I also really liked them, novellas included, except book 6. That one just didn't work for me (and apparently for quite a few people), and I ended up reading a summary.
Since books 7 to 9 aren't included in the show, they're worth reading just for the continuation and conclusion of the series.
Grandia series. I'm partial to the leveling systems but the battle system is fantastic. There's ATB, field movement, charged attacks/magic incantations that can be canceled, a light combo system. I just love it