Decades before Disney's landmark $4 billion acquisition of Lucasfilm, before the prequels, and even before the original Star Wars film, writers were already crafting a galaxy far, far beyond what we'd see on screen. The Star Wars Expanded Universe—later rebranded "Legends" after the Disney acquisition in 2014—pushed the boundaries of the saga with countless books, comics, and games. Despite its decanonization, Legends remains a treasure trove of compelling storytelling, influencing current Star Wars canon, as evidenced by Thrawn's recent live-action debut in Ahsoka. Ready to explore this vast corner of the Star Wars fandom? Here's a curated list of essential Legends books to get you started.

Which Star Wars Legends Books Should You Read First?

Navigating the hundreds of Legends titles can feel overwhelming. This curated list highlights the most influential and enjoyable starting points. From the origins of the Expanded Universe to zombie stormtroopers and the vibrant adventures of iconic Star Wars offspring, this selection offers a diverse taste of the galaxy far, far away. All these books are readily available on Amazon.

Splinter of the Mind's Eye (1977)

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This novel, alongside early Marvel comics and newspaper strips, ignited the Expanded Universe. Initially conceived as a potential low-budget sequel to A New Hope, its survival cemented its place in Star Wars history. Following Luke and Leia (without Han or Chewie), it features a thrilling Leia/Vader duel and expands upon the Force and cosmic elements of the Star Wars lore.

The Han Solo Adventures (1979)

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This beloved trilogy compensates for Han's absence in Splinter of the Mind's Eye, focusing on the charming rogue. Han Solo at Stars' End, the trilogy's first installment, is the third Star Wars novel ever published, following Alan Dean Foster's adaptation and Splinter of the Mind's Eye. Brian Daley's thrilling tale showcases the duo's dynamic amidst the galaxy's criminal underworld. Subsequent books further chronicle their intergalactic escapades.

Heir to the Empire (1991)

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The Thrawn trilogy is consistently cited as one of the most influential Legends series. Timothy Zahn's Heir to the Empire, set five years after the Battle of Endor, introduces Grand Admiral Thrawn, a powerful Chiss commander who has since become a fan favorite and transitioned into Star Wars canon, appearing in Star Wars Rebels and Ahsoka. This novel significantly reshaped the Star Wars universe on and off screen.

Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)

### Path of Destruction

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Drew Karpyshyn's iconic Darth Bane trilogy explores the titular Sith Lord's reign and its impact on the galaxy. Engaging for both Star Wars aficionados and general sci-fi readers, it offers a unique Sith perspective, detailing the origins of the Rule of Two and one of history's most formidable Sith Lords.

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

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This beloved series follows Han Solo and Princess Leia's Force-sensitive children, Jacen and Jaina, as they train under Luke Skywalker at his Jedi Academy. Their journey, which spans numerous books, significantly influenced the sequel trilogy's Kylo Ren.

Tales from Jabba's Palace (1995)

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This collection of short stories is a fan favorite, notably for revealing Boba Fett's survival of the Sarlacc Pit—a detail later adapted into The Book of Boba Fett. Beyond this pivotal moment, the stories offer a diverse and entertaining glimpse into the galaxy's alien inhabitants.

Death Troopers (2009)

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This standalone horror novel, while not heavily lore-focused, features the thrilling concept of zombie stormtroopers. Joe Schreiber's chilling tale revitalizes the horror element within the Star Wars universe.

Darth Plagueis (2012)

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James Luceno's acclaimed novel explores the life of Darth Plagueis, the wise Sith Lord who trained Darth Sidious (Emperor Palpatine). This dark and compelling story delves into the Sith's ambition and the dangers of 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 films, spanning from 1977 to 2014. This vast collection includes titles like The Star Wars Holiday Special, Star Wars: Droids, and games such as Star Wars: The Force Unleashed and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.

Star Wars Legends vs. Canon

Legends material is non-canon, but its influence on current canon is undeniable. While some elements remain distinct, others have found their way into current Star Wars storytelling. The transition of Thrawn from Legends to canon exemplifies this dynamic interplay. While Legends books aren't canon, numerous contemporary canon novels enrich the Star Wars galaxy, such as the High Republic series.

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