Decades before Disney's landmark $4 billion acquisition of Lucasfilm, before the prequels, and even before the original Star Wars film, writers were already crafting a galaxy far, far wider than the silver screen could contain. The Star Wars Expanded Universe—now rebranded as "Legends"—pushed the boundaries of the saga with countless books, comics, and games. Though decanonized in 2014 following Disney's purchase, these stories remain some of the best Star Wars storytelling ever told, continuing to influence the current canon, as evidenced by Thrawn's recent live-action debut in Ahsoka. Ready to explore this rich tapestry of tales? Here's our curated list of essential Star Wars Legends books to get you started.
Which Star Wars Legends Books Should You Read First?
Navigating the hundreds of Legends titles can be daunting. This list highlights the most impactful and enjoyable starting points, spanning from the franchise's origins to thrilling adventures featuring beloved characters and introducing iconic villains. All these books are readily available on Amazon.
Splinter of the Mind's Eye (1977)
### Kindle Edition Splinter of the Mind's Eye
$4.99 at Amazon
This novel, alongside early Marvel comics and newspaper strips, ignited the Expanded Universe. Conceived as a potential low-budget sequel to A New Hope, it features Luke and Leia (no Han or Chewie, this time) rallying planetary support for the Rebellion, encountering Darth Vader in a thrilling duel, and expanding the lore of the Force.
The Han Solo Adventures (1979)
### Kindle Edition The Han Solo Adventures
$8.99 at Amazon
This beloved trilogy compensates for Han's absence in Splinter of the Mind's Eye, focusing on the roguish smuggler. Han Solo at Stars' End, the trilogy's opener, is the third Star Wars novel ever published, showcasing Han and Chewie's adventures through the galaxy's criminal underworld. The sequels continue their intergalactic escapades.
Heir to the Empire (1991)
### Kindle Edition Heir to the Empire
$3.99 at Amazon
Highly influential, Timothy Zahn's Thrawn trilogy begins here, five years after the Battle of Endor. It introduces Grand Admiral Thrawn, a powerful Chiss commander who became a fan favorite and later transitioned into Star Wars canon, appearing in Rebels and Ahsoka. This book significantly reshaped the Star Wars universe on and off-screen.
Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)
### Path of Destruction
$8.99 at Amazon
This iconic trilogy explores the infamous Darth Bane and his impact on the galaxy. Drew Karpyshyn's compelling narrative is both a valuable addition to Sith lore and a standalone dark sci-fi adventure. Path of Destruction offers a unique Sith perspective, detailing the origins of the Rule of Two and one of history's most formidable Sith Lords.
Star Wars: Young Jedi Knights: Heirs of the Force (1995)
### Paperback Heirs of the Force
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This series focuses on Jacen and Jaina Solo, children of Han and Leia, training at Luke Skywalker's Jedi Academy. Their adventures, spanning several books, significantly influenced the sequel trilogy's Kylo Ren, as Jacen's eventual fall to the dark side mirrors Kylo's journey.
Tales from Jabba's Palace (1995)
### Kindle Edition Tales from Jabba's Palace
$4.99 at Amazon
This collection of short stories is beloved for its revelation of Boba Fett's survival of the Sarlacc Pit—a moment later adapted into The Book of Boba Fett. It offers a diverse range of fun, strange, and captivating stories centered on the galaxy's alien inhabitants.
Death Troopers (2009)
### Kindle Edition Death Troopers
$11.99 at Amazon
This standalone horror novel features zombie Stormtroopers, offering a unique and thrilling take on the Star Wars universe. Joe Schreiber's chilling tale delivers a fresh perspective, blending horror elements into the familiar Star Wars setting.
Darth Plagueis (2012)
### Kindle Edition Darth Plagueis
$12.99 at Amazon
James Luceno's acclaimed novel tells the story of Darth Plagueis, the wise Sith Lord who trained Darth Sidious (Emperor Palpatine). It's a dark and gripping tale of ambition, power, and the dangers of the Sith.
How Many Star Wars Legends Books Are There?
The Legends universe encompasses nearly 400 books, along with numerous comics, games, and films, spanning almost four decades (1977-2014). This includes titles like The Star Wars Holiday Special, Star Wars: Droids, and games such as Star Wars: The Force Unleashed and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.
Star Wars Legends vs. Canon
Legends material is non-canon, but its influence on the current canon is undeniable. Elements from Legends books have inspired or directly influenced canon stories, demonstrating the enduring impact of these tales. While Legends books aren't officially canon, many contemporary canon novels enrich the Star Wars galaxy, such as the High Republic series.
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