Romance. Now, this doesn't just mean love stories. In a broader sense, it can be used to describe a long - form fictional work, which is similar to a novel book. For example, some historical romances are actually full - length novels with a romantic element. However, it's not as commonly used as 'novel' in this context.
Storybook can be an alternative in a more general sense. Although it might seem more childish at first, if we consider that a novel is essentially a long story, then storybook can be thought of as another way to refer to a novel book, especially when we want to emphasize the story - telling aspect.
Romance can also be seen as another word for fiction. Fiction often includes elements of love and relationships, and romance novels are a big part of the fictional genre. So, in a way, romance can be used as a substitute for fiction, especially when the focus is on the relationship aspect of the story. It encompasses a wide range of stories from historical romances to contemporary love stories.
Literary work. Novels are a significant part of literary works. This term is a bit broader but can be used as another way to refer to a novel, highlighting its place in the realm of literature. Novels are often studied and analyzed as important literary works due to their complex characters, themes, and narrative structures.
Tale. It has a sense of a story being told, much like a novel. For example, 'The Canterbury Tales' is a collection of stories that could be considered as a group of mini - novels.
Repertory. While it is more often associated with things like a list of plays that a theater might perform, it can also be used in a more general sense to mean a collection. In the context of novels, we could think of a repertory of novels as a collection that might be used for study, reference, or enjoyment, although this usage is less common.
Sleuth story. A sleuth is another word for a detective, so a sleuth story is basically a detective novel. It emphasizes the role of the detective in the story who is on the hunt for clues and the truth behind a mystery or crime.
Narrative. It can be used to refer to a long story. For example, a historical narrative can be a very long and detailed account of historical events, just like a long story.
I think 'literary tales' can be considered as another expression for literary fiction. Literary fiction is known for its rich language, deep characters, and profound themes. 'Literary tales' implies fictional stories that are crafted with a certain level of literary sophistication, just like literary fiction. It gives the idea of stories that are not just for entertainment but also for intellectual and emotional exploration.