Long before Disney acquired Lucasfilm for a staggering four billion dollars, and even before the first Star Wars movie hit the screens, writers were expanding the galaxy far, far away with their imaginative storytelling. The Star Wars Expanded Universe, now known as "Legends," was a vast collection of books, comics, and games that enriched the universe beyond the films. In 2014, following Disney's purchase, the Expanded Universe was officially decanonized and rebranded as "Legends." Despite this, the Legends books remain some of the most compelling Star Wars stories ever told and continue to influence the current Star Wars canon, as seen with the recent live-action debut of Thrawn in 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 start with!
Which Star Wars Legends Books Should You Read First?
Embarking on the journey through the Legends books can feel daunting with hundreds of titles to choose from. To help you get started, we've compiled a list of essential and highly recommended books that serve as excellent entry points. These books span from the origins of the Star Wars saga to thrilling adventures featuring zombie stormtroopers and legendary Mandalorian escapes, as well as engaging young adult stories about the offspring of iconic characters. Each of these books is available for purchase on Amazon, making it easy to get your hands on them.
Splinter of the Mind's Eye (1977)
Kindle Edition Splinter of the Mind's Eye
Priced at $4.99 on Amazon, this book was the catalyst for the Expanded Universe. Alongside Marvel Comics and beloved newspaper strips, it laid the foundation for what would become Legends. Written as a potential low-budget sequel to A New Hope, it follows Luke and Leia as they attempt to rally support for the Rebellion, encountering Darth Vader and featuring a thrilling fight scene between Leia and Vader. It also delves deeper into 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
Available for $8.99 on Amazon, this delightful trilogy compensates for Han Solo's absence in Splinter of the Mind's Eye by focusing entirely on the roguish space adventurer. Starting with "Han Solo at Stars' End," the third Star Wars novel ever published, Brian Daley takes Han and Chewie on a wild journey through the criminal underworld, showcasing why they are such beloved characters in the Star Wars universe. Subsequent books continue their intergalactic escapades.
Heir to the Empire (1991)
Kindle Edition Heir to the Empire
Priced at $3.99 on Amazon, this book kicks off the influential Thrawn trilogy by Timothy Zahn. Set five years after the Battle of Endor, it introduces Grand Admiral Thrawn, a fan-favorite character who transitioned from Legends to the Star Wars canon via the Clone Wars series and recently in Ahsoka. This book is essential for understanding how Legends stories have reshaped Star Wars both on and off the screen.
Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)
Path of Destruction
Available for $8.99 on Amazon, this book is the first in the iconic Darth Bane trilogy by Drew Karpyshyn. It delves into the life of the infamous Sith Lord and his impact on the galaxy. The trilogy is a must-read for fans of the Sith lore and offers a dark, engaging narrative that stands strong on its own, even for those new to Star Wars.
Star Wars: Young Jedi Knights: Heirs of the Force (1995)
Paperback Heirs of the Force
This series, centered on Han Solo and Princess Leia's children, Jacen and Jaina Solo, is a beloved part of the '90s Expanded Universe. Trained by Luke Skywalker at his Jedi Academy on Yavin 4, their adventures are a staple for young readers. Jacen's later transformation into Darth Caedus in subsequent 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
Priced at $4.99 on Amazon, this collection of short stories is renowned for revealing Boba Fett's survival of the Sarlacc Pit, a plot point later adapted in The Book of Boba Fett. It offers a rich tapestry of alien-centric tales that add depth and fun to the Star Wars universe.
Death Troopers (2009)
Kindle Edition Death Troopers
Available for $11.99 on Amazon, this standalone horror novel by Joe Schreiber introduces zombie Stormtroopers to the Star Wars universe. It's a thrilling read that brings a new genre to the galaxy, perfect for fans of horror and sci-fi.
Darth Plagueis (2012)
Kindle Edition Darth Plagueis
Priced at $12.99 on Amazon, this acclaimed novel by James Luceno explores the story of Darth Plagueis, the wise Sith Lord, and his rise to power alongside his apprentice, Darth Sidious, who would become Emperor Palpatine. It's a dark and compelling addition to the Legends universe.
How many Star Wars Legends Books Are There?
There are nearly 400 books categorized under Star Wars Legends, not to mention the numerous comics, games, and films that were part of this expansive universe. This vast collection spans from 1977, six months before the first film's release, to 2014, covering almost forty years of storytelling. Notable entries include movies and TV shows like The Star Wars Holiday Special, Star Wars: Droids, and Ewoks: Caravan of Courage, as well as games like Star Wars: The Force Unleashed and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.
Star Wars Legends vs. Canon
The "Legends" designation means these works were once part of the Expanded Universe but are no longer considered canon. However, elements from Legends often inspire or are integrated into the current Star Wars canon, as seen with characters like Thrawn. When a Legends book like "Heir to the Empire" is officially recognized as canon by Lucasfilm, it transitions from Legends to a core part of the Star Wars narrative.
While Legends books are not part of the official canon, there are many contemporary canon novels that expand the Star Wars universe in ways directly connected to the films. Notable examples include the High Republic series, which introduces a new era to the Star Wars canon, set to be featured in upcoming live-action projects. Other canon books include "Leia" by Claudia Gray, E.K. Johnston's Padmé trilogy, "The Princess and the Scoundrel" by Beth Revis, and "Last Shot" by Daniel José Older, among others.
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