Top Star Wars Legends Books: 2025 Must-Reads

Decades before Disney's monumental $4 billion acquisition of Lucasfilm, before the prequels, and even before the original Star Wars film, writers were already expanding the galaxy far, far away. The Star Wars Expanded Universe, later rebranded "Legends" in 2014 following Disney's purchase, pushed the boundaries of the franchise through countless books, comics, and games. While decanonized, these Legends stories remain some of the best Star Wars narratives ever told, continuing to influence current canon—Thrawn's recent live-action debut in Ahsoka being a prime example. Ready to explore this vast and influential corner of the Star Wars universe? Here's our guide to the essential Legends books.

Which Star Wars Legends Books Should You Read First?

Embarking on the Legends journey can feel overwhelming, given the sheer volume of titles. This curated list provides an ideal starting point, encompassing pivotal stories and fan favorites. From the origins of the Expanded Universe itself to zombie stormtroopers and the vibrant young adult adventures of iconic Star Wars offspring, this selection offers a thrilling exploration of the galaxy far, far away. All these books are readily available on Amazon.

Splinter of the Mind's Eye (1977)

### Kindle Edition Splinter of the Mind's Eye

$4.99 at Amazon

This novel, alongside early Marvel comics and newspaper strips, ignited the Expanded Universe. Conceived as a potential low-budget sequel to A New Hope, it features Luke and Leia (Han and Chewie are absent) as they rally support for the Rebellion, encountering Darth Vader in a thrilling duel. The story expands on Force lore and cosmic powers, solidifying its place as a cornerstone of the Expanded Universe and later Legends.

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, focusing on the roguish smuggler. Han Solo at Stars' End, the first book, is the third Star Wars novel ever published, following Alan Dean Foster's adaptation of A New Hope and Splinter of the Mind's Eye. Brian Daley's thrilling tale showcases Han and Chewie's adventures in the galaxy's criminal underworld, highlighting their enduring appeal. Subsequent books continue their intergalactic escapades.

Heir to the Empire (1991)

### Kindle Edition Heir to the Empire

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The Thrawn trilogy is arguably 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 become a fan-favorite character, later transitioning into Star Wars canon via Star Wars Rebels and Ahsoka. This book significantly reshaped the Star Wars universe, both on and off-screen.

Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)

### Path of Destruction

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Another iconic trilogy, the Darth Bane books explore the titular Sith Lord's rise to power and his lasting impact on the galaxy. Drew Karpyshyn's compelling narrative offers a fascinating look into Sith lore and the Rule of Two, making it engaging for both Star Wars enthusiasts and sci-fi fans alike. The story unfolds from a Sith perspective, providing insight into one of history's most formidable Sith Lords.

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

### Paperback Heirs of the Force

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This beloved Young Readers series follows Jacen and Jaina Solo, children of Han Solo and Princess Leia, as they train at Luke Skywalker's Jedi Academy on Yavin 4. Their journey, spanning several books, significantly influenced the sequel trilogy's Kylo Ren, with Jacen's eventual turn to the dark side as Darth Caedus.

Tales from Jabba's Palace (1995)

### Kindle Edition Tales from Jabba's Palace

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This collection of short stories is a fan favorite, notably revealing Boba Fett's survival of the Sarlacc Pit—a moment later adapted into The Book of Boba Fett. Beyond this pivotal scene, the anthology features a variety of fun, strange, and memorable alien-centric stories from across the galaxy.

Death Troopers (2009)

### Kindle Edition Death Troopers

$11.99 at Amazon

While not as lore-heavy, this standalone horror story about zombie stormtroopers is a unique and thrilling addition to the Legends universe. Joe Schreiber's chilling tale, revisiting the horror genre within the Star Wars galaxy, delivers a truly memorable and terrifying experience.

Darth Plagueis (2012)

### Kindle Edition Darth Plagueis

$12.99 at Amazon

James Luceno's acclaimed novel tells the story of Darth Plagueis, the wise Sith Lord who trained Darth Sidious (Emperor Palpatine). This dark and compelling narrative explores the Sith's violent nature and the perils of unchecked ambition, standing as one of the most highly regarded contemporary Legends titles.

How many Star Wars Legends Books Are There?

The Star Wars Legends universe encompasses nearly 400 books, along with numerous comics, games, and other media. This vast collection, spanning from 1977 to 2014, represents almost four decades of storytelling.

Star Wars Legends vs. Canon

Legends material is non-canon, but its influence on current canon is undeniable. Several elements and characters have been reintroduced or reinterpreted in the current canon, demonstrating the lasting impact of these stories. While Legends books aren't canon, many contemporary canon novels enrich the Star Wars galaxy, such as the High Republic series.

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