Action & Adventure

Animation

Comedy

Crime

Drama

Family

History

Kids

Mystery

Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Soap

War & Politics

Western

Dive into the pages of Elle McNicoll's 'A Kind of Spark,' a novel that offers a deeply personal and insightful exploration of neurodiversity. Unlike the screen adaptation, the book immerses readers in the protagonist's inner world, providing a profound understanding of her challenges and triumphs. Through McNicoll's vivid and empathetic storytelling, readers gain a firsthand perspective of the struggles and victories of being neurodivergent, which are not fully captured onscreen.

In the novel, you'll find a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences that are portrayed with careful nuance, allowing for a more intimate connection with the characters. As you turn each page, you'll be transported into a world where every thought and feeling is painted with precision, revealing the vibrant, complex life of someone who sees the world differently. Choose to read the book to uncover layers of emotions and perspectives that transcend the visual storytelling of the series.

When she discovers a centuries-old mystery within her town, autistic teen Addie finds her voice and lets her light shine as she stands up for those who were persecuted for being different like her.

A Kind of Spark

Dive into the magical world of Desir Arman with 'A Returner's Magic Should Be Special,' a gripping fantasy novel written by Wookjakga and Usonan. This captivating series offers a depth of narrative that television adaptations can hardly match. The novel intricately weaves themes of time travel, magical warfare, and redemption, making it a true feast for your imagination.

While the TV series provides an engaging visual experience, the novel allows you to delve deeper into the characters' inner thoughts, their struggles, and their growth. The rich descriptions and detailed world-building transport you not just to scenes but into the very essence of the world. As you turn each page, you connect with Desir and his companions on a journey that is as much about human nature as it is about magical prowess. Experience the full breadth of this spectacular story in its original, unabridged form.

Another dimension that continues to taint our world, the Shadow World. Humanity is faced with the worst calamity, known as the Shadow Labyrinth. In spite of their desperate attacks, Desir Herrman and his friends lose their battle to the Destruction Dragon, Boromir Napolitan, and the world comes to an end. When Desir is convinced of his end, he opens his eyes... to find himself 13 years in the past. Desir has gone back in time to the enrollment ceremony of Hebrion Academy, the top school for mages in the Empire. To change the future of impending doom, Desir reassembles his friends once again to save the world!

A Returner's Magic Should Be Special

For fans of hard-hitting crime fiction, Ernest Tidyman's novel 'Shaft' offers a raw and unfiltered look into the life of John Shaft—a private detective with grit and style. The book dives deep into Shaft's character, showcasing his clever wit, unwavering determination, and the cultural backdrop of 1970s New York City in gripping detail. Readers will get a richer sense of Shaft's world, a world bustling with danger, intrigue, and complex characters that are sometimes softened or altered in television adaptations.

Tidyman's writing is sharp and evocative, pulling you into a narrative that’s as much about social commentary as it is about thrilling escapades. By choosing the novels over the series, you'll gain insight into the nuanced layers of the original character and the compelling scenarios Tidyman crafted that have captivated readers long before they were transformed into visual media. Delve into the heart of the original story and discover why John Shaft remains an iconic figure in crime literature.

Shaft is a series of TV movies that aired along with Hawkins during 1973-74 television season on The New CBS Tuesday Night Movies. The series was based on three films beginning with Shaft, and starring Richard Roundtree as private detective John Shaft.

Because it was aired on over-the-air television, CBS felt that the character needed to be toned down. Now instead of working against the police, he worked with them. The series rotated with Hawkins starring James Stewart as a country lawyer who investigates his cases, similarly to his earlier film Anatomy of a Murder. Contemporary analysts suggested that since the two shows appealed to vastly different audience bases, alternating them only served to confuse fans of both series, giving neither one the time to build up a large viewership.

Shaft

Dive into the gritty world crafted by Martina Cole in her bestselling novel 'The Runaway'. The book offers a depth of character development and rich storytelling that only a novel can provide. Martina Cole's intricate attention to the emotional and psychological journeys of her characters adds layers of complexity that offer readers a unique and immersive experience. 

While the TV series captures the drama and allure of the storyline, the novel allows for a more detailed and nuanced exploration of themes such as love, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of one's desires. Exploring the novel gives you a deeper connection with the characters and a more profound understanding of the stark realities and intricacies of their world. Experience the suspense and emotional depth that only Martina Cole can deliver in this riveting read.

Childhood friends Cathy Connor and Eamonn Docherty were brought up together in the heart of gangland East London. Separated by violent circumstances their lives take strikingly different directions until they meet again as adults.

The Runaway

Diving into the pages of 'Hot Skull' by Afşin Kum offers an immersive experience that allows you to explore the depth and intricacies of a world unraveling under a communication epidemic. Unlike the TV series, the novel delves deeper into the psyche of its characters and the subtleties of their interactions. The vivid descriptions and inner monologues create a rich tapestry that binds readers to the turbulent journeys of the protagonists, making the story not only an adventure but also a profound exploration of identity and truth.

When you read 'Hot Skull,' you're not just observing the events unfold; you become part of a living, breathing world detailed meticulously by Kum's prose. The novel provides a more personalized and vivid narrative, allowing readers to interpret and visualize the world in their minds, a liberty that's often restrained in visual media. For those who relish the slow unraveling of plot and character over a more extended period, the book provides a rewarding experience that stretches beyond the constraints of a screen, offering reflections and themes that linger long after the last page is turned.

In a world shaken by an epidemic of madness that spreads through speech, Murat is the only immune person. As he searches for the secret of his mysterious immunity, his “hot skull", he has to leave the safe zone and embark on an adventure within the ruins of Istanbul.

Hot Skull

The depth of the human emotion and ingenuity captured in the pages of 'The Splendid and the Vile Beauty' provides a captivating experience that transcends what the screen can offer. While the TV series 'Love Like the Galaxy' presents vivid visuals and engaging performances, it is the source novel by Guan Xin Ze Luan that truly immerses readers in the rich cultural tapestry and profound inner worlds of the characters.

Unlike the episodic constraints of a series, the novel allows for a deeper dive into the nuanced motivations and intricate relationships that define the story. The author's masterful storytelling weaves historical authenticity with imaginative flair, resulting in a narrative that not only entertains but also enriches one's understanding of the era and its people. By choosing the book, readers unlock a treasure trove of historical details and emotional resonances that the television adaptation can only hint at.

Cheng Shaoshang, left behind by her parents who went off to war, faces challenges from a scheming aunt and struggles with estrangement from her family. Lacking love and security, she is cautious in choosing a marriage partner and meets three suitors: Ling Buyi, the emperor's adopted son; Yuan Shen, a talented figure from Bailu Mountain; and Lou Yao, an aristocrat. Despite a rocky path to love, Shaoshang remains steadfast. Her involvement with Ling Buyi leads them into a mystery surrounding his family and identity and together they confront a national crisis, growing through their experiences and upholding their ideals.

The Splendid and the Vile Beauty

Love Like the Galaxy

Dive into the richly imaginative world of Mervyn Peake's Gormenghast novels, where the intricate details of Castle Gormenghast and its denizens unfurl in tantalizing slow detail. Peake's mesmerizing prose paints a vivid tapestry of life within the labyrinthine corridors of the castle, capturing the essence of its time-worn traditions and peculiar inhabitants. The books offer an immersive experience that goes beyond the visual spectacle of the TV adaptation, inviting readers to explore the psychological depths and intricate machinations that drive the saga.

Reading the Gormenghast series allows for a deeper appreciation of Peake’s unparalleled literary craftsmanship. His unique ability to blend the grotesque with the beautiful creates a haunting and unforgettable atmosphere, where every word is meticulously chosen to add layers of meaning and mood. The novels provide a profound exploration of themes such as power, identity, and destiny, making them a rich and rewarding journey for those who seek a more comprehensive understanding of the human condition amidst the surreal and the bizarre.

At the Castle of Gormenghast, the Groan family has ruled with dusty ceremony for more than seventy generations. A clever and ambitious new kitchen boy, Steerpike, begins to insinuate himself into the affections of Lady Fuchsia Groan and to murder his way to power.

Titus Groan

Gormenghast

Immerse yourself in the intricate world of 'Qing Yu Nian' by Mao Ni, where the prose vividly brings to life the tapestry of a time-travel journey. The novel masterfully combines elements of historical settings and speculative fantasy, allowing readers to explore the complex dynamics of power, emotions, and intrigue through the protagonist's eyes.

Mao Ni’s storytelling invites readers to engage with rich character development and an immersive plot that provides a deeper understanding of this intriguing world. With its detailed narrative and thought-provoking themes, the novel offers an expansive experience that enriches the mind far beyond what the TV series can achieve. Dive into these pages for a rewarding literary adventure that captures the imagination and unveils layers of plot through nuanced writing.

Zhang Qing, a present-day college student in culture and history major wants to study in professor Ye's postgraduate class, so he decides to write a historical fiction to elaborate his perspective of analyzing ancient literature history with modern concept. In the fiction, Zhang himself acts as a young man Fan Xian with mysterious life who lives in a remote seaside town of Kingdom Qing in his childhood, under the help of a mysterious mentor and a blindfolded watchman. Fan goes to the capital when he grows up, where he experiences plenty of ordeal and temper. Fan persists in adhering the rule of justice and goodness and lives his own glorious life.

Qing Yu Nian

Joy of Life

Reading 'The Count of Monte Cristo' offers a rich and immersive experience that no adaptation can fully capture. Alexandre Dumas weaves an intricately detailed narrative that delves deeply into the themes of vengeance, justice, mercy, and forgiveness. The novel's complex characters and their multifaceted motivations are explored in great depth, allowing readers to travel back to 19th-century France and experience the historical and cultural context firsthand. 

Furthermore, the literary journey through Dumas' work introduces the readers to the full scope of Edmond Dantès' transformation into the enigmatic and calculating Count. The original novel provides a sense of continuity and insight into Dantès' elaborate retribution that adaptations, due to time and format constraints, often cannot convey completely. By engaging with the text, readers have the opportunity to develop their interpretations and uncover the many layers of this timeless story.

In an elegant future Paris, a Count returns to wreak havoc on those that betrayed him.

The Count of Monte Cristo

Gankutsuou

Dive into 'Cathedral of the Sea' by Ildefonso Falcones, and immerse yourself in the captivating tale of medieval Barcelona, a city in the throes of transformation. Unlike the visual adaptation, the novel offers a richly detailed historical tapestry, where every page embellishes the intricate socio-political landscape of 14th-century Spain. Falcones masterfully interweaves the personal struggles of Arnau Estanyol, building both a literal and metaphorical cathedral around his experiences of love, loss, and ambition.

Through the written word, readers can unearth a depth of character and narrative complexity that is often constrained by on-screen time limits. The expansive world Falcones creates enables readers to engage with the profound themes of justice, faith, and courage at a deeper level. Armed with extensive historical knowledge and vivid prose, 'Cathedral of the Sea' invites you into a more intimate and nuanced experience, rewarding those who venture beyond the screen with insights and emotional resonance that linger long after the last page is turned.

In the 14th century, Barcelona is experiencing one of its most prosperous moments. The city has grown to La Ribera, a fishing district in which the largest Marian temple ever known is built: Santa María del Mar. But the construction runs parallel to Arnau Estanyol, a serf of the land who, fleeing the abuses of The feudal lords of the countryside take refuge in Barcelona.

Cathedral of the Sea

While the 1990 TV series 'The Phantom of the Opera' offers a visual representation of Gaston Leroux’s classic tale, there's nothing quite like immersing yourself in the original novel. Leroux’s storytelling is rich with gothic atmosphere, painting a picture of the dark and mysterious world lurking beneath the grandeur of the Paris Opera House. By reading the book, you get to explore the depths of its characters’ emotions and understand their motivations firsthand, allowing for a more intimate and personal connection to the story. 

Delve deeper into the psyche of the enigmatic Phantom, and uncover the complex layers of Christine's character as Leroux originally envisioned them. The novel weaves a spellbinding narrative filled with suspense and unexpected turns, providing a gripping experience that demands your imagination rather than allowing it to rest. Embrace the opportunity to explore Leroux’s masterpiece in its purest form and discover why this haunting story has stood the test of time and inspired so many adaptations.

Count de Chagnie has discovered Christine's singing talent on a market place and sent her to his friend Carriere, the director of the Parisian opera. However just when she arrives Carriere's dismissed. His arrogant successor refuses to let a woman of low birth sing in his opera, but graciously employs Christine as gadrobiere for his wife Charlotta, who's installed as first singer. He also fights the phantom, an unknown guy who lives since many years in the catacombs below the opera and was granted privileges by Carriere. However the phantom knows how to defend himself and at the same time helps Christine to her career.

The Phantom of the Opera is a 1990 NBC two-part drama television miniseries. It is adapted from Arthur Kopit's book for his then-unproduced stage musical Phantom, which is based loosely on Gaston Leroux's novel.

The Phantom of the Opera

Delve into the original novel 'The Poisonous Daughter' by Qin Jian to experience the story that inspired 'The Princess Weiyoung' television series. The book offers a deeper exploration into the intricacies of the Northern Wei Dynasty and the tumultuous journey of the protagonist. With richly detailed narrative and profound character development, readers are placed in the heart of political and personal vendettas that go beyond what can be conveyed on screen.

Unlike the television adaptation, the novel delves more thoroughly into the emotional and psychological facets of its characters, providing a comprehensive understanding of their motivations and actions. Qin Jian masterfully weaves a tale of resilience and cunning, illustrating the power of a determined spirit amidst the formidable societal constraints of ancient China. Embark on an immersive literary journey that is sure to captivate your imagination and offer insights that only the original written work can provide.

A princess descended from a ruined noble family disguises herself as the woman who saved her life and embarks on a mission to avenge her loved ones.

The Poisonous Daughter

The Princess Weiyoung

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of ancient China with Feng Xiao's 'Lotus House Mysteries'. While the TV series offers a visual feast, reading the original novels provides a deeper understanding of the characters' motivations and the intricate plots that weave together a world of mystery and martial arts. The layers of cultural context, detailed character backstories, and the author's unique storytelling style are elements that often get lost in translation to screen.

Additionally, the novels offer a more intimate and nuanced exploration of the era, enriching the reader's experience with historical facts and traditional philosophies interwoven with the narrative. As you turn the pages, you get to travel alongside the protagonists on their thrilling journeys, uncovering secrets and solving cases with a level of engagement that only the written word can provide. Dive into the books and discover the magic that fueled the making of the series.

Li Lian Hua is a countryside doctor who travels dragging around a lotus tower. He accidentally becomes "famous" and gets pulled into the pugilistic world that he no longer wants to have any connections with.

Lotus House Mysteries

Mysterious Lotus Casebook

Instead of watching the TV series Creature, delve into the timeless classic 'Frankenstein' by Mary Shelley. The novel offers a profound exploration of human ambition and the quest for knowledge, wrapped in a narrative rich with philosophical pondering and social commentary. You'll find yourself engrossed in Victor Frankenstein's life and the profound consequences of his scientific pursuit, capturing the haunting essence of his creation.

Reading 'Frankenstein' provides a deeply personal and immersive journey that allows you to engage with the text on an intimate level, offering insights into the human condition that visual adaptations often gloss over. The novel's rich language and complex emotions invite readers to reflect on themes of responsibility, guilt, and the potential perils of unchecked innovation. Discover the masterpiece that has inspired countless adaptations and consider the nuances that can only be captured by the written word.

When tragedy befalls a reckless scientist in Ottoman-era Istanbul, his student uses untested methods to finish his work — with devastating consequences.

Frankenstein

Creature

For anyone interested in embarking on a deeper, more intimate exploration of the narrative, reading 'Love for Lydia' by H. E. Bates offers an experience that the television adaptation can only hint at. The novel immerses readers in the nuances of 1920s provincial England, with prose that captures the cultural and societal atmosphere of the time. Bates's exquisite attention to detail provides insights into the characters' inner lives, allowing readers to fully understand their motivations and complexities. 

The novel's rich descriptions and evocative language paint picturesque scenes that television might abbreviate for the sake of time, but written words allow the imagination to flourish and dwell in the subtleties of the setting. The sense of place is tangible, making the local geography as much a part of the story as Lydia herself. Bates writes with an intimacy that lets readers ponder themes such as class and personal transformation at their own pace, something that a fast-paced TV adaptation can't fully convey.

Additionally, Bates's skillful storytelling and intricate character development provide a multi-layered exploration of love, friendship, and human frailty. Readers are invited to connect deeply with the characters' emotional journeys, appreciating moments of tenderness and tension with a depth that screen adaptations may often miss. By choosing the novel, one embraces a fuller understanding of Lydia's world, an experience replete with the textures and emotions of a story patiently unfolding page by page.

A story of the joy and sorrow of young love that recreates late 1920s and early 1930s England in exquisite detail, tracing heiress Lydia Aspen's evolution from bashful teen to wild jazz-age flapper.

Categories

TV Series by Year

TV Series