Long before Disney's monumental acquisition of Lucasfilm for a staggering four billion dollars, and even before the release of the first Star Wars movie, writers were expanding the universe far beyond what we saw on screen. The Star Wars Expanded Universe, now known as "Legends" since its decanonization in 2014 following Disney's purchase, still offers some of the richest storytelling in the franchise. Despite no longer being considered canon, these books continue to influence current Star Wars narratives, as seen with the live-action debut of Thrawn in the series "Ahsoka." If you're eager to dive into this vast realm of Star Wars fandom, we've curated a list of the best Star Wars Legends books to help you get started.
Which Star Wars Legends Books Should You Read First?
Navigating the extensive catalog of Legends books can feel daunting with hundreds of titles to choose from. To help you begin your journey, we've compiled a list of the most essential and engaging books. From the origins of the Expanded Universe to thrilling adventures featuring gory zombie stormtroopers and legendary escapes by Mandalorians, not to mention vibrant young adult stories centered around iconic Star Wars offspring, these selections offer a fun and immersive experience in the galaxy far, far away. You can easily find these books for purchase on Amazon, a convenient platform for buying books online.
Splinter of the Mind's Eye (1977)
Kindle Edition Splinter of the Mind's Eye
4$4.99 at Amazon
This book is a cornerstone of the Expanded Universe, alongside Marvel Comics and the beloved Star Wars newspaper strips. Written as potential material for a low-budget sequel to "A New Hope" in case the film didn't perform well enough for a high-budget follow-up, "Splinter of the Mind's Eye" never made it to the screen but became a pivotal part of the Legends universe. The story follows Luke and Leia on a mission to recruit planetary residents for the Rebellion, leading to an epic confrontation with Darth Vader and a memorable Leia/Vader fight scene. It also delves deeper into the lore of the Force and the cosmic powers within the Star Wars universe.
The Han Solo Adventures (1979)
Kindle Edition The Han Solo Adventures
4$8.99 at Amazon
This beloved trilogy compensates for the absence of Han Solo in "Splinter of the Mind's Eye" by focusing entirely on the roguish hero. The first book, "Han Solo at Stars' End," is the third Star Wars novel ever published, following Alan Dean Foster's adaptation of "Star Wars" and "Splinter of the Mind's Eye." Brian Daley's narrative takes Han and Chewie on a thrilling journey through the galaxy's criminal underworld, showcasing why this duo is so adored by fans. Subsequent books continue their adventures across the stars.
Heir to the Empire (1991)
Kindle Edition Heir to the Empire
6$3.99 at Amazon
When discussing influential Legends titles, the Thrawn trilogy often tops the list. Timothy Zahn's "Heir to the Empire," set five years after the Battle of Endor, introduces Grand Admiral Thrawn, a fan-favorite Chiss commander who later made his way into Star Wars canon via "The Clone Wars" and more recently, the live-action series "Ahsoka." This book reshaped the Star Wars universe both on and off the screen, making it a must-read for any fan.
Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)
Path of Destruction
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Another iconic trilogy, the Darth Bane series by Drew Karpyshyn, focuses on the titular Sith Lord and his impact on the galaxy. These books enrich the lore of the Sith while offering a compelling, dark narrative that stands well on its own for sci-fi enthusiasts. "Path of Destruction" provides a unique perspective from the Sith's point of view, exploring the origins of the Rule of Two and the rise of one of the most formidable Sith Lords in history.
Star Wars: Young Jedi Knights: Heirs of the Force (1995)
Paperback Heirs of the Force
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In the '90s, with no new Star Wars films, fans were treated to a wealth of Expanded Universe books, including this series featuring Jacen and Jaina Solo, the children of Han and Leia. Trained by Luke Skywalker at his Jedi Academy on Yavin 4, these young Force-sensitive characters lead a charming series that eventually sees Jacen turn to the dark side and become Darth Caedus. His journey notably influenced the character of Kylo Ren in the sequel trilogy.
Tales from Jabba's Palace (1995)
Kindle Edition Tales from Jabba's Palace
2$4.99 at Amazon
This collection of short stories is a cherished part of the Expanded Universe, especially for revealing Boba Fett's survival after the Sarlacc Pit. Although this was decanonized, it was later adapted in "The Book of Boba Fett." The book also offers a delightful array of quirky and fascinating alien-centric tales set in the galaxy far, far away.
Death Troopers (2009)
Kindle Edition Death Troopers
2$11.99 at Amazon
While not the most lore-heavy, "Death Troopers" is a standout horror story featuring zombie stormtroopers. Joe Schreiber brings the horror genre back to Star Wars for the first time since "Galaxy of Fear," delivering a chilling tale of an Imperial prison barge encountering a deserted Star Destroyer filled with undead threats.
Darth Plagueis (2012)
Kindle Edition Darth Plagueis
2$12.99 at Amazon
James Luceno's "Darth Plagueis" explores the dark tale of the infamous Sith Lord, known for his wisdom and ambition. This highly regarded Legends book details Plagueis's rise to power and his training of Darth Sidious, who would become Emperor Palpatine, in their quest to master the ultimate power, no matter the cost.
How Many Star Wars Legends Books Are There?
The Star Wars Legends universe encompasses nearly 400 books, along with numerous comics, games, and even films like "The Star Wars Holiday Special," "Star Wars: Droids," and "Ewoks: Caravan of Courage." Notable games include "Star Wars: The Force Unleashed," "Shadows of the Empire," which was part of a massive Expanded Universe crossover event, and "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic." This vast array of content spans from 1977, six months before the release of the first film, to 2014, covering almost forty years of the Expanded Universe.
Star Wars Legends vs. Canon
The "Legends" label encompasses what was once known as the Expanded Universe, which is no longer considered canon. However, elements from Legends often influence or are incorporated into the current canon, as seen with the canonization of "Heir to the Empire" and the character of Thrawn. While Legends books are not part of the official timeline, there are many contemporary canon novels that expand the galaxy and its lore, directly tied to the films. Examples include the High Republic series, which introduces a new era soon to be seen in live-action, and other canon books like "Leia" by Claudia Gray, E.K. Johnston's Padmé trilogy, "The Princess and the Scoundrel" by Beth Revis, "Last Shot" by Daniel José Older, and more.
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