Decades before Disney's monumental $4 billion acquisition of Lucasfilm, before the prequels, and even before the first Star Wars film graced the silver screen, writers were already crafting a galaxy far, far beyond what we'd see on film. The Star Wars Expanded Universe, now known as "Legends" following Disney's 2014 rebranding, lived up to its name, expanding the galaxy with countless books, comics, and games. Despite its decanonization, Legends remains a treasure trove of compelling Star Wars stories, influencing current canon, as evidenced by Thrawn's recent live-action debut in Ahsoka. Ready to explore this rich tapestry? Here's a curated list of essential Star Wars Legends books to ignite your journey.
Which Star Wars Legends Books Should You Read First?
Navigating the hundreds of Legends titles can be daunting. This list provides a perfect starting point, encompassing pivotal moments and beloved characters from the franchise's origins to thrilling adventures featuring familiar faces. 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 (Han and Chewie are absent) as they rally support for the Rebellion, encountering Darth Vader in a memorable showdown. It also delves deeper into the Force and its cosmic implications.
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 charming rogue. Han Solo at Stars' End, the first book, is the third Star Wars novel ever published, showcasing Han and Chewie's adventures in the galaxy's criminal underworld. Subsequent books continue their intergalactic escapades.
Heir to the Empire (1991)
### Kindle Edition Heir to the Empire
$3.99 at Amazon
This highly influential Thrawn trilogy, beginning with Heir to the Empire, is set five years after the Battle of Endor. It introduces Grand Admiral Thrawn, a powerful Chiss commander who's become a fan favorite, transitioning from Legends to canon in Star Wars Rebels and Ahsoka. This book significantly impacted the Star Wars universe both on and off-screen.
Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)
### Path of Destruction
$8.99 at Amazon
This iconic trilogy centers on Darth Bane, exploring his reign and influence on the galaxy. Drew Karpyshyn's compelling narrative is engaging for both Star Wars enthusiasts and sci-fi readers alike. It offers insight into the Sith Rule of Two and the rise of one of history's most formidable Sith Lords.
Star Wars: Young Jedi Knights: Heirs of the Force (1995)
### Paperback Heirs of the Force
See it
This beloved Young Readers series follows Jacen and Jaina Solo, children of Han and Leia, as they train at Luke Skywalker's Jedi Academy. Their journey, particularly Jacen's eventual fall to the dark side as Darth Caedus, significantly influenced Kylo Ren's character arc in the sequel trilogy.
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 revealing Boba Fett's survival of the Sarlacc Pit—a plot point later adapted in The Book of Boba Fett. It offers a diverse array of fun and quirky alien-centric stories.
Death Troopers (2009)
### Kindle Edition Death Troopers
$11.99 at Amazon
This standalone horror novel, while not heavily lore-focused, stands out for its unique premise: zombie Stormtroopers. Joe Schreiber delivers a thrilling and chilling addition to 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 dangers of unchecked ambition.
How Many Star Wars Legends Books Are There?
The Star Wars Legends universe comprises nearly 400 books, along with numerous comics, games, and films, 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. However, its influence on current canon is undeniable, with several elements and characters making the transition. While Legends books aren't canon, many contemporary canon novels expand the Star Wars universe, such as the High Republic series.
### Kindle Unlimited
See subscription options. See it at Amazon
