Long before Disney acquired Lucasfilm for a staggering four billion dollars, and even before the release of the first Star Wars film, the imagination of writers expanded the Star Wars universe beyond the silver screen. The Star Wars Expanded Universe, later rebranded as "Legends" following Disney's 2014 acquisition, provided a rich tapestry of stories through books, comics, and games. Despite its decanonization, the Legends series remains a treasure trove of some of the finest Star Wars narratives, continuing to inspire the current canon, as seen with the introduction of Thrawn in the Ahsoka series. If you're eager to dive into this vast expanse of Star Wars lore, here's our curated list of the best Star Wars Legends books to get you 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 explore. To help you embark on this journey, we've compiled a list of essential and highly enjoyable books that serve as excellent starting points. From the inception of the Expanded Universe to thrilling tales of zombie stormtroopers and the adventures of iconic characters' descendants, these books offer a diverse and engaging experience within the Star Wars universe. Each of these titles is readily available for purchase on Amazon, making it convenient to begin your reading adventure.
Splinter of the Mind's Eye (1977)
Kindle Edition Splinter of the Mind's Eye
4$4.99 at Amazon
This book marks the genesis of the Expanded Universe, complementing the Marvel Comics and the beloved Star Wars newspaper strips. Written as a potential low-budget sequel to A New Hope, it became a cornerstone of the Legends universe. Follow Luke and Leia as they attempt to rally planetary support for the Rebellion, encountering Darth Vader along the way. The narrative not only features an epic Leia-Vader confrontation but also delves deeper into the lore of the Force and the cosmic elements of the Star Wars universe.
The Han Solo Adventures (1979)
Kindle Edition The Han Solo Adventures
4$8.99 at Amazon
This cherished trilogy compensates for Han Solo's absence in "Splinter of the Mind's Eye" by focusing entirely on the roguish hero. Starting with "Han Solo at Stars' End," the third Star Wars novel ever published, Brian Daley takes readers on a thrilling journey through the galaxy's criminal underworld. The subsequent books continue to explore Han and Chewie's intergalactic escapades, solidifying their status as fan favorites.
Heir to the Empire (1991)
Kindle Edition Heir to the Empire
6$3.99 at Amazon
As one of the most influential Legends titles, the Thrawn trilogy, beginning with "Heir to the Empire," is a must-read. Set five years after the Battle of Endor, Timothy Zahn introduces Grand Admiral Thrawn, a Chiss commander who becomes a fan favorite. Thrawn's transition from Legends to canon, first in "The Clone Wars" and later in "Ahsoka," underscores the lasting impact of this series on the Star Wars universe.
Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)
Path of Destruction
3$8.99 at Amazon
Drew Karpyshyn's Darth Bane trilogy offers a compelling look at the Sith Lord who reshaped the galaxy. "Path of Destruction" stands out for its unique perspective on the Sith, exploring the origins of the Rule of Two and the rise of one of the most feared Sith Lords. This series is not only a must-read for Star Wars enthusiasts but also a gripping sci-fi narrative for any reader.
Star Wars: Young Jedi Knights: Heirs of the Force (1995)
Paperback Heirs of the Force
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In the absence of new Star Wars films during the '90s, the Expanded Universe thrived, including this series featuring Han Solo and Princess Leia's children, Jacen and Jaina Solo. Set at Luke Skywalker's Jedi Academy on Yavin 4, this Young Readers series follows the Force-sensitive teens on their adventures, which later influence the character development 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 beloved short story collection is a staple of the Expanded Universe, notably for revealing Boba Fett's survival of the Sarlacc Pit. Although decanonized, this plot point was later adapted in "The Book of Boba Fett." The anthology also offers a delightful array of alien-centric tales, enriching the Star Wars universe with its quirky and engaging narratives.
Death Troopers (2009)
Kindle Edition Death Troopers
2$11.99 at Amazon
While not as lore-heavy, "Death Troopers" stands out as a thrilling horror story featuring zombie stormtroopers. Joe Schreiber's novel marks the return of horror to the Star Wars universe, delivering a chilling tale of an Imperial prison barge encountering a deserted Star Destroyer, only to unleash a terrifying outbreak.
Darth Plagueis (2012)
Kindle Edition Darth Plagueis
2$12.99 at Amazon
James Luceno's "Darth Plagueis" delves into the story of the infamous Sith Lord, exploring his rise to power and his training of Darth Sidious, who would become Emperor Palpatine. This dark and ambitious narrative is one of the most acclaimed contemporary Legends books, offering a deep dive into the Sith's violent world and their quest for ultimate power.
How many Star Wars Legends Books Are There?
The Star Wars Legends universe encompasses nearly 400 books, along with numerous comics, games, and films. This vast collection spans from 1977, just six months before the release of the first Star Wars film, to 2014, covering almost forty years of storytelling. Notable entries include "The Star Wars Holiday Special," "Star Wars: Droids," "Ewoks: Caravan of Courage," and games like "Star Wars: The Force Unleashed," "Shadows of the Empire," and "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic."
Star Wars Legends vs. Canon
The "Legends" label signifies content from the Expanded Universe that is no longer considered canon. However, elements from Legends have occasionally been integrated into the official canon, as seen with Thrawn's appearance in "Ahsoka." When a Legends book like "Heir to the Empire" is officially recognized by Lucasfilm, it transitions from Legends to canon status.
While Legends books are not part of the current canon, there are numerous contemporary canon novels that expand the Star Wars universe. Notable examples include the High Republic series, which introduces a new era soon to be featured 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, and "Last Shot" by Daniel José Older.
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