Long before Disney acquired Lucasfilm for a staggering four billion dollars, and even before the first Star Wars movie hit the screens, the Star Wars universe was already expanding through the imaginations of writers. The Star Wars Expanded Universe, a vast collection of books, comics, and games, enriched the Galaxy Far, Far Away beyond what was shown in films. However, after Disney's acquisition in 2014, this expansive universe was rebranded as "Legends" and officially decanonized. Despite this shift, the Legends books remain some of the most compelling Star Wars narratives, continuing to influence the current canon, as evidenced by the recent live-action debut of Thrawn in the series Ahsoka. If you're eager to dive into this expansive universe, here's a curated list of the best Star Wars Legends books to get you started.

Which Star Wars Legends Books Should You Read First?

Navigating the vast array of Legends books can be daunting, with hundreds of titles to choose from. We've compiled a selection of the best and most influential books to serve as your entry point into this rich universe. From the beginnings of the franchise to thrilling tales of zombie stormtroopers and the adventures of famous Star Wars offspring, these books offer some of the most enjoyable experiences within the Galaxy Far, Far Away. All of these titles are readily available for purchase on Amazon, making it the ideal place to start your collection.

Splinter of the Mind's Eye (1977)

Priced at $4.99 on Amazon, this book kickstarted the Expanded Universe alongside Marvel Comics and the Star Wars newspaper strips. Written as a potential low-budget sequel to A New Hope in case the film didn't perform well, it never made it to the screen but became a cornerstone of the Legends universe. Follow Luke and Leia—sans Han and Chewie—as they recruit for the Rebellion and encounter Darth Vader, featuring a thrilling Leia/Vader confrontation and deeper insights into the Force.

The Han Solo Adventures (1979)

Available for $8.99 on Amazon, this cherished trilogy compensates for Han's absence in Splinter of the Mind's Eye by focusing entirely on the charming rogue. Starting with Han Solo at Stars' End, the third Star Wars novel ever published, Brian Daley takes readers on a thrilling journey through the galaxy's criminal underworld, highlighting why Han and Chewie are beloved fan favorites.

Heir to the Empire (1991)

For $3.99 on Amazon, dive into one of the most influential Legends titles with Timothy Zahn's Thrawn trilogy, starting with Heir to the Empire. Set five years post-Battle of Endor, it introduces Grand Admiral Thrawn, a fan-favorite character who has since entered the Star Wars canon through The Clone Wars and Ahsoka. This book significantly shaped the Star Wars universe both on and off screen.

Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)

Priced at $8.99 on Amazon, Drew Karpyshyn's Darth Bane trilogy offers a unique look at the Sith from their own perspective. Path of Destruction not only enriches the Star Wars lore but also stands alone as a compelling dark sci-fi narrative, exploring the origins of the Sith Rule of Two and the reign of one of its most feared Lords.

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

This series, set at Luke Skywalker's Jedi Academy on Yavin 4, follows the adventures of Han and Leia's children, Jacen and Jaina Solo. A beloved part of the '90s Expanded Universe, it's a must-read for those interested in the young-adult side of Star Wars, especially given Jacen's later transformation into the Sith Lord Darth Caedus, which influenced the sequel trilogy's Kylo Ren.

Tales from Jabba's Palace (1995)

For $4.99 on Amazon, this short story collection is a treasure trove of alien-centric tales set in the Galaxy Far, Far Away. It famously revealed Boba Fett's survival of the Sarlacc Pit, a plot point later adapted in The Book of Boba Fett, showcasing the enduring influence of Legends stories.

Death Troopers (2009)

Available for $11.99 on Amazon, Joe Schreiber's horror novel introduces zombie Stormtroopers to the Star Wars universe. This standalone tale, the first to bring horror back to the franchise since Galaxy of Fear, offers a thrilling and terrifying experience aboard a deserted Star Destroyer.

Darth Plagueis (2012)

Priced at $12.99 on Amazon, James Luceno's Darth Plagueis delves into the life of the infamous Sith Lord, exploring his rise to power and his training of Darth Sidious, who becomes Emperor Palpatine. This well-regarded contemporary Legends book provides a dark and ambitious look at the Sith's quest for ultimate power.

How Many Star Wars Legends Books Are There?

The Star Wars Legends universe encompasses nearly 400 books, along with numerous comics, games, and even films like The Star Wars Holiday Special and Star Wars: Droids. This vast collection spans from 1977 to 2014, offering almost forty years of rich storytelling that has shaped the Star Wars universe.

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 often inspire or directly influence the current canon, as seen with characters like Thrawn transitioning into official Star Wars stories. Meanwhile, the contemporary canon novels, such as those in the High Republic series, continue to expand the universe in ways that tie directly into the films and shows, offering fresh narratives and new eras to explore.

For those interested in diving deeper into both Legends and canon content, consider subscribing to Kindle Unlimited to access a wide range of Star Wars literature.