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—later rebranded "Legends" after the Disney buyout in 2014—exploded with books, comics, and games. Despite its decanonization, Legends remains a treasure trove of compelling storytelling, influencing current Star Wars canon, as seen with Thrawn's recent live-action appearances. 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 offers an ideal starting point, encompassing pivotal moments and beloved characters, from the origins of the franchise to thrilling adventures and even zombie stormtroopers! All listed 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, one of the earliest expansions of the Star Wars universe alongside Marvel comics and newspaper strips, was conceived as a potential low-budget sequel to A New Hope. While never adapted, it's a cornerstone of Legends, featuring Luke and Leia (but no Han or Chewie) as they rally support for the Rebellion, encountering Darth Vader in a memorable duel. The story 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 charming rogue. Han Solo at Stars' End, the trilogy's first installment (and the third Star Wars novel overall), showcases Han and Chewie's adventures in the galaxy's criminal underworld. The subsequent books continue their intergalactic escapades.

Heir to the Empire (1991)

### Kindle Edition Heir to the Empire

$3.99 at Amazon

Highly influential within Legends, Timothy Zahn's Thrawn trilogy begins here. Set five years after Return of the Jedi, it introduces Grand Admiral Thrawn, a powerful Chiss commander who's become a fan favorite and has since transitioned into Star Wars canon, appearing in Clone Wars and Ahsoka. This book significantly reshaped the Star Wars landscape, both on and off-screen.

Darth Bane: Path of Destruction (2006)

### Path of Destruction

$8.99 at Amazon

This iconic trilogy explores the infamous Darth Bane and his impact on the galaxy. Drew Karpyshyn's compelling narrative is engaging for both Star Wars aficionados and general sci-fi readers. Path of Destruction offers a unique Sith perspective, detailing 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

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This popular series focuses on Jacen and Jaina Solo, children of Han and Leia, training at Luke Skywalker's Jedi Academy. Their journey, spanning several books, significantly influenced the sequel trilogy's Kylo Ren, as Jacen's later transformation into Darth Caedus mirrors Kylo's dark path.

Tales from Jabba's Palace (1995)

### Kindle Edition Tales from Jabba's Palace

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

Death Troopers (2009)

### Kindle Edition Death Troopers

$11.99 at Amazon

While less lore-heavy, this standalone horror novel featuring zombie Stormtroopers is a thrilling addition to the Legends universe. Joe Schreiber delivers a chilling tale of Imperial prisoners encountering a derelict Star Destroyer, where the undead rise, creating a terrifying space-horror experience.

Darth Plagueis (2012)

### Kindle Edition Darth Plagueis

$12.99 at Amazon

James Luceno's acclaimed novel explores the enigmatic Darth Plagueis, the master of Darth Sidious (Emperor Palpatine). This dark and compelling story delves into the Sith's violent nature and the allure of ultimate power, providing insights into the rise of Palpatine.

How Many Star Wars Legends Books Are There?

Nearly 400 books fall under the Legends banner, alongside numerous comics, games, and films. This vast collection, spanning from 1977 to 2014, represents almost four decades of Expanded Universe storytelling.

Star Wars Legends vs. Canon

Legends material is non-canon, but its influence on current Star Wars remains significant, with some elements finding their way into canon. The line between Legends and canon is fluid, with Lucasfilm occasionally drawing inspiration or directly incorporating elements from Legends into new canon stories. While Legends books aren't canon, many contemporary canon novels expand the galaxy, such as the High Republic series.

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