Top Star Wars Legends Reads: 2025 Must-Haves

Decades before Disney's monumental $4 billion acquisition of Lucasfilm, before the prequels, and even before the original Star Wars film, writers were already crafting a galaxy far, far beyond what we'd see on screen. The Star Wars Expanded Universe, later rebranded "Legends" in 2014 following Disney's purchase, lived up to its name, expanding the galaxy with countless books, comics, and games. Despite its decanonization, Legends remains a treasure trove of compelling Star Wars storytelling, influencing current canon—Thrawn's recent live-action debut in Ahsoka being a prime example. Ready to explore this rich tapestry? Here's our guide to the best Star Wars Legends books for newcomers.

Which Star Wars Legends Books Should You Read First?

Navigating the hundreds of Legends titles can be daunting. This curated list provides an excellent starting point, offering a diverse range of stories, from the franchise's origins to thrilling adventures featuring iconic characters. 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, alongside early Marvel comics and newspaper strips, ignited the Expanded Universe. Conceived as a potential low-budget sequel to A New Hope, it features Luke and Leia (but not Han or Chewie) battling the Empire, including a memorable Leia/Vader duel. It expands on Force lore and cosmic powers, laying foundational elements for the future Legends continuity.

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 charming rogue. Han Solo at Stars' End, the first book, is the third Star Wars novel ever published. Brian Daley's thrilling adventures through the galaxy's criminal underworld showcase the iconic duo's appeal.

Heir to the Empire (1991)

### Kindle Edition Heir to the Empire

$3.99 at Amazon

Highly influential, Timothy Zahn's Thrawn trilogy, beginning with this title, is a Legends staple. Set five years after Return of the Jedi, it introduces Grand Admiral Thrawn, a powerful Chiss commander who has since become a fan favorite and transitioned into Star Wars canon, appearing in Star Wars Rebels and Ahsoka.

Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)

### Path of Destruction

$8.99 at Amazon

Drew Karpyshyn's iconic Darth Bane trilogy explores the titular Sith Lord's rise to power. Appealing to both Star Wars aficionados and sci-fi fans, it delves into the origins of the Rule of Two and one of the most formidable Sith Lords in history, offering a compelling Sith perspective.

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

### Paperback Heirs of the Force

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This beloved series focuses on Jacen and Jaina Solo, Han and Leia's Force-sensitive children, training at Luke Skywalker's Jedi Academy. Their journey, including 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 celebrated short story collection famously revealed Boba Fett's survival of the Sarlacc Pit—a detail later adopted into canon by The Book of Boba Fett. It offers a diverse array of fun, bizarre, and captivating alien-centric tales.

Death Troopers (2009)

### Kindle Edition Death Troopers

$11.99 at Amazon

While less lore-heavy, this standalone horror story featuring zombie Stormtroopers is a thrillingly unique addition. Joe Schreiber delivers a chilling tale of Imperial horror, a welcome departure for the franchise.

Darth Plagueis (2012)

### Kindle Edition Darth Plagueis

$12.99 at Amazon

James Luceno's acclaimed novel explores the life of Darth Plagueis, the wise Sith Lord who trained Darth Sidious (Emperor Palpatine). This dark and compelling story examines the seductive nature of power and the Sith's relentless pursuit of it.

How Many Star Wars Legends Books Are There?

The Legends universe encompasses nearly 400 books, plus numerous comics, games, and films. This vast collection, spanning from 1977 to 2014, showcases the enduring appeal and expansive nature of the Expanded Universe.

Star Wars Legends vs. Canon

Legends material is non-canon, but its influence on current Star Wars is undeniable. Many elements, from character inspirations to plot points, have found their way into canon. The transition of some Legends elements to canon highlights the ongoing evolution of the Star Wars galaxy. While Legends books aren't canon, numerous contemporary canon novels offer compelling stories within the established film continuity. Examples include the High Republic series and books like Leia, Padmé, and The Princess and the Scoundrel.

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