Top Star Wars Legends Books to Read in 2025

Decades before Disney acquired Lucasfilm for a staggering four billion dollars, and even before the release of the first Star Wars film, writers were crafting a vast universe beyond what was seen on screen. The Star Wars Expanded Universe, now known as "Legends," pushed the boundaries of the Galaxy Far, Far Away with every book, comic, and game released. Despite being officially decanonized in 2014 following Disney's purchase, these stories remain some of the best Star Wars narratives ever created and continue to influence the canon, as evidenced by the recent live-action introduction of Thrawn in Ahsoka. If you're eager to dive into this expansive part of Star Wars fandom, here's our curated 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 number of titles available. To help you get started, we've compiled a list of the most essential and enjoyable books. From the origins of this sprawling collection and the Star Wars franchise itself, to thrilling adventures featuring zombie stormtroopers and legendary Mandalorian escapes, not to mention vibrant young adult stories about some iconic Star Wars offspring, these books offer some of the most engaging experiences in the galaxy far, far away. You can easily purchase these books on Amazon, the go-to platform for buying books online.

Splinter of the Mind's Eye (1977)

Kindle Edition Splinter of the Mind's Eye

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This book kickstarted the Expanded Universe alongside Marvel Comics and beloved Star Wars newspaper strips. It's a cornerstone of Star Wars lore, originally 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. While it never made it to the screen, it's a pivotal part of what became the Expanded Universe and later Legends. The story follows Luke and Leia as they attempt to rally planetary residents to the Rebellion, leading to encounters with Darth Vader and a memorable Leia/Vader fight scene, alongside deeper insights into the Force and cosmic powers within the Star Wars universe.

The Han Solo Adventures (1979)

Kindle Edition The Han Solo Adventures

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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, is the third Star Wars novel released after Alan Dean Foster's adaptation of the original film and Splinter of the Mind's Eye. Brian Daley takes Han and Chewie on a thrilling journey through the galaxy's criminal underworld, showcasing why they are such a fan-favorite duo. The subsequent books continue their intergalactic escapades.

Heir to the Empire (1991)

Kindle Edition Heir to the Empire

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Among the most influential Legends titles, the Thrawn trilogy, starting with this book, is often cited first. Set five years after the Battle of Endor, Timothy Zahn's novel introduces readers to the Empire's heir apparent, Grand Admiral Thrawn. This powerful Chiss commander became a fan favorite and eventually made the leap into Star Wars canon via the Clone Wars TV series, and more recently in live-action through Ahsoka. If you're seeking a Legends book that significantly impacted Star Wars both on and off the screen, this is it.

Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)

Path of Destruction

$8.99 at Amazon

This iconic trilogy focuses on the infamous Sith Lord Darth Bane and his influence on the galaxy. Drew Karpyshyn's work is compelling not only for Star Wars fans looking to expand their knowledge of the Sith, but also for sci-fi enthusiasts seeking a dark and engaging standalone series. 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 Sith Lords in history.

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

Paperback Heirs of the Force

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In the '90s, with no new Star Wars films, fans were treated to an array of Expanded Universe books, including this series centered on Han Solo and Princess Leia's children, Jacen and Jaina Solo. Under Luke Skywalker's guidance at his Jedi Academy on Yavin 4, these Force-sensitive teens lead this charming series for young readers. Jacen's later transformation into the Sith Lord Darth Caedus in subsequent Expanded Universe books foreshadowed the development of Kylo Ren in the sequel trilogy.

Tales from Jabba's Palace (1995)

Kindle Edition Tales from Jabba's Palace

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This short story collection is a beloved entry in the Expanded Universe, particularly for revealing that Boba Fett survived the Sarlacc Pit. Although this was decanonized with the rest of the Expanded Universe, it was later adapted in The Book of Boba Fett. Beyond this significant moment, the book is filled with fun, quirky, and alien-centric tales from 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 featuring zombie Stormtroopers is a thrilling read. Joe Schreiber brought horror back to the Galaxy Far, Far Away for the first time since the Galaxy of Fear series. When an Imperial Prison Barge encounters a seemingly abandoned Star Destroyer, the crew's luck turns when the dead begin to rise, leading to a terrifying ordeal.

Darth Plagueis (2012)

Kindle Edition Darth Plagueis

$12.99 at Amazon

James Luceno's acclaimed tale of Darth Plagueis, the wise Sith Lord, delves into the dark side of the Force and the perils of ambition. This contemporary Legends book explores Plagueis's rise to power and his training of his apprentice, Darth Sidious, who would later become Emperor Palpatine. It's a gripping narrative about the 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 films. This includes the likes of 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's vast array of content reflects nearly forty years of creative storytelling.

Star Wars Legends vs. Canon

Content under the "Legends" banner, formerly known as the Expanded Universe, is not considered part of the official Star Wars canon. However, elements from Legends have occasionally been reintroduced into the canon, as seen with Thrawn and Boba Fett's survival. When a Legends story like Heir to the Empire is officially made part of the canon by Lucasfilm, it loses its Legends status and becomes integral to the main Star Wars narrative.

While Star Wars Legends books are no longer canon, there are many contemporary canon novels that enrich the galaxy and its characters, directly connecting to the films. The High Republic series, for instance, introduces a new era soon to be explored 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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