Long before Disney's monumental acquisition of Lucasfilm for $4 billion, before the prequels, and even before the first Star Wars movie hit the screens, writers were crafting an expansive world that would captivate fans worldwide. The Star Wars Expanded Universe, now known as "Legends," pushed the boundaries of the Galaxy Far, Far Away with every release of books, comics, and games. Although Disney decanonized the Expanded Universe in 2014, renaming it "Legends," these stories remain some of the best Star Wars narratives ever produced. Their influence continues to resonate in the current Star Wars canon, as seen with the recent live-action debut of Thrawn in the series "Ahsoka." If you're eager to dive into this vast universe, 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 be daunting, given the sheer volume of titles available. To help you navigate this expansive library, we've selected some of the best and most influential books to serve as your entry point. From the inception of the universe to thrilling adventures involving zombie stormtroopers and the escapades of legendary Mandalorians, as well as vibrant young adult stories featuring iconic Star Wars descendants, these books offer a thrilling escape into the galaxy far, far away. All these titles are readily available for purchase on Amazon, making it the go-to destination for your reading needs.
Splinter of the Mind's Eye (1977)
Kindle Edition Splinter of the Mind's Eye
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This book marks the beginning of the Expanded Universe, alongside Marvel Comics and the beloved Star Wars newspaper strips. It holds a legendary status in the Star Wars saga because it was initially conceived as a potential low-budget sequel to "A New Hope," in case the film didn't perform well enough to warrant a high-budget follow-up. Although it never made it to the screen, "Splinter of the Mind's Eye" became a cornerstone of the Expanded Universe, now known as Legends. The story follows Luke and Leia—no Han or Chewie, apologies to Wookiee enthusiasts—as they attempt to rally planetary residents to the Rebellion's cause. Their path crosses with Darth Vader, leading to an epic showdown between Leia and Vader, and further exploration of the Force and its cosmic powers within the Star Wars universe.
The Han Solo Adventures (1979)
Kindle Edition The Han Solo Adventures
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This cherished trilogy remains one of the most beloved Legends adventures, compensating for Han's absence in "Splinter of the Mind's Eye" by focusing entirely 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 readers on a wild journey through the galaxy's criminal underworld, showcasing why Han and Chewie are such a fan-favorite duo. Subsequent books in the trilogy continue to explore their intergalactic escapades.
Heir to the Empire (1991)
Kindle Edition Heir to the Empire
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Among the most influential Legends titles, the Thrawn trilogy stands out, starting with this book. Set five years after the Battle of Endor, Timothy Zahn introduces readers to the Empire's heir apparent, Grand Admiral Thrawn. This powerful Chiss commander quickly became a fan favorite, eventually making his way into the Star Wars canon through "The Clone Wars" TV series and, more recently, the live-action series "Ahsoka." For those looking to explore a Legends book that has significantly influenced both the on-screen and off-screen Star Wars universe, "Heir to the Empire" is essential.
Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)
Path of Destruction
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This iconic trilogy focuses on the infamous Sith Lord Darth Bane and his impact on the galaxy. Drew Karpyshyn's trilogy is not only a great addition to the lore of the Sith for Star Wars fans but also stands alone as a compelling sci-fi narrative. "Path of Destruction" offers a unique perspective by telling the story from the Sith's viewpoint, delving into the origins of the Sith Rule of Two and the legacy of one of the most powerful 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 absence of new Star Wars films during the '90s, fans were treated to an abundance of Expanded Universe books, including this legendary series centered on Han Solo and Princess Leia's children, Jacen and Jaina Solo. Under the guidance of Luke Skywalker at his Jedi Academy on Yavin 4, these Force-sensitive teens led a charming young readers' series. Jacen's eventual turn to the dark side and transformation into the Sith Lord Darth Caedus in later books undoubtedly influenced the character development 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 collection of short stories is a standout in the Expanded Universe, particularly for revealing that Boba Fett survived the Sarlacc Pit. This plot point was considered canon for years until the Expanded Universe was decanonized. However, it was later reintroduced in "The Book of Boba Fett." Beyond this significant revelation, the anthology is filled with engaging, quirky, and fascinating alien-centric tales from the Galaxy Far, Far Away.
Death Troopers (2009)
Kindle Edition Death Troopers
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While not heavily focused on lore, this standalone horror novel about zombie Stormtroopers is one of the coolest entries in the Legends universe. Joe Schreiber brings horror back to the galaxy for the first time since the "Galaxy of Fear" series, delivering a chilling narrative. When an Imperial prison barge breaks down and encounters a deserted Star Destroyer with only two survivors, readers are in for a terrifying ride as the dead begin to walk.
Darth Plagueis (2012)
Kindle Edition Darth Plagueis
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Have you heard the tale of Darth Plagueis the Wise? James Luceno brings this story to life under the Legends banner. This darkly brilliant narrative delves into the violent world of the Sith and the perils of ambition. Considered one of the best of the contemporary Legends books, "Darth Plagueis" chronicles the rise of the titular Sith Lord and his training of Darth Sidious, who would later 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 vast collection 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," and "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic." Spanning from 1977 to 2014, the Expanded Universe provided almost forty years of rich storytelling and diverse content.
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 occasionally been reintroduced into the official canon, as seen with Thrawn's appearance in "Ahsoka." When a Legends book like "Heir to the Empire" is officially made part of the canon by Lucasfilm, it loses its Legends status and becomes a core component of the Star Wars universe.
While Star Wars Legends books are not part of the current canon, there are many contemporary canon novels that expand the galaxy and its inhabitants in direct connection to the films. A notable example is the "High Republic" series, which introduces a new era set to debut 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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