Long before Disney acquired Lucasfilm for a staggering four billion dollars, and even before the release of the first Star Wars movie, writers were already expanding the universe far beyond what was seen on screen. The Star Wars Expanded Universe, now known as "Legends," was a sprawling collection of books, comics, and games that pushed the boundaries of the Galaxy Far, Far Away. Although Disney's 2014 decision to decanonize the Expanded Universe and rebrand it as "Legends" shifted its status, these stories remain some of the finest Star Wars narratives ever crafted. They continue to influence the current canon, as evidenced by the recent live-action introduction of Thrawn in the Ahsoka series. If you're eager to dive into this expansive part of Star Wars lore, we've curated a list of the top Star Wars Legends books to help you get started.
Navigating the vast array of Legends books can be daunting with hundreds of titles to choose from. We've selected a few key books to serve as your entry point into this rich universe. From the origins of the franchise to thrilling adventures with zombie stormtroopers and the legendary escapes of Mandalorians, these selections span the gamut from gripping adult novels to vibrant young adult tales featuring the offspring of iconic characters. All these books are readily available for purchase on Amazon, making it easy to start your journey.
### Kindle Edition Splinter of the Mind's Eye
4$4.99 at Amazon
This book kickstarted the Expanded Universe, alongside Marvel Comics and the beloved Star Wars newspaper strips. It's a pivotal part of Star Wars lore, initially written as a potential sequel to A New Hope in case the film didn't perform well enough for a larger budget follow-up. While it never made it to the screen, it became a cornerstone of the Expanded Universe. Follow Luke and Leia as they seek to recruit allies for the Rebellion, encountering Darth Vader and engaging in an epic lightsaber duel that expands the lore of the Force and the cosmic powers within the Star Wars universe.
### Kindle Edition The Han Solo Adventures
4$8.99 at Amazon
This cherished trilogy remains one of the most beloved Legends adventures, focusing on the roguish charm of Han Solo and Chewbacca. The first book, "Han Solo at Stars' End," follows the duo on a thrilling journey through the criminal underworld, showcasing their dynamic partnership. The subsequent books continue their interstellar escapades, solidifying their status as fan favorites.
### Kindle Edition Heir to the Empire
6$3.99 at Amazon
When discussing influential Legends titles, the Thrawn trilogy is often at the forefront. Timothy Zahn's "Heir to the Empire," set five years after the Battle of Endor, introduces Grand Admiral Thrawn, a formidable Chiss commander who quickly became a fan favorite. Thrawn's journey from the pages of Legends to the live-action canon in the Ahsoka series highlights the enduring impact of this book on the Star Wars universe.
### Path of Destruction
3$8.99 at Amazon
Another iconic Legends trilogy, the Darth Bane series delves into the life of the infamous Sith Lord and his impact on the galaxy. Drew Karpyshyn's engaging narrative is perfect for both Star Wars fans and sci-fi enthusiasts looking for a dark and compelling read. "Path of Destruction" offers a unique Sith perspective, exploring the origins of the Sith Rule of Two and the rise of one of the most feared Sith Lords in history.
### Paperback Heirs of the Force
2See it
In the '90s, without new films, fans were treated to a wealth of Expanded Universe books, including this series featuring the children of Han Solo and Princess Leia, Jacen and Jaina Solo. Training under Luke Skywalker at his Jedi Academy on Yavin 4, the Force-sensitive teens led this captivating series for young readers. Jacen's eventual turn to the dark side and transformation into Darth Caedus in later books foreshadowed the character arc of Kylo Ren in the sequel trilogy.
### Kindle Edition Tales from Jabba's Palace
2$4.99 at Amazon
This beloved short story collection is a highlight of the Expanded Universe, particularly for revealing that Boba Fett survived the Sarlacc Pit. Though decanonized, this plot point was later adapted into "The Book of Boba Fett." The anthology offers a diverse array of stories centered on the denizens of Jabba's Palace, showcasing the Galaxy Far, Far Away's quirky and fascinating inhabitants.
### Kindle Edition Death Troopers
2$11.99 at Amazon
While not as lore-intensive as other entries, "Death Troopers" stands out as a gripping horror story featuring zombie stormtroopers. Joe Schreiber brings the horror genre back to Star Wars with this chilling tale set aboard a broken-down Imperial Prison Barge that encounters a deserted Star Destroyer. The ensuing undead outbreak adds a thrilling twist to the Star Wars narrative.
### Kindle Edition Darth Plagueis
2$12.99 at Amazon
James Luceno's "Darth Plagueis" explores the story of the infamous Sith Lord known for his mastery over life and death. This dark and ambitious tale follows Plagueis as he rises to power and trains his apprentice, Darth Sidious, who would later become Emperor Palpatine. It's a compelling addition to the Legends universe, offering deep insights into the Sith's violent ambitions and the dangerous pursuit of ultimate power.
The Star Wars Legends universe encompasses nearly 400 books, along with numerous comics, games, and films. This expansive 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 Legends universe represents nearly forty years of rich storytelling and diverse content.
The "Legends" label denotes content that was once part of the Expanded Universe but is no longer considered canon. However, the influence of Legends on current Star Wars stories is undeniable, as seen with characters like Thrawn transitioning into the official canon. When a Legends book, such as "Heir to the Empire," is officially incorporated into the canon, it sheds its Legends status and becomes a core part of the Star Wars narrative.
While the Legends books are not part of the official canon, there are many contemporary canon novels that continue to enrich the Star Wars universe. Notable examples include the High Republic series, which introduces a new era soon to be explored in live-action, and other canon books like "Leia" by Claudia Gray, E.K. Johnston's Padmé trilogy, "The Princess and the Scoundrel" by Beth Revis, and "Last Shot" by Daniel José Older.
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