Long before Disney acquired Lucasfilm for a staggering four billion dollars, and even before the release of the first Star Wars movie, writers were expanding the universe far beyond what we saw on screen. The Star Wars Expanded Universe, now known as "Legends," was a treasure trove of stories spanning books, comics, and games. However, following Disney's acquisition in 2014, the Expanded Universe was officially decanonized and rebranded as "Legends." Despite this, the Legends books remain some of the most compelling Star Wars narratives ever written, continuing to influence the canon, as seen with the recent introduction of Thrawn in the live-action series *Ahsoka*. If you're eager to dive into this expansive part of the Star Wars fandom, we've curated a list of the best Star Wars Legends books to start with!
Which Star Wars Legends Books Should You Read First?
Diving into the Legends books can feel daunting with hundreds of titles to choose from. We've compiled a list of the most essential and exciting books to kickstart your journey. From the origins of the Expanded Universe to thrilling tales of zombie stormtroopers, legendary escapes by Mandalorians, and vibrant young adult adventures featuring iconic Star Wars offspring, these stories offer some of the most enjoyable experiences in the galaxy far, far away. All these books are readily available for purchase on Amazon, the premier destination for buying books online.
Splinter of the Mind's Eye (1977)
Kindle Edition Splinter of the Mind's Eye
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This book ignited the spark of the Expanded Universe, alongside Marvel Comics and the cherished Star Wars newspaper strips. It holds a legendary status in the Star Wars lore, initially conceived as potential source material for a low-budget sequel to *A New Hope* should the film not warrant a big-budget follow-up. Though it never made it to the screen, it remains a cornerstone of the Expanded Universe and later Legends. The story follows Luke and Leia—sans Han and Chewie, much to the dismay of Wookiee fans—as they seek to rally planetary residents to the Rebellion's cause. Their encounter with Vader leads to a thrilling Leia/Vader showdown and further explores the lore of the Force and the cosmic powers of the Star Wars universe.
The Han Solo Adventures (1979)
Kindle Edition The Han Solo Adventures
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This beloved trilogy is one of the most cherished Legends adventures, compensating for Han's absence in *Splinter of the Mind's Eye* by focusing exclusively on the roguish space adventurer. The series kicks off with *Han Solo at Stars' End*, the third Star Wars novel following Alan Dean Foster's adaptation and *Splinter of the Mind's Eye*. Brian Daley takes Han and Chewie on a wild journey through the galaxy's criminal underworld, highlighting why they are such a fan-favorite duo. Subsequent books continue their intergalactic escapades, offering more thrilling adventures.
Heir to the Empire (1991)
Kindle Edition Heir to the Empire
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When discussing influential Legends titles, the Thrawn trilogy often tops the list. Timothy Zahn's series begins with this book, set five years after the Battle of Endor, introducing the Empire's heir apparent. Grand Admiral Thrawn, the formidable Chiss commander, quickly became a fan favorite and transitioned into the Star Wars canon through the acclaimed *Clone Wars* TV series, later making a live-action appearance in *Ahsoka*. This book is essential for anyone looking to explore a Legends title that has significantly shaped the Star Wars universe both on and off the screen.
Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)
Path of Destruction
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Another iconic Legends trilogy, the Darth Bane series focuses on the notorious Sith Lord and his impact on the galaxy. Drew Karpyshyn's trilogy is compelling for both Star Wars enthusiasts and sci-fi fans seeking a dark, engaging read. *Path of Destruction* offers a unique perspective on the Sith, delving into the origins of the Rule of Two and the rise of one of the most powerful and feared Sith Lords in history.
Star Wars: Young Jedi Knights: Heirs of the Force (1995)
Paperback Heirs of the Force
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In the '90s, while there were no new Star Wars films, fans were treated to a wealth of Expanded Universe books, including this legendary series centered on Han Solo and Princess Leia's children, Jacen and Jaina Solo. Under Luke Skywalker's guidance at his Jedi Academy on Yavin 4, the Force-sensitive teens lead this charming young readers' series. Jacen's eventual turn to the dark side and transformation into Darth Caedus in later books notably influenced the character of Kylo Ren in the sequel trilogy.
Tales from Jabba's Palace (1995)
Kindle Edition Tales from Jabba's Palace
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This beloved short story collection is a staple of the Expanded Universe, particularly for revealing that Boba Fett survived the Sarlacc Pit. Though this was decanonized with the rest of the Expanded Universe, it was later adapted in *The Book of Boba Fett*. Beyond this pivotal moment, the book is filled with fun, quirky, and fascinating tales about the galaxy's diverse alien inhabitants.
Death Troopers (2009)
Kindle Edition Death Troopers
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While not as lore-heavy as other entries, this standalone horror novel about zombie stormtroopers is one of the coolest additions to the Legends universe. Joe Schreiber brings horror back to the galaxy far, far away for the first time since the *Galaxy of Fear* series. When an Imperial prison barge encounters a seemingly abandoned Star Destroyer, the crew's luck turns grim as the dead begin to rise, leading to terrifying encounters.
Darth Plagueis (2012)
Kindle Edition Darth Plagueis
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Have you heard the tale of Darth Plagueis the Wise? James Luceno's acclaimed novel delves into the story of this infamous Sith Lord under the Legends banner. Luceno crafts a dark and brilliant narrative about the Sith's violent nature and the perils of ambition. One of the most respected contemporary Legends books, *Darth Plagueis* chronicles the rise of the titular villain and his training of Darth Sidious, who would become Emperor Palpatine, as they pursue ultimate power at any cost.
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 includes titles like *The Star Wars Holiday Special*, *Star Wars: Droids*, *Ewoks: Caravan of Courage*, and games such as *Star Wars: The Force Unleashed*, *Shadows of the Empire*—part of a massive Expanded Universe crossover event—and *Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic*. With releases spanning from 1977 to 2014, the Expanded Universe represents nearly forty years of storytelling.
Star Wars Legends vs. Canon
The "Legends" label signifies content once part of the Expanded Universe, now considered non-canon. However, elements from Legends have occasionally been reintroduced into the official canon, as seen with characters like Thrawn. When a Legends book like *Heir to the Empire* is officially made canon by Lucasfilm, it transitions from Legends status to a core part of the Star Wars canon.
While Star Wars Legends books are no longer canon, there are numerous contemporary canon novels that enrich the galaxy and its inhabitants, directly tied to the films. A prime example is the High Republic series, which introduces a new era to the Star Wars canon, soon to be featured in live-action. 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.
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