Long before Disney acquired Lucasfilm for a staggering four billion dollars, before the prequels, and even before the original Star Wars movie hit theaters, authors were already expanding the universe beyond what we saw on screen. The Star Wars Expanded Universe was a testament to this creativity, encompassing books, comics, and games that stretched the boundaries of the Galaxy Far, Far Away. However, following Disney's acquisition in 2014, the Expanded Universe was officially rebranded as "Legends," no longer considered part of the official Star Wars canon. Despite this shift, these books continue to offer some of the richest Star Wars storytelling available, with their influence still evident in the current canon, such as the introduction of Thrawn in the live-action series Ahsoka. If you're eager to dive into this vast part of Star Wars lore, we've compiled a list of the best Star Wars Legends books to start with.
Embarking on the journey of reading Legends books can feel daunting due to the sheer number 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 inception of the Expanded Universe to thrilling adventures with zombie stormtroopers, legendary escapes of the Mandalorians, and the youthful exploits of iconic Star Wars progeny, these books offer some of the most enjoyable experiences in the galaxy. Each of these titles is readily available for purchase on Amazon, making it easy to start your collection.
$4.99 at Amazon
This novel is a cornerstone of the Expanded Universe, alongside the Marvel Comics and beloved Star Wars newspaper strips. It was initially conceived as a potential low-budget sequel to A New Hope, in case the film didn't perform well enough to warrant a more lavish follow-up. Although it never made it to the screen, it remains a pivotal work in what would become the Legends universe. The story follows Luke and Leia—without Han and Chewie, much to the dismay of Wookiee fans—as they seek to recruit planetary residents to the Rebel cause. Their encounter with Darth Vader leads to a thrilling fight scene between Leia and Vader, enriching the lore of the Force and the broader cosmic powers within Star Wars.
$8.99 at Amazon
This beloved trilogy compensates for the absence of Han Solo 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 ever published, following Alan Dean Foster's adaptation and Splinter of the Mind's Eye. Brian Daley takes readers on a wild journey through the galaxy's criminal underworld, highlighting why Han and Chewie are such fan favorites. Subsequent books continue their interstellar escapades.
$3.99 at Amazon
When discussing influential Legends titles, the Thrawn trilogy is invariably mentioned. Timothy Zahn's series begins with this novel, set five years after the Battle of Endor, introducing the enigmatic Grand Admiral Thrawn, the Empire's heir apparent. Over time, Thrawn has become a fan-favorite character, transitioning from Legends to the official Star Wars canon through appearances in The Clone Wars and, more recently, the live-action series Ahsoka. This book is essential for anyone interested in a Legends work that has significantly shaped both the literary and on-screen Star Wars universes.
$8.99 at Amazon
Another iconic Legends trilogy, the Darth Bane series delves into the life of the infamous Sith Lord and his impact on the galaxy. Drew Karpyshyn's trilogy is a compelling addition to Sith lore, appealing not only to Star Wars enthusiasts but also to fans of dark, engaging sci-fi narratives. "Path of Destruction" offers a unique perspective by presenting the story from a Sith viewpoint, exploring the origins of the Sith Rule of Two and the rise of one of the most formidable Sith Lords in history.
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During the '90s, when no new Star Wars films were being released, fans were treated to an array of Expanded Universe books, including this series focused on the children of Han Solo and Princess Leia, Jacen and Jaina Solo. The twins, trained by Luke Skywalker at his Jedi Academy on Yavin 4, led this engaging young adult series. Jacen's later transformation into the Sith Lord Darth Caedus had a significant impact on subsequent Expanded Universe narratives and even influenced the character of Kylo Ren in the sequel trilogy.
$4.99 at Amazon
This short story collection is a cherished part of the Expanded Universe, particularly for revealing that Boba Fett survived his encounter with the Sarlacc Pit. Although this was later decanonized, it was reintroduced into the official canon through The Book of Boba Fett. Beyond this significant plot point, the book is filled with entertaining, quirky stories that highlight the diversity of alien life in the Star Wars galaxy.
$11.99 at Amazon
Though not deeply rooted in Star Wars lore, this standalone horror novel featuring zombie stormtroopers is a thrilling read. Joe Schreiber brings horror back to the Star Wars universe with a gripping story about an Imperial prison barge that encounters a seemingly abandoned Star Destroyer. The discovery of the ship's two survivors and the subsequent zombie outbreak make for a chilling tale.
$12.99 at Amazon
If you're intrigued by the tale of Darth Plagueis the Wise, James Luceno's novel under the Legends banner provides a detailed account. This highly regarded book explores the dark and ambitious journey of the Sith Lord as he rises to power and trains his apprentice, Darth Sidious, who later becomes Emperor Palpatine. The narrative delves into Plagueis's quest for ultimate power, regardless of the perilous consequences.
The Star Wars Legends universe encompasses nearly 400 books, along with numerous comics, games, and even films. This 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, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. The vast array of content spans from 1977, just six months before the release of the first film, to 2014, covering nearly forty years of the Expanded Universe.
The "Legends" label encompasses what was once known as the Expanded Universe, which is no longer considered part of the official Star Wars canon. However, the influence of Legends on the current canon is undeniable, with elements like Thrawn making the transition to official canon. When a Legends work 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 part of the canon, there are many contemporary canon novels that expand the galaxy and its inhabitants in ways that directly connect to the films. The High Republic series is a prime example, introducing a new era to the Star Wars canon that will soon be seen in live-action. Other notable 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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