Top Star Wars Legends Books to Read in 2025

Decades before Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm for a staggering four billion dollars, and even before the first Star Wars movie hit the screens, writers were already expanding the universe in ways that captivated fans. 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 decanonized by Disney in 2014, these stories remain some of the best Star Wars narratives and continue to influence the current canon, as evidenced by the recent live-action appearance of Thrawn in Ahsoka. If you're eager to dive into this extensive part of Star Wars lore, we've curated a list of the top Star Wars Legends books to get you started!

Which Star Wars Legends Books Should You Read First?

Navigating the vast array of Legends books can be daunting, given the hundreds of titles available. To help you embark on this journey, we've selected the most essential and engaging books that serve as excellent starting points. From the origins of the franchise to thrilling tales of zombie stormtroopers, legendary Mandalorian escapades, and the youthful adventures of iconic Star Wars characters, these books offer some of the most enjoyable experiences in the galaxy. You can easily purchase these titles on Amazon, the go-to platform for online book shopping.

Splinter of the Mind's Eye (1977)

Kindle Edition: $4.99 at Amazon
This book kickstarted the Expanded Universe and remains a cornerstone of Star Wars lore. Written as a potential low-budget sequel to A New Hope, it explores a scenario where Luke and Leia, without Han and Chewie, attempt to rally support for the Rebellion. Their encounters with Darth Vader and a unique Leia-Vader fight scene, along with deeper insights into the Force, make this a must-read for any fan.

The Han Solo Adventures (1979)

Kindle Edition: $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 smuggler. Starting with "Han Solo at Stars' End," the third Star Wars novel, Brian Daley takes readers on a wild journey through the galaxy's criminal underworld, highlighting why Han and Chewie are fan favorites.

Heir to the Empire (1991)

Kindle Edition: $3.99 at Amazon
As one of the most influential Legends titles, the Thrawn trilogy, beginning with this book, introduced Grand Admiral Thrawn, a character who has since become a fan favorite and entered the Star Wars canon through The Clone Wars and Ahsoka. Set five years after the Battle of Endor, this novel reshaped the Star Wars universe both on and off screen.

Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)

Kindle Edition: $8.99 at Amazon
This trilogy focuses on the infamous Sith Lord Darth Bane and his impact on the galaxy. Drew Karpyshyn's work is compelling for both Star Wars fans, enriching the Sith lore, and sci-fi enthusiasts looking for a dark, engaging read. "Path of Destruction" offers a unique Sith perspective and delves into the origins of the Rule of Two.

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

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This series follows the children of Han Solo and Princess Leia, Jacen and Jaina Solo, as they train under Luke Skywalker at his Jedi Academy. A staple of the '90s Expanded Universe, it laid the groundwork for characters like Jacen, who later influenced the sequel trilogy's Kylo Ren.

Tales from Jabba's Palace (1995)

Kindle Edition: $4.99 at Amazon
This collection of short stories is a beloved part of the Expanded Universe, especially for revealing Boba Fett's survival of the Sarlacc Pit—a plot point later adapted in The Book of Boba Fett. It's filled with engaging tales that delve into the lives of the galaxy's diverse inhabitants.

Death Troopers (2009)

Kindle Edition: $11.99 at Amazon
Though not heavily focused on lore, this horror novel about zombie stormtroopers is a thrilling addition to the Legends universe. Joe Schreiber's chilling tale of an Imperial prison barge encountering a deserted Star Destroyer filled with undead is a unique and gripping read.

Darth Plagueis (2012)

Kindle Edition: $12.99 at Amazon
James Luceno's acclaimed novel delves into the story of Darth Plagueis, exploring the Sith's violent quest for power and the dangerous ambition that drives them. This well-regarded book traces Plagueis' rise and his mentorship of Darth Sidious, who becomes Emperor Palpatine, in their pursuit of ultimate power.

How Many Star Wars Legends Books Are There?

There are nearly 400 books classified as Star Wars Legends, along with countless comics, games, and films. This expansive universe includes everything from The Star Wars Holiday Special to games like Star Wars: The Force Unleashed and Knights of the Old Republic. Spanning from 1977 to 2014, the Legends universe offers almost forty years of rich storytelling.

Star Wars Legends vs. Canon

The "Legends" label encompasses what was once the Expanded Universe and is no longer considered part of the official Star Wars canon. However, elements from Legends often find their way into the current canon, as seen with characters like Thrawn. When a Legends story, such as "Heir to the Empire," is officially incorporated into the canon, it transitions out of the Legends category. Meanwhile, contemporary canon novels like the High Republic series continue to expand the Star Wars universe, directly linking to the films and future live-action projects. Other notable canon books include "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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