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 first Star Wars film hit theaters, writers were crafting a vast universe that extended far beyond what we saw on screen. The Star Wars Expanded Universe, now known as "Legends" after Disney's 2014 purchase and subsequent decanonization, remains some of the finest Star Wars storytelling available. These stories continue 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 expansive part of the Star Wars fandom, 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?

Navigating the extensive catalog of Legends books can be daunting, with hundreds of titles to choose from. That's why we've curated a list of the most essential and engaging books to serve as your entry point. From the origins of the Expanded Universe to thrilling tales of zombie stormtroopers and the adventures of iconic Mandalorians, not to mention the vibrant young adult stories featuring the offspring of some of the galaxy's most famous characters, there's a wealth of entertainment awaiting you. Each of these books is conveniently available for purchase on Amazon, making it easy to start your journey into the Legends universe.

Splinter of the Mind's Eye (1977)

Kindle Edition Splinter of the Mind's Eye - $4.99 at Amazon
This book was the spark that ignited the Expanded Universe, alongside Marvel Comics and beloved Star Wars newspaper strips. It holds a legendary status in Star Wars lore because it was originally conceived 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 the Expanded Universe and later, Legends. Follow Luke and Leia (no Han or Chewie here, sorry Wookiee fans) as they attempt to rally planetary residents to the Rebel cause, encountering Darth Vader and witnessing an epic Leia/Vader showdown, alongside deeper explorations of the Force and its cosmic powers.

The Han Solo Adventures (1979)

Kindle Edition The Han Solo Adventures - $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 space adventurer. The first book, Han Solo at Stars' End, follows the third Star Wars novel after Alan Dean Foster's adaptation 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 cherished duo in the Star Wars universe. Subsequent books continue their interstellar escapades.

Heir to the Empire (1991)

Kindle Edition Heir to the Empire - $3.99 at Amazon
When discussing the most impactful Legends titles, the Thrawn trilogy often tops the list. Timothy Zahn kicked off this series with Heir to the Empire, set five years after the Battle of Endor, introducing fans to the Empire's heir apparent. Grand Admiral Thrawn, the brilliant Chiss commander, became a fan favorite and eventually transitioned into Star Wars canon through The Clone Wars TV series, culminating in his recent live-action appearance in Ahsoka. For a Legends book that reshaped the Star Wars narrative both on and off screen, look no further.

Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)

Path of Destruction - $8.99 at Amazon
Another iconic trilogy, the Darth Bane series delves into the life of the infamous Sith Lord and his impact on the galaxy. Drew Karpyshyn's work is not only a must-read for Star Wars fans interested in Sith lore but also appeals to sci-fi enthusiasts seeking a dark and engaging standalone story. Path of Destruction offers a unique perspective from the Sith side, detailing the origins of the Rule of Two and the rise of one of the most feared Sith Lords in history.

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

Paperback Heirs of the Force - See it at Amazon
For those who grew up as Star Wars fans in the '90s, the Expanded Universe provided a treasure trove of stories, including this series focused on Han Solo and Princess Leia's children, Jacen and Jaina Solo. Under Luke Skywalker's guidance at the Jedi Academy on Yavin 4, the Force-sensitive twins led this captivating young adult series. Jacen's later turn to the dark side as Darth Caedus in subsequent Expanded Universe books echoed in the sequel trilogy's Kylo Ren, highlighting the series' lasting influence.

Tales from Jabba's Palace (1995)

Kindle Edition Tales from Jabba's Palace - $4.99 at Amazon
This beloved collection of short stories is a standout in the Expanded Universe, notably for revealing that Boba Fett survived the Sarlacc Pit. This revelation was canon for years until the Expanded Universe's decanonization, but it resurfaced when The Book of Boba Fett brought this moment to life. Beyond this pivotal plot point, the anthology offers a delightful mix of quirky and fascinating tales centered on the galaxy's diverse alien inhabitants.

Death Troopers (2009)

Kindle Edition Death Troopers - $11.99 at Amazon
While not as lore-heavy as other Legends entries, this standalone horror novel featuring zombie stormtroopers is a thrilling addition to the universe. Joe Schreiber brought horror back to the galaxy for the first time since the Galaxy of Fear series, crafting a chilling tale of an Imperial prison barge encountering a deserted Star Destroyer, only to unleash a terrifying outbreak.

Darth Plagueis (2012)

Kindle Edition Darth Plagueis - $12.99 at Amazon
Have you heard the tale of Darth Plagueis the Wise? James Luceno brings this story to life under the Legends banner, exploring the dark and ambitious journey of the Sith Lord who trained Darth Sidious, the future Emperor Palpatine. This highly regarded contemporary Legends book delves into the brutal world of the Sith and the perilous quest for ultimate power.

How Many Star Wars Legends Books Are There?

The Star Wars Legends universe encompasses nearly 400 books, along with numerous comics, games, and even films. This includes classics 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 (a significant part of an extensive Expanded Universe crossover), and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Spanning from 1977 to 2014, this vast collection represents nearly forty years of Expanded Universe content.

Star Wars Legends vs. Canon

The "Legends" label encompasses what was once known as the Expanded Universe, now considered non-canon. However, as we've seen, elements from Legends can influence or even become part of the official canon, as with the inclusion of Thrawn in Ahsoka. When a Legends book like Heir to the Empire is officially integrated into the canon by Lucasfilm, it transitions from Legends to a core part of the Star Wars universe.

While Legends books are not canon, there's a rich selection of contemporary canon novels that expand the galaxy and its inhabitants directly connected to the films. The High Republic series, for instance, introduces a new era set to be explored 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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