Decades before Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm for a staggering four billion dollars, before the prequels, and even before the iconic first Star Wars film hit theaters, writers were already expanding the universe far beyond what we saw on screen. The Star Wars Expanded Universe did just that, pushing the boundaries of the Galaxy Far, Far Away with each new book, comic, and game. However, in 2014, following Disney's purchase, the Expanded Universe was officially decanonized and rebranded as "Legends." Despite this reclassification, these books remain some of the finest Star Wars storytelling available, and they continue to influence the current Star Wars canon, as evidenced by the recent live-action debut of Thrawn in the series Ahsoka. If you're eager to delve into this vast part of Star Wars fandom, we've compiled a list of the best Star Wars Legends books to get you started.
Which Star Wars Legends Books Should You Read First?
Embarking on the journey through the Legends books can seem daunting given the sheer volume of titles available. To help you navigate, we've selected a curated list of essential and engaging books that serve as excellent starting points. From the inception of the expansive collection—and the Star Wars franchise itself—to thrilling tales of zombie stormtroopers, epic escapes by legendary Mandalorians, and the youthful adventures of famous Star Wars offspring, these stories offer some of the most enjoyable experiences in the galaxy far, far away. Each of these books is readily available for purchase on Amazon, making it the most convenient platform to acquire them.
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, alongside the Marvel Comics and beloved Star Wars newspaper strips. It holds a special place in Star Wars lore as it was initially written as potential source material for a low-budget sequel to A New Hope, in case the film didn't perform well enough to warrant a big-budget follow-up. Although it never made it to the screen, it became a cornerstone of what would later be known as the Expanded Universe and subsequently Legends. The story follows Luke and Leia—no Han or Chewie, unfortunately—as they attempt to recruit planetary residents to join the Rebellion. Their encounter with Darth Vader leads to an exhilarating Leia/Vader fight scene and further explores the lore of the Force and the galaxy's more cosmic elements.
The Han Solo Adventures (1979)
Kindle Edition The Han Solo Adventures
$8.99 at Amazon
This delightful trilogy remains one of the most cherished Legends adventures, making up for Han's absence in Splinter of the Mind's Eye by focusing entirely on the roguish space adventurer. The first book, Han Solo at Stars' End, was the third Star Wars novel published, following Alan Dean Foster's adaptation of the original film and Splinter of the Mind's Eye. Brian Daley takes Han and Chewie on a thrilling journey through the galaxy's criminal underworld, highlighting why they are such a beloved duo in the Star Wars universe. The subsequent books continue their intergalactic escapades.
Heir to the Empire (1991)
Kindle Edition Heir to the Empire
$3.99 at Amazon
When discussing the most 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 heir apparent to the Empire. Grand Admiral Thrawn, the formidable Chiss commander, became a fan favorite and eventually transitioned into the Star Wars canon through the acclaimed Clone Wars TV series. His recent live-action appearance in Ahsoka further underscores his impact. If you're seeking a Legends book that has significantly reshaped Star Wars both on and off the screen, this is it.
Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)
Path of Destruction
$8.99 at Amazon
Another iconic Legends trilogy, the Darth Bane series focuses on the notorious Sith Lord whose reign shaped the galaxy. Drew Karpyshyn's trilogy is compelling for both Star Wars enthusiasts, as it adds depth to the Sith lore, and for sci-fi fans seeking a dark, engaging read. Path of Destruction uniquely offers a Sith perspective, providing insight into the origins of the Sith Rule of Two and one of history's most powerful and feared Sith Lords.
Star Wars: Young Jedi Knights: Heirs of the Force (1995)
Paperback Heirs of the Force
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Growing up as a Star Wars fan in the '90s meant being treated to a wealth of Expanded Universe books, including this beloved series centered on Han Solo and Princess Leia's children, Jacen and Jaina Solo. The Force-sensitive teenagers, training under Luke Skywalker at his Jedi Academy on Yavin 4, led this engaging Young Readers series for years. Jacen's later transformation into the Sith Lord Darth Caedus in subsequent Expanded Universe books had a notable influence on the sequel trilogy's Kylo Ren.
Tales from Jabba's Palace (1995)
Kindle Edition Tales from Jabba's Palace
$4.99 at Amazon
This anthology has long been a cherished part of the Expanded Universe, particularly for revealing that fan favorite Boba Fett survived the Sarlacc Pit, a plot point that was canonized years later in The Book of Boba Fett. Beyond this pivotal moment, the collection is filled with entertaining, quirky, and imaginative tales about the denizens of the Galaxy Far, Far Away.
Death Troopers (2009)
Kindle Edition Death Troopers
$11.99 at Amazon
While not deeply rooted in lore, this standalone horror novel about zombie Stormtroopers is one of the most thrilling entries in the Legends universe. Joe Schreiber brings the horror genre 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 hopes turn to horror as the dead rise.
Darth Plagueis (2012)
Kindle Edition Darth Plagueis
$12.99 at Amazon
Have you heard the story of Darth Plagueis the Wise? James Luceno's acclaimed novel under the Legends banner delves into the tale of this infamous Sith Lord. Luceno crafts a darkly brilliant narrative about the violence of the Sith and the perils of ambition. One of the most respected contemporary Legends books, Darth Plagueis follows the titular villain's rise to power and his training of Darth Sidious, who would become Emperor Palpatine, as he seeks to master the ultimate power, no matter the cost.
How Many Star Wars Legends Books Are There?
There are nearly 400 books classified under Star Wars Legends, along with countless comics, games, and films. This expansive universe 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. The vast array of releases over nearly forty years, from 1977 to 2014, showcases the incredible scope of the Expanded Universe.
Star Wars Legends vs. Canon
What does this all mean? Essentially, anything under the "Legends" banner was once part of the Expanded Universe and is no longer considered canon. However, as we've seen, elements from Legends can influence or even be integrated into the current canon, as seen with characters like Thrawn. When a book like Heir to the Empire is officially made part of the canon by Lucasfilm, it loses its Legends status and becomes a core part of the Star Wars universe.
Although Star Wars Legends books are not canon, there are numerous contemporary canon novels that expand the galaxy and its characters in ways directly connected to the films. A prime example is the High Republic series, which introduced a new era to the Star Wars canon and is set to appear 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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