Decades before Disney's landmark $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 the big 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 beloved stories, continuing to influence current Star Wars canon—Thrawn's recent live-action appearance in Ahsoka being a prime example. If you're ready to explore this rich corner of Star Wars fandom, our guide to the best Legends books is your perfect starting point.

Which Star Wars Legends Books Should You Read First?

Navigating the hundreds of Legends titles can be daunting. This curated list highlights essential and impactful books, offering a fantastic entry point to this expansive universe. From the origins of the Expanded Universe and the franchise itself to zombie stormtroopers and the vibrant adventures of iconic Star Wars offspring, this selection offers some of the most engaging Star Wars storytelling available. All these books are readily available on Amazon.

Splinter of the Mind's Eye (1977)

### Kindle Edition Splinter of the Mind's Eye

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This novel, alongside early Marvel comics and newspaper strips, ignited the Expanded Universe. Originally conceived as a potential low-budget sequel to A New Hope, its survival and publication became a cornerstone of what would become Legends. Following Luke and Leia (without Han or Chewie), it features a thrilling Leia/Vader fight and expands on Force lore and cosmic powers within the Star Wars universe.

The Han Solo Adventures (1979)

### Kindle Edition The Han Solo Adventures

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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 trilogy's opener, is the third Star Wars novel ever published. Brian Daley's thrilling adventure showcases the duo's dynamic and their place within the Star Wars criminal underworld. Subsequent books continue their intergalactic escapades.

Heir to the Empire (1991)

### Kindle Edition Heir to the Empire

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Highly influential within Legends, Timothy Zahn's Thrawn trilogy begins here. Set five years after the Battle of Endor, it introduces Grand Admiral Thrawn, a powerful Chiss commander who has become a fan favorite, transitioning into canon via 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

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Another iconic trilogy, this series focuses on Darth Bane and his impact on the galaxy. Drew Karpyshyn's compelling narrative is engaging for both Star Wars enthusiasts and general sci-fi readers. Path of Destruction offers a Sith perspective, exploring 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)

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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. Their journey, particularly Jacen's eventual fall to the dark side as Darth Caedus, significantly influenced the sequel trilogy's Kylo Ren.

Tales from Jabba's Palace (1995)

### Kindle Edition Tales from Jabba's Palace

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This collection of short stories is a fan favorite, famously revealing Boba Fett's survival of the Sarlacc Pit—a detail later adapted into The Book of Boba Fett. Beyond this iconic moment, the stories offer a fun and diverse look at the galaxy's alien inhabitants.

Death Troopers (2009)

### Kindle Edition Death Troopers

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While less lore-heavy, this standalone horror novel about zombie stormtroopers is a thrilling and unique addition to Legends. Joe Schreiber's chilling tale marks a return to horror in the Star Wars universe since Galaxy of Fear.

Darth Plagueis (2012)

### Kindle Edition Darth Plagueis

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James Luceno's acclaimed novel tells the story of Darth Plagueis, the wise Sith Lord who trained Darth Sidious (Emperor Palpatine). This dark and compelling tale explores the Sith's ruthlessness and the seductive danger of ambition.

How many Star Wars Legends Books Are There?

The Legends universe encompasses nearly 400 books, alongside numerous comics, games, and films, spanning from 1977 to 2014—almost four decades of storytelling. This includes works 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 material is non-canon, but its influence on current Star Wars canon is undeniable, with numerous elements inspiring or directly transitioning into canon. While Legends books aren't officially canon, many contemporary canon novels expand the Star Wars galaxy, such as the High Republic series.

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