Long before Disney acquired Lucasfilm for a staggering four billion dollars, and even before the release of the first Star Wars movie, writers were crafting expansive tales that went beyond the screen. The Star Wars Expanded Universe, later known as "Legends," was a vast collection of books, comics, and games that pushed the boundaries of the Galaxy Far, Far Away. In 2014, after Disney's purchase, the Expanded Universe was officially decanonized and renamed "Legends." Despite this, the books remain some of the finest Star Wars stories ever told, continuing to influence the current Star Wars canon, as seen with the recent live-action debut of Thrawn in Ahsoka. If you're eager to dive into this rich part of Star Wars lore, here's our curated list of the best Star Wars Legends books to start with!
Which Star Wars Legends Books Should You Read First?
Navigating the extensive world of Legends books can feel daunting, with hundreds of titles to choose from. To help you get started, we've compiled a list of essential reads that serve as excellent entry points into this universe. From the origins of the franchise to thrilling adventures involving zombie stormtroopers and the legendary escapes of Mandalorians, not to mention the vibrant young adult stories of iconic Star Wars offspring, these books offer some of the most enjoyable experiences in the galaxy far, far away. All of these titles are readily available for purchase on Amazon, making it the go-to platform for buying books online.
Splinter of the Mind's Eye (1977)
Priced at $4.99 on Amazon, this book is the cornerstone of the Expanded Universe, alongside the Marvel Comics and beloved Star Wars newspaper strips. Written as a potential low-budget sequel to A New Hope, it showcases Luke and Leia's mission to recruit allies for the Rebellion, culminating in a thrilling confrontation with Darth Vader. This novel not only provides a gripping Leia vs. Vader fight scene but also delves deeper into the lore of the Force and the cosmic powers within the Star Wars universe.
The Han Solo Adventures (1979)
Available for $8.99 on Amazon, this trilogy is a beloved part of the Legends universe, focusing on the roguish charm of Han Solo. 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.
Heir to the Empire (1991)
Priced at $3.99 on Amazon, this book kicks off the influential Thrawn trilogy by Timothy Zahn. Set five years after the Battle of Endor, it introduces Grand Admiral Thrawn, who has since become a fan favorite and made his way into the Star Wars canon through the Clone Wars series and the live-action Ahsoka. This novel is essential for understanding the impact of Legends on the broader Star Wars universe.
Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)
For $8.99 on Amazon, this novel by Drew Karpyshyn delves into the life of the infamous Sith Lord Darth Bane. It offers a unique perspective on the Sith, exploring the origins of the Rule of Two and providing a dark, engaging narrative that stands out both as part of the Star Wars lore and as a standalone sci-fi trilogy.
Star Wars: Young Jedi Knights: Heirs of the Force (1995)
This series follows the children of Han Solo and Princess Leia, Jacen and Jaina Solo, as they train at Luke Skywalker's Jedi Academy. It's a charming young adult series that later sees Jacen's dark transformation into Darth Caedus, a storyline that echoes the sequel trilogy's Kylo Ren.
Tales from Jabba's Palace (1995)
Priced at $4.99 on Amazon, this anthology is a beloved part of the Expanded Universe, particularly for revealing Boba Fett's survival from the Sarlacc Pit—a plot point later adapted into "The Book of Boba Fett." It's filled with diverse and engaging stories about the galaxy's inhabitants.
Death Troopers (2009)
For $11.99 on Amazon, this horror novel by Joe Schreiber introduces zombie stormtroopers in a chilling standalone story. It's a thrilling addition to the Legends universe, bringing a new genre to the galaxy.
Darth Plagueis (2012)
Priced at $12.99 on Amazon, James Luceno's novel explores the story of Darth Plagueis, the wise Sith Lord. It's a gripping tale of ambition and power within the Sith, detailing Plagueis's rise and his mentorship of Darth Sidious, who becomes Emperor Palpatine.
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," and "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic." Spanning from 1977 to 2014, the Expanded Universe offered a rich tapestry of stories over nearly forty years.
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, elements from Legends can influence or even become part of the official canon, as seen with Thrawn's integration into the live-action series. Meanwhile, contemporary canon novels continue to expand the Star Wars universe, such as the High Republic series, which introduces new eras to be explored in 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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