The Best Star Wars Books of All Time From Legends and Canon Timelines

Before the Storm book by Michael P. Kube-McDowell best star wars books

There's no such thing as too much Star Wars lore. In the past 50 years, nearly five hundred books in the Star Wars universe have seen publication. 

The first Star Wars novelization was released six months following the premiere of Star Wars: A New Hope. Ghostwritten by Alan Dean Foster but credited to George Lucas, Star Wars: From The Adventures of Luke Skywalker was the first venture into worldbuilding beyond the cinematic universe. In 2014, almost four hundred of these novels Disney/Lucasfilm declared these books non-canon to focus on franchise restructuring and new movies.

Lucasfilm rebranded the Expanded Universe as Star Wars Legends, though those stories have not been forgotten by fans or the authors of the new canon novels. Check out some of the best Star Wars books, both canon and Legends. 

Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn (1991)

Heir to the Empire book by Timothy Zahn (1991)
Image Credit: Bantam.

ir?t=yourmoneygeek 20&l=am2&o=1&a=B01LP4C1V0Set five years following The Return of the Jedi, Zahn kickstarted the Expanded Universe with an enthralling story that followed the continuing adventures of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo. Grand Admiral Thrawn attempts to track down a pregnant Princess Leia, while Luke Skywalker faces off with the smuggler Mara Jade (who just happens to be the former Emperor's Hand).

It is by far one of the best Star Wars books in the Expanded Universe.

The Han Solo Adventures (Trilogy) by Brian Daley (1979-1980)

The Han Solo Adventures (Trilogy) book by Brian Daley (1979-1980)
Image Credit: Random House Worlds.

ir?t=yourmoneygeek 20&l=am2&o=1&a=B009C85RDQDaley's series returned to Star Wars discourse after High Republic author Cavan Scott tweeted out his current reference material for another project. This one is for fans who can't get enough of Han Solo and Chewbacca. 

The trilogy follows Han Solo and Chewbacca through their days as smugglers in the capitalistic Corporate Sector, as they uncover a slaving ring, rescue kidnap victims, and face-off with a religious cult.

The New Jedi Order: Vector Prime by R. A. Salvatore (1999)

The New Jedi Order: Vector Prime Book by R. A. Salvatore (1999)
Image Credit: Random House Worlds.

ir?t=yourmoneygeek 20&l=am2&o=1&a=0345466470Set twenty-one years following the destruction of the Death Star, Salvatore did the unthinkable in Vector Prime. Sanctioned by George Lucas himself, the character death depicted in this novel is the only original series character to die in the Expanded Universe.

It is the first novel in a nineteen-book series, The New Jedi Order. While this novel sacrificed the life of a beloved character, it also introduced the criminal race of the Yuuzhan Vong.

The original trilogy characters get paired with the younger generation (the Solo children) throughout the novel before converging at the crux of a devastating battle.

Star by Star by Troy Denning (2002)

Star by Star book by Troy Denning (2002)
Image Credit: Random House Worlds.

The Yuuzhan Vong continue their ruthless campaign throughout the galaxy, leading Anakin Solo to concoct a dangerous plan to thwart their attacks. Denning's novel delves a devastating blow for the Solo family as their youngest son, Anakin Solo, sacrifices his life to buy time for the rest of the team to kill the voxyn queen and escape from the Vong.

Dark Journey by Elaine Cunningham (2002)

Dark Journey book by Elaine Cunningham (2002)
Image Credit: Random House Worlds.

Dark Journey follows Jaina Solo as she struggles with despair and her need for revenge following the death of her brother, Anakin Solo, and the Vong's capture of her twin, Jacen.

They retreat to the Hapes Cluster, where they encounter the grieving Teneniel Djo and the familial struggles of the Hapes. The Former Queen Mother attempts to arrange a marriage between Jaina and Prince Isolder — an offer Jaina rejects.

Enemy Lines (Duology) by Aaron Allston (2002)

Rebel Dream: Enemy Lines books by Aaron Allston (2002)
Image Credit: Random House Worlds.

ir?t=yourmoneygeek 20&l=am2&o=1&a=0099410338This pair of novels follows Luke and Mara Jade Skywalker, Han and Leia Solo, Lando Calrissian, Wedge Antilles, and Jaina Solo responding to the Yuuzhan Vong's capture of Coruscant.

Wedge becomes a stand-out character throughout this novel. The rebellion's determined efforts lead them to a victorious battle on Borealis, though the Vong are far from defeated.

Shadows of the Empire by Steve Perry (1996)

Shadows of the Empire book by Steve Perry (1996)
Image Credit: Random House Worlds.

This novel was Perry's contribution to the ambitious mixed-media series (also called Shadows of the Empire) created by Lucasfilm in 1996. The series included a novel and junior novelization, a comic book series, a video game, action figures, a soundtrack, trading cards, role-playing games, posters, and more.

Set between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, the novel introduced readers to the Black Sun criminal overlord, Prince Xizor, whose primary motivation is to seek vengeance against Darth Vader. He does that by plotting to murder Luke Skywalker once his heritage is revealed. This wonderful novel works as a stand-alone or part of the mixed-media experience.

Survivor's Quest by Timothy Zahn (2004)

Survivor's Quest book by Timothy Zahn (2004)
Image Credit: Random House Worlds.

Three years following the marriage of Luke Skywalker to Mara Jade, the couple struggles to balance their marriage and their duties as Jedi. Led by an urgent transmission, they journey together to locate the remains of the Outbound Flight expedition, which Grand Admiral Thrawn had destroyed on Niruan decades ago.

Expecting to find a graveyard of destroyed Dreadnought ships, they are surprised to find intact vessels and signs of life among them. Luke and Mara Jade come up against the vicious Vagaari to rescue the errant Outbound Flight project survivors. Fans who love Mara Jade and Luke Skywalker will also love this story.

Black Fleet Crisis (Trilogy) by Michael P. Kube-McDowell (1996-1998)

Black Fleet Crisis Trilogy books by Michael P. Kube-McDowell (1996-1998)
Image Credit: Random House Worlds.

Sixteen years following the end of the Original Trilogy, Kube-McDowell's novel picks up with an era of peace for the New Republic. This novel trilogy sits somewhat outside the canon of The New Jedi Order and X-Wing series and provides a slightly different approach to the beloved heroes of the universe.

Chewbacca returns to Kashyyyk to be with his son; Luke works towards higher Jedi enlightenment in a self-built hermitage on Coruscant. Unlike other novels focusing on the characters and their arcs, this series focuses more on political and military plots.

The story follows the genocidal campaign of former Imperial slaves, called Yevethan forces, as they seek to conquer the Koornacht Cluster.

This story deviates drastically from canon about Luke and Leia's mother, Padmé, thanks to the prequel trilogy. Luke travels to the planet Fallanassi to learn more about his mother's homeworld. Overall, the trilogy makes for a great Star Wars story.

Wedge's Gamble by Michael A. Stackpole (1996)

Wedge's Gamble book by Michael A. Stackpole (1996)
Image Credit: Random House Worlds.

Wedge Antilles and his X-Wing Rogue Squadron pilots plan to infiltrate the Imperial High Command-controlled Coruscant. Still, first, they free the imprisoned Black Suns criminals in hopes of bringing down the Empire.

The characters race against time for the rebels as they work to take down the planetary shields protecting Coruscant. In the process, allies fall, and a traitor emerges among their ranks.

The Last Jedi by Jason Fry (2018)

The Last Jedi book by Jason Fry (2018)
Image Credit: Del Rey.

ir?t=yourmoneygeek 20&l=am2&o=1&a=1780898428Fry's work stands out among the three novelizations in the Sequel Trilogy era. He masterfully adapted Rian Johnson's screenplay, Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and shed new light on aspects that the casual viewer might have overlooked

The book provides readers with a look inside the heads and hearts of nearly every character seen in the movie — which enriches the story.

Star Wars: Bloodline by Claudia Grey (2016)

Star Wars: Bloodline book by Claudia Grey (2016)
Image Credit: Random House Worlds.

The novel delves into the ramifications of Senator Leia Organa's heritage as trusted allies turn against her at the revelation that she is Darth Vader's daughter. Fans of Leia who want to see more of her character grow through challenges will find it irresistible.

Grey delivers a poignant look into Leia's psyche throughout this ordeal and how she handles balancing motherhood and duties a senator.

Star Wars: Resistance Reborn by Rebecca Roanhorse (2019)

Star Wars: Resistance Reborn book by Rebecca Roanhorse (2019)
Image Credit: Random House Worlds.

If fans gagged at the dynamics between Finn and Poe in The Rise of Skywalker or hoped to read more about Leia's last days with the Resistance, this novel will satisfy. Roanhorse truly knows these characters inside and out, and she brings a fresh, exciting adventure to bridge the gap between the Battle of Crait and the Resistance's base on Ajan Kloss.

Leia works to rally the forces after their defeat at Crait, which brings the familiar Inferno Squadron members, Shriv Suurgav and Zay Versio, into the picture. An exciting element of the novel is the recruitment of defecting Imperial forces welcomed into the Resistance. Overall, story has low stakes, but still tells a memorable tale.

Last Shot (Star Wars): A Han and Lando Novel by Daniel José Older (2018)

Last Shot (Star Wars): A Han and Lando Novel by Daniel José Older (2018)
Image Credit: Random House Worlds.

Created as a tie-in to Solo: A Star Wars Story, Older's novel covers five storylines told in five parts with a mix of flashbacks between Han Solo and Lando Calrissian as they face a new threat by an old foe.

It also covers aspects of Han's marriage to Leia and his relationship with his young son, Ben Solo — which helps readers understand how things fell apart by the time The Force Awakens occurs. Fans who loved Daley's Legends series about Han Solo will love Older's novel.

Star Wars: The Aftermath Trilogy by Chuck Wendig (2016-2017)

Star Wars: The Aftermath Trilogy books by Chuck Wendig (2016-2017)
Image Credit: Random House Worlds.

The trilogy expands the extensive period between the end of Return of the Jedi and the start of The Force Awakens. Wendig introduces readers to Norra Wexley and her teenage son Snap Wexley (later seen on screen) and delivers an engaging storyline for Wedge Antilles.

The story follows the New Republic as they work towards defeating the remaining members of the Empire. This series also introduces Emperor Palpatine's Observatory on Jakku — an exciting piece of foreshadowing for The Rise of Skywalker.

Star Wars: Thrawn by Timothy Zahn (2017)

Star Wars: Thrawn book by Timothy Zahn (2017)
Image Credit: Random House Worlds.

ir?t=yourmoneygeek 20&l=am2&o=1&a=0345511271The first in a series of three novels, Zahn returns to Star Wars and reintroduces Grand Admiral Thrawn to the Star Wars canon. The story begins with the exile of the Chriss warrior, Mitth'raw'nuruodo (Thrawn), and follows his path to the Empire alongside Imperial Cadet Eli.

Thrawn offers to serve Emperor Palpatine to protect his people. Throughout the novel, Thrawn's calculated tenacity allows him to climb the ranks within the Empire, ultimately rising to the position of Grand Admiral. Thrawn remains a fan-favorite character, and this series kicks off the beginning of his storyline in canon.

Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel by James Luceno (2016)

Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel by James Luceno (2016)
Image Credit: Random House Worlds.

ir?t=yourmoneygeek 20&l=am2&o=1&a=1101967005Fans who watched Rogue One and wanted to know more about Orson Krennic or Galen Erso should read this novel. It covers Erso's research into the energy kyber crystals under the Celestial Power project and follows his concerns as he realizes his research might be used for something devastating. 

This exciting approach to members of the Empire shows the duality among the ranks and the inner conflict at the advent of the Star Destroyer. Familiar faces like Tarkin and Saw Gerrera also appear in this novel.

Battlefront II: Inferno Squad by Christie Golden (2017)

Battlefront II: Inferno Squad book by Christie Golden (2017)
Image Credit: Random House Worlds.

Golden's novel follows the members of the Empire's elite team of soldiers, the Inferno Squad, as they deal with the ramifications of the theft of the Death Star plans. The central characters, Lieutenant Iden Versio, Lieutenant Junior Grade Gideon Hask, and Lieutenant Commander Del Meeko, all feature in the EA Game's Star Wars: Battlefront II.

Versio and her team must eradicate the remaining members of Saw Gerrera's Partisans, newly reformed as a terrorist cell known as the Dreamers. Gideon and Del infiltrate the Dreamers, while Iden gets arrested for alleged sedition after intentionally revealing her disillusionment towards the Empire, leading to the Dreamers rescuing her.

Alphabet Squadron by Alexander Freed (2019)

Alphabet Squadron book by Alexander Freed (2019)
Image Credit: Random House Worlds.

The series crosses over with the Marvel comic series Star Wars: TIE Fighters. The book explores the costs of war after the Battle of Endor as it follows Yrica Quell, an Imperial defector.

Freed introduces readers to a colorful group of pilots (featuring X-Wings, U-Wings, and Y-Wings) who react with different degrees of suspicion when Yrica joins the squadron.

Star Wars: Ahsoka by E.K. Johnston (2016)

Star Wars: Ahsoka book by E.K. Johnston (2016)
Image Credit: Disney Lucasfilm Press.

ir?t=yourmoneygeek 20&l=am2&o=1&a=1484782313Dave Filoni created Ahsoka Tano for the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and she grew into one of the most beloved characters from the Prequel Trilogy era. The young adult novel starts with Ahsoka during the Siege of Mandalore and explains how she adopted the pseudonym Ashla after fleeing to the remote Outer Rim Moon, Raada.

Ahsoka works alongside Bail Organa and the Rebellion to evacuate the at-risk villages on Raada in the shadow of the growing threat of the Galactic Empire. Obi-Wan Kenobi appears in this novel and struggles with the grief of Anakin's betrayal as he remains hiding on Tatooine.

 

Author: Meredith Wilshere

Bio:

Meredith Wilshere is a freelance lifestyle writer who spends her time trying to thrift the perfect coat and meet her yearly Goodreads goal. She is an author, infrequent marathoner, and pop music apologist. 

Meredith has been published in Business Insider, Senior Executive, and Hubspot.