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 iconic first Star Wars film hit the theaters, writers were already expanding the universe beyond what we saw on screen. The Star Wars Expanded Universe, later renamed "Legends" after Disney's 2014 purchase and subsequent decanonization, offered fans a vast expanse of stories through books, comics, and games. Despite their non-canonical status, these Legends books remain some of the finest Star Wars narratives ever crafted, continuing to influence the official canon, as seen with the recent live-action debut of Grand Admiral Thrawn in the series Ahsoka. If you're eager to dive into this extensive segment of Star Wars lore, we've compiled a 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 given the sheer volume of titles available. To help you navigate this vast collection, we've selected key books that serve as excellent starting points. From the inception of the Expanded Universe to thrilling tales of zombie stormtroopers, legendary Mandalorian escapes, and vibrant young adult adventures featuring the offspring of iconic characters, these books offer some of the most engaging experiences in the galaxy far, far away. You can find all these titles easily on Amazon, the go-to place for purchasing books online.

Splinter of the Mind's Eye (1977)

Kindle Edition: $4.99 at Amazon

This novel ignited the Expanded Universe, complementing the Marvel Comics and beloved Star Wars newspaper strips. Written as potential material for a low-budget sequel to A New Hope, it became a cornerstone of the Legends universe. In "Splinter of the Mind's Eye," Luke and Leia embark on a mission to recruit allies for the Rebellion, encountering Darth Vader along the way. The book features an epic Leia vs. Vader fight and delves deeper into the lore of the Force and the galaxy's cosmic powers.

The Han Solo Adventures (1979)

Kindle Edition: $8.99 at Amazon

This cherished trilogy compensates for Han Solo's absence in "Splinter of the Mind's Eye" by focusing exclusively on the roguish hero. Starting with "Han Solo at Stars' End," the third Star Wars novel after Alan Dean Foster's adaptation and "Splinter of the Mind's Eye," Brian Daley takes Han and Chewie on a thrilling journey through the galaxy's criminal underworld. The subsequent books continue their adventures, cementing their status as fan favorites.

Heir to the Empire (1991)

Kindle Edition: $3.99 at Amazon

Among the most influential Legends titles, the Thrawn trilogy, beginning with "Heir to the Empire," is a must-read. Set five years after the Battle of Endor, this novel introduces Grand Admiral Thrawn, who quickly became a fan favorite. Thrawn's journey from the pages of Legends to the "Star Wars: The Clone Wars" series and, more recently, the live-action "Ahsoka" series, showcases his enduring impact on the Star Wars universe.

Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)

Kindle Edition: $8.99 at Amazon

The Darth Bane trilogy, penned by Drew Karpyshyn, offers a deep dive into the life of the infamous Sith Lord and his influence on the galaxy. These novels enrich the lore of the Sith, providing a compelling read for both Star Wars aficionados and general sci-fi enthusiasts. "Path of Destruction" uniquely presents the story from a Sith perspective, exploring the origins of the Rule of Two and the rise of one of the most powerful Sith Lords in history.

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

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In the '90s, while new Star Wars films were absent, fans were treated to rich Expanded Universe stories, including this series centered on Jacen and Jaina Solo, the children of Han and Leia. Trained by Luke Skywalker at his Jedi Academy on Yavin 4, their adventures captivated young readers. Jacen's eventual turn to the dark side and transformation into Darth Caedus influenced the character development of Kylo Ren in the sequel trilogy.

Tales from Jabba's Palace (1995)

Kindle Edition: $4.99 at Amazon

This collection of short stories has long been cherished within the Expanded Universe, particularly for revealing that Boba Fett survived the Sarlacc Pit. Though initially decanonized, this plot point was later adapted into "The Book of Boba Fett." The anthology offers a delightful mix of fun, weird, and wonderful tales set in the galaxy far, far away.

Death Troopers (2009)

Kindle Edition: $11.99 at Amazon

While not deeply rooted in lore, "Death Troopers" stands out as a chilling standalone horror story featuring zombie stormtroopers. Joe Schreiber's novel reintroduced horror to the Star Wars universe, crafting a gripping narrative about an Imperial prison barge that encounters a deserted Star Destroyer harboring deadly secrets.

Darth Plagueis (2012)

Kindle Edition: $12.99 at Amazon

James Luceno's "Darth Plagueis" delves into the dark and ambitious tale of the Sith Lord who trained Darth Sidious, later known as Emperor Palpatine. This acclaimed novel explores the violent world of the Sith and the perilous pursuit of ultimate power, offering a grim and engaging addition to the Legends canon.

How Many Star Wars Legends Books Are There?

The Star Wars Legends universe encompasses nearly 400 books, alongside numerous comics, games, and films. This vast collection spans from 1977, just six months before the release of the first Star Wars film, to 2014. Notable entries include the infamous "Star Wars Holiday Special," "Star Wars: Droids," "Ewoks: Caravan of Courage," and games like "Star Wars: The Force Unleashed," "Shadows of the Empire," and "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic." The extensive range of content reflects nearly forty years of Expanded Universe storytelling.

Star Wars Legends vs. Canon

The "Legends" designation signifies content from the once-celebrated Expanded Universe that is no longer considered part of the official Star Wars canon. However, elements from Legends can and have influenced the current canon, with characters like Thrawn transitioning into live-action series. When a Legends book like "Heir to the Empire" is officially incorporated into the canon by Lucasfilm, it sheds its Legends status and becomes a core part of the Star Wars universe.

While Legends books are not canon, there is a wealth of contemporary canon novels that enrich the Star Wars galaxy. Notable examples include the High Republic series, which introduces a new era soon to be seen in live-action, as well as novels like "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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