Decades before Disney's landmark acquisition of Lucasfilm for a staggering four billion dollars—before the prequels, and even before the original Star Wars film—writers were already crafting a galaxy far, far beyond what the screen could initially show. The Star Wars Expanded Universe lived up to its name, expanding the saga with countless books, comics, and games. However, in 2014, following Disney's purchase, this universe was decanonized and rebranded as "Legends." Despite this reclassification, these Legends stories remain some of the best Star Wars narratives ever told, continuing to influence canon, as seen with Thrawn's recent live-action debut in Ahsoka. Ready to explore this rich tapestry of storytelling? Here's a curated list of essential Star Wars Legends books to kickstart your journey.

Which Star Wars Legends Books Should You Read First?

Navigating the hundreds of Legends titles can feel daunting. This list highlights the most impactful and enjoyable starting points, offering a diverse range of stories: from the origins of the Expanded Universe itself to thrilling Mandalorian adventures and the vibrant young adult tales of iconic Star Wars offspring. 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 (no Han or Chewie, this time) rallying planetary support for the Rebellion. Expect encounters with Darth Vader, an exciting Leia/Vader duel, and a deeper exploration of 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 charming rogue. Han Solo at Stars' End, the first book, is the third Star Wars novel ever published, following Alan Dean Foster's adaptation of A New Hope and Splinter. Brian Daley's thrilling tale showcases Han and Chewie navigating the galaxy's criminal underworld, solidifying their iconic partnership. Subsequent books continue their intergalactic escapades.

Heir to the Empire (1991)

### Kindle Edition Heir to the Empire

$3.99 at Amazon

This highly influential Thrawn trilogy, beginning with Heir to the Empire, is a must-read. Set five years after the Battle of Endor, it introduces Grand Admiral Thrawn, a powerful Chiss commander who has become a fan favorite, transitioning from Legends to canon appearances in Star Wars Rebels and Ahsoka. This book significantly reshaped the Star Wars universe both on and off-screen.

Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)

### Path of Destruction

$8.99 at Amazon

This iconic trilogy delves into the life of Darth Bane, exploring how his reign shaped the galaxy. Drew Karpyshyn's engaging narrative appeals to both Star Wars enthusiasts and sci-fi readers alike. Path of Destruction offers a unique Sith perspective, illuminating the origins of the Rule of Two and one of history's most formidable Sith Lords.

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

### Paperback Heirs of the Force

See it

This beloved series follows Han Solo and Princess Leia's Force-sensitive children, Jacen and Jaina, as they train at Luke Skywalker's Jedi Academy on Yavin 4. This charming Young Readers series, spanning many years, significantly influenced the sequel trilogy's Kylo Ren, with Jacen's eventual dark turn as Darth Caedus.

Tales from Jabba's Palace (1995)

### Kindle Edition Tales from Jabba's Palace

$4.99 at Amazon

This beloved short story collection famously revealed Boba Fett's survival of the Sarlacc Pit, a detail later adapted into The Book of Boba Fett. Beyond this pivotal moment, the collection offers a diverse range of fun, quirky, and alien-centric stories.

Death Troopers (2009)

### Kindle Edition Death Troopers

$11.99 at Amazon

While not deeply rooted in established lore, this standalone horror novel about zombie stormtroopers is a unique and thrilling addition. Joe Schreiber's chilling tale revitalizes the horror element within the Star Wars universe, delivering a genuinely frightening and memorable experience.

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 delves into the Sith's brutality, ambition, and 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, spanning from 1977 to 2014. This includes titles like The Star Wars Holiday Special, Star Wars: Droids, Ewoks, and games such as Star Wars: The Force Unleashed and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic.

Star Wars Legends vs. Canon

Legends content is no longer considered canon. However, its influence on current canon is undeniable, with various elements and characters making their way into official storylines. While Legends books aren't canon, numerous contemporary canon novels expand the Star Wars galaxy, such as the High Republic series.

### Kindle Unlimited

See subscription options. See it at Amazon