There’s plenty of room to explore these without feeling like you’re just reading fan fiction. I’d argue many of the Legends novels are some of the best Star Wars stories we have. The way that I see it is that a good story is a good story. That said, they’re still a ton of fun to explore. If you’re someone who only wants to read Disney canon, then the Legends novels might seem option. Legends Canon is Still Well Worth the Adventure Canon or not, the Legends novels are an amazing ride. The novel’s activities occur six years before 2015’s The Force Awakens and follows Leia Organa as she navigates troubles brewing in the Galactic Senate. Bloodline by Claudia Gray is also wonderful. Resistance Reborn by Rebecca Roanhorse is a great look into post- The Last Jedi activities before Episode IX. That said, if you’re looking for something in that area, I don’t mind dropping a few recommendations. Those films and their books released since the acquisition of Star Wars by Disney don’t fall into Legends territory. The recent novels published around the Sequel Trilogy are all canon. That minor mention led to a great book fans should read. Of course, this is a character briefly mentioned in Episode III. This novel takes place during the heigh of Darth Plagueis’ power. Darth Plagueis by James Luceno goes even further in Star Wars history. The novel explores the time spent between Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi before the events of Episode I. I have a few favorites that include Master and Commander by Claudia Gray. Of course, not everyone came into their love of Star Wars during the Original Trilogy.įor Prequel folks, there are plenty of options as well.
If you watched that movie and wanted more from these characters, then that’s what you get with these books. The three novels take place five years after the events of Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. These include Heir to the Empire (1991), Dark Force Rising (1992), and The Last Command (1993). If we’re talking Legends canon, then the best Star Wars novels to start with are the original Thrawn Trilogy by author Timothy Zahn. Best Star Wars Books to Start With for Movie-Only Fans So, where does someone start with all of this? If you’re confused, then let’s make it easy and just recommend the best Star Wars novels within the Legends canon. That said, the actual stories themselves did not become Disney canon. Some elements of the Legends canon carried over into Disney canon. Instead, think of them as “what if” moments within the Star Wars universe. Really, you don’t need to worry about reading Legends novels to extend the movie canon.
Whether or not you dive into every novel that’s available is up to you. Of course, if you only watch the movies, then all of this is going to seem so confusing. I think it’s tricky to see something get this messy for newcomers. Instead, they are two continuations of Star Wars stories that do not co-exist. Overall, the stories that occurred before Disney began controlling the official canon became Legends canon.
That includes games, movies, and yes, novels. At that point, Disney became responsible for content within the Star Wars media landscape. In October 2012, the Walt Disney Company acquired Lucasfilm.
Let’s quickly address a question we see a lot online. So, with that said, where do you start? We’re here to help you find your way through Legends canon with this list of the best Star Wars novels for newcomers to this side of the galaxy.
Favorites like Boba Fett, Han, Luke, and Leia, plus so many more get more action on-page then on-screen. Of all of the latter, there are countless ways the core characters continue their journeys. The books that don’t fall into canon are considered Legends novels. Firstly, we have the Canon novels that Disney determined when they purchased the franchise.
Overall, the Star Wars books explore two general areas. Where does one begin with the growing library of Star Wars Books? If you’re someone who has no experience reading these, then you’re going to have a lot to choose from.