Top Star Wars Legends Books to Read in 2025

Long before Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm for a staggering four billion dollars, and even before the release of the first Star Wars movie, writers were crafting expansive narratives that went beyond the films. The Star Wars Expanded Universe, later renamed "Legends" after Disney's 2014 purchase, offered fans a deeper dive into the galaxy far, far away through books, comics, and games. Although officially decanonized, these Legends books remain some of the richest storytelling in the Star Wars universe and continue to influence the current canon, as seen with the introduction of Thrawn in the live-action series *Ahsoka*. If you're eager to explore this vast part of Star Wars lore, here's a curated list of the best Star Wars Legends books to start with, all available for purchase on Amazon.

Which Star Wars Legends Books Should You Read First?

Diving into the Legends books can feel daunting with hundreds of titles to choose from. To help you get started, we've selected key books that serve as excellent entry points into this expansive universe. From the origins of the franchise to thrilling tales of zombie stormtroopers and the adventures of iconic characters' offspring, these stories offer some of the most enjoyable experiences in the galaxy far, far away.

Splinter of the Mind's Eye (1977)

$4.99 at Amazon
This book kickstarted the Expanded Universe and is a significant piece of Star Wars lore. Originally intended as a potential low-budget sequel to *A New Hope*, it follows Luke and Leia as they seek to recruit planetary residents to the Rebellion. Their encounter with Darth Vader leads to an intense battle, expanding the lore of the Force and the galaxy's cosmic powers.

The Han Solo Adventures (1979)

$8.99 at Amazon
This beloved trilogy compensates for Han Solo's absence in *Splinter of the Mind's Eye* by focusing entirely on the roguish adventurer. Starting with *Han Solo at Stars' End*, the third Star Wars novel, Brian Daley takes readers on a thrilling journey through the galaxy's criminal underworld, showcasing why Han and Chewie are such beloved characters.

Heir to the Empire (1991)

$3.99 at Amazon
Part of the influential Thrawn trilogy, this book set five years after the Battle of Endor introduces Grand Admiral Thrawn, who became a fan favorite and eventually made his way into the Star Wars canon via *The Clone Wars* and *Ahsoka*. *Heir to the Empire* significantly shaped the Star Wars universe both on and off screen.

Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)

$8.99 at Amazon
This trilogy focuses on the infamous Sith Lord Darth Bane, exploring his reign and the origins of the Sith Rule of Two. Drew Karpyshyn's engaging narrative provides a dark and compelling addition to the Sith lore, appealing to both Star Wars fans and sci-fi enthusiasts alike.

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

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This series follows the children of Han Solo and Princess Leia, Jacen and Jaina Solo, as they train under Luke Skywalker at his Jedi Academy. It offers a charming look into the lives of young Force-sensitive teens, with Jacen's later turn to the dark side echoing the character arc of Kylo Ren in the sequel trilogy.

Tales from Jabba's Palace (1995)

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This beloved short story collection includes the revelation that Boba Fett survived the Sarlacc Pit, a plot point later adapted in *The Book of Boba Fett*. It's filled with fun, quirky tales that enrich the galaxy far, far away.

Death Troopers (2009)

$11.99 at Amazon
This standalone horror story introduces zombie stormtroopers to the Star Wars universe. Joe Schreiber's chilling narrative follows an Imperial prison barge that encounters a deserted Star Destroyer, leading to a terrifying outbreak.

Darth Plagueis (2012)

$12.99 at Amazon
James Luceno's acclaimed novel delves into the story of Darth Plagueis, exploring his rise to power and his training of Darth Sidious, who would become Emperor Palpatine. It's a dark and ambitious tale that adds depth to the Sith lore.

How many Star Wars Legends Books Are There?

There are nearly 400 books classified as Star Wars Legends, along with numerous comics, games, and films. This vast collection spans from 1977 to 2014, encompassing everything from the *Star Wars Holiday Special* to games like *Star Wars: The Force Unleashed* and *Knights of the Old Republic*.

Star Wars Legends vs. Canon

The "Legends" label denotes content once part of the Expanded Universe but no longer considered canon. However, elements from Legends often inspire or directly appear in the current canon, as seen with *Heir to the Empire* becoming canonized. Meanwhile, contemporary canon novels like the High Republic series continue to expand the galaxy in ways directly linked to the films.

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