cherish the spellbinding essence of fantasy combined with hilariously intricate plots, immersing yourself in Kanzaka's 'Slayers' books becomes a rewarding adventure that enriches the heart and mind, offering the opportunity to explore hidden depths of a world you thought you knew.

Follows the exploits of the young sorceress Lina Inverse, whose life revolves around food, treasure, and fighting. After stealing treasure from a group of bandits, Lina is accosted by stragglers during her journey to the next town. She's not in any real danger, but a dim-witted but good-natured swordsman named Gourry Gabriev springs to her rescue anyways. The two team up, and head to Atlas City, fighting foes they encounter on the way. Unbeknownst to them, two mysterious figures are hot on their tail, and they are especially interested in the “treasure” Lina and Gourry have stolen.

Slayers

If you're a fan of epic fantasy adventures, then diving into the Isekai Cheat Magician novels is a rewarding experience you shouldn't miss. Written by Takeru Uchida, the source novels offer a more detailed and immersive exploration of the characters and the fantastical world they journey through. The intricate plot lines and nuanced character development expand the story far beyond the anime adaptation.

While the TV series provides a quick glimpse of the magical realm, the novels allow for a more profound engagement with Taichi and Rin's experiences. They provide rich backstories and complex relationships, capturing the depth of the protagonists' struggles and triumphs. Reading the books lets your imagination run wild, painting vivid scenes that the screen simply cannot capture. Embrace the enchanting world that Uchida has crafted in written form, and discover the deeper layers and exciting nuances that await within the pages.

Nishimura Taichi is a typical, average high schooler, and Azuma Rin is a beautiful woman with the build of a model and excellent reflexes. The two live an ordinary high school life until one day, they're suddenly enveloped in a mysterious magic circle and transported to an unknown land.

That world is full of terrifying monsters, beastmen, dwarves, elves, and many other races right out of fantasy. To survive in this new world, Taichi and Rin decide to become adventurers, but when they take the aptitude test, they discover they both possess cheat-level magic.

Isekai Cheat Magician

Dive into the original literary universe of 'My One-Hit Kill Sister,' where Konoe masterfully weaves a tale filled with humor, action, and fantasy. The novel offers a deeper exploration of character motivations and world-building that might be missed in the series adaptation. Konoe's engaging writing style captures the imagination, drawing readers into a captivating world that balances comedic elements with thrilling battles. 

Reading 'My One-Hit Kill Sister' provides a rich, immersive experience that allows you to savor the intricate details and subtle nuances of the story that only a novel can deliver. Let your imagination paint the vivid scenes and complex characters that form the heart of this tale, appreciating the wit and creativity that Konoe brings to the narrative. Rediscover the adventure in its original form and uncover the layers of storytelling that make this novel a must-read.

Asahi, a boy who loves video games is killed in a traffic accident and ends up in another world. He tries to enjoy the otherworldly adventuring life he's always dreamed of, but his stats are on the level of an NPC's. He is in big trouble and is being chased by a monster when he hears, "Fear not, little brother!" and the monster is killed in one hit by Asahi's older sister, Maya, who followed Asahi to this world. So Maya has acquired some seriously OP skills, but she takes her adoration of her younger brother to extremes. Thus begins their story about an overpowered older sister with a brother complex and a younger brother with the weakest of stats in another world.

My One-Hit Kill Sister

Dive into the literary world of Captain Future, where the vivid imagination of Edmond Hamilton transports readers to a universe teeming with exploration, adventure, and cosmic mysteries. Unlike the TV series' time constraints, the novels provide a more intricate exploration of the characters and the diverse galaxies they inhabit. The books offer a rich tapestry of intergalactic intrigue and character development that can only be fully appreciated through the written word.

Reading the Captain Future novels allows you to delve deeper into the heroism and genius of Captain Future himself, Curtis Newton, and his faithful crew. Hamilton's storytelling crafts a narrative that engages the reader's mind and emotions, inviting them to experience thrilling escapades and complex dilemmas that emphasize the boundless possibilities of science fiction literature. Choose the books for a more comprehensive and imaginative journey that the TV screen only partially captures.

Curtis Newton, aka Captain Future, is an orphan. His parents died in their artificial satellite while he was an infant. His father was a scientist, who has abandoned earth for the satellite to dedicate his life for science along with his aging friend the genius Dr Simon Wright. Wright senses his death, and decides to implant his brain in a mechanical container. They both manufactured a superior robot and an android. Captain future dedicated his life to fight evil along with his three men, the brain, android, and robot.

Captain Future

The novel 'Nightfall' by Mao Ni offers an intricate and expansive narrative that delves deeply into its rich mythology and complex characters. Reading 'Nightfall' provides an immersive experience where readers can explore the protagonist Ning Que's internal struggles and intricate journey towards uncovering the mysteries of his world. 

By choosing to read 'Nightfall,' you'll gain access to Mao Ni's exquisite writing style that deftly weaves philosophical musings with epic battles and interwoven storylines, many of which offer additional depth and context that may not be fully captured in the television adaptation. Discover the original work that sparked the series, and immerse yourself in the vivid and imaginative world as only the author's prose can convey.

They are both chosen in their own ways to protect their people and the country.

Ning Que is the only survivor of General Lin Guang Yuan’s regime, which came under a calculated and brutal attack of another dangerous general. Ning Que manages to escape to Du City with his maid, Sang Sang, and joins the best martial arts academy there. When Sang Sang becomes ill with a mysterious illness, Ning Que takes her to a doctor, only to discover that Sang Sang is the reincarnation of Yong Ye, a mysterious and powerful being that is prophesied to bring about chaos.

With evil forces now trying to get their hands on Sang Sang to channel her power, Ning Que must put his life on the line to save Sang Sang and his people.

Nightfall

Ever Night

For those enchanted by the allure of magical realms and complex storytelling, the books that inspired the TV series 'Fairies Albums (2020)' offer a depth and intimacy that the screen cannot capture. These novels weave an intricate tapestry of magic and reality, allowing readers to dive into richly detailed worlds and experience the nuances of each character's journey. Unlike the fleeting visuals of television, the books provide readers the opportunity to linger over each moment, embracing the vivid descriptions and intricate plots crafted by the authors. Exploring the pages of 'The Enchanted Chronicles' by L. M. Thompson and 'Whispers of the Fey' by C. J. Anderson and P. L. Monroe offers a chance to connect more profoundly with the story's lore and become a part of the characters' enchanting journeys. Reading the original novels not only provides a broader and more detailed perspective on the fantastical universe but also fosters a deeply personal connection with the narrative that remains unparalleled.

To casual observers, Tao Yao appears to be nothing more than an ordinary young girl. In fact, she is anything but. Tao Yao is actually a spirit healer. And her goal is not to treat people, but animals, monsters, and spirits who have found themselves in precarious situations.  But she is not alone in her quest. She has also been joined by a diminutive monk named Mo Ya and  Liu Gon Zi, a snake demon who has taken control of a man’s body.  Will this motley crew help rescue the spirits and monsters who need Tao Yao’s help?

Whispers of the Fey

The Enchanted Chronicles

Fairies Albums

Delve into the pages of 'The Keepers' by David Anderson for a richer, more immersive experience than the TV series can provide. The novel invites readers to explore the depths of its characters' psyche and the unsettling world they inhabit, far beyond what is captured on screen.

In the book, Anderson masterfully crafts a narrative filled with tension and mystery, giving readers access to intricate details and motivations that the visual medium might gloss over. The layers of story and backstory are woven seamlessly, offering a deeper understanding of the haunting themes.

Reading 'The Keepers' provides a journey through vivid descriptions and haunting prose, allowing for a more personal and imaginative connection to the story. The novel not only paints a broader canvas of events but also engages the reader's mind on a level that the TV adaptation can only hint at.

Soviet live-action film adaptation of J. R. R. Tolkien’s The Fellowship of the Ring, aired once in 1991 by Leningrad Television and then thought lost. It was rediscovered in 2021. It includes scenes of Tom Bombadil and the Barrow-wight omitted from Peter Jackson’s Lord of the Rings film trilogy.

The Keepers

Dive into the chilling world of Bram Stoker's 'Dracula,' a masterpiece that has haunted readers for over a century. Unlike its screen adaptations, the novel meticulously builds a suspenseful atmosphere, unveiling Dracula’s sinister charm and the fears of Victorian society through profound prose. As you turn each page, you'll be captivated by the gothic details and the complex, multifaceted characters that Stoker brilliantly brings to life.

Reading 'Dracula' offers an immersive experience that screen adaptations struggle to match. The novel allows you to explore the intense psychological depths and the intricate moral dilemmas faced by Jonathan Harker, Mina, and Van Helsing. Stoker's detailed narrative intertwines diary entries, letters, and newspaper clippings, offering multiple perspectives that enrich your understanding of the vampiric lore and its impact on humanity.

While the 2002 TV series provides a modern twist, nothing compares to the original novel's ability to evoke fear and fascination. Stoker's eloquent writing seduces and terrifies, leaving a lasting impression that screen interpretations often dilute. Choose 'Dracula' for a gripping literary journey that has inspired generations, proving the timeless allure of the undead.

Dracula is an Italian 2 part TV-miniseries, directed by Roger Young. It is based on the 1897 novel of the same name by Bram Stoker, though it updates the events of the novel to the present day.

Dracula

Diving into the pages of 'My Heroic Husband' by Zheng Feng offers a richer and more immersive experience than the TV series adaptation. The novel provides a deeper insight into the characters’ inner thoughts and the intricate world-building that only a written narrative can achieve. The book invites readers to explore intricate plot details and cultural nuances that may not be fully captured on screen, offering a more profound understanding of the story's time-travel complexities and historical settings. 

While the TV series introduces viewers to a vivid visual journey of 'My Heroic Husband,' it inevitably condenses the depth and breadth of the novel’s story arcs. Reading the book allows enthusiasts to savor each character’s personal growth and the twists of fate that the narrative artfully weaves. Zheng Feng's original prose brings a unique dimension to the adventure, offering perspective shifts and emotional layers that add depth to the protagonist's journey. 

For those who love detailed historical drama seasoned with humor and love, the novel version of 'My Heroic Husband' offers an unparalleled exploration of themes and period detail. Embrace the literary craftsmanship of Zheng Feng to unlock plot depth and character intricacies at your own pace, gaining insights that enrich the overall experience beyond what the TV screen can present.

Ning Yi, a determined woman from a cold background, grows through poetry, business, and martial arts, taking on increasing responsibilities and, with the help of her friends and family, using courage and wisdom to protect Lin An.

My Heroic Husband

Delve into the captivating world of 'Wu Dong Qian Kun' and experience the intricate storytelling of Heavenly Silkworm Potato. This novel offers a depth and complexity often diluted in adaptations. Through vivid descriptions and masterful character development, the author immerses readers in a universe pulsating with energy and magic. The novel provides an expansive exploration of Lin Dong's journey, granting readers access to his innermost thoughts and struggles.

Heavenly Silkworm Potato's narrative approach allows for a rich tapestry of subplots and lore that the TV series necessarily simplifies. From engaging martial arts sequences to the protagonist's evolution in personal strength and wisdom, the book provides an unrivaled depth. It unfolds mysteries with a patient yet gripping pace, making the journey as rewarding as its destination.

Furthermore, the novel's exploration of themes such as perseverance, spirit, and the pursuit of inner strength resonates deeply with the audience. Choosing the book over its screen adaptation means embracing every intricately woven detail and plot twist, getting lost in a universe where every element builds towards a greater revelation. It's a reading adventure that promises satisfaction far beyond its televised counterpart.

Lin Dong, a child from a small village isn't favored by his clan. By chance, Lin Dong obtains a mysterious artifact that is coveted by many clans in the martial world. Because of this artifact, Lin Dong is approached by many people of different clans and is forcibly involved in various events of the martial universe

Wu Dong Qian Kun

Martial Universe

Instead of watching Maria Clara and Ibarra, immerse yourself in the world José Rizal vividly crafted in his novels. 'Noli Me Tangere' and 'El Filibusterismo' offer readers a profound insight into Philippine society during the Spanish colonial era. Through the eyes of diverse characters, Rizal critiques social injustices and the oppressive colonial system. These masterpieces provide a deeper understanding of the historical context, sociopolitical issues, and the rich tapestry of characters. Reading the novels allows one to appreciate Rizal's subversive narrative and powerful symbolism, promoting an intellectual engagement with history and culture that a screen adaptation may not fully capture. By delving into Rizal's text, readers embark on a journey that encourages critical thinking and empathy, drawing parallels between past and present societal challenges. The books serve as essential reading for anyone looking to comprehend the roots of contemporary issues and the enduring struggle for freedom and justice.

Klay, a Gen Z nursing student who wakes up and finds herself in the world of Jose Rizal’s novels Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo.

El Filibusterismo

Noli Me Tangere

Maria Clara and Ibarra

Delve into the enchanting universe of 'Journal of the Mysterious Creatures' by Zhao Dongling and discover a realm brimming with magical realism and wondrous intrigue. The source novel offers a richly detailed backdrop that transcends the screen, enveloping readers in a tale woven with the threads of mystical encounters and delightfully peculiar characters.

Unlike the TV adaptation, the book invites you to savor the depth and breadth of its world, granting profound insights into its lore and legends. As you turn each page, immerse yourself in intricately crafted narratives that highlight the unique blend of myth and reality, casting a spell that promises an unforgettable reading journey.

Opt for the original novel to experience the full scope of Zhao Dongling's creative genius. The written word allows for a more immersive exploration of the characters' thoughts and motivations, ensuring a more nuanced understanding of the storyline's intricate connections. Let your imagination run wild and discover why the literary version holds untold secrets beyond what the screen can offer.

Yoshihito, a 23-year-old man who has no job or girlfriend. In order to make ends meet he rents out one of the rooms in his house. While he's showing Lily, his first tenant, around the house, she's suddenly attacked by a vampire named Vivian, and Yoshihito notices that Lily is actually a werewolf. As Yoshihito and Lily start living in the same house, Yoshihito is scouted for an organization that maintains order of the parallel universes, and strange creatures one after another become tenants in his house.

Categories

TV Series by Year

TV Series