Top Star Wars Legends Books to Read in 2025

Long before Disney acquired Lucasfilm for a staggering $4 billion, before the prequels, and even before the release of the first Star Wars movie, authors were already expanding the universe of this beloved franchise. The Star Wars Expanded Universe, as it was initially called, enriched the galaxy far, far away with countless books, comics, and games. However, following Disney's acquisition in 2014, the Expanded Universe was rebranded as "Legends" and officially decanonized. Despite this, the Legends books remain some of the finest Star Wars narratives, continuing to influence the current canon, as seen with the recent live-action debut of Thrawn in the series "Ahsoka." If you're eager to delve into this vast realm of Star Wars lore, here's our curated 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 feel daunting, given the sheer volume of over hundreds of titles. To help you navigate this expansive universe, we've selected a few essential and highly engaging books that serve as perfect entry points. From the origins of the series to thrilling adventures involving zombie stormtroopers and the escapades of legendary characters like the Mandalorians, these books offer a rich tapestry of stories. Additionally, the vibrant young adult narratives featuring the children of iconic Star Wars characters promise fun and excitement. Each of these books is readily available for purchase on Amazon, making it the most convenient place to start your collection.

Splinter of the Mind's Eye (1977)

Kindle Edition Splinter of the Mind's Eye

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This book ignited the Expanded Universe, alongside the Marvel Comics and the beloved Star Wars newspaper strips. It holds a legendary status in Star Wars lore, having been written as potential material for a low-budget sequel to "A New Hope" in case the film didn't perform well enough for a major follow-up. Although it never made it to the screen, "Splinter of the Mind's Eye" is a cornerstone of what would become the Expanded Universe and later the Legends. The story follows Luke and Leia as they attempt to rally support for the Rebellion, encountering Darth Vader along the way. A highlight is the intense Leia versus Vader fight scene, which also expands the lore of the Force and the broader cosmic elements of Star Wars.

The Han Solo Adventures (1979)

Kindle Edition The Han Solo Adventures

4$8.99 at Amazon

This beloved trilogy compensates for Han Solo's absence in "Splinter of the Mind's Eye" by focusing entirely on the charming rogue and his adventures. 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 readers on a thrilling journey through the galaxy's criminal underworld. This series highlights why Han and Chewie are such beloved figures in the Star Wars universe, with subsequent books continuing their intergalactic escapades.

Heir to the Empire (1991)

Kindle Edition Heir to the Empire

6$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 the enigmatic Grand Admiral Thrawn, who quickly became a fan favorite. Thrawn's journey from the pages of Legends to the Star Wars canon, including his appearances in "The Clone Wars" and "Ahsoka," underscores the lasting impact of this book. If you're looking for a Legends novel that has reshaped the Star Wars universe, this is it.

Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)

Path of Destruction

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Another iconic trilogy, the Darth Bane series delves into the life of the infamous Sith Lord whose rule significantly shaped the galaxy. Drew Karpyshyn's trilogy is compelling not only for Star Wars fans but also for those who enjoy dark, engaging sci-fi narratives. "Path of Destruction" offers a unique perspective on the Sith, exploring the origins of the Rule of Two and presenting one of the most formidable Sith Lords in history.

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

Paperback Heirs of the Force

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For those who grew up in the '90s without new Star Wars films, the Expanded Universe provided a treasure trove of stories, including this series centered on Jacen and Jaina Solo, the children of Han and Leia. Under Luke Skywalker's guidance at his Jedi Academy on Yavin 4, these Force-sensitive teens led a captivating young readers' series. Jacen's eventual turn to the dark side and his transformation into Darth Caedus later in the Expanded Universe notably influenced the character of Kylo Ren in the sequel trilogy.

Tales from Jabba's Palace (1995)

Kindle Edition Tales from Jabba's Palace

2$4.99 at Amazon

This short story collection is a cherished part of the Expanded Universe, particularly for revealing that Boba Fett survived the Sarlacc Pit—a plot point that was canonized years later in "The Book of Boba Fett." Filled with diverse and intriguing tales about the galaxy's alien inhabitants, this book is a delightful read for any Star Wars fan.

Death Troopers (2009)

Kindle Edition Death Troopers

2$11.99 at Amazon

While not as lore-heavy as other entries, "Death Troopers" is a gripping standalone horror story featuring zombie stormtroopers. Joe Schreiber's novel marked the return of horror to the Star Wars universe since the "Galaxy of Fear" series, delivering a chilling narrative that unfolds aboard a derelict Star Destroyer, where the dead rise to terrorize the living.

Darth Plagueis (2012)

Kindle Edition Darth Plagueis

2$12.99 at Amazon

James Luceno's "Darth Plagueis" explores the tale of the wise Sith Lord, offering a dark and compelling narrative about ambition and the violent nature of the Sith. This well-regarded contemporary Legends book traces Plagueis's rise to power and his training of Darth Sidious, who would become Emperor Palpatine, in their quest for ultimate power, no matter the 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 includes works 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 represents nearly forty years of storytelling.

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, as seen with characters like Thrawn and plot points like Boba Fett's survival, elements from Legends can transition into the official canon. When a Legends book like "Heir to the Empire" is canonized by Lucasfilm, it sheds its Legends status and becomes part of the main Star Wars canon.

While the Legends books are no longer canon, there are numerous contemporary canon novels that enrich the Star Wars universe. Series like the High Republic, which introduces a new era soon to be seen in live-action, and books such as "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, offer direct connections to the films and expand the galaxy's lore.

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