Long before Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm for a staggering four billion dollars, and even before the release of the first Star Wars movie, writers were crafting a vast universe beyond what was seen on screen. The Star Wars Expanded Universe, now known as "Legends" after its decanonization by Disney in 2014, expanded the Galaxy Far, Far Away with countless books, comics, and games. Despite its non-canonical status, the Legends universe continues to influence Star Wars canon, as evidenced by the recent live-action debut of Grand Admiral Thrawn in the series "Ahsoka." If you're eager to dive into this expansive part of Star Wars lore, here's a curated list of the best Star Wars Legends books to get you started!
Which Star Wars Legends Books Should You Read First?
Navigating the vast sea of Legends books can be daunting with hundreds of titles to choose from. To help you jump into this universe, we've selected key books that are essential reads. From the inception of the franchise to thrilling tales of zombie stormtroopers, and the adventures of iconic characters like the Mandalorians and the children of our favorite heroes, these stories offer some of the most enjoyable experiences in the Star Wars universe. All these books are readily available for purchase on Amazon, the premier destination for buying books online.
Splinter of the Mind's Eye (1977)
Priced at $4.99 on Amazon, this book ignited the Expanded Universe. Originally penned as potential material for a low-budget sequel to "A New Hope," it showcases Luke and Leia's mission to rally planetary residents to the Rebellion. Their encounter with Darth Vader leads to an epic Leia/Vader duel and enriches the lore of the Force and its cosmic aspects.
The Han Solo Adventures (1979)
Available for $8.99 on Amazon, this trilogy is a fan-favorite, focusing on the roguish charm of Han Solo and Chewbacca. Starting with "Han Solo at Stars' End," Brian Daley takes readers on a thrilling 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, dive into Timothy Zahn's influential Thrawn trilogy. Set five years after the Battle of Endor, it introduces Grand Admiral Thrawn, a fan-favorite who transitioned from Legends to the live-action series "Ahsoka." This book is pivotal for its impact on both the Legends and current Star Wars canon.
Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)
Priced at $8.99 on Amazon, Drew Karpyshyn's trilogy delves into the life of the infamous Sith Lord Darth Bane. This series not only enriches the lore of the Sith but also stands alone as a gripping sci-fi narrative, detailing the origins of the Sith Rule of Two.
Star Wars: Young Jedi Knights: Heirs of the Force (1995)
This series, which can be found on Amazon, focuses on the adventures of Jacen and Jaina Solo, children of Han and Leia, as they train under Luke Skywalker at his Jedi Academy. Their journey, which later sees Jacen turn to the dark side, has notably influenced characters like Kylo Ren in the sequel trilogy.
Tales from Jabba's Palace (1995)
Available for $4.99 on Amazon, this collection of short stories is beloved for revealing Boba Fett's survival of the Sarlacc Pit, a plot later adapted in "The Book of Boba Fett." It's a treasure trove of quirky and engaging tales from the galaxy.
Death Troopers (2009)
Priced at $11.99 on Amazon, Joe Schreiber's horror novel introduces zombie stormtroopers to the Star Wars universe. This chilling standalone story is a must-read for fans of horror and Star Wars alike.
Darth Plagueis (2012)
For $12.99 on Amazon, James Luceno's novel delves into the dark tale of Darth Plagueis, exploring his rise to power and his mentorship of Darth Sidious, who would become Emperor Palpatine. This book is a deep dive into the dangerous ambitions of the Sith.
How Many Star Wars Legends Books Are There?
The Star Wars Legends universe comprises nearly 400 books, along with numerous comics, games, and even films like "The Star Wars Holiday Special," "Star Wars: Droids," and "Ewoks: Caravan of Courage." Games such as "Star Wars: The Force Unleashed," "Shadows of the Empire," and "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic" are also part of this extensive universe, which spanned from 1977 to 2014.
Star Wars Legends vs. Canon
The "Legends" label encompasses content from the former Expanded Universe, which is not considered part of the official Star Wars canon. However, elements from Legends often inspire or directly influence new canon works, as seen with Thrawn's transition to live-action. When a Legends story is officially incorporated into the canon, like "Heir to the Empire," it sheds its Legends status.
While Legends books are not canon, the Star Wars universe continues to grow through contemporary canon novels. The High Republic series, for example, introduces a new era that will soon appear in live-action. Other notable canon books include "Leia" by Claudia Gray, E. K. Johnston's Padme trilogy, "The Princess and the Scoundrel" by Beth Revis, and "Last Shot" by Daniel José Older.
For those looking to explore more, Kindle Unlimited offers a vast selection of Star Wars books. See subscription options on Amazon.
