Must-Read Star Wars Legends Books for 2025

Long before Disney acquired Lucasfilm for a staggering four billion dollars, predating the prequels and even the original Star Wars film, authors were crafting a vast universe beyond the screen. The Star Wars Expanded Universe, true to its name, expanded the Galaxy Far, Far Away with each novel, comic, and game. In 2014, following Disney’s acquisition, this rich tapestry was rebranded as “Legends” and removed from official canon. Yet, these stories remain some of the finest in Star Wars storytelling, influencing modern canon, as seen with Thrawn’s live-action debut in Ahsoka. For fans eager to dive into this iconic part of Star Wars, here’s our curated list of top Star Wars Legends books to explore!

Where to Begin with Star Wars Legends Books

Navigating the vast array of Legends books can feel daunting with hundreds of titles available. That’s why we’ve compiled a selection of essential reads to start your journey. From the roots of the Star Wars franchise to thrilling tales of zombie stormtroopers, epic Mandalorian adventures, and vibrant young adult stories featuring iconic Star Wars offspring, these books offer unparalleled excitement in the Galaxy Far, Far Away. All are available for purchase on Amazon, the go-to platform for online book shopping.

Splinter of the Mind's Eye (1977)

Kindle Edition Splinter of the Mind's Eye

This groundbreaking novel ignited the Expanded Universe alongside Marvel Comics and classic Star Wars newspaper strips. Written as a potential low-budget sequel to A New Hope in case the film flopped, it became a cornerstone of what would later be called Legends. The story follows Luke and Leia—without Han or Chewbacca—as they rally planetary allies for the Rebellion. Expect an electrifying Leia versus Vader showdown and deeper insights into the Force’s cosmic mysteries.

The Han Solo Adventures (1979)

Kindle Edition The Han Solo Adventures

This beloved trilogy compensates for Han’s absence in Splinter of the Mind’s Eye, focusing entirely on the charming smuggler and his Wookiee companion. The first book, Han Solo at Stars’ End, ranks as the third Star Wars novel ever published. Author Brian Daley takes Han and Chewbacca on a thrilling ride through the galaxy’s criminal underworld, highlighting why this duo remains a fan favorite. The sequels deliver more interstellar escapades.

Heir to the Empire (1991)

Kindle Edition Heir to the Empire

A cornerstone of Legends, the Thrawn trilogy begins with this novel, set five years after the Battle of Endor. Timothy Zahn introduces Grand Admiral Thrawn, the brilliant Chiss commander who became a fan favorite and later appeared in Clone Wars and Ahsoka. This book reshaped the Star Wars universe, both in print and on screen, making it a must-read for fans seeking influential Legends stories.

Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)

Path of Destruction

This gripping trilogy explores the infamous Sith Lord Darth Bane and his transformative impact on the galaxy. Drew Karpyshyn’s work shines as both a deep dive into Sith lore for Star Wars fans and a compelling standalone sci-fi saga. Path of Destruction offers a rare Sith perspective, detailing the origins of the Rule of Two and the rise of one of history’s most formidable Sith Lords.

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

Paperback Heirs of the Force

A standout from the ‘90s Expanded Universe, this young adult series follows Jacen and Jaina Solo, children of Han Solo and Leia, training at Luke Skywalker’s Jedi Academy on Yavin 4. These Force-sensitive twins lead a charming saga, with Jacen later becoming the Sith Lord Darth Caedus, a clear influence on Kylo Ren in the sequel trilogy.

Tales from Jabba's Palace (1995)

Kindle Edition Tales from Jabba's Palace

This cherished short story collection reveals that Boba Fett survived the Sarlacc Pit, a plot point later adapted in The Book of Boba Fett. Beyond this iconic moment, the anthology delivers quirky, alien-focused tales that add vibrant depth to the Galaxy Far, Far Away, making it a fan favorite.

Death Troopers (2009)

Kindle Edition Death Troopers

This chilling standalone horror novel brings zombie stormtroopers to the Star Wars universe. Joe Schreiber crafts a terrifying tale where an Imperial prison barge encounters a derelict Star Destroyer with only two survivors—familiar to fans. When the dead start walking, the story delivers spine-chilling thrills unlike any other in Legends.

Darth Plagueis (2012)

Kindle Edition Darth Plagueis

James Luceno’s acclaimed novel explores the rise of Darth Plagueis, the Sith Lord who trained Emperor Palpatine. This gripping tale delves into the Sith’s ambition and violence, chronicling Plagueis’s quest for ultimate power. A standout among modern Legends books, it’s a must-read for fans of the dark side.

How Many Star Wars Legends Books Exist?

The Legends banner encompasses nearly 400 books, alongside numerous comics, games, and films like The Star Wars Holiday Special, Star Wars: Droids, Ewoks: Caravan of Courage, and games such as The Force Unleashed and Knights of the Old Republic. Spanning from 1977 to 2014, this vast collection reflects nearly four decades of Expanded Universe storytelling.

Star Wars Legends vs. Canon

Legends, formerly the Expanded Universe, is not considered canon, but its influence persists through inspirations and direct integrations, like Thrawn’s canon appearances. When a Legends book like Heir to the Empire is officially canonized, it sheds its Legends status. Meanwhile, modern canon novels, such as the High Republic series, Leia by Claudia Gray, E.K. Johnston’s Padmé trilogy, and The Princess and the Scoundrel by Beth Revis, expand the official Star Wars universe in exciting ways.

Kindle Unlimited