As a rule of thumb, I don't seek out the novels. I did try the "season 8" novel versions but found them as unappealing as the comics. Some of the earlier ones can be good or entertaining, but at fanfic level (which can be better than the authors at times, just don't bet on it).
Briefly, one novel I'd recommend is this one:
One Thing or Your Mother is a Buffy the Vampire Slayer novel. It was written by Kirsten Beyer and originally published on March 3, 2008 by Simon Spotlight Entertainment. 1 Synopsis 2 Continuity 3 Appearances 3.1 Individuals 3.2 Organizations and titles 3.3 Locations 4 Behind the scenes 4.1...
buffy.fandom.com
Set near the end of season 2, this not only adds to the growing hatred Spike has of Angelus, but also goes into what the Mayor was doing in season 2 and his connection to Snyder. I thought it added to the end of season 2 really well (and were it to replace
Go Fish then I think that episode slot might be remembered more fondly).
And there is one comic that I think is true to the series that links season 5 to 6, and explains how Willow got the resurrection spell and Spike learned of where he could endure the trials (and added in other things like a brief meeting between the Buffybot and Dawn's principal, yet another reason to hurry and bring Buffy back). Note that this can be bought as multiple comics, or it can be bought in one book, as I did (with the same cover portrayed here):
"The Death of Buffy" is the thirteenth volume of Buffy the Vampire Slayer Classic trade paperbacks, collecting issues forty-three to forty-six of the comic book series, as well as the one-shot Lost and Found. 1 Synopsis 2 Stories 3 Appearances 4 Gallery Buffy is dead. Her friends are trying to...
buffy.fandom.com
