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 iconic first Star Wars film hit the screens, writers were already expanding the universe beyond what we saw in the movies. The Star Wars Expanded Universe, now known as "Legends," was a vast collection of books, comics, and games that enriched the lore of the Galaxy Far, Far Away. However, in 2014, after Disney's purchase of the franchise, the Expanded Universe was officially decanonized and rebranded as "Legends." Despite this, the stories within these books remain some of the finest Star Wars narratives ever created and continue to influence the official canon, as evidenced by 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, here's a 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 titles available. To help you navigate this expansive universe, we've compiled a list of the most essential and engaging books to serve as your entry point. From the origins of the franchise and its sprawling universe to thrilling tales of zombie stormtroopers and the daring escapades of legendary Mandalorians, not to mention the vibrant young adult adventures of famous Star Wars progeny, these stories offer some of the most enjoyable experiences in the Galaxy Far, Far Away. You can easily purchase these books on Amazon, the most convenient platform for buying books online.

Splinter of the Mind's Eye (1977)

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This book was the catalyst for the Expanded Universe, alongside the Marvel Comics and beloved Star Wars newspaper strips. It's a pivotal piece of Star Wars lore, initially written as a potential low-budget sequel to A New Hope in case the film didn't perform well enough for a grander follow-up. Although it never made it to the screen, it's a cornerstone of what became the Expanded Universe and later, Legends. The story follows Luke and Leia—without Han or Chewie, much to the dismay of Wookiee fans—as they attempt to recruit planetary residents to the Rebel cause. Their journey leads them to a confrontation with Darth Vader, featuring a memorable Leia vs. Vader fight scene and further exploration of the Force's cosmic powers.

The Han Solo Adventures (1979)

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This cherished trilogy remains one of the most beloved Legends adventures, compensating 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," marks the third Star Wars novel following Alan Dean Foster's adaptation of Star Wars and Splinter of the Mind's Eye. Brian Daley takes readers on a thrilling journey through the galaxy's criminal underworld, showcasing why Han and Chewie are such fan-favorite characters. Subsequent books continue their interstellar escapades, deepening the lore around these iconic figures.

Heir to the Empire (1991)

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Among the most influential Legends titles, the Thrawn trilogy stands out, beginning with this book set five years after the Battle of Endor. It introduces readers to Grand Admiral Thrawn, the brilliant Chiss commander and heir apparent to the Empire. Over time, Thrawn became a fan-favorite character, making his canonical debut in the Clone Wars TV series and later in live-action in Ahsoka. If you're looking for a Legends book that has significantly shaped the Star Wars universe both on and off the screen, this is the one to read.

Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)

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This iconic trilogy centers on the notorious Sith Lord Darth Bane and his impact on the galaxy. Drew Karpyshyn's work is compelling for Star Wars enthusiasts, enriching the lore of the Sith, and equally engaging for sci-fi fans seeking a dark and immersive read. "Path of Destruction" uniquely tells its story from the Sith's perspective, offering insights into the origins of the Sith Rule of Two and the legacy of one of the most powerful Sith Lords in history.

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

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During the '90s, when no new Star Wars films were being made, fans were treated to an array of Expanded Universe books, including this legendary series focusing on Jacen and Jaina Solo, the children of Han Solo and Princess Leia. Trained by Luke Skywalker at his Jedi Academy on Yavin 4, these Force-sensitive teens led this captivating young readers' series for years. Jacen's later transformation into the Sith Lord Darth Caedus in subsequent books echoes in the sequel trilogy's portrayal of Kylo Ren, highlighting the significant influence of the Legends narrative on the official canon.

Tales from Jabba's Palace (1995)

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This beloved short story collection is a cherished part of the Expanded Universe, notably for revealing that Boba Fett survived the Sarlacc Pit, a plot point that was canonized until the decanonization of the Expanded Universe. However, this narrative was later adapted in "The Book of Boba Fett." Beyond this pivotal moment, the book is filled with entertaining, quirky, and fascinating stories centered on the diverse inhabitants of the Galaxy Far, Far Away.

Death Troopers (2009)

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Although not as lore-heavy as some other entries, this standalone horror novel about zombie stormtroopers is one of the coolest and most unique additions to the Legends universe. Joe Schreiber, a horror writer, reintroduced the genre to the Star Wars galaxy for the first time since the "Galaxy of Fear" series, delivering a chilling tale. When an Imperial prison barge breaks down and encounters a seemingly abandoned Star Destroyer, the crew finds more than they bargained for—zombie stormtroopers.

Darth Plagueis (2012)

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Have you heard the tale of Darth Plagueis the Wise? James Luceno's acclaimed novel delves into the life of this infamous Sith Lord under the Legends banner. This darkly brilliant story explores the violent world 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, his training of Darth Sidious (Emperor Palpatine), and his relentless pursuit of 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 even films. This includes titles like the infamous "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." With content spanning from 1977 to 2014, the Legends universe represents nearly forty years of storytelling in the Galaxy Far, Far Away.

Star Wars Legends vs. Canon

The "Legends" label signifies content from the former Expanded Universe, which is no longer considered part of the official Star Wars canon. However, elements from Legends have occasionally influenced or been incorporated into the current canon, as seen with characters like Thrawn. When a Legends book like "Heir to the Empire" is officially integrated into the canon by Lucasfilm, it sheds its Legends status to become part of the main Star Wars narrative.

While the Legends books are not canon, there is a wealth of contemporary canon novels that expand the galaxy and its stories in direct connection with the films. A prime example is the High Republic series, which introduces a new era soon to be seen 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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