Top Star Wars Legends Books to Read in 2025

Long before Disney acquired Lucasfilm for a staggering four billion dollars, before the prequels, and even before the iconic first Star Wars movie hit the screens, writers were already expanding the universe into realms beyond what we saw in the films. The Star Wars Expanded Universe, with its rich array of books, comics, and games, truly lived up to its name by pushing the boundaries of the Galaxy Far, Far Away. However, following Disney's purchase of the franchise in 2014, the Expanded Universe was reclassified as "Legends," effectively decanonizing it. Despite this, the Legends books continue to be celebrated for their compelling storytelling and have influenced the Star Wars canon, as evidenced by the recent live-action debut of Thrawn in Ahsoka. If you're eager to dive into this extensive segment of Star Wars lore, we've curated a list of the top Star Wars Legends books to start your journey!

Which Star Wars Legends Books Should You Read First?

Embarking on your journey through the Legends books can feel daunting, given the hundreds of titles available. That's why we've compiled a selection of the most impactful and enjoyable books to serve as your entry point. From the inception of this expansive collection—and the Star Wars franchise itself—to tales of zombie stormtroopers, epic escapes by legendary Mandalorians, and youthful adventures of famous Star Wars offspring, these stories offer some of the most thrilling experiences in the galaxy far, far away. Each of these books can be easily purchased on Amazon, making it the most convenient place to start your collection.

Splinter of the Mind's Eye (1977)

Kindle Edition Splinter of the Mind's Eye

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This novel marks the inception of the Expanded Universe, alongside Marvel Comics and the beloved Star Wars newspaper strips. It's a cornerstone of Star Wars literature, originally conceived as a potential script 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. Although it never made it to the screen, it remains a pivotal part of what became the Expanded Universe and later, Legends. The story follows Luke and Leia—without Han or Chewie, much to the dismay of Wookiee fans—as they attempt to rally planetary residents to the Rebel cause. Their encounter with Darth Vader leads to an exhilarating fight scene between Leia and Vader, enriching the lore of the Force and the cosmic powers within the Star Wars universe.

The Han Solo Adventures (1979)

Kindle Edition The Han Solo Adventures

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This cherished trilogy remains one of the most beloved Legends adventures, compensating for Han's absence 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 ever published, following Alan Dean Foster's adaptation of Star Wars and Splinter of the Mind's Eye. Brian Daley takes readers on a thrilling journey through the galaxy's criminal underworld, showcasing why Han and Chewie are such a fan-favorite duo. Subsequent books continue their intergalactic escapades, further cementing their place in Star Wars lore.

Heir to the Empire (1991)

Kindle Edition Heir to the Empire

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When discussing influential Legends titles, the Thrawn trilogy is invariably at the forefront. Timothy Zahn's series begins with this novel, set five years after the Battle of Endor, introducing readers to the Empire's heir apparent. Grand Admiral Thrawn, the formidable Chiss commander, quickly became a fan favorite and eventually transitioned into Star Wars canon through the acclaimed Clone Wars TV series. His recent live-action appearance in Ahsoka further underscores the impact of this Legends book, which reshaped the Star Wars universe both on and off the screen.

Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)

Path of Destruction

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Another iconic Legends trilogy, the Darth Bane series focuses on the notorious Sith Lord and his transformative reign over the galaxy. Drew Karpyshyn's trilogy is highly readable, appealing not only to Star Wars fans eager to delve deeper into Sith lore but also to sci-fi enthusiasts looking for a gripping, dark narrative. Path of Destruction offers a unique perspective by telling its story from the Sith's viewpoint, providing insights into the origins of the Sith Rule of Two and the rise of one of the most powerful and feared Sith Lords in history.

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

Paperback Heirs of the Force

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For Star Wars fans growing up in the '90s, the absence of new films was offset by the wealth of Expanded Universe books, including this legendary series centered on Han Solo and Princess Leia's children, Jacen and Jaina Solo. Under the guidance of Luke Skywalker at his Jedi Academy on Yavin 4, the Force-sensitive teens lead this engaging Young Readers series. Their journey takes a dark turn when Jacen turns against his family, becoming the Sith Lord Darth Caedus in later Expanded Universe books—a storyline that notably influenced the character 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 anthology of short stories is a beloved entry in the Expanded Universe, particularly for revealing that fan-favorite Boba Fett survived the Sarlacc Pit, a plot point that was canon for years until the Expanded Universe was decanonized. However, this moment was later adapted into The Book of Boba Fett, bringing it back into the fold. Beyond this significant reveal, the collection is filled with entertaining, quirky, and imaginative tales that enrich the tapestry of the Galaxy Far, Far Away.

Death Troopers (2009)

Kindle Edition Death Troopers

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While not as lore-heavy as other entries, this standalone horror novel featuring zombie Stormtroopers is one of the most thrilling additions to the Legends universe. Joe Schreiber, a horror writer, brought the genre back to the Galaxy Far, Far Away for the first time since the Galaxy of Fear series. The story unfolds aboard an Imperial Prison Barge that encounters a seemingly abandoned Star Destroyer. The discovery of only two survivors and the subsequent rise of the dead create a chilling narrative that captivates readers.

Darth Plagueis (2012)

Kindle Edition Darth Plagueis

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Have you heard the tale of Darth Plagueis the Wise? James Luceno's acclaimed novel under the Legends banner delves into the story of this infamous Sith Lord. Luceno crafts a dark and compelling narrative about the violent nature of the Sith and the perils of ambition. One of the most highly regarded contemporary Legends books, Darth Plagueis chronicles the rise of the titular villain and his training of his apprentice, Darth Sidious, who would later become Emperor Palpatine, as they pursue the ultimate power, regardless of the deadly consequences.

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 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 (part of a significant Expanded Universe crossover event), and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. The vast array of content, spanning from 1977 to 2014, reflects nearly forty years of the Expanded Universe's development.

Star Wars Legends vs. Canon

The "Legends" label signifies content that was once part of the Expanded Universe but is no longer considered canon. However, as we've seen, elements from Legends can influence or even be integrated into the official canon, as with Thrawn's appearance in Ahsoka. When a Legends book like Heir to the Empire is officially recognized by Lucasfilm as canon, it sheds its Legends status and becomes a core part of the Star Wars narrative.

While Star Wars Legends books are not part of the official canon, there are numerous contemporary canon novels that expand the galaxy and its characters in ways directly tied to the films. A prime example is the High Republic series, which introduces a new era to the Star Wars canon, soon to be featured 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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