The Best Star Wars Legends Books Worth Reading in 2025

Decades before Disney's momentous $4 billion 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, now known as "Legends" following Disney's 2014 rebranding, lived up to its name, expanding the galaxy with countless books, comics, and games. Despite its decanonization, Legends remains a treasure trove of beloved stories, continuing to influence current Star Wars canon—Thrawn's recent live-action debut in Ahsoka being a prime example. Ready to explore this rich tapestry of storytelling? 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 hundreds of Legends titles can be daunting. This list highlights the most impactful and enjoyable starting points, from the origins of the Expanded Universe to zombie stormtroopers and the vibrant adventures of iconic Star Wars offspring. All books listed 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 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 (without Han or Chewie) rallying planetary support for the Rebellion, encountering Darth Vader in a thrilling duel, and expanding the lore of the Force.

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 trilogy's first installment, is the third Star Wars novel ever published, showcasing Han and Chewie's thrilling escapades through the galaxy's criminal underworld.

Heir to the Empire (1991)

### Kindle Edition Heir to the Empire

$3.99 at Amazon

Highly influential, Timothy Zahn's Thrawn trilogy begins here. Set five years after the Battle of Endor, it introduces Grand Admiral Thrawn, a powerful Chiss commander who has become a fan favorite and has since transitioned into Star Wars canon.

Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)

### Path of Destruction

$8.99 at Amazon

This iconic trilogy explores the reign of Darth Bane, offering a compelling Sith perspective. Drew Karpyshyn's narrative delves into the origins of the Sith Rule of Two, providing insight into one of history's most formidable Sith Lords.

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, children of Han and Leia, as they train at Luke Skywalker's Jedi Academy. Their journey, particularly Jacen's later transformation into Darth Caedus, significantly influenced the sequel trilogy's Kylo Ren.

Tales from Jabba's Palace (1995)

### Kindle Edition Tales from Jabba's Palace

$4.99 at Amazon

This beloved short story collection famously revealed Boba Fett's survival of the Sarlacc Pit, a detail later adapted into The Book of Boba Fett. It offers a diverse array of fun, strange, and captivating tales centered around alien characters.

Death Troopers (2009)

### Kindle Edition Death Troopers

$11.99 at Amazon

A thrilling standalone horror story featuring zombie stormtroopers, this book delivers a unique and chilling take on the Star Wars universe.

Darth Plagueis (2012)

### Kindle Edition Darth Plagueis

$12.99 at Amazon

James Luceno's acclaimed novel explores the life of Darth Plagueis, the wise Sith Lord who trained Darth Sidious (Emperor Palpatine). It's a dark and compelling tale of ambition, power, and the ultimate price of immortality.

How Many Star Wars Legends Books Are There?

The Star Wars Legends universe encompasses nearly 400 books, along with numerous comics, games, and films, spanning from 1977 to 2014.

Star Wars Legends vs. Canon

Legends material is no longer considered canon, but its influence on current Star Wars storytelling is undeniable. While many Legends stories remain separate, some elements have been incorporated into canon, highlighting the enduring impact of this rich expanded universe. Contemporary canon novels, like the High Republic series, offer new adventures within the official Star Wars timeline.

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