Long before Disney acquired Lucasfilm for a staggering $4 billion, before the prequel films, and even before the iconic release of the original Star Wars movie, writers were expanding the universe beyond what we saw on the screen. The Star Wars Expanded Universe, now known as "Legends," was a vast collection of books, comics, and games that pushed the boundaries of the galaxy far, far away. Despite being decanonized in 2014 following Disney's acquisition, these works remain some of the most compelling Star Wars storytelling available, influencing the current canon, as seen with the recent live-action introduction of Thrawn in Ahsoka. If you're eager to dive into this expansive part of Star Wars fandom, we've compiled a list of the best Star Wars Legends books to start your journey.
Which Star Wars Legends Books Should You Read First?
Navigating the vast library of Legends books can be daunting, given there are hundreds of titles to choose from. To help you get started, we've curated a list of essential and highly recommended books that serve as perfect entry points. From the origins of the franchise to thrilling adventures featuring zombie stormtroopers and legendary Mandalorian escapes, to the vibrant young adult tales of iconic Star Wars offspring, these books offer some of the most engaging experiences in the galaxy far, far away. You can easily purchase these titles on Amazon, your go-to destination for buying books online.
Splinter of the Mind's Eye (1977)
Priced at $4.99 on Amazon, this book was the spark that ignited the Expanded Universe. Alongside Marvel Comics and beloved Star Wars newspaper strips, it holds a legendary status in Star Wars lore. Written as potential source material for a low-budget sequel to A New Hope, it features Luke and Leia on a mission to recruit planetary residents to the Rebellion. Without Han or Chewie, fans are treated to a thrilling Leia-Vader confrontation and an enriching exploration of the Force's cosmic powers.
The Han Solo Adventures (1979)
Available for $8.99 on Amazon, this cherished trilogy compensates for Han's absence in Splinter of the Mind's Eye by focusing entirely on the roguish smuggler. Starting with "Han Solo at Stars' End," the third Star Wars novel after Alan Dean Foster's adaptation and Splinter, Brian Daley takes readers on a wild journey through the galaxy's criminal underworld, showcasing why Han and Chewie are such beloved characters.
Heir to the Empire (1991)
For $3.99 on Amazon, you can delve into one of the most influential Legends titles. Timothy Zahn's "Heir to the Empire," set five years post-Battle of Endor, introduces Grand Admiral Thrawn, a fan-favorite Chiss commander who has since transitioned into Star Wars canon via The Clone Wars and the live-action series Ahsoka. This book reshaped the Star Wars universe both on and off the screen.
Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)
Priced at $8.99 on Amazon, this iconic trilogy by Drew Karpyshyn focuses on the infamous Sith Lord Darth Bane. It's a must-read for Star Wars enthusiasts interested in the Sith's lore, but also stands alone as a compelling dark sci-fi saga. "Path of Destruction" offers a unique Sith perspective, detailing the origins of the Rule of Two and the rise of one of the galaxy's most feared Sith Lords.
Star Wars: Young Jedi Knights: Heirs of the Force (1995)
This Young Readers series, focusing on Han Solo and Leia Organa's children, Jacen and Jaina Solo, is a delightful entry point for younger fans. Trained by Luke Skywalker at his Jedi Academy on Yavin 4, their adventures are both charming and pivotal, with Jacen's later transformation into Darth Caedus echoing in the sequel trilogy's Kylo Ren.
Tales from Jabba's Palace (1995)
For $4.99 on Amazon, this short story collection remains a beloved part of the Expanded Universe. It famously revealed Boba Fett's survival from the Sarlacc Pit, a plot point later adapted in The Book of Boba Fett. Beyond this, it's a treasure trove of fun, weird, and wonderful tales from the galaxy far, far away.
Death Troopers (2009)
Priced at $11.99 on Amazon, this standalone horror story introduces zombie stormtroopers to the Star Wars universe. Joe Schreiber's chilling narrative brings horror back to the galaxy with a terrifying tale aboard an Imperial prison barge that encounters a deserted Star Destroyer filled with deadly secrets.
Darth Plagueis (2012)
Available for $12.99 on Amazon, James Luceno's "Darth Plagueis" explores the dark side's depths through the story of the infamous Sith Lord. This acclaimed novel delves into the violence of the Sith and the perils of ambition, detailing Plagueis's rise to power and his mentorship of Darth Sidious, who would become Emperor Palpatine.
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 original film, to 2014, covering almost forty years of storytelling. Notable entries include movies and TV shows like 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 that was once part of the Expanded Universe but is no longer considered canon. However, elements from Legends have influenced and even entered the current canon, as seen with Thrawn's live-action debut. When a Legends book like "Heir to the Empire" is officially integrated into the canon by Lucasfilm, it loses its Legends status and becomes a core part of Star Wars lore.
While Star Wars Legends books aren't part of the official canon, there are many contemporary canon novels that expand the universe in ways directly connected to the films. The High Republic series, for example, introduces a new era that will soon be brought to life on screen. Other canon books include "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 many more.
Explore these titles and more with Kindle Unlimited, available at Amazon, to immerse yourself fully in the rich tapestry of Star Wars storytelling.
