Action & Adventure

Animation

Comedy

Crime

Drama

Family

History

Kids

Mystery

Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Soap

War & Politics

Western

Reading Frederick Forsyth's 'The Day of the Jackal' is to embark on a journey through a taut, expertly crafted thriller that has stood the test of time. The book dives deeply into the world of political intrigue and assassination with a precision that only a master storyteller like Forsyth can offer.

The novel's detailed narrative provides insights into the mind of the anonymous assassin known as 'The Jackal' and the meticulous planning involved in his operations. Through Forsyth's vivid descriptions and keen attention to historical context, readers gain an understanding of the motivations and pressures of each character, making every twist and turn even more captivating.

While the TV series adapts this thrilling story for the screen, there is an irreplaceable intimacy in the pages of the book. Forsyth's narrative invites readers to imagine the world in their own vivid detail, creating a personal and engaging experience that only the written word can truly provide. To truly appreciate the intricacy and suspense of the story, indulging in the book is essential.

An unrivalled and highly elusive lone assassin, the Jackal, makes his living carrying out hits for the highest fee. But following his latest kill, he meets his match in a tenacious British intelligence officer who starts to track down the Jackal in a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase across Europe, leaving destruction in its wake.

The Day of the Jackal

If you're captivated by the world of 'Solo Leveling,' diving into the original novel by Chugong is an adventure not to be missed. The novel offers a depth and intricacy in storytelling that can only be encapsulated through the written word. It delves into the protagonist’s psyche with a finesse that exceeds the limitations of visual media. You'll gain unparalleled insight into the evolution of Sung Jin-Woo as he transforms from the weakest hunter to one of incredible power, tracing his journey from human to almost god-like. 

Moreover, for fantasy enthusiasts, the book offers a richly woven tapestry of themes and narratives that promise a more detailed exploration of characters, motivations, and the mysterious world that envelopes them. The source novel is rife with suspense, unexpected plot twists, and deeply satisfying arcs that are sometimes condensed or altered in adaptations. Engaging directly with Chugong's prose allows you to experience the original emotion, pacing, and grandeur of the story, providing a fully immersive escape into this enthralling universe.

They say whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, but that’s not the case for the world’s weakest hunter Sung Jinwoo. After being brutally slaughtered by monsters in a high-ranking dungeon, Jinwoo came back with the System, a program only he could see, that’s leveling him up in every way. Now, he’s inspired to discover the secrets behind his powers and the dungeon that spawned them.

Solo Leveling

Dive into the spectacular world of James Clavell's 'Shōgun,' where the intricate tapestry of 17th-century Japan is unfurled with breathtaking detail and masterful storytelling. Unlike the confines of a television adaptation, Clavell's novel allows readers to truly immerse themselves in the period's political intrigue, cultural exchanges, and the clash of civilizations. Experience the depth of character and the sweeping narrative that the source material offers, providing profound insights into the era's complexities and human emotions.

By choosing the novel over the TV series, you embark on a journey led by Clavell's vivid prose and historical expertise, which paints an expansive landscape of samurai tradition juxtaposed with the arrival of European influence. Allow yourself to become part of this enthralling saga where each page turns with suspense and discovery, offering a richness of context and perspective that can only be fully appreciated through the written word. 'Shōgun' the novel is not just a story; it's an adventure into the heart and soul of Japan's storied past.

In Japan in the year 1600, at the dawn of a century-defining civil war, Lord Yoshii Toranaga is fighting for his life as his enemies on the Council of Regents unite against him, when a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village.

Shōgun

While television adaptations can offer stunning visuals and engaging performances, the true essence of 'Dune' is best experienced through the pages of Frank Herbert's groundbreaking novel. The book delves deeply into the complex political and ecological systems of the desert planet Arrakis, exploring themes of power, religion, and human potential with a nuance that is often lost in visual mediums. In reading 'Dune,' one embarks on a profound journey through the mindscapes of its richly developed characters, encountering a depth of introspection and philosophical inquiry that can be only partially captured on screen.

Additionally, Herbert's masterful prose weaves a tapestry of imagination that transcends the narrative constraints of television, inviting readers to picture their own visions of sandworms underneath the vast ochre sky and the tense corridors of political manipulation in a distant future. His deft storytelling ability transports readers into a universe that feels both alien and tangibly real, offering an experience that lingers in one's thoughts long after the final page is turned. The complexity and intricacy of 'Dune' provide layers of meaning and insight that warrant multiple readings, each uncovering new truths and perspectives.

Ten thousand years before the ascension of Paul Atreides, sisters Valya and Tula Harkonnen establish the fabled sect and female order that would become known as the Bene Gesserit to control the future of humankind.

Dune

Dune: Prophecy

Dive into the rich world of Elin Hilderbrand's 'The Perfect Couple' with a reading experience that only the written word can provide. The novel intricately weaves together a tapestry of mystery and complex relationships, urging readers to delve deeper than what a screen can offer. Explore each character's motivations, thoughts, and emotions with the intimacy that only a book can encompass.

As you turn the pages of Hilderbrand’s novel, you’ll encounter elaborate details and subplots that might not make it into the TV adaptation. Immerse yourself in the lush settings of Nantucket Island, feel the tension grip tighter with every chapter, and relish the satisfaction of piecing together the mystery yourself. Choose the book over the series for a truly enriching journey through the lives and secrets of a seemingly 'perfect' couple.

Amelia is about to marry into one of the wealthiest families on Nantucket, until a shocking death derails the wedding — and turns everyone into a suspect.

The Perfect Couple

Discover the captivating world of 'Dark Matter' by Blake Crouch, where science fiction meets thrilling suspense in an exhilarating journey across parallel universes. The novel intricately weaves a narrative that challenges reality, and invites readers to ponder the course of their lives, their choices, and the infinite possibilities within the multiverse. Without the constraints of television adaptation, Crouch's prose immerses the reader in vivid detail and emotional depth, creating a unique experience that engages the mind and excites the imagination.

Reading the novel offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the fullness of Crouch’s world-building and character development, allowing for a deeper connection with the story. The complexity and nuance of the written word bring to life the inner turmoil and existential questions faced by the protagonist, all while maintaining an intense pace that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end. Choose the novel to truly appreciate the rich texture and philosophical undertones of this gripping science fiction masterpiece.

Jason Dessen is abducted into an alternate version of his life. To get back to his true family, he embarks on a harrowing journey to save them from the most terrifying foe imaginable: himself.

Dark Matter

Immerse yourself in the extraordinary world of Liu Cixin’s 'The Three-Body Problem' series, where each page offers a journey through the cosmos that's filled with complex theories and philosophical musings on humanity's place in the universe. The novels provide a gripping exploration of how humanity might respond to the discovery of alien civilizations, unraveling layers of science and emotion that are difficult to capture on screen. 

Reading the source material allows for a deeper intellectual engagement and offers the chance to savor Liu’s detailed and rich storytelling. The books invite reflection on the choices and consequences faced by humanity in the face of the unknown as they interweave intricate scientific ideas with profound philosophical questions. By diving into Liu Cixin's original language and narrative, readers can appreciate the nuances and depth of this epic saga far beyond what a television adaptation can convey.

Across continents and decades, five brilliant friends make earth-shattering discoveries as the laws of science unravel and an existential threat emerges.

The Three-Body Problem

Death's End

The Dark Forest

3 Body Problem

Dive into the captivating world of 'One Day' by David Nicholls, where the intricacies of love and friendship are beautifully entwined over decades. The novel offers a profound exploration of life's pivotal moments that can transform our trajectories. Through its immersive narrative style and richly developed characters, readers are invited to experience a more intimate and reflective journey that the screen adaptation only begins to capture.

By choosing to read the novel, you will uncover layers of emotional depth and narrative subtleties that may be condensed or altered for television. 'One Day' in book form allows you to savor each moment, lending authenticity and nuance to Em and Dex's story. It's an invitation to not only witness events but to feel and understand them in a deeply personal way, offering an experience that can resonate long after the last page is turned.

After spending graduation night together, Emma and Dexter go their separate ways — but their lives remain intertwined.

One Day

Immerse yourself in the richly detailed world of George R. Stewart's 'Earth Abides', where the quiet aftermath of a global catastrophe serves as the backdrop for an intimate exploration of human nature and survival. Unlike the adaptation, the novel dives deep into philosophical musings on the fate of civilization, with Stewart's evocative prose offering a hauntingly beautiful reflection on life and the persistence of nature.

While the TV series provides a visual representation, the book invites you to live alongside the protagonist, Ish, as he navigates the challenges of a world transformed. Stewart's masterful storytelling highlights the contrasts between fleeting societal constructs and the enduring power of the earth itself. Engage with the book to experience its profound insights and timeless questions that resonate profoundly in today's world.

When a plague of unprecedented virulence sweeps the globe, the human race is all but wiped out. In the aftermath, as the great machine of civilization slowly and inexorably breaks down, only a few shattered survivors remain to struggle against the slide into extinction.

Earth Abides

Dive into the original source material to fully appreciate the depth and complexity of the world that James Patterson has created. In the novel 'Cross', readers are invited to experience a riveting journey through the mind of detective Alex Cross, whose dynamic and multidimensional character is best explored through Patterson’s vivid prose and intricate storytelling.

While the TV adaptation may offer a visual representation of the thrilling narrative, the book provides an unmatched level of detail and psychological depth, enhancing your comprehension of the characters’ motives and internal struggles. By choosing to read 'Cross', you will engage with the suspenseful narrative in a way that allows for a deeper connection with the narrative and its intricate themes, capturing every subtle nuance the series creatively builds upon. Embrace Patterson's literary craftsmanship for a comprehensive and immersive experience beyond the screen.

Alex Cross is a brilliant but flawed homicide detective and full of contradictions. A doting father and family man, Cross is single-minded to the point of obsession when he hunts killers. He is desperate for love, but his wife’s murder has left him too damaged to receive it.

Cross

Dive into the captivating world of Jilly Cooper's 'Rivals' to experience the story as it was originally intended. The novel offers a richly detailed narrative that delves deeper into the motives and emotions of its characters, allowing readers to form a more profound connection with them.

While the TV series may capture the essence of 'Rivals,' nothing compares to the intricacy and depth of the original book. Reading 'Rivals' transports you directly into the vibrant lives of each character, offering a more intimate and immersive experience that only the written word can provide. Discover the nuances of each rivalry and relationship in a way only the novel can convey.

It is 1986 and Britain is booming. "Rivals" dives headfirst into the cutthroat world of TV where hair-dos are big and ambitions are even bigger. Deals are brokered in boardrooms, as well as bedrooms. Nobody can be sure who will come out on top. With every man and woman out only for themselves, can true love really blossom?

Rivals

Immersing yourself in the pages of Gabriel García Márquez's 'One Hundred Years of Solitude' offers an unparalleled literary experience. The novel's intricate narrative and rich tapestry of themes invite readers into a world where the extraordinary coexists with the mundane, and the passage of time is as fluid as the story itself. Turning each page is like peeling away layers of history and humanity, where Márquez masterfully captures the essence of life in Macondo, making you feel as though you are a part of this mythical place.

Moreover, reading Márquez's novel allows you to fully appreciate the stylistic beauty and depth that can be lost in a visual adaptation. His meticulous attention to detail and the lyrical quality of his prose bring to life the Buendía family's saga in a way that resonates deeply with one's imagination. The novel is a meditation on love, loss, and the cyclical nature of human existence, rendering it a timeless tale that rewards readers with profound insights and a sense of wonder that truly stands the test of time.

In the mythical town Macondo, seven generations of the Buendía family navigate love, oblivion and the inescapability of their past — and their fate.

One Hundred Years of Solitude

Delve into the intricacies of Tom Ripley's world in Patricia Highsmith's renowned novels, where psychological depth and suspenseful tension intertwine to craft a masterful narrative that television adaptations might never fully capture. Through Highsmith's unmistakable prose, readers are invited to explore the morally ambiguous and mesmerizing psyche of Ripley—a multifaceted character who is as cunning as he is charming.

The novels offer a rich tapestry of psychological insights and powerful storytelling that invites you to ponder the nature of identity and morality. Highsmith's nuanced writing draws you into the labyrinthine mind of one of literature's most intriguing anti-heroes, inviting readers to not only witness his actions but also understand his motivations from the inside out. Rather than experiencing Ripley's adventures through the lens of a screen, engage with the original texts to enjoy layers of tension and detail that only Highsmith's sophisticated narration can provide.

A grifter in 1960s New York is hired to convince a wealthy man's son to return home from Italy and begins a life of deceit, fraud and murder.

The Talented Mr. Ripley

Ripley Under Ground

The Boy Who Followed Ripley

Ripley's Game

Ripley Under Water

RIPLEY

Delve into the intricate world crafted by Tom Wolfe in his compelling novel, 'A Man in Full.' Delivered with the sharp prose and keen insight that Wolfe is known for, the book offers a rich, expansive narrative focusing on the lives and ambitions in a bustling Atlanta. Unlike the condensed retelling of the TV series, the novel provides a detailed exploration of the characters' psyches and motives, immersing you in a world full of vibrant details and social commentary.

Reading 'A Man in Full' not only allows you to enjoy Wolfe's masterful storytelling but also provides a deeper understanding of the societal intricacies and personal dilemmas that are often glossed over on screen. The book's dynamic characters, from real estate mogul Charlie Croker to young paralegal Conrad Hensley, weave a compelling tapestry of resilience, identity, and the American Dream. Discovering the story through Wolfe’s eyes offers a rich experience, as his deft ability to capture the essence of contemporary society brings layers of depth and nuance that are essential for truly appreciating the narrative.

Facing relentless foes and sudden bankruptcy, an Atlanta real estate tycoon must claw his way back to the top when his empire begins to crumble.

A Man in Full

Dive into the original brilliance of Charles Yu's 'Interior Chinatown,' where the written word allows you to deeply explore themes of identity, race, and assimilation with nuances that a visual medium might only skim. This sharp, inventive work invites readers to unravel the layers of complexity in storytelling structure and character development, employing a screenplay-like format that uniquely enhances the narrative’s engagement.

Within the pages of Yu's novel, you'll achieve a closer intimacy with the protagonist's thoughts and the poignant satire on the pursuit of the American dream. The book's clever use of metafiction not only draws readers into Willis Wu's world but also compels them to confront the real-world impact of cultural stereotypes. Don't miss the richness that the author’s words afford—experience 'Interior Chinatown' as it was first conceived, and bask in the full breadth of creativity and commentary.

Willis Wu, a background character trapped in a police procedural, tries to find his way into the larger story–and along the way discovers secrets about the strange world he inhabits and his family's buried history.

Categories

TV Series by Year

TV Series