Decades before Disney's monumental four-billion-dollar acquisition of Lucasfilm, even before the prequels and the original Star Wars film, writers were already crafting a galaxy far, far beyond what we'd see on screen. The Star Wars Expanded Universe—later rebranded "Legends" in 2014—boldly expanded the saga through countless books, comics, and games. Despite its decanonization, Legends remains a treasure trove of compelling storytelling, influencing current Star Wars canon, as evidenced by Thrawn's recent live-action debut in Ahsoka. Ready to explore this rich tapestry? Here's your guide to the best Star Wars Legends books.
Which Star Wars Legends Books Should You Read First?
Navigating the hundreds of Legends titles can be daunting. This curated list offers a fantastic starting point, encompassing pivotal stories—from the franchise's origins to thrilling adventures featuring iconic characters and even zombie stormtroopers! Each book is 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 no Han or Chewie) facing Darth Vader in a thrilling duel. It delves deeper into Force lore and cosmic powers, establishing a cornerstone of the Legends continuity.
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 trilogy's first installment, is the third Star Wars novel ever published. Brian Daley's thrilling tale showcases Han and Chewie's adventures in the galaxy's criminal underworld, highlighting their enduring appeal.
Heir to the Empire (1991)
### Kindle Edition Heir to the Empire
$3.99 at Amazon
This highly influential Legends title, the first in the Thrawn trilogy by Timothy Zahn, is set five years after the Battle of Endor. It introduces Grand Admiral Thrawn, a powerful Chiss commander who has become a fan-favorite character, recently transitioning to Star Wars canon in 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
Drew Karpyshyn's iconic Darth Bane trilogy explores the infamous Sith Lord's reign and its impact on the galaxy. This engaging read offers both Star Wars lore and a compelling standalone sci-fi adventure. Path of Destruction uniquely presents the story from a Sith perspective, illuminating 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 follows Han Solo and Princess Leia's Force-sensitive children, Jacen and Jaina Solo, as they train at Luke Skywalker's Jedi Academy on Yavin 4. This charming Young Readers series had a significant impact on the sequel trilogy's Kylo Ren, as Jacen's eventual turn to the dark side foreshadowed Kylo's arc.
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, famously revealing Boba Fett's survival of the Sarlacc Pit—a moment later adapted in The Book of Boba Fett. Beyond this pivotal scene, the anthology offers a diverse array of fun, strange, and wonderful alien-centric tales.
Death Troopers (2009)
### Kindle Edition Death Troopers
$11.99 at Amazon
While not heavily lore-focused, this standalone horror story about zombie stormtroopers is a thrilling and unique addition to the Legends universe. Joe Schreiber delivers a chilling tale of Imperial horror, a refreshing take on the Star Wars galaxy.
Darth Plagueis (2012)
### Kindle Edition Darth Plagueis
$12.99 at Amazon
James Luceno's acclaimed novel explores the life of Darth Plagueis, the wise Sith Lord who trained Darth Sidious (Emperor Palpatine). This dark and compelling story delves into the Sith's violence and ambition, offering a fascinating perspective on one of the most powerful Sith Lords.
How Many Star Wars Legends Books Are There?
The Star Wars Legends universe encompasses nearly 400 books, alongside numerous comics, games, and films. This vast collection, spanning from 1977 to 2014, reflects almost four decades of storytelling.
Star Wars Legends vs. Canon
Legends material is non-canon, but its influence on current Star Wars storytelling is undeniable. Elements from Legends have been incorporated into canon, demonstrating the enduring impact of these stories. While Legends books aren't canon, many contemporary canon novels enrich the Star Wars galaxy, such as the High Republic series.
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