Decades before Disney's monumental four-billion-dollar acquisition of Lucasfilm, before the prequels, and even before the original Star Wars film, writers were already expanding the galaxy far, far away. The Star Wars Expanded Universe, later rebranded "Legends" after the Disney buyout in 2014, pushed the boundaries of the franchise through countless books, comics, and games. Despite its decanonization, Legends remains a treasure trove of compelling stories, influencing current Star Wars canon, as seen with Thrawn's recent live-action debut in Ahsoka. Ready to explore this rich tapestry of storytelling? Here's a curated list of essential Star Wars Legends books to get you started.
Which Star Wars Legends Books Should You Read First?
Navigating the vast landscape of Legends can be daunting, with hundreds of titles to choose from. This list highlights the best and most influential books, offering a perfect launchpad for your Legends journey. From the origins of the Expanded Universe and the franchise itself, to zombie stormtroopers and the vibrant adventures of iconic Star Wars offspring, this selection offers some of the most exciting and memorable stories in the galaxy far, far away. 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. Initially conceived as a potential low-budget sequel to A New Hope, it features Luke and Leia (but not Han or Chewie) as they rally support for the Rebellion, encountering Darth Vader and engaging in an epic fight. The story delves deeper into the Force and expands upon the cosmic aspects of the Star Wars lore.
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 first book, is the third Star Wars novel ever published, following Alan Dean Foster's adaptation of A New Hope. Brian Daley's thrilling tale takes Han and Chewie on a wild ride through the galaxy's criminal underworld, showcasing their iconic dynamic. Subsequent books continue their intergalactic adventures.
Heir to the Empire (1991)
### Kindle Edition Heir to the Empire
$3.99 at Amazon
Considered one of the most influential Legends titles, Timothy Zahn's Thrawn trilogy begins here. Set five years after the Battle of Endor, it introduces Grand Admiral Thrawn, a powerful Chiss commander who has become a fan-favorite character, making his way into both Star Wars Rebels and Ahsoka. This book significantly reshaped the Star Wars universe, both on and off-screen.
Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)
### Path of Destruction
$8.99 at Amazon
Another iconic trilogy, the Darth Bane series explores the titular Sith Lord and his impact on the galaxy. Drew Karpyshyn's compelling narrative appeals to both dedicated Star Wars fans and sci-fi enthusiasts alike. Path of Destruction offers a unique Sith perspective, revealing 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 beloved series focuses on Jacen and Jaina Solo, the Force-sensitive children of Han Solo and Princess Leia, as they train at Luke Skywalker's Jedi Academy on Yavin 4. Their adventures, spanning many books, significantly influenced later Star Wars stories, particularly the character of Kylo Ren.
Tales from Jabba's Palace (1995)
### Kindle Edition Tales from Jabba's Palace
$4.99 at Amazon
This collection of short stories is a fan favorite, notably for revealing Boba Fett's survival of the Sarlacc Pit—a detail later adapted into The Book of Boba Fett. Beyond this iconic moment, the stories offer a diverse array of fun, strange, and captivating tales centered around the inhabitants of Jabba's Palace.
Death Troopers (2009)
### Kindle Edition Death Troopers
$11.99 at Amazon
While not deeply rooted in Legends lore, this standalone horror story about zombie stormtroopers is a thrilling and unique addition to the franchise. Joe Schreiber's chilling tale delivers a fresh take on the Star Wars universe.
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). This dark and compelling tale explores the Sith's brutality and the seductive nature of ambition.
How many Star Wars Legends Books Are There?
The Star Wars Legends universe encompasses nearly 400 books, along with numerous comics, games, and other media, spanning from 1977 to 2014. This vast collection 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 no longer considered canon, but its influence on current Star Wars storytelling is undeniable. Many elements have found their way into canon, demonstrating the enduring impact of these stories. While Legends isn't canon, many excellent contemporary canon novels expand the Star Wars galaxy, such as those in the High Republic series.
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