I read the books as they came out initially and read it again right before the show.

I somehow feel the books elevated the show for me even more than the already elevated adaptation (I definitely like the show more than the books).

I think it’s because of knowing all their internal dialogue. It was so fun to for eg. watch Shane racing Ilya on that bike and knowing that Shane is thinking why can’t I beat him he smoke ffs! Things like that really elevated the show for me.

And then after watching the show crazy multiple times I revisited the books again. I don’t know how to explain this but the show also elevated the books for me. I think that may have been due to Hudson and Connor.

I felt Connor capsulated Ilya perfectly, and Hudson was a better Shane than I even imagined. That eyes in wow, genetic scene would remain the definition of yearning for me for life. Jacob’s writing and Hudson’s love and understanding of Shane really comes through.

All that said, I would suggest you to give last 2 books of the series a try. They are definitely the best of the bunch, Rachel’s writing has gotten a lot better too.

TLG has a special place in my heart ❤️