Decades 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 already expanding the universe beyond what was seen on screen. The Star Wars Expanded Universe, as it was known, pushed the boundaries of the Galaxy Far, Far Away with every book, comic, and game released. However, in 2014, following Disney's purchase of the franchise, the Expanded Universe was officially decanonized and rebranded as "Legends." Despite this, the books remain some of the finest Star Wars storytelling available and continue to influence the current Star Wars canon, as evidenced by the recent live-action debut of Thrawn in Ahsoka. If you're eager to dive into this vast segment 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 of reading Legends books can be daunting, given the hundreds of titles available. To help you navigate this expansive universe, we've curated a list of the most essential and engaging books to serve as your entry point. From the origins of the sprawling collection and the Star Wars franchise itself, to thrilling tales of zombie stormtroopers and legendary Mandalorian escapes, not to mention the vibrant young adult adventures of some very famous Star Wars offspring, these books offer some of the most enjoyable experiences in the galaxy far, far away. Each of these titles is readily available for purchase on Amazon, making it the most convenient place to buy books online.
Splinter of the Mind's Eye (1977)
Kindle Edition Splinter of the Mind's Eye
$4.99 at Amazon
This book ignited the Expanded Universe, alongside Marvel Comics and beloved Star Wars newspaper strips. It holds a legendary status in Star Wars lore because 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 was never adapted, it remains a cornerstone of what would become 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 rally planetary residents to the Rebellion's cause. They encounter Darth Vader, leading to an epic Leia/Vader fight scene and further exploration of the Force and its cosmic powers.
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, compensating for Han's absence in Splinter of the Mind's Eye by focusing exclusively on the roguish cosmic adventurer. The first book, Han Solo at Stars' End, is the third Star Wars novel ever published, following Alan Dean Foster's Star Wars adaptation and Splinter of the Mind's Eye. Brian Daley takes readers on a wild journey through the galaxy's criminal underworld, showcasing why Han and Chewie are such beloved characters. 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 is invariably mentioned. Timothy Zahn's series begins with this book, set five years after the Battle of Endor, introducing readers to the Empire's heir apparent. Grand Admiral Thrawn, the formidable Chiss commander, quickly became a fan favorite and eventually transitioned into Star Wars canon through the Clone Wars TV series. His recent live-action appearance in Ahsoka further cements his legacy. If you're seeking a Legends book that has significantly shaped 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 books focus on the notorious Sith Lord and his impact on the galaxy. Drew Karpyshyn's trilogy is compelling for Star Wars fans, enriching the lore of the Sith, while also standing alone as a gripping sci-fi series for those who enjoy dark, engaging narratives. Path of Destruction offers a unique perspective by telling its story from the Sith's viewpoint, delving into the origins of the Sith Rule of Two and the rise of one of the most powerful and feared Sith Lords in history.
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 enjoying a wealth of Expanded Universe books, including this legendary series centered on Han Solo and Princess Leia's children, Jacen and Jaina Solo. The twins study under Luke Skywalker at his Jedi Academy on Yavin 4. This charming young readers' series follows the Force-sensitive teens for years, until Jacen's dark turn into the Sith Lord Darth Caedus in later Expanded Universe books. Jacen's journey undoubtedly influenced the character of Kylo Ren in the sequel trilogy.
Tales from Jabba's Palace (1995)
Kindle Edition Tales from Jabba's Palace
$4.99 at Amazon
This short story collection is one of the most beloved entries in the Expanded Universe, particularly for revealing that fan-favorite Boba Fett survived the Sarlacc Pit, emerging from its stomach. This was considered canon for years until the Expanded Universe was decanonized, but it was later adapted in The Book of Boba Fett. Beyond this pivotal moment, the book is filled with fun, weird, and wonderful alien-centric stories set in the Galaxy Far, Far Away.
Death Troopers (2009)
Kindle Edition Death Troopers
$11.99 at Amazon
While not the most lore-heavy, this standalone horror story about zombie stormtroopers is one of the coolest entries in the Legends universe. Horror writer Joe Schreiber brought the genre back to the Galaxy Far, Far Away for the first time since the Galaxy of Fear series, and he did so with a bang. When an Imperial prison barge breaks down and encounters a seemingly abandoned Star Destroyer, the crew's luck seems to change—until they discover the ship's only two survivors and the walking dead.
Darth Plagueis (2012)
Kindle Edition Darth Plagueis
$12.99 at Amazon
Have you heard the story of Darth Plagueis the Wise? If not, James Luceno's acclaimed tale under the Legends banner will enlighten you. Luceno crafts a darkly brilliant narrative about the violence of the Sith and the perils of ambition. One of the most highly regarded contemporary Legends books, Darth Plagueis chronicles the rise of the titular villain and his training of his apprentice, Darth Sidious, who would become Emperor Palpatine, as they pursue the ultimate power, no matter the cost.
How Many Star Wars Legends Books Are There?
There are nearly 400 books classified under the Star Wars Legends banner, along with numerous comics, games, and films that are part of the now-decanonized Legends universe. This includes movies and TV shows 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 (which was part of a massive Expanded Universe crossover event), and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. The extensive range of releases and diverse content is understandable, given that the series spanned from 1977—six months before the film's release—to 2014, covering nearly forty years of the Expanded Universe.
Star Wars Legends vs. Canon
What does this all mean? Essentially, anything labeled as "Legends" 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 become part of the official canon, as seen with the inclusion of characters like Thrawn. As the Star Wars universe continues to expand on screen, it's likely we'll see more Legends elements integrated. When a book like Heir to the Empire is officially made canon by Lucasfilm, it loses its Legends status and becomes a core part of Star Wars canon.
While Star Wars Legends books are not canon, there are many contemporary canon novels that expand the galaxy and its inhabitants 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, 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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