The Best Star Wars Legends Books Worth Reading in 2025

Decades before Disney's landmark $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" after the Disney acquisition in 2014, pushed the boundaries of the saga through countless books, comics, and games. Despite its decanonization, Legends remains a treasure trove of compelling storytelling, influencing current Star Wars canon, as evidenced by Thrawn's recent live-action debut in Ahsoka. Ready to explore this rich tapestry? Here's a curated list of essential Star Wars Legends books to get you started.

Which Star Wars Legends Books Should You Read First?

Navigating the vast Legends library can be daunting, with hundreds of titles. This list highlights the most influential and enjoyable starting points, encompassing the franchise's origins, thrilling adventures, and even zombie stormtroopers! Each book is 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 (but not Han or Chewie) rallying planetary support for the Rebellion. Expect encounters with Darth Vader, a thrilling Leia/Vader fight, and expanded lore on the Force and cosmic powers.

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. Beginning with Han Solo at Stars' End, the third Star Wars novel ever published, Brian Daley's trilogy showcases Han and Chewie's thrilling escapades through the galaxy's criminal underworld, solidifying their iconic status.

Heir to the Empire (1991)

### Kindle Edition Heir to the Empire

$3.99 at Amazon

Highly influential, Timothy Zahn's Thrawn trilogy begins five years after the Battle of Endor. It introduces Grand Admiral Thrawn, a powerful Chiss commander who's become a fan favorite and has since transitioned into Star Wars canon, appearing in Rebels and Ahsoka. This book significantly reshaped the Star Wars universe on and off-screen.

Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)

### Path of Destruction

$8.99 at Amazon

Drew Karpyshyn's iconic Darth Bane trilogy explores the titular Sith Lord's rise to power. Engaging for both Star Wars enthusiasts and sci-fi readers, it delves into the origins of the Sith Rule of Two and one of history's most formidable Sith Lords, offering a compelling Sith perspective.

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

### Paperback Heirs of the Force

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This beloved series follows Han and Leia's Force-sensitive children, Jacen and Jaina, as they train at Luke Skywalker's Jedi Academy on Yavin 4. Their adventures, particularly Jacen's later transformation into Darth Caedus, 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 adapted in The Book of Boba Fett. Expect a mix of fun, bizarre, and captivating alien-centric tales.

Death Troopers (2009)

### Kindle Edition Death Troopers

$11.99 at Amazon

While less lore-heavy, this standalone horror novel featuring zombie stormtroopers is a unique and thrilling addition to the Legends universe. Joe Schreiber delivers a chilling story of Imperial prisoners encountering a derelict Star Destroyer and a terrifying undead threat.

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, ambition, and pursuit of ultimate power.

How many Star Wars Legends Books Are There?

The Star Wars Legends universe encompasses nearly 400 books, plus numerous comics, games, and films, spanning from 1977 to 2014. This includes works like The Star Wars Holiday Special, Star Wars: Droids, and games such as Star Wars: The Force Unleashed and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.

Star Wars Legends vs. Canon

Legends material is no longer considered canon, but its influence on current Star Wars storytelling is undeniable. Elements from Legends books, such as Thrawn, have been incorporated into canon. While Legends books aren't canon, many contemporary canon novels expand the Star Wars universe. The High Republic series is a prime example, introducing a new era now making its way to live-action.

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