The Best Star Wars Legends Books Worth Reading in 2025

Decades before Disney's landmark $4 billion acquisition of Lucasfilm, before the prequels, and even before the original Star Wars film, writers were already expanding the galaxy far, far away. The Star Wars Expanded Universe (now Legends) pushed the boundaries of the saga through countless books, comics, and games. However, the 2014 decanonization didn't diminish the quality of these stories; many remain beloved and continue to influence current Star Wars canon, as evidenced by Thrawn's recent live-action appearances in Ahsoka. 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 key entries, offering a diverse range of stories—from the origins of the franchise to thrilling adventures featuring iconic characters and even zombie stormtroopers! All these books 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, conceived as a potential low-budget sequel to A New Hope, ignited the Expanded Universe. It features Luke and Leia (without Han or Chewie) as they rally support for the Rebellion, encountering Darth Vader in a thrilling confrontation. The story also delves deeper into the Force and its cosmic implications.

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 charismatic smuggler's adventures. Han Solo at Stars' End, the first book, is a thrilling romp through the galaxy's criminal underworld, highlighting the dynamic duo of Han and Chewie. The sequels continue their intergalactic escapades.

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 formidable Chiss commander who has become a fan-favorite and transitioned into Star Wars canon. This book significantly impacted both on-screen and off-screen Star Wars.

Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)

### Path of Destruction

$8.99 at Amazon

Drew Karpyshyn's acclaimed Darth Bane trilogy explores the origins of the Sith Lord and his impact on the galaxy. Engaging for both Star Wars enthusiasts and sci-fi readers alike, it offers a Sith perspective on the Rule of Two and the rise of one of history's most feared Sith Lords.

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

### Paperback Heirs of the Force

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This popular series follows Jacen and Jaina Solo, Han and Leia's Force-sensitive children, as they train at Luke Skywalker's Jedi Academy. Their journey, particularly Jacen's eventual fall to the dark side as Darth Caedus, significantly influenced Kylo Ren in the sequel trilogy.

Tales from Jabba's Palace (1995)

### Kindle Edition Tales from Jabba's Palace

$4.99 at Amazon

This beloved anthology features a variety of stories centered around Jabba's Palace. Famously, it revealed Boba Fett's survival of the Sarlacc Pit—a detail later adapted into The Book of Boba Fett. It's a collection of fun, strange, and memorable tales.

Death Troopers (2009)

### Kindle Edition Death Troopers

$11.99 at Amazon

This standalone horror novel features zombie stormtroopers. Joe Schreiber delivers a thrilling and unique entry into the Star Wars universe, blending horror and sci-fi elements.

Darth Plagueis (2012)

### Kindle Edition Darth Plagueis

$12.99 at Amazon

James Luceno's acclaimed novel recounts the story of Darth Plagueis, the Sith Lord who trained Darth Sidious (Emperor Palpatine). This dark and compelling tale explores the dangers of ambition and the Sith's pursuit of 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 films. This vast body of work, spanning from 1977 to 2014, offers a rich and diverse exploration of the Star Wars galaxy.

Star Wars Legends vs. Canon

Legends material is no longer considered canon. However, its influence on current Star Wars canon is undeniable, with various elements and characters making their way into official storylines. While Legends books are not canon, they offer a wealth of compelling stories and character development. The current canon novels, such as those in the High Republic series, offer a distinct yet equally engaging exploration of the Star Wars universe.

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