Top Star Wars Legends Books to Read in 2025

Long before Disney acquired Lucasfilm for a staggering $4 billion, before the prequels, and even before the release of the first Star Wars movie, writers were crafting expansive narratives that extended far beyond the screen. The Star Wars Expanded Universe, as it was known, pushed the boundaries of the Galaxy Far, Far Away with every book, comic, and game released. However, in 2014, following Disney's acquisition of the franchise, the Expanded Universe was officially decanonized and rebranded as "Legends." Despite this, the Legends books remain some of the finest Star Wars storytelling available, continuing to influence the current Star Wars canon, as evidenced by the recent live-action debut of Thrawn in the series Ahsoka. If you're eager to dive into this vast segment of Star Wars lore, we've compiled a list of the best Star Wars Legends books to get you started!

Which Star Wars Legends Books Should You Read First?

Embarking on the journey through the Legends books can feel daunting with hundreds of titles to choose from. To help you navigate this expansive universe, we've curated a list of essential and highly recommended books that serve as excellent entry points. From the origins of the franchise to thrilling tales of zombie stormtroopers, legendary Mandalorian escapes, and vibrant young adult adventures featuring the offspring of iconic characters, these books offer some of the most engaging experiences in the galaxy far, far away. Each of these titles is readily available for purchase on Amazon, making it the most convenient place to start your collection.

Splinter of the Mind's Eye (1977)

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This book ignited the spark of the Expanded Universe, alongside Marvel Comics and beloved Star Wars newspaper strips. It holds a legendary status within the Star Wars universe because it was initially written as potential source material 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 became a cornerstone of what would later be known as the Expanded Universe and eventually 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 journey leads to an encounter with Darth Vader, featuring a thrilling Leia/Vader fight scene and further exploration of the Force and its cosmic powers.

The Han Solo Adventures (1979)

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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 exclusively 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 wild journey through the galaxy's criminal underworld, showcasing why Han and Chewie are such fan-favorite characters. Subsequent books continue their intergalactic escapades, offering more thrilling adventures.

Heir to the Empire (1991)

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When discussing the most influential Legends titles, the Thrawn trilogy is invariably at the forefront. Timothy Zahn's series begins with this book, 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 made his way into the Star Wars canon through the acclaimed Clone Wars TV series. His recent live-action appearance in Ahsoka further cements his impact. If you're seeking a Legends book that has significantly shaped the Star Wars universe both on and off the screen, this is the one to read.

Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)

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Another iconic Legends trilogy, the Darth Bane series focuses on the notorious Sith Lord and his impact on 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 dark and engaging standalone story. "Path of Destruction" offers a unique perspective by presenting its narrative 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)

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Growing up as a Star Wars fan in the '90s meant enjoying a wealth of Expanded Universe books, including this legendary series centered on the children of Han Solo and Princess Leia, Jacen and Jaina Solo. The twins study under Luke Skywalker at his Jedi Academy on Yavin 4. This charming young readers' series follows the Force-sensitive teens for years, culminating in Jacen's dark turn to become the Sith Lord Darth Caedus in later Expanded Universe books. Jacen's journey undoubtedly influenced the character of Kylo Ren in the sequel trilogy.

Tales from Jabba's Palace (1995)

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This short story collection is one of the most beloved entries 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 in The Book of Boba Fett, bringing it back into the fold. Beyond this significant reveal, the book is filled with fun, weird, and wonderful alien-centric stories set in the Galaxy Far, Far Away.

Death Troopers (2009)

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While not the most lore-heavy entry in the Legends universe, this standalone horror story about zombie stormtroopers is undeniably one of the coolest. Horror writer Joe Schreiber brought the genre back to the Galaxy Far, Far Away for the first time since the kids' horror series Galaxy of Fear, and he did so with a bang. When an Imperial prison barge breaks down in space and encounters a seemingly abandoned Star Destroyer, the crew's luck seems to change—until they discover the ship's only two survivors and the walking dead.

Darth Plagueis (2012)

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Have you heard the tale of Darth Plagueis the Wise? If not, James Luceno's acclaimed story under the Legends banner will fill you in. Luceno crafts a darkly brilliant narrative about the violence of the Sith and the perils of ambition. One of the most highly regarded contemporary Legends books, Darth Plagueis chronicles the rise to power of the titular villain and his training of his apprentice, Darth Sidious, who would later become Emperor Palpatine. The story delves into Plagueis's quest to master the ultimate power, no matter how dangerous and deadly it may be.

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 movies and TV shows 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 massive Expanded Universe crossover event), and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. The vast array of releases and diverse content is understandable, given that the series spanned from 1977—six months before the first film's release—to 2014, covering nearly forty years of the Expanded Universe.

Star Wars Legends vs. Canon

In essence, anything labeled as "Legends" was once part of the Expanded Universe and is no longer considered canon. However, as we've seen with various inspirations and actual canon appearances, this can change over time. As the Star Wars universe continues to expand on screen, it's likely we'll see more elements from Legends making their way into the canon. When a book like Heir to the Empire is officially made canon by Lucasfilm, it loses its Legends status and becomes a core part of the Star Wars canon.

Although Star Wars Legends books are not canon, there are numerous contemporary canon novels that enrich the galaxy and its inhabitants, directly connected to the films. A prime example is the High Republic series, a massive crossover event that introduced a new era to the Star Wars canon, soon to be seen in live-action for the first time. Other 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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