Decades before Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm for a staggering four billion dollars, before the prequels, and even before the release of the original Star Wars film, writers were crafting stories that expanded the galaxy far, far away. The Star Wars Expanded Universe, with its books, comics, and games, pushed the boundaries of the franchise's narrative scope. However, in 2014, following Disney's purchase, the Expanded Universe was officially reclassified as "Legends," no longer considered part of the official Star Wars canon. Despite this, these stories continue to be some of the richest and most influential in the Star Wars universe, with characters like Thrawn making a recent live-action debut in Ahsoka. For fans eager to explore this vast realm, here’s a curated list of essential Star Wars Legends books to start your journey.
Which Star Wars Legends Books Should You Read First?
Embarking on the Legends journey can be daunting, given the hundreds of titles available. To help you get started, we've selected a few standout books that serve as excellent entry points into this expansive universe. From the origins of the Star Wars saga to thrilling tales of zombie stormtroopers and the adventures of iconic characters' descendants, these books offer a diverse and engaging look at the galaxy far, far away. Each title is readily available for purchase on Amazon, making it easy to dive into the Legends universe.
Splinter of the Mind's Eye (1977)
Kindle Edition: Splinter of the Mind's Eye
$4.99 at Amazon
This novel sparked the Expanded Universe, alongside Marvel Comics and the beloved Star Wars newspaper strips. Written as potential source material for a low-budget sequel to A New Hope, it never made it to the screen but remains a cornerstone of the Legends universe. Follow Luke and Leia as they seek to rally planetary residents to the Rebellion, encountering Darth Vader and engaging in a memorable fight scene with him. The book also delves deeper into the lore of the Force and its cosmic aspects.
The Han Solo Adventures (1979)
Kindle Edition: The Han Solo Adventures
$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 following 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 fan favorites.
Heir to the Empire (1991)
Kindle Edition: Heir to the Empire
$3.99 at Amazon
Part of the influential Thrawn trilogy, this book introduced Grand Admiral Thrawn, set five years after the Battle of Endor. Timothy Zahn's novel not only became a fan favorite but also saw Thrawn transition into Star Wars canon through The Clone Wars and, more recently, in live-action in Ahsoka. This is a must-read for understanding the impact of Legends on the broader Star Wars universe.
Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)
Path of Destruction
$8.99 at Amazon
Drew Karpyshyn's trilogy focuses on the infamous Sith Lord Darth Bane, exploring his rise and the shaping of the galaxy through his reign. This series is compelling for both Star Wars fans and sci-fi enthusiasts, offering a deep dive into Sith lore and the origins of the Rule of Two.
Star Wars: Young Jedi Knights: Heirs of the Force (1995)
Paperback: Heirs of the Force
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This series follows Jacen and Jaina Solo, the children of Han and Leia, as they train under Luke Skywalker at his Jedi Academy on Yavin 4. This engaging young adult series not only provided years of entertainment but also influenced characters like Kylo Ren in the sequel trilogy.
Tales from Jabba's Palace (1995)
Kindle Edition: Tales from Jabba's Palace
$4.99 at Amazon
This anthology of short stories is cherished for revealing Boba Fett's survival of the Sarlacc Pit, a plot point later adapted in The Book of Boba Fett. It's filled with unique and entertaining tales from the galaxy's diverse inhabitants.
Death Troopers (2009)
Kindle Edition: Death Troopers
$11.99 at Amazon
Joe Schreiber's horror novel introduces zombie stormtroopers, offering a thrilling standalone story that marks the return of horror to the Star Wars universe since the Galaxy of Fear series.
Darth Plagueis (2012)
Kindle Edition: Darth Plagueis
$12.99 at Amazon
James Luceno's novel delves into the story of Darth Plagueis, exploring the dark ambitions and power struggles of the Sith. It provides a deeper understanding of the rise of Darth Sidious, who later becomes Emperor Palpatine.
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 vast collection spans from 1977, just before the release of the first film, to 2014, covering almost forty years of storytelling. Notable entries include The Star Wars Holiday Special, Star Wars: Droids, Ewoks: Caravan of Courage, and games like Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, Shadows of the Empire, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.
Star Wars Legends vs. Canon
The "Legends" designation means these works are no longer part of the official Star Wars canon. However, elements from Legends can still influence and even transition into the canon, as seen with characters like Thrawn. Conversely, when a Legends work like Heir to the Empire is made canon, it loses its Legends status.
While Legends books are not considered canon, there are numerous contemporary canon novels that expand the Star Wars universe in ways directly linked to the films. The High Republic series, for example, introduces a new era soon to be seen in live-action. Other canon books include Leia by Claudia Gray, E. K. Johnston's Padmé trilogy, The Princess and the Scoundrel by Beth Revis, and Last Shot by Daniel José Older, among many others.
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