Long before Disney's monumental acquisition of Lucasfilm for a staggering four billion dollars, before the prequels, and even before the iconic first Star Wars movie hit the screens, the creative minds behind the franchise were already expanding the universe in ways that would never be seen in the films. The Star Wars Expanded Universe, now known as "Legends," was a vast collection of books, comics, and games that stretched the boundaries of the Galaxy Far, Far Away. In 2014, following Disney's purchase, the Expanded Universe was officially decanonized and rebranded as "Legends." Despite this, the Legends books remain some of the richest and most influential pieces of Star Wars storytelling, with their impact still felt in the current canon, as seen with the recent live-action debut of Thrawn in Ahsoka. If you're eager to dive into this expansive part of Star Wars lore, we've curated a list of the best Star Wars Legends books to get you started!

Which Star Wars Legends Books Should You Read First?

Embarking on your journey through the Legends books can feel daunting with hundreds of titles to choose from. That's why we've compiled a list of essential and highly recommended books to serve as your starting point. From the origins of this expansive universe to thrilling tales of zombie stormtroopers, legendary Mandalorian escapades, and vibrant young adult adventures featuring the offspring of beloved Star Wars characters, these books offer some of the most engaging experiences in the galaxy. Each title is conveniently available for purchase on Amazon, making it easy to begin your exploration.

Splinter of the Mind's Eye (1977)

Kindle Edition Splinter of the Mind's Eye

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This book marks the genesis of the Expanded Universe, alongside Marvel Comics and the cherished Star Wars newspaper strips. It holds a special place in Star Wars lore, having been written as potential material for a low-budget sequel to A New Hope, just 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's a cornerstone 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 Rebellion's cause. Their encounters with Darth Vader lead to an epic Leia/Vader showdown and enrich the lore surrounding the Force and its cosmic powers.

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 and 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, 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 interstellar escapades.

Heir to the Empire (1991)

Kindle Edition Heir to the Empire

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Among the most influential Legends titles, the Thrawn trilogy often leads the pack. Timothy Zahn kicked off the series with this book, set five years after the Battle of Endor, introducing readers to the Empire's heir apparent. Grand Admiral Thrawn, the brilliant Chiss commander, quickly became a fan favorite and eventually made his way into Star Wars canon through the acclaimed Clone Wars TV series and, more recently, in live-action with Ahsoka. If you're seeking a Legends book that significantly shaped the Star Wars universe both on and off the screen, this is it.

Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)

Path of Destruction

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Another iconic Legends trilogy, the Darth Bane series delves into the life of the notorious Sith Lord and his impact on the galaxy. Drew Karpyshyn's trilogy is a must-read not only for Star Wars enthusiasts looking to deepen their understanding of the Sith but also for sci-fi fans craving a dark and engaging standalone story. Path of Destruction offers a unique perspective from the Sith's viewpoint, exploring the origins of the Sith Rule of Two and the rise of one of history's most powerful and feared Sith Lords.

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 Expanded Universe provided a treasure trove of stories, including this legendary series focused on the children of Han Solo and Princess Leia, Jacen and Jaina Solo. Under the guidance of Luke Skywalker at his Jedi Academy on Yavin 4, the Force-sensitive teens led this captivating Young Readers series. Jacen's eventual turn to the dark side and transformation into the Sith Lord Darth Caedus in later books echoes the journey of Kylo Ren in the sequel trilogy, highlighting the influence of Legends on Star Wars canon.

Tales from Jabba's Palace (1995)

Kindle Edition Tales from Jabba's Palace

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This beloved short story collection is a cherished part of the Expanded Universe, particularly for revealing that fan-favorite Boba Fett survived the Sarlacc Pit. This was canon for years until the Expanded Universe's decanonization, but Boba Fett's survival was later adapted into The Book of Boba Fett. Beyond this pivotal moment, the book is filled with entertaining, quirky, and fascinating alien-centric tales from 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 coolest additions to the Legends universe. Joe Schreiber brought horror back to the Galaxy Far, Far Away for the first time since the Galaxy of Fear series, delivering a gripping tale. When an Imperial prison barge breaks down and encounters a seemingly abandoned Star Destroyer, the crew's luck takes a terrifying turn as the dead rise, leading to intense horror.

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 violence and ambition within the Sith. Regarded as one of the finest contemporary Legends books, Darth Plagueis follows the titular villain's ascent to power and his training of his apprentice, Darth Sidious, who would later become Emperor Palpatine, as he seeks to master the ultimate power, no matter the cost.

How many Star Wars Legends Books Are There?

The Star Wars Legends universe encompasses nearly 400 books, alongside numerous comics, games, and 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, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Spanning from 1977, just six months before the release of the first film, to 2014, the Expanded Universe's vast array of content over nearly forty years is truly impressive.

Star Wars Legends vs. Canon

In essence, anything labeled as "Legends" was part of the Expanded Universe and is no longer considered canon. However, as we've seen with various inspirations and direct appearances, this can change, and as the Star Wars universe continues to grow on screen, more elements from Legends may find their way into canon. When a book like Heir to the Empire is officially made canon by Lucasfilm, it sheds its Legends status to become a core part of the Star Wars canon.

While Star Wars Legends books are no longer canon, there are numerous contemporary canon novels that expand the galaxy and its inhabitants in ways directly linked to the films. A prime example is the High Republic series, which introduces a new era soon to be brought to life on screen. Other canon books include Claudia Gray's Leia, E. K. Johnston's Padmé trilogy, Beth Revis's The Princess and the Scoundrel, Daniel José Older's Last Shot, and many more.

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