Long before Disney acquired Lucasfilm for $4 billion, prior to the prequel trilogy, and even before the original Star Wars film premiered, writers were crafting narratives that expanded far beyond what audiences would see on screen. The Star Wars Expanded Universe truly lived up to its name, continuously pushing the boundaries of the galaxy through novels, comics, and games. However, following Disney's acquisition in 2014, these stories were rebranded as "Legends" and removed from official canon. Despite this, they remain some of the finest examples of Star Wars storytelling, still influencing current canon—such as Grand Admiral Thrawn's live-action debut in Ahsoka. If you're eager to dive into this vast literary universe, our curated selection of essential Star Wars Legends books will guide your journey.
Essential Star Wars Legends Books to Begin With
With hundreds of titles available, starting your journey into Star Wars Legends can feel daunting. That's why we've compiled a list of standout books that serve as perfect entry points. From foundational classics to thrilling Mandalorian escapes, eerie zombie Stormtroopers, and vibrant YA adventures featuring legendary characters' descendants, these books offer unforgettable galactic experiences. Each title is readily available on Amazon for convenient purchase.
Splinter of the Mind's Eye (1977)
Kindle Edition Splinter of the Mind's Eye
$4.99 at Amazon
This novel kickstarted the Expanded Universe alongside Marvel Comics and Star Wars newspaper strips. Written as potential source material for a low-budget sequel to A New Hope, it became legendary despite never being adapted. The story follows Luke and Leia (without Han or Chewbacca) as they rally planetary support for the Rebellion, culminating in a gripping duel between Leia and Darth Vader. The book also explores deeper Force lore and cosmic elements of the Star Wars mythology.
The Han Solo Adventures (1979)
Kindle Edition The Han Solo Adventures
$8.99 at Amazon
This beloved trilogy delivers pure galactic escapades starring the scoundrel himself. The first installment, Han Solo at Stars' End, was the third Star Wars novel ever published. Author Brian Daley takes Han and Chewie through the criminal underworld, highlighting why these characters became fan favorites. Subsequent books continue their high-stakes adventures.
Heir to the Empire (1991)
Kindle Edition Heir to the Empire
$3.99 at Amazon
The Thrawn trilogy stands among the most influential Star Wars Legends works. Set five years after Return of the Jedi, Timothy Zahn introduced Grand Admiral Thrawn—a tactical genius who became so popular he eventually crossed into canon via The Clone Wars and Ahsoka. This book reshaped Star Wars lore both on and off-screen.
Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)
Path of Destruction
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Drew Karpyshyn's trilogy chronicles the rise of Darth Bane, the Sith Lord who established the Rule of Two. Written from a Sith perspective, it delivers a dark, compelling narrative that enriches Star Wars mythology while standing strong as a sci-fi epic. This book offers rare insight into Sith philosophy and power struggles.
Star Wars: Young Jedi Knights: Heirs of the Force (1995)
Paperback Heirs of the Force
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This '90s YA series follows Jacen and Jaina Solo—Han and Leia's Force-sensitive twins—as they train under Luke Skywalker at his Jedi Academy. Longtime fans will recognize Jacen's eventual fall to the dark side as Darth Caedus, which notably influenced Kylo Ren's arc in the sequel trilogy.
Tales from Jabba's Palace (1995)
Kindle Edition Tales from Jabba's Palace
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This anthology contains fan-favorite stories from Jabba's criminal empire, including the legendary reveal that Boba Fett survived the Sarlacc Pit—a concept later adapted in The Book of Boba Fett. Packed with bizarre and entertaining tales about Jabba's alien cohorts, it's a must-read for bounty hunter enthusiasts.
Death Troopers (2009)
Kindle Edition Death Troopers
$11.99 at Amazon
Joe Schreiber's horror novel brings zombies to the Star Wars universe with terrifying results. When an Imperial prison barge discovers an abandoned Star Destroyer, its crew encounters nightmarish threats—including two famous survivors. This standalone story blends sci-fi with intense horror elements.
Darth Plagueis (2012)
Kindle Edition Darth Plagueis
$12.99 at Amazon
James Luceno's novel explores the infamous Sith Lord mentioned in Revenge of the Sith, chronicling his rise to power and mentorship of Darth Sidious (Palpatine). A masterclass in Sith ambition, this book provides crucial backstory while standing as one of the most praised Legends novels.
The Scope of Star Wars Legends
The Legends banner encompasses nearly 400 books, plus comics, games, and spin-off media like The Star Wars Holiday Special, Shadows of the Empire, and Knights of the Old Republic. Spanning from 1977 to 2014, this vast collection expanded Star Wars lore for nearly four decades before its de-canonization.
Star Wars Legends vs. Canon
While Legends stories are no longer official canon, their influence persists—some elements gradually reintroduced into current continuity (like Thrawn). Meanwhile, new canon novels such as Claudia Gray's Leia, the High Republic series, and Beth Revis' The Princess and the Scoundrel continue expanding the galaxy.
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