Decades before Disney acquired Lucasfilm for a staggering four billion dollars, long before the prequels dazzled (or disappointed) audiences, and even before the very first *Star Wars* film hit theaters, fans were already imagining a much larger galaxy than what appeared on screen. Enter the Star Wars Expanded Universe — a sprawling collection of books, comics, games, and more that expanded the universe in every direction. But when Disney took over in 2014, the Expanded Universe was officially rebranded as “Legends” and removed from official canon. However, this decision didn’t diminish the impact of these stories. In fact, many of them continue to influence modern *Star Wars* content today — such as Grand Admiral Thrawn’s return in *Ahsoka*. If you're curious about where to begin with this vast library of *Star Wars* lore, we’ve curated a list of the most essential *Star Wars Legends* books to kickstart your journey.
Which Star Wars Legends Books Should You Read First?
Diving into the *Star Wars Legends* library can feel overwhelming — there are literally hundreds of titles to choose from. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of must-reads that offer a solid foundation in the Legends universe. From early entries that helped define the franchise to thrilling tales of Mandalorian escapes, Force-wielding teens, and even zombie stormtroopers, these books represent some of the most entertaining and influential *Star Wars* stories ever written. All of these titles are currently available on Amazon, making it easy to jump right in.
Splinter of the Mind's Eye (1977)
Kindle Edition – $4.99 at Amazon
This groundbreaking novel launched what would become the Star Wars Expanded Universe — alongside Marvel comics and newspaper strips — and was originally conceived as a low-budget sequel to A New Hope, just in case the movie underperformed. Obviously, that didn’t happen, but Splinter of the Mind’s Eye remains a foundational piece of Star Wars history.
The story follows Luke and Leia as they attempt to rally support for the Rebellion on the fog-drenched planet of Mimban. Along the way, they cross paths with Darth Vader, leading to one of the earliest and most exciting lightsaber duels between Leia and the Sith Lord. It also expands upon the deeper, more mystical aspects of the Force, offering readers an early glimpse into the cosmic scale of the Star Wars universe.
The Han Solo Adventures (1979)
Kindle Edition – $8.99 at Amazon
For fans who missed Han Solo in Splinter of the Mind’s Eye, this trilogy delivers everything you could want from the galaxy’s most beloved smuggler. Written by Brian Daley, the series begins with Han Solo at Stars’ End, the third-ever Star Wars novel, following Alan Dean Foster’s adaptation of A New Hope and Splinter of the Mind’s Eye.
In this adventure, Han and Chewbacca find themselves caught up in the dangerous underworld of the galaxy, facing off against crime syndicates, bounty hunters, and interstellar threats. The chemistry between the duo is unmatched, and the action-packed storytelling makes this a fan-favorite among early Star Wars novels.
Heir to the Empire (1991)
Kindle Edition – $3.99 at Amazon
Widely regarded as one of the most influential Star Wars novels ever written, Heir to the Empire kicked off Timothy Zahn’s legendary Thrawn Trilogy. Set five years after the Battle of Endor, this book introduces Grand Admiral Thrawn — a brilliant Chiss tactician who becomes one of the most formidable figures in the galaxy.
Thrawn quickly became a fan-favorite character and eventually crossed over into official canon through Star Wars: Rebels and later Ahsoka. This book not only revitalized interest in Star Wars during its publishing era but also laid the groundwork for decades of future storytelling in both Legends and canon universes.
Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)
Kindle Edition – $8.99 at Amazon
Part of the acclaimed Darth Bane Trilogy, Path of Destruction explores the origins of one of the most feared Sith Lords in Star Wars history. Written by Drew Karpyshyn, this novel delves into the rise of Darth Bane and the establishment of the Sith Rule of Two — a doctrine that shaped the entire Sith lineage seen in the films.
Whether you’re a die-hard Star Wars fan or simply enjoy dark, compelling sci-fi, this book offers a rich and immersive experience. It stands out as one of the best examples of Sith philosophy and ambition in the Legends timeline.
Star Wars: Young Jedi Knights: Heirs of the Force (1995)
Paperback Edition – $2 at Amazon
This entry kicks off the Young Jedi Knights series, which follows 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. While aimed at younger readers, this series played a major role in shaping the next generation of Star Wars characters.
Jacen Solo’s eventual fall to the dark side and transformation into Darth Caedus had a lasting impact on the Star Wars universe, influencing later developments like Kylo Ren’s arc in the sequel trilogy. This book is a great starting point for anyone interested in the legacy of the original heroes.
Tales from Jabba's Palace (1995)
Kindle Edition – $4.99 at Amazon
This anthology of short stories expands the world of Star Wars through the eyes of lesser-known characters connected to Jabba the Hutt. One of its most iconic contributions is the tale revealing Boba Fett’s survival after falling into the Sarlacc Pit — a detail later adopted into canon through The Book of Boba Fett.
Beyond that, the book features quirky, imaginative stories from various alien perspectives, offering unique insights into the strange and colorful corners of the galaxy far, far away.
Death Troopers (2009)
Kindle Edition – $11.99 at Amazon
A chilling horror novel set in the Star Wars universe, Death Troopers follows a group of Imperial soldiers stationed aboard a prison barge that stumbles upon a derelict Star Destroyer. What they find inside is far worse than any enemy fleet — something ancient, undead, and terrifying.
Written by Joe Schreiber, this standalone novel brings a fresh genre to Star Wars, delivering suspense, gore, and a whole lot of fear. It’s one of the most unique reads in the Legends lineup and a must for fans of horror.
Darth Plagueis (2012)
Kindle Edition – $12.99 at Amazon
Based on the infamous line from Revenge of the Sith, this novel finally gives Darth Plagueis the spotlight he deserves. Written by James Luceno, Darth Plagueis chronicles the rise and reign of terror of the Sith Lord who trained Darth Sidious — better known as Emperor Palpatine.
It’s a deep dive into the dark side of the Force, political manipulation, and the relentless pursuit of ultimate power. Widely praised for its intricate plotting and rich world-building, this book is considered one of the strongest late-era Legends novels.
How Many Star Wars Legends Books Are There?
There are nearly 400 *Star Wars Legends* books in total, spanning from 1977 — just months before the release of the original *Star Wars* film — all the way up to 2014, when the Expanded Universe was officially decanonized. Beyond books, the Legends universe also includes comics, animated series, video games, and even obscure TV specials like *The Star Wars Holiday Special*. Notable non-book entries include *Knights of the Old Republic*, *The Force Unleashed*, and *Shadows of the Empire* — each contributing significantly to the overall mythology of *Star Wars*.
