Decades before Disney's monumental $4 billion acquisition of Lucasfilm, before the prequels, and even before the original Star Wars film hit the screens, writers were already expanding the universe far beyond what was seen in the movies. The Star Wars Expanded Universe, which later became known as "Legends" after Disney's 2014 purchase and subsequent decanonization, enriched the Galaxy Far, Far Away through countless books, comics, and games. Despite being reclassified as Legends, these stories remain some of the finest Star Wars narratives ever created and continue to influence the official canon, as evidenced by the recent live-action appearance of Thrawn in the series Ahsoka. If you're eager to dive into this vast trove 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?

Navigating the vast sea of Legends books can be daunting, with hundreds of titles to choose from. To help you embark on this journey, we've compiled a selection of the most essential and engaging books. From the origins of the franchise to thrilling tales of zombie stormtroopers, epic Mandalorian escapes, and vibrant young adult adventures featuring the children of iconic characters, these books offer some of the most enjoyable experiences in the Star Wars universe. Each title is readily available for purchase on Amazon, making it easy 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 Marvel Comics and the beloved Star Wars newspaper strips. Written as potential material for a low-budget sequel to A New Hope, it remains a cornerstone of the Legends universe. Follow Luke and Leia—without Han or Chewie—as they seek to rally planetary support for the Rebellion, encountering Darth Vader and engaging in a thrilling fight scene that expands the lore of the Force and the galaxy's cosmic powers.

The Han Solo Adventures (1979)

Kindle Edition The Han Solo Adventures

$8.99 at Amazon

This beloved trilogy compensates for Han's absence in Splinter of the Mind's Eye by focusing entirely on the roguish adventurer. Starting with Han Solo at Stars' End, the third Star Wars novel ever published, 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.

Heir to the Empire (1991)

Kindle Edition Heir to the Empire

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Among the most influential Legends titles, the Thrawn trilogy begins with this novel set five years after the Battle of Endor. Timothy Zahn introduces Grand Admiral Thrawn, a Chiss commander who becomes a fan favorite and eventually transitions to the official Star Wars canon in The Clone Wars and Ahsoka. This book reshaped the Star Wars universe both on and off the screen.

Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)

Path of Destruction

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Drew Karpyshyn's trilogy focuses on the infamous Sith Lord Darth Bane and his impact on the galaxy. This series is a must-read for Star Wars fans interested in the Sith's lore, while also appealing to sci-fi enthusiasts seeking a dark and engaging narrative. Path of Destruction offers a unique Sith perspective, delving into the origins of the Rule of Two and the rise of one of the most feared 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 absence of new Star Wars films during the '90s, the Expanded Universe thrived with books like this series, which follows the children of Han Solo and Princess Leia, Jacen and Jaina Solo, as they train under Luke Skywalker at his Jedi Academy on Yavin 4. This charming young adult series later sees Jacen's dark transformation into Darth Caedus, a storyline that echoes in the sequel trilogy's Kylo Ren.

Tales from Jabba's Palace (1995)

Kindle Edition Tales from Jabba's Palace

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This beloved short story collection includes a pivotal revelation: Boba Fett's survival of the Sarlacc Pit, a moment that was decanonized with Legends but later adapted into The Book of Boba Fett. The book also offers a delightful array of alien-centric stories set in the Galaxy Far, Far Away.

Death Troopers (2009)

Kindle Edition Death Troopers

$11.99 at Amazon

Though not as lore-heavy as other entries, this standalone horror novel by Joe Schreiber brings a chilling twist to the galaxy with its tale of zombie stormtroopers. Set aboard a stranded Imperial prison barge that encounters a deserted Star Destroyer, the story unfolds into a terrifying encounter with the undead.

Darth Plagueis (2012)

Kindle Edition Darth Plagueis

$12.99 at Amazon

James Luceno's acclaimed novel delves into the life of Darth Plagueis, the wise Sith Lord who trains his apprentice, Darth Sidious, later known as Emperor Palpatine. This dark and compelling story explores the violence of the Sith and the perils of ambition as Plagueis seeks to master the 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 like The Star Wars Holiday Special, Star Wars: Droids, and Ewoks: Caravan of Courage. Notable games include Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, Shadows of the Empire, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Spanning from 1977 to 2014, this extensive collection reflects nearly forty years of storytelling within the Expanded Universe.

Star Wars Legends vs. Canon

The "Legends" designation marks content that was once part of the Expanded Universe but is no longer considered canon. However, elements from Legends can still influence or even be integrated into the official Star Wars canon, as seen with characters like Thrawn. When a Legends story like Heir to the Empire is officially recognized by Lucasfilm, it transitions from Legends to a part of the main Star Wars canon.

While Legends books are not officially canon, contemporary Star Wars novels continue to expand the galaxy's narrative in ways that directly tie into the films. Notable canon series include the High Republic, which introduces a new era soon to be seen in live-action, and other titles 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.

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