Top Star Wars Legends Books to Read in 2025

Long before Disney acquired Lucasfilm for a staggering four billion dollars, and even before the prequels or the first Star Wars film hit the screens, writers were crafting expansive tales within the Star Wars universe. The Star Wars Expanded Universe, with its multitude of books, comics, and games, truly lived up to its name, extending the boundaries of the Galaxy Far, Far Away. However, in 2014, following Disney's purchase of the franchise, the Expanded Universe was officially reclassified as "Legends." Despite this change, these stories remain some of the most compelling Star Wars narratives ever created, continuing to influence the Star Wars canon, as evidenced by the recent live-action debut of Thrawn in Ahsoka. If you're looking to dive into this rich part of Star Wars fandom, here's our curated 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 narrowed it down to the essential and most enjoyable books to kickstart your journey. From the inception of this vast universe to thrilling adventures with zombie stormtroopers, legendary escapes by Mandalorians, and vibrant young adult stories featuring iconic Star Wars progeny, these selections offer some of the most engaging experiences in the galaxy far, far away. You can easily purchase these books on Amazon, the go-to online platform for buying books.

Splinter of the Mind's Eye (1977)

Priced at $4.99 on Amazon, this book ignited the Expanded Universe, alongside Marvel Comics and beloved Star Wars newspaper strips. Written as a potential low-budget sequel to A New Hope, it never made it to the screen, but it's a cornerstone of the Legends universe. Follow Luke and Leia as they attempt to recruit allies for the Rebellion, encountering Darth Vader and witnessing a thrilling Leia/Vader fight, all while expanding on the lore of the Force and the broader cosmic powers within Star Wars.

The Han Solo Adventures (1979)

For $8.99 on Amazon, this cherished trilogy compensates for Han's absence in Splinter of the Mind's Eye by focusing exclusively on his adventures. Starting with Han Solo at Stars' End, the third Star Wars novel ever, Brian Daley takes readers on a wild journey through the galaxy's criminal underworld, highlighting why Han and Chewie are such beloved figures in the Star Wars saga. Subsequent books continue their intergalactic escapades.

Heir to the Empire (1991)

Available for $3.99 on Amazon, this book marks the beginning of the influential Thrawn trilogy by Timothy Zahn. Set five years post-Battle of Endor, it introduces Grand Admiral Thrawn, a character who has since become a fan favorite and made the leap into Star Wars canon through The Clone Wars and Ahsoka. If you're seeking a Legends book that significantly shaped Star Wars, both on and off the screen, this is the one.

Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)

Priced at $8.99 on Amazon, this trilogy by Drew Karpyshyn delves into the life of the notorious Sith Lord Darth Bane, exploring how his rule influenced the galaxy. It's a compelling read for both Star Wars enthusiasts and sci-fi fans, offering a unique Sith perspective and detailing the origins of the Sith Rule of Two.

Star Wars: Young Jedi Knights: Heirs of the Force (1995)

This series, centered on Jacen and Jaina Solo, the children of Han Solo and Princess Leia, is a beloved part of the '90s Expanded Universe. Under Luke Skywalker's tutelage at his Jedi Academy on Yavin 4, these Force-sensitive teens star in a series that later sees Jacen's dark turn into Darth Caedus, a storyline that clearly influenced the creation of Kylo Ren in the sequel trilogy.

Tales from Jabba's Palace (1995)

For $4.99 on Amazon, this collection of short stories has long been a fan favorite, notably for revealing Boba Fett's survival from the Sarlacc Pit. Though decanonized, this moment was later adapted in The Book of Boba Fett, showcasing the enduring impact of Legends. The book also offers a delightful array of alien-centric stories set in the Galaxy Far, Far Away.

Death Troopers (2009)

Priced at $11.99 on Amazon, this standalone horror novel by Joe Schreiber introduces zombie stormtroopers to the Star Wars universe. It's a gripping read that brings horror back to the galaxy, a genre not explored since the Galaxy of Fear series, and delivers a chilling narrative aboard a deserted Star Destroyer.

Darth Plagueis (2012)

For $12.99 on Amazon, James Luceno's acclaimed novel explores the dark tale of Darth Plagueis, the wise Sith Lord. It's a stark look at the Sith's violent ambitions and Plagueis's quest for ultimate power, detailing his rise and mentorship of Darth Sidious, who would become Emperor Palpatine.

How many Star Wars Legends Books Are There?

The Star Wars Legends universe encompasses nearly 400 books, along with a vast array of comics, games, and films. This includes iconic 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. With content spanning from 1977 to 2014, the Legends universe represents nearly forty years of storytelling.

Star Wars Legends vs. Canon

The "Legends" label signifies content once part of the Expanded Universe but no longer considered canon. However, the line between Legends and canon can blur, as elements from Legends often inspire or directly appear in the official Star Wars canon, as seen with Thrawn's transition into the live-action series Ahsoka. When a Legends book like Heir to the Empire is officially integrated into the canon by Lucasfilm, it sheds its Legends status and becomes a core part of the Star Wars universe.

While Star Wars Legends books aren't part of the official canon, there are numerous canon novels that enrich the galaxy's lore, directly linked to the films. The High Republic series, for instance, introduces a new era soon to be seen 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, among many others.

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