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, the creative minds behind the franchise were crafting an expansive universe that went beyond the silver screen. This was the Star Wars Expanded Universe, a vast collection of books, comics, and games that stretched the boundaries of the Galaxy Far, Far Away. In 2014, after Disney purchased the franchise, the Expanded Universe was officially rebranded as "Legends." Despite this, the storytelling within these works remains some of the most compelling in the Star Wars saga and continues to influence the current canon, as evidenced by the recent live-action appearance of Thrawn in Ahsoka. If you're eager to dive into this expansive universe, we've compiled a list of the best Star Wars Legends books to help you get started.

Which Star Wars Legends Books Should You Read First?

Navigating the hundreds of titles in the Legends collection can feel daunting, so we've curated a selection of the best and most influential books to serve as your entry point. From the origins of the franchise to tales of zombie stormtroopers and epic Mandalorian escapes, these books offer a thrilling journey through the galaxy. They also include vibrant young adult adventures featuring the offspring of iconic Star Wars characters. You can easily purchase these titles on Amazon, the go-to platform for buying books online.

Splinter of the Mind's Eye (1977)

Kindle Edition Splinter of the Mind's Eye

$4.99 at Amazon

This book kickstarted the Expanded Universe, alongside the Marvel Comics and beloved Star Wars newspaper strips. It's a legendary piece of Star Wars lore, originally written as potential source material for a low-budget sequel to A New Hope. Although it never made it to the screen, it became a cornerstone of the Expanded Universe and later, Legends. The story follows Luke and Leia on a mission to recruit planetary residents for the Rebellion, culminating in a thrilling confrontation with Darth Vader and an expanded exploration of the Force's cosmic powers.

The Han Solo Adventures (1979)

Kindle Edition The Han Solo Adventures

$8.99 at Amazon

This cherished trilogy is among the most beloved Legends adventures, focusing on the roguish charm of Han Solo. The first book, "Han Solo at Stars' End," is the third Star Wars novel, following Alan Dean Foster's adaptation of the original film and "Splinter of the Mind's Eye." Brian Daley takes Han and Chewie on a wild adventure through the galaxy's criminal underworld, showcasing why they are such fan favorites. Subsequent books continue their intergalactic escapades.

Heir to the Empire (1991)

Kindle Edition Heir to the Empire

$3.99 at Amazon

As one of the most influential Legends titles, the Thrawn trilogy begins with this book, set five years after the Battle of Endor. It introduces readers to Grand Admiral Thrawn, the powerful Chiss commander who became a fan favorite. Thrawn's transition into Star Wars canon occurred in the Clone Wars TV series, and he recently made his live-action debut in Ahsoka. This book is essential for understanding the impact of Legends on both the screen and the page.

Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)

Path of Destruction

$8.99 at Amazon

This iconic trilogy focuses on the legendary Sith Lord Darth Bane and his influence on the galaxy. Drew Karpyshyn's work not only enriches the lore of the Sith for Star Wars enthusiasts but also stands as an engaging standalone sci-fi series for general readers. "Path of Destruction" offers a unique perspective on the Sith, detailing the origins of the Rule of Two and the rise of one of the most feared Sith Lords in history.

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

Paperback Heirs of the Force

See it

During the '90s, when there were no new Star Wars films, fans were treated to a wealth of Expanded Universe content, including this beloved series. It follows the adventures of Jacen and Jaina Solo, the children of Han Solo and Princess Leia, as they train under Luke Skywalker at his Jedi Academy on Yavin 4. The series charts their journey from young Jedi to the dark turn of Jacen into Darth Caedus, a storyline that influenced the creation of Kylo Ren in the sequel trilogy.

Tales from Jabba's Palace (1995)

Kindle Edition Tales from Jabba's Palace

$4.99 at Amazon

This short story collection is a beloved entry in the Expanded Universe, particularly for revealing that Boba Fett survived the Sarlacc Pit. Although this was decanonized, it was later adapted in "The Book of Boba Fett." Beyond this pivotal moment, the book offers a rich tapestry of quirky and engaging alien-centric stories set in the Galaxy Far, Far Away.

Death Troopers (2009)

Kindle Edition Death Troopers

$11.99 at Amazon

While not heavily focused on lore, this standalone horror novel about zombie Stormtroopers is a thrilling addition to the Legends universe. Joe Schreiber brings horror back to Star Wars with a chilling tale of an Imperial Prison Barge that encounters a deserted Star Destroyer, only to unleash a terrifying outbreak of the undead.

Darth Plagueis (2012)

Kindle Edition Darth Plagueis

$12.99 at Amazon

James Luceno's acclaimed novel delves into the story of Darth Plagueis the Wise, a notorious Sith Lord. The book explores the dark and violent world of the Sith, detailing Plagueis's rise to power and his training of Darth Sidious, who would become Emperor Palpatine. It's a gripping tale of ambition and the pursuit of ultimate power, making it one of the most respected contemporary Legends books.

How many Star Wars Legends Books Are There?

The Star Wars Legends universe encompasses nearly 400 books, along with countless comics, games, and films. This vast collection includes titles like the Star Wars Holiday Special, Star Wars: Droids, Ewoks: Caravan of Courage, and games such as Star Wars: The Force Unleashed, Shadows of the Empire, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. Spanning from 1977 to 2014, the Expanded Universe represents nearly forty years of rich storytelling.

Star Wars Legends vs. Canon

The "Legends" label signifies content that was once part of the Expanded Universe but is no longer considered canon. However, elements from Legends can still influence or be integrated into the current canon, as seen with characters like Thrawn. When a Legends work, such as "Heir to the Empire," is officially made part of the canon by Lucasfilm, it loses its Legends status and becomes a core component of the Star Wars universe.

While the Legends books aren't canon, there are numerous contemporary canon novels that expand the galaxy and its lore, directly tied to the films. The High Republic series, for instance, introduces a new era that will soon appear 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, "Last Shot" by Daniel José Older, and many more.

Kindle Unlimited

See subscription options. See it at Amazon