The Best Star Wars Legends Books Worth Reading in 2025

Decades before Disney's monumental four-billion-dollar acquisition of Lucasfilm, before the prequels, and even before the original Star Wars film graced the silver screen, writers were already crafting a galaxy far, far beyond what we'd see on film. The Star Wars Expanded Universe, later rebranded "Legends," lived up to its name, expanding the galaxy with countless books, comics, and games. However, the 2014 decanonization didn't diminish the quality of these stories; many remain beloved and continue to influence current Star Wars canon, as evidenced by Thrawn's recent live-action debut in Ahsoka. If you're eager to explore this rich tapestry of Star Wars storytelling, this guide highlights some essential Legends books.

Which Star Wars Legends Books Should You Read First?

Embarking on the Legends journey can feel daunting, given the sheer volume of titles. This curated list offers a fantastic starting point, showcasing some of the most impactful and enjoyable Legends stories. From the origins of the Expanded Universe itself to zombie stormtroopers and the vibrant 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 Marvel comics and newspaper strips, ignited the Expanded Universe. Originally conceived as a potential low-budget sequel to A New Hope, its survival speaks volumes. It features Luke and Leia (no Han or Chewie, unfortunately) as they rally planetary support for the Rebellion, encountering Darth Vader along the way. The book includes a thrilling Leia/Vader fight and expands upon the Force and its cosmic implications.

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 charming rogue. Han Solo at Stars' End, the first book, is the third Star Wars novel ever published. Brian Daley's writing takes Han and Chewie on thrilling escapades through the galaxy's criminal underworld, showcasing their undeniable chemistry. Subsequent books continue their intergalactic adventures.

Heir to the Empire (1991)

### Kindle Edition Heir to the Empire

$3.99 at Amazon This highly influential Legends title, the first in the Thrawn trilogy, is frequently cited as a cornerstone of the Expanded Universe. Set five years after the Battle of Endor, it introduces Grand Admiral Thrawn, the powerful Chiss commander, who has since become a fan-favorite character and transitioned into Star Wars canon, appearing in Clone Wars and Ahsoka. This book significantly reshaped the Star Wars landscape, both on and off-screen.

Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)

### Path of Destruction

$8.99 at Amazon Another iconic trilogy, the Darth Bane series delves into the titular Sith Lord's reign and its impact on the galaxy. Drew Karpyshyn's engaging narrative appeals to both Star Wars enthusiasts and sci-fi readers alike. Path of Destruction offers a unique Sith perspective, exploring 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)

### Paperback Heirs of the Force

See it 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 on Yavin 4. This charming Young Readers series spans years, culminating in Jacen's dramatic transformation into the Sith Lord Darth Caedus in later books. His character significantly influenced Kylo Ren in the sequel trilogy.

Tales from Jabba's Palace (1995)

### Kindle Edition Tales from Jabba's Palace

$4.99 at Amazon This collection of short stories is a fan favorite, notably revealing Boba Fett's survival of the Sarlacc Pit—a detail later adopted into canon in The Book of Boba Fett. Beyond this pivotal moment, the book offers a diverse range of fun and bizarre alien-centric stories.

Death Troopers (2009)

### Kindle Edition Death Troopers

$11.99 at Amazon Though less lore-heavy, this standalone horror novel featuring zombie stormtroopers is undeniably cool. Joe Schreiber's chilling tale marks a return to horror in the Star Wars universe, delivering a thrilling and terrifying experience. A stranded Imperial prison barge encounters a derelict Star Destroyer, leading to a terrifying encounter with the undead.

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 tale explores the Sith's brutality and the dangers of ambition. It's considered one of the best contemporary Legends books, offering a chilling exploration of power and its corrupting influence.

How Many Star Wars Legends Books Are There?

The Star Wars Legends universe encompasses nearly 400 books, along with numerous comics, games, and films. This includes works like The Star Wars Holiday Special, Star Wars: Droids, Ewoks, and games such as Star Wars: The Force Unleashed and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. The sheer volume reflects the Expanded Universe's extensive lifespan, from 1977 to 2014—nearly four decades of storytelling.

Star Wars Legends vs. Canon

Legends material is no longer considered canon. However, its influence on current Star Wars canon is undeniable, with various elements inspiring or directly becoming part of the official storyline. The canonization of Heir to the Empire exemplifies this dynamic relationship. While Legends books aren't canon, many contemporary canon novels enrich the Star Wars universe, such as the High Republic series.

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