Action & Adventure

Animation

Comedy

Crime

Drama

Family

History

Kids

Mystery

Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Soap

War & Politics

Western

Delve into the intricate world of Westeros as envisioned by George R. R. Martin, where every page is laden with rich, immersive detail that surpasses the TV adaptation. In the A Song of Ice and Fire series, readers are treated to a treasure trove of inspiration, exploration, and vibrant storytelling that television can only partially capture. Martin's brilliant narrative intricately weaves the complex fabrics of power, mystery, and betrayal with unparalleled skill.

By choosing the novels, you have the opportunity to revel in the masterful prose, expansive lore, and unexpected twists that are not fully realized on screen. The series offers extensive insights into character motivations and provides deeper context, making each political maneuver and battle all the more impactful. Martin's world-building prowess presents a fantastical universe that is rich with history and culture, inviting readers to discover the story's roots and follow an absorbing journey at their own pace. Embark on this literary adventure to fully appreciate the depth and richness of this beloved epic saga.

Seven noble families fight for control of the mythical land of Westeros. Friction between the houses leads to full-scale war. All while a very ancient evil awakens in the farthest north. Amidst the war, a neglected military order of misfits, the Night's Watch, is all that stands between the realms of men and icy horrors beyond.

A Dance with Dragons

A Feast for Crows

A Storm of Swords

A Game of Thrones

A Clash of Kings

Game of Thrones

Embark on a captivating journey with L.J. Smith's 'The Secret Circle,' where the essence of witchcraft and friendship unfolds in an even deeper and richer narrative than its television adaptation. The novels offer a more nuanced exploration of the characters' inner thoughts and the intricate dynamics within their coven, providing a more immersive experience for readers who crave a fuller understanding of the bonds between these young witches.

While the TV series paints a visually intriguing picture, the source novels deliver more context and development, allowing readers to form a profound connection with the characters. The books delve into the complexities of Cassie's relationships, the challenges of embracing her destiny, and the vivid lore of the Circle. By reading L.J. Smith's original work, you'll uncover layers of storytelling that transcend the screen, stirring your imagination and drawing you into the enchanting, mysterious world of 'The Secret Circle.'

After her mother dies in a fire, Cassie Blake moves in with her grandmother in the small town of Chance Harbor, Washington. As she gets to know her high school classmates, strange and frightening things begin to happen. They are all descended from powerful witches, and they've been waiting for Cassie to join them and complete a new generation of the Secret Circle. What they don't yet know is that darker powers are at play and that Cassie's mother's death might not have been an accident.

The Secret Circle

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

Charles Dickens' 'Great Expectations' offers an unparalleled literary journey that delves deeply into the complexities of society and human nature. By immersing yourself in the novel, you gain access to Dickens' masterful prose, rich character development, and the intricate social commentary that has resonated for over a century. The book explores themes of ambition, love, and redemption, with a depth and nuance that only Dickens can provide.

Reading the novel provides a more personal connection to Pip's journey from innocence to experience, where readers can fully appreciate the inner thoughts and moral dilemmas of the characters. While the TV adaptation presents a visual representation of the story, the novel allows for an imaginative experience where Dickens' vivid descriptions and intricate plotlines come to life in your mind, making it a timeless classic that speaks to the heart and intellect alike.

The life of an orphan is changed by the providential intervention of a mysterious benefactor.

Great Expectations

Dive into the captivating world of the Chinese imperial court with Lilian Lee's 'Empresses in the Palace'. While the TV series provides a visual feast, the novel paints an even richer tapestry with its profound exploration of the characters' inner thoughts and intricate political maneuvers. Lee's skillful storytelling brings to life the power struggles and emotional depths that define the lives of the women who navigated the treacherous waters of the imperial harem.

Reading the novel offers a more intimate appreciation of the narrative's subtleties and the characters' motivations that the series might not fully capture. With every page, you're transported deeper into the opulent yet perilous world of Chinese aristocracy, where each decision can be a matter of life and death. For those who desire a more nuanced understanding of the historical and cultural contexts that shape this saga, the book is an invaluable companion that enriches the overall experience.

Zhen Huan, a 17-year-old innocent introduced into the imperial court as the latest concubine of Emperor Yong Zheng. Her dreams of a new life of love and prosperity are swiftly dashed as she enters a dog-eat-dog world of treachery and corruption.

Empresses in the Palace

Immerse yourself in the timeless pages of Herman Melville’s "Moby-Dick; or, The Whale," a masterpiece that offers a profound exploration of obsession, revenge, and humanity's struggle against nature. Reading the novel allows you to experience Melville's poetic language and deep philosophical reflections, which are often constrained by the limitations of visual adaptations. The book delves into the intricacies of human nature, illustrating perspectives not fully captured by the television adaptation.

By choosing the novel over the series, you engage with the richness of Melville's narrative and the complex symbolism that he weaves throughout the text. The novel's detailed depiction of Captain Ahab and the diverse crew of the Pequod provides a broader representation of 19th-century society and whaling life, enriching your understanding of the themes. While watching the series might provide dramatic visuals, reading the book allows your imagination to roam free, creating a personal and intimate journey with the indelible characters and epic sea voyage.

The sole survivor of a lost whaling ship relates the tale of his captain's self-destructive obsession to hunt the white whale, Moby Dick.

Moby-Dick; or, The Whale

Moby Dick

Stephen King's 'Bag of Bones' novel is a masterclass in intricate storytelling and deep character exploration. The book immerses readers in a hauntingly atmospheric narrative, where every page unravels layers of mystery and emotion. King's unerring ability to blend the supernatural with the profoundly human allows for a reading experience that's both chilling and deeply moving. Readers will find themselves captivated by the vivid descriptions of the eerie landscape and the intricate web of relationships that form the novel's heart.

While the TV series captures some of the book's essence, it can't quite match the depth of emotional nuance and backstory that King weaves into the novel. The inner thoughts and struggles of protagonist Mike Noonan are more richly explored in print, providing a fuller understanding of his grief and creative challenges. The richly painted characters and the unsettling, gradual build-up of suspense in the novel are best experienced in the original written form, where King's deft hand guides readers through every twist and turn. For those seeking a more complete and fulfilling narrative journey, the book 'Bag of Bones' offers an unparalleled dive into the haunting world that only King can create.

Bestselling novelist Mike Noonan, unable to cope after his wife's sudden death, returns to the couple's lakeside retreat in Maine, where he becomes involved in a custody battle between a young widow and her child's enormously wealthy grandfather. Mike inexplicably receives mysterious ghostly visitations, escalating nightmares and the realization that his late wife still has something to tell him.

Bag of Bones

Dive into the richly detailed world of Victorian London with Michel Faber's 'The Crimson Petal and the White.' While the TV series captures the essence of this era, the novel goes beyond with its immersive narrative and depth. By reading the book, you'll uncover layers of character development and plot intricacies that television cannot fully convey.

Books offer an unparalleled experience where your imagination can explore the vivid settings and intricate psyches of protagonists like Sugar and William Rackham. Michel Faber's novel provides a lens to see the stark social contrasts and moral complexities of the time, allowing readers to engage on a more personal level than any visual interpretation could provide. Surrender to the narrative's power, where each page immerses you further into a world of ambition, desire, and survival.

Follow Sugar into the underbelly of Victorian London seething with vitality, sexuality, ambition and emotion.

The Crimson Petal and the White

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

If you enjoy thrilling mysteries with a touch of Italian flair, try reading Michael Dibdin's Aurelio Zen novels, the inspiration for the 2011 TV series. Unlike the television adaptation, which condenses the complex tales into brief episodes, the books allow you to delve deeper into Zen's investigations and the vivid world he inhabits. 

The novels offer rich narratives and intricate plots that elegantly weave between the glamour and grittiness of Italian life. Dibdin's writing captures intricate details and presents a profound exploration of crime and justice, making each page a compelling journey. With nuanced character development and a strong sense of place, reading the entire Zen series ensures a more immersive and rewarding experience than the TV adaptation could provide.

Zen is a British television mini series produced by Left Bank Pictures for the BBC, co-produced with WGBH Boston for its Masterpiece anthology series, Mediaset and ZDF. It stars Rufus Sewell and Caterina Murino and is based on the Aurelio Zen detective novels by Michael Dibdin. The series was filmed on location in Italy, but the dialogue is in English. The series, which comprises three 90-minute films, was broadcast in the United Kingdom on Sunday evenings from 2 January 2011 on BBC One. The three films were based on the books Vendetta, Cabal and Ratking.

Ratking

Cabal

Vendetta

Immerse yourself in the timeless magic of L. Frank Baum's 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.' This enchanting novel, with its classic narrative and rich imagery, promises a journey far more vivid than any screen adaptation. In Baum's world, every page invites readers to explore the colorful landscapes of Oz and its peculiar inhabitants, fostering an imaginative experience that only the written word can provide.

While adaptations attempt to convey the essence of Baum's masterpiece, nothing quite captures the essence of the original as reading the books themselves. The books offer in-depth perspectives and backstories that are often glossed over in TV series. Delve into the original texts to truly appreciate the intricate details of Dorothy's journey, the splendor of the Emerald City, and the life lessons hidden within this beloved tale. The books provide an opportunity to see Oz through Baum's eyes, an experience as unique and personal as the reader's imagination.

The Witches of Oz follows the exploits of the grown Dorothy Gale, now a successful children's book author, as she moves from Kansas to present day New York City. Dorothy quickly learns that her popular books are based on repressed childhood memories, and that the wonders of Oz are very, very real. When the Wicked Witch of the West shows up in Times Square, Dorothy must find the inner courage to stop her.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

The Witches of Oz

D. H. Lawrence's novels 'Women in Love' and 'The Rainbow' offer readers a profound exploration of human relationships and emotions that goes beyond what any screen adaptation can convey. Through rich prose and intricate character development, Lawrence delves deeply into the complexities of love, ambition, and the quest for personal fulfillment.

By reading the novels, you will engage with Lawrence's original vision and language, experiencing the full depth and nuance of the characters' inner lives. The books provide a unique opportunity to understand the societal tensions and personal struggles of the early 20th century, presented with Lawrence's unparalleled insight. These novels invite readers to ponder the intricacies of human nature, making them a rewarding journey into literary art that the TV series only begins to touch upon.

Powerful adaptation of DH Lawrence's novels The Rainbow and Women in Love, focusing on the lives of two sisters as they struggle with love, passion and commitment in the build-up to WWI.

The Rainbow

Women in Love

Dive into the intricacies of Atsuko Asano's world with the 'No. 6' novels, where the narrative unfolds with greater depth and complexity than in its anime adaptation. The books provide elaborate backstories, nuanced character development, and profound philosophical themes that are often compressed or simplified on screen.

The novel series invites readers to truly immerse themselves in the dystopian setting of the City No. 6, exploring societal issues and personal dilemmas that resonate deeply. You’ll find yourself with a richer understanding of the motivations and transformations of characters like Shion and Nezumi, all while savoring Asano’s exquisite writing that paints a vivid and unsettling portrait of a controlled society.

In the near future, most of mankind now lives in a handful of city states. There, for the privileged elite, life should be perfect. But for young Sion, life has become a nightmare since letting a strange boy spend the night in his apartment. Banished to the outskirts of the city, Sion now finds himself in worse danger as his inquiry into a new series of mysterious deaths results in his being arrested on suspicion of murder! Now, on the run, the two young men have only one chance at survival.

No. 6

Delve into the enchanting and intricate world of 'Gosick,' a title that stands out not only as a gripping TV series but also as an evocative novel by Kazuki Sakuraba. The novel captivates with its rich narrative tapestry woven with mystery and suspense in a delightfully gothic style, complete with a beautifully imagined 1920s European setting and complex characters. Reading 'Gosick' allows you to explore the myriad layers and subtle details that are often left unexplored within the confines of a televised adaptation.

Engaging with the novel offers a profound literary experience, with Kazuki Sakuraba's artful prose inviting readers to immerse themselves more deeply in the story's world. The novel presents opportunities for introspection and a deeper connection to the protagonists' journey, their psychology, and relationships. This depth of character and narrative exploration provides a more rewarding and complete understanding of the tale, making the 'Gosick' novel a must-read for both fans of the series and avid readers of mystery and gothic fiction.

Set in a fictional European country in 1924, a Japanese exchange student meets a mysterious, brilliant girl who only leaves the library to sleep. Her brother, a detective, relies on her exceptional mind to solve difficult mysteries.

Categories

TV Series by Year

TV Series