Top Star Wars Legends Books to Read in 2025

Long before Disney acquired Lucasfilm for a staggering four billion dollars, before the prequels, and even before the release of the first Star Wars movie, writers were crafting expansive tales that extended beyond the screen. The Star Wars Expanded Universe, which later became known as "Legends," pushed the boundaries of the Galaxy Far, Far Away through books, comics, and games. In 2014, following Disney's acquisition of the franchise, the Expanded Universe was officially decanonized and rebranded as "Legends." Despite this change, the Legends books continue to offer some of the richest storytelling in the Star Wars universe and have even influenced current Star Wars canon, as seen with the recent live-action appearance of Thrawn in the series Ahsoka. If you're eager to dive into this vast expanse of Star Wars lore, we've curated a list of the best Star Wars Legends books to help you get started.

Which Star Wars Legends Books Should You Read First?

Embarking on the journey of reading Star Wars Legends books can feel daunting, given the sheer volume of titles available. To help you navigate this expansive universe, we've selected some of the most essential and enjoyable books to serve as your starting point. From the inception of the franchise to thrilling adventures involving zombie stormtroopers and the legendary escapes of Mandalorians, not to mention the vibrant young adult stories of iconic Star Wars offspring, these books promise a galaxy of fun. All these titles are conveniently available for purchase on Amazon, making it easy to add them to your collection.

Splinter of the Mind's Eye (1977)

**Kindle Edition Splinter of the Mind's Eye** - $4.99 at Amazon

This book kickstarted the Expanded Universe and remains a cornerstone of Star Wars lore. Originally written as a potential low-budget sequel to A New Hope, it explores a scenario where Luke and Leia, without Han and Chewie, attempt to rally planetary support for the Rebellion. Their encounter with Darth Vader leads to an iconic Leia-Vader confrontation and delves deeper into the lore of the Force and its cosmic aspects.

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 by focusing exclusively on his adventures. Starting with "Han Solo at Stars' End," the series follows Han and Chewie through the galaxy's criminal underworld, highlighting why they are such a beloved duo in the Star Wars universe.

Heir to the Empire (1991)

**Kindle Edition Heir to the Empire** - $3.99 at Amazon

A seminal work in the Legends universe, this book introduces Grand Admiral Thrawn, set five years after the Battle of Endor. Timothy Zahn's Thrawn trilogy reshaped the Star Wars narrative, with Thrawn becoming a fan favorite and eventually making his way into the official canon through "The Clone Wars" and "Ahsoka."

Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)

**Path of Destruction** - $8.99 at Amazon

Drew Karpyshyn's trilogy focuses on the legendary Sith Lord Darth Bane and his influence on the galaxy. This series not only enriches the lore of the Sith but also offers a gripping narrative that stands well on its own, detailing the origins of the Rule of Two and Bane's rise to power.

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

**Paperback Heirs of the Force** - See it

This series follows the adventures of Jacen and Jaina Solo, the children of Han and Leia, as they train under Luke Skywalker at his Jedi Academy. Their journey from young Jedi to facing dark challenges parallels the narrative arc seen in the sequel trilogy with Kylo Ren.

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, particularly for revealing Boba Fett's survival of the Sarlacc Pit, a plot point later adapted in "The Book of Boba Fett." The anthology offers a diverse look at the denizens of Jabba's Palace, enriching the tapestry of the Star Wars universe.

Death Troopers (2009)

**Kindle Edition Death Troopers** - $11.99 at Amazon

A thrilling horror tale within the Legends universe, "Death Troopers" introduces zombie stormtroopers to the Star Wars saga. Joe Schreiber's story brings a fresh horror element to the galaxy, making it a standout read for fans of the genre.

Darth Plagueis (2012)

**Kindle Edition Darth Plagueis** - $12.99 at Amazon

James Luceno's novel delves into the life of Darth Plagueis, the wise Sith Lord who trained Darth Sidious. This dark and ambitious tale explores the Sith's quest for power and the dangerous allure of the dark side, making it a must-read for any Star Wars enthusiast.

How Many Star Wars Legends Books Are There?

The Star Wars Legends universe encompasses nearly 400 books, along with numerous comics, games, and even films like the infamous "Star Wars Holiday Special," "Star Wars: Droids," and "Ewoks: Caravan of Courage." This vast collection also includes 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 Legends universe offers nearly four decades of storytelling.

Star Wars Legends vs. Canon

The "Legends" label signifies content once part of the Expanded Universe that is no longer considered canon. However, elements from Legends often inspire or are integrated into the official canon, as seen with characters like Thrawn. Meanwhile, contemporary canon novels like the High Republic series continue to expand the Star Wars universe, introducing new eras and characters that will soon appear in live-action. Other notable 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.

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