As well as television shows, video games, and comic books to name a few, there are also a wide range of books that are not only a part of the larger Star Wars world but are also excellent pieces of literature in their own right.
With this in mind, we are going to be narrowing down the huge catalog of Star Wars books to thirteen of the most noteworthy installments that are sure to take you even deeper into the intergalactic space opera that is the Star Wars franchise!
Before we begin, it’s important to note that some Star Wars books are canon – meaning that they are officially part of the story of the series – whilst others are not.
The non-canon books diverge from what we see in the main storyline of the Star Wars franchise, meaning that the events of the book are not connected to the series.
Bloodline is set six years before the events of the Star Wars: The Force Awakens movie.
The story follows Princess Leia Organa, who is now a respected senator in the New Republic, as she discovers a conspiracy threatening to tear apart the fragile government.
Leia is struggling with her own doubts and fears, feeling disconnected from her own family as she worries about the future of the galaxy.
She discovers that a shadowy group called the Amaxine warriors is secretly funding terrorist attacks on Republic worlds and inciting violence, and Leia becomes determined to uncover the truth.
Pros
A deeper look into the character of Princess Leia, including her struggles with her family legacy and her role as a political leader.
Features political intrigue, action, and suspense.
Cons
Some may find the political themes and discussions to be overly complex.
Darth Plagueis explores the story of the Sith Lord who trained Emperor Palpatine and was known for his ability to manipulate the Force to create and sustain life.
The story takes place in the years leading up to Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.
The book follows the life and rise to power of Darth Plagueis, a Sith Lord who is obsessed with discovering the secret to immortality.
He takes a young Palpatine as his apprentice and trains him in the ways of the dark side, grooming him to eventually become the Emperor of the galaxy.
Heir to the Empire is the first book in the Thrawn Trilogy, a series of novels that take place after the events of the original Star Wars trilogy.
The story begins five years after the events of Return of the Jedi and follows the adventures of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo as they work to rebuild the New Republic and defend it against the remnants of the Empire.
Pros
Provides a continuation of the Star Wars saga after the original trilogy
Introduces new characters and a new villain in Grand Admiral Thrawn, who has become a fan-favorite character in the Star Wars universe
Captures the spirit of the original trilogy
Cons
As the first book in a trilogy, it may leave some storylines unresolved until the following books
Dark Disciple is a unique novel in that it is based on unused storylines from the Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated television series.
The story follows the former Sith assassin Asajj Ventress and the Jedi Knight Quinlan Vos as they are paired up and sent out on an assassination mission by the Jedi Council.
As they work together, Ventress and Vos develop a relationship and struggle with their loyalties and allegiances to the Jedi Order and the Sith.
Pros
Exploration of the morally gray areas of the Star Wars universe, and the internal conflicts of its characters
A compelling and emotional storyline that deals with love, loss, and sacrifice
Offers a satisfying conclusion to the storylines of these characters that were left unresolved in Star Wars: The Clone Wars television series
Cons
As the book is based on unused storylines, it may not feel fully integrated into the larger Star Wars canon.
The first book in the Darth Bane trilogy, Path of Destruction follows the journey of Dessel, a young miner on the planet Apatros who discovers his Force sensitivity and begins training to become a Sith Lord.
Dessel takes on the name “Darth Bane” and becomes the embodiment of the “Rule of Two,” a Sith philosophy that posits that only two Sith Lords should exist at once: a Master to embody the power and an Apprentice to crave it.
Pros
In-depth exploration of the Sith philosophy and the “Rule of Two” concept
Explores the origins of the Sith Order
Expands the “Star Wars” universe and lore, particularly for the prequel era
Introduces the character of Darth Bane
Cons
Some might find the story too focused on the Sith and without enough exploration of the Jedi or other aspects of the “Star Wars” universe
Taking place between the events of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith and the Star Wars Rebels animated television series, Ahsoka follows Ahsoka Tano, a former Jedi Padawan who survived Order 66 and is now living in hiding, trying to evade the Empire’s forces.
She travels to a remote planet and becomes involved in a local conflict, where she discovers that her actions can still make a difference in the galaxy.
Pros
Provides an exploration of the character of Ahsoka Tano, who is a fan-favorite character in the Star Wars universe
Expands upon the events of the Star Wars universe between the prequel and original trilogy eras
Provides insight into the impact of Order 66 and the Empire’s rise on the galaxy and its people
Cons
Very focused on Ahsoka, which might be off-putting for those looking to read about a range of characters
Light of The Jedi is the first installment in the Star Wars: The High Republic multimedia project, which is set 200 years before the events of the Skywalker saga and explores a new era in the Star Wars universe.
The story follows the Jedi Knights as they deal with a catastrophic event known as “The Great Disaster”, which threatens the stability and safety of the galaxy.
The novel introduces a wide cast of new characters, both Jedi and non-Jedi, and explores their perspectives on the unfolding events.
Pros
Introduces new elements and ideas to the universe whilst keeping the spirit of the original trilogy
Expands upon the lore and mythology of the “Star Wars” universe by exploring a new era and introducing new characters and concepts
Insight into the history of the Jedi Order and the galaxy at a time when the Jedi were at the height of their power
A fresh start for readers who may be intimidated by the vastness of the Star Wars expanded universe, as it is the first installment in a new multimedia project
Cons
The large cast of new characters, which may be overwhelming for some readers
Alphabet Squadron is the first of the Alphabet Squadron novel series, and it takes place in the aftermath of the events of Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi, following the titular Alphabet Squadron, a group of five starfighter pilots from different backgrounds and factions who are brought together to hunt down a rogue Imperial faction known as Shadow Wing.
Pros
A unique perspective on the post-war era
Insight into the perspectives and motivations of different factions including the Empire, the Rebellion, and independent groups
A diverse cast of characters with different backgrounds and personalities
Cons
It may not be as enjoyable for that are not familiar with the lore of the starfighters and space battles in Star Wars.
Thrawn serves as a reintroduction of the character of Grand Admiral Thrawn, who was originally introduced in Zahn’s aforementioned Thrawn Trilogy in the 1990s.
The story follows Thrawn, a Chiss military strategist and tactician, as he rises through the ranks of the Imperial Navy and becomes a key player in Emperor Palpatine’s plans to control the galaxy.
Pros
Insight into the strategic and tactical mind of Grand Admiral Thrawn, as well as his unique cultural background as a Chiss.
Introduces new concepts and characters, whilst also tying into established canon
Cons
It may not be as enjoyable for those who are not familiar with the character of Thrawn or the lore of the Imperial Navy and its hierarchy in the Star Wars universe.
Published in 2013, Kenobi takes place in the aftermath of the events of Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith and follows Obi-Wan Kenobi as he begins his life on Tatooine, watching over the young Luke Skywalker from afar.
The novel explores Kenobi’s struggle to come to terms with the events of the Jedi Purge and his new role as a hermit on Tatooine, as well as his interactions with the locals on the planet.
Pros
A look at Obi-Wan Kenobi’s mindset and his journey from a Jedi Knight to a hermit on Tatooine
Explores the setting of Tatooine and its inhabitants in more detail, including the conflicts between settlers and raiders
A self-contained story that does not require knowledge of other Star Wars media or the wider expanded universe
Cons
As a part of the Star Wars Legends continuity, the book’s events and characters are not considered canon and can be contradicted by newer Star Wars media, such as the Kenobi Disney Plus series.
Another novel that is part of the non-canon Star Wars Legends book series, I, Jedi follows the story of Corran Horn, a former pilot in Rogue Squadron who becomes a Jedi and sets out to rescue his wife from a group of pirates.
The novel explores Corran’s journey from a non-Force sensitive pilot to a Jedi Knight, his training under Luke Skywalker and the other Jedi at the academy, and his investigation into the pirate group that has kidnapped his wife (for more Jedi Academy books, check out our guide here).
Pros
Explores the personal journey of a non-Force sensitive character as he becomes a Jedi Knight
In-depth look at the training and practices of the Jedi Order, as well as the politics and conflicts within the New Republic
Introduces new concepts and characters
Cons
As a part of the Star Wars Legends continuity, the book’s events and characters are not considered canon
This young adult novel is set during the events of the original Star Wars trilogy and follows the story of two childhood friends, Ciena Reena and Thane Kyrell and, as they both join the Imperial Academy and later find themselves on opposite sides of the Galactic Civil War.
Lost Stars explores the personal journeys of Ciena and Thane as they navigate their loyalties to the Empire and the Rebellion, as well as their feelings for each other.
The book also provides new insights into the events of the original trilogy, including the Battle of Yavin, the Battle of Hoth, and the Battle of Endor.
Pros
A new perspective on the Galactic Civil War and the conflict between the Empire and the Rebellion
Appeals to a young adult audience, but can be enjoyed by fans of all ages
Cons
As a young adult novel, the story may not be as complex or mature as other “Star Wars” media
Last but not least, Queen’s Shadow is set in between the events of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace and Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones and follows Padmé Amidala’s transition from Queen of Naboo to a senator in the Galactic Republic.
The novel explores Padmé’s experiences as a senator and her relationships with her handmaidens, whilst also delving into the political machinations of the Galactic Senate and the rise of the Separatist movement.
Pros
A unique, well-written story that explores the personal and political journeys of Padmé Amidala and her handmaidens
New insights into the events leading up to the Clone Wars and the political conflicts within the Galactic Republic
Offers a strong female cast, with Padmé and her handmaidens taking center stage
Cons
The focus on political intrigue and Padmé’s relationships may not be as appealing for readers who prefer more action-oriented stories
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Star Wars Book
Familiarity With The Franchise
Some books are more accessible to readers who are less familiar with the Star Wars universe, while others assume a certain level of knowledge.
Consider your level of familiarity with the movies, TV shows, and other media when choosing a book.
Interests Within The Franchise
Star Wars media covers various genres and topics, from action-packed space adventures to political intrigue and personal dramas.
Consider what you enjoy most about Star Wars and choose a book that aligns with those interests.
Author And Style
There are many authors across the collection of Star Wars books, each with their own writing style and approach.
Consider the author’s previous works to get a sense of their style and whether it is a good fit for you.
Era And Timeline
The Star Wars books cover a wide range of eras and timelines within the franchise, from the Old Republic to the sequel trilogy, so think about which era and timeline you are most interested in exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need To Read The Star Wars Books In Order?
Not necessarily. While some Star Wars books are part of a series and should be read in order, many others are standalone stories that can be read independently.
Do I Need To Have Watched The Star Wars Movies To Understand The Books?
While some books assume a certain level of knowledge about the Star Wars universe, many can be enjoyed independently.
Noah Burton works as a Librarian full time, and is a blogger in his spare time. His goal is to write compelling recommendations for all of the most popular books he can find, from science fiction to romance.
With a passion for books, a drive to find new reads to get stuck into, and a love for sharing book recommendations with others, Noah can help you find the next novel for your bucket list.
