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Since the release of the original Star Wars film in 1977, fans of the franchise have been hungry for more stories set in the galaxy far, far away. Over the years, a wide range of Star Wars books have been published, exploring different aspects of the Star Wars universe and adding depth and richness to the stories that fans know and love.
Whether you are a long-time fan or a newcomer to the franchise, there is a Star Wars novel out there for you. Find the best Star Wars books, from classic tales of the Expanded Universe to new stories set in the official canon. Whether you are looking for thrilling space battles, epic lightsaber duels, or deep character exploration, there is something for everyone in this list.
Find the best Star Wars books of all time (and in no particular order) below:
1Lesser Evil (Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendancy #3) by Timothy Zahn, Marc Thompson
Lesser Evil is a wonderfully-written Star Wars novel by Timothy Zahn that takes place in the distant future, where humanity has colonized numerous planets in the galaxy. The story follows Jereko Kosta, a former colonel in the military who is now a private investigator.
The book begins with Jereko Kosta investigating the disappearance of a wealthy businessman’s daughter on the planet of Callisto. Jereko quickly realizes that the case is much more complicated than he initially thought, as he uncovers a web of conspiracies and a dangerous group of criminals known as the League of Elders.
As Jereko delves deeper into the case, he discovers that the League of Elders is attempting to gain control of a powerful new technology that could change the balance of power in the galaxy. The League has already made a deal with a group of alien slavers who are interested in the technology, and Jereko knows that if the League gains control of it, the consequences could be catastrophic.
Jereko is not alone in his quest to stop the League, as he meets a group of individuals who are also trying to prevent the group’s plans. Among them is the beautiful and deadly assassin Talia Fortune, who Jereko finds himself drawn to despite her dangerous reputation.
Together, Jereko and his allies must race against time to stop the League and prevent the technology from falling into the wrong hands. As they confront the League’s agents on various planets throughout the galaxy, Jereko learns that the League’s leader is someone he knows all too well – an old friend and former comrade from his days in the military.
Why It’s One of the Best
First off, let’s talk about the man of the hour, Grand Admiral Thrawn. This guy is a tactical genius, and the book dives deep into his character, making him more than just a villain in a uniform. You get to see his motivations, his culture, and how his mind works. It’s like a masterclass in character development.
The plot is another big win. It’s intricate but not confusing, with layers that keep you guessing. You’re not just flipping through space battles and lightsaber duels—though don’t get me wrong, those are awesome too. The story explores political intrigue, loyalty, and the complexities of power. It’s Star Wars, but with a mature twist.
The book also takes you to the Unknown Regions, giving you a tour of the Chiss Ascendancy. It’s like a whole new playground for Star Wars fans, filled with new species, planets, and political dynamics. It’s a fresh take that makes the galaxy far, far away feel even bigger.
2Star Wars: The Old Republic: Deceived by Paul S. Kemp
Star Wars: The Old Republic is a novel written by Paul S. Kemp that takes place in the Old Republic era, set thousands of years before the events of the original Star Wars trilogy. The story follows the adventures of two main characters: Jedi Master Aryn Leneer and Sith Lord Darth Malgus.
The novel begins with the Sith Empire launching a massive assault on the Republic capital world of Coruscant. The Republic is caught off guard and quickly overwhelmed, and the Sith begin to lay waste to the city. Aryn Leneer, a Jedi Knight, is sent to aid in the defense of Coruscant. She quickly finds herself in the midst of the battle, using her lightsaber to fight off the invading Sith.
Meanwhile, Darth Malgus, a powerful Sith Lord, leads the assault on Coruscant. Malgus is a skilled warrior and is determined to defeat the Republic and claim victory for the Sith Empire. As the battle rages on, Malgus confronts Aryn Leneer in a fierce lightsaber duel. Despite her best efforts, Aryn is no match for Malgus, and he ultimately defeats her, leaving her for dead.
As the battle for Coruscant continues, both the Republic and the Sith suffer heavy losses. However, the Republic is able to regroup and launch a counterattack. A team of elite soldiers, led by a skilled commander named Jace Malcom, is sent to infiltrate the Sith flagship and take out Darth Malgus.
Why It’s One of the Best
First off, it’s set in the Old Republic era, which is like a giant sandbox for Star Wars lore. We’re talking thousands of years before Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, so there’s a lot of room for fresh stories and characters.
Speaking of characters, this book nails it. Darth Malgus is a standout. He’s not your run-of-the-mill Sith Lord; he’s complex and multi-dimensional. You get to see his softer side, his relationship, and what drives him to be who he is. It’s not often you get to see the emotional layers of a Sith, and that’s pretty cool.
The pacing is another high point. The book kicks off with the sacking of Coruscant, which is as epic as it sounds. From there, it doesn’t let up. It’s a rollercoaster of lightsaber duels, political intrigue, and personal drama. You’re not just flipping pages; you’re devouring them.
And let’s not forget the world-building. The Old Republic is a time of galactic strife, with the Sith Empire and the Galactic Republic at each other’s throats. The book does an excellent job of painting this larger conflict as a backdrop, making the stakes feel incredibly high.
Lastly, the writing itself is top-notch. Paul S. Kemp has a way with words that makes the Star Wars universe come alive in your mind. The dialogue is snappy, the descriptions are vivid, and the action scenes are so well-done you can almost hear the lightsabers humming.
3Dark Disciple by Christie Golden
Dark Disciple by Christie Golden is a novel set in the Star Wars universe, based on unproduced episodes of the animated television series Star Wars: The Clone Wars. The story follows the journey of Jedi Knight Quinlan Vos as he sets out to assassinate Count Dooku, the leader of the Separatist movement.
The novel begins with a meeting between Vos and Jedi Master Mace Windu. Windu has been tasked by the Jedi Council to find a way to end the Clone Wars, and he believes that assassinating Count Dooku could be the key to ending the conflict. Windu assigns Vos to the mission, believing that his unique abilities as a Jedi with an affinity for psychometry – the ability to touch objects and see their past – will give him an advantage in infiltrating Dooku’s inner circle.
Vos travels to the planet Raxus, where Dooku is holding a peace conference with a group of neutral worlds. There, he meets with Asajj Ventress, a former Sith assassin who has also been targeted for assassination by Dooku. Ventress, having been betrayed by her former master, agrees to help Vos in his mission to kill Dooku.
…and then the story begins…but you’ll have to read it to find out what happens.
Why It’s One of the Best
It’s based on unproduced episodes of Star Wars: The Clone Wars, so you know it’s got that authentic Star Wars vibe right from the get-go.
The characters are a big deal here. Asajj Ventress and Quinlan Vos take center stage, and their development is just top-notch. Ventress, who’s usually seen as a villain, gets layers added to her character that make her super relatable. And Vos? He’s not just your typical Jedi; he’s complex and flawed, which makes him incredibly interesting.
The plot is another high point. It’s not just lightsabers and space battles (though there’s plenty of that, don’t worry). It dives deep into themes like redemption, love, and the moral complexities of war. It’s heavy stuff, but in the best way possible.
And let’s not forget Christie Golden’s writing. She nails the dialogue and captures the essence of the Star Wars universe so well that you can practically hear John Williams’ score playing in the background as you read.
4Star Wars: The Light of the Jedi by Charles Soule
Star Wars: The Light of the Jedi is a novel by Charles Soule set in the Star Wars universe, specifically in the High Republic era, which takes place 200 years before the events of the original Star Wars film. The novel tells the story of the Great Disaster, a catastrophic event that threatens to tear the galaxy apart, and the efforts of the Jedi to prevent its aftermath from becoming even worse.
The novel begins with a prologue that introduces the reader to a group of explorers who are on a mission to study hyperspace anomalies in the Outer Rim. However, their mission is interrupted when they encounter a massive shockwave that originates from a nearby planet called Hetzal Prime. The shockwave destroys their ship and kills most of the crew, but a handful of survivors manage to escape in escape pods.
The main story of the novel begins shortly after the prologue, with the introduction of several new characters, including Jedi Knights Avar Kriss, Elzar Mann, and Stellan Gios, as well as Chancellor Lina Soh, the leader of the Galactic Republic. The novel also introduces the Nihil, a group of raiders and pirates who have been causing trouble in the galaxy.
As the story unfolds, the reader learns more about the Great Disaster and its aftermath. And, well, you’ll just have to read it.
Why It’s One of the Best Star Wars Books
First off, it kicks off the whole High Republic era, which is like a breath of fresh air. We’re talking about a time when the Jedi were at their peak, so you get to see them in all their glory, doing some seriously cool stuff.
The storytelling is top-notch. Soule knows how to weave a tale that keeps you glued to the pages. The pacing is just right, and there’s a perfect balance of action, drama, and character development. You’re not just reading about lightsaber battles (though there are plenty of those, and they’re awesome); you’re diving deep into the lives and struggles of these characters.
Speaking of characters, Light of the Jedi introduces us to a whole new cast that quickly become as beloved as the OGs like Luke, Leia, and Han. Whether it’s Avar Kriss, the compassionate and wise Jedi, or Elzar Mann, who’s a bit of a maverick, you’re gonna find someone to root for.
And let’s not forget the villains—the Nihil. These guys are not your run-of-the-mill baddies. They’re complex, terrifying, and super intriguing. They bring a new kind of darkness that the Star Wars universe hasn’t seen before.
5Specter of the Past (Hand of Thrawn Duology) by Timothy Zahn
Specter of the Past by Timothy Zahn is a novel set in the Star Wars universe, taking place about 10 years after the events of “Return of the Jedi”. It follows the story of several key characters, including Han Solo, Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker, and Grand Admiral Thrawn.
The novel begins with the discovery of an old recording that implicates former Imperial Admiral Gilad Pellaeon in a conspiracy to assassinate key members of the New Republic government. Meanwhile, on the planet Coruscant, Han and Leia are dealing with a different problem – a growing movement of separatists who want to break away from the New Republic and form their own government. Leia, now a senator, is tasked with trying to negotiate a peaceful solution.
Meanwhile, Luke is on a mission to find the long-lost Katana fleet, a group of nearly 200 automated warships that disappeared during the Clone Wars. He believes that the fleet could be a powerful tool for the New Republic if it can be found and retrieved. However, his mission is complicated by the fact that the last known location of the fleet is in the Unknown Regions, a dangerous and largely unexplored area of space.
As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that all of these seemingly disparate events are connected. And as the various plot threads converge, Han, Leia, and Luke find themselves working together to foil the Hand of Thrawn’s plans.
Specter of the Past is a thrilling and complex Star Wars novel that weaves together multiple plotlines and characters from the universe. It offers a fascinating look at the political landscape of the New Republic and explores the legacy of the Empire in the years following the events of the original trilogy.
Why It’s Considered One of the Best
the characters are top-notch. We’re talking about a deeper dive into the lives of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo that goes beyond the surface. Zahn explores their fears, hopes, and motivations in a way that makes them feel more real than ever. But it’s not just about the characters; the plot is a rollercoaster too. It’s filled with political intrigue, espionage, and moral dilemmas that keep you guessing.
What’s really cool is how the book blends the nostalgia of the original trilogy with fresh elements and characters. It’s like a love letter to long-time fans and a welcoming handshake to newcomers. And let’s not forget the world-building; it’s a Star Wars geek’s dream come true. The book delves into the intricacies of the New Republic, the remnants of the Empire, and even the Unknown Regions.
For me, personally, one of the highlights is the return of Grand Admiral Thrawn, a villain you can’t help but admire for his tactical genius. The emotional depth is the cherry on top. Whether it’s Leia grappling with her responsibilities or Luke questioning his role as a Jedi, this book hits you right in the feels. And of course, Zahn’s storytelling is just superb. He nails the pacing and juggles multiple storylines without making it confusing. So yeah, Specter of the Past pretty much ticks all the boxes for what makes a Star Wars novel great. If you haven’t read it yet, you’re seriously missing out.
6Star Wars: Bloodline by Claudia Gray
Star Wars: Bloodline by Claudia Gray is an awesome novel set in the years leading up to the events of Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The book follows Princess Leia Organa, the respected senator in the New Republic Senate, as she navigates a complex political landscape that threatens to tear the galaxy apart.
The story begins with Leia attending a routine Senate session on the planet Hosnian Prime. During the session, a group of extremists disrupt the proceedings and attack several senators. Leia uses her quick thinking and combat skills to help defend her colleagues and take down the attackers. However, this incident exposes a growing divide within the Senate between the Populists, who believe in decentralization and individual freedoms, and the Centrists, who advocate for a stronger central government and a more unified galaxy.
As the novel unfolds, Leia’s personal and political lives become increasingly intertwined. She must confront the ghosts of her past and the challenges of the present while trying to safeguard the future of the galaxy. Along the way, she must make difficult choices and form alliances with unexpected allies to protect the New Republic from those who seek to tear it apart.
Why It’s One of the Best Star Wars Books
it gives us a deep dive into Leia Organa’s character, and let’s be real, who doesn’t love Leia? This book takes place a few years before The Force Awakens, and it really fills in the gaps about what’s been going on in the galaxy and with Leia herself.
The political intrigue is off the charts. You’ve got the New Republic, which is supposed to be this beacon of hope, but it’s actually super divided. The book does an awesome job of showing how even the best intentions can get muddled in politics. It’s like Game of Thrones but in space, minus the dragons.
And let’s talk about the pacing. It’s spot-on. You’re not just slogging through Senate meetings and political debates. There’s action, suspense, and some really cool twists that even a Jedi wouldn’t see coming.
Another reason I loved the book is because it sets up the new generation very well. You get to see the seeds of the Resistance and the First Order, and how Leia is smack dab in the middle of it all. It’s like watching the prequels to a drama series, but way better.
Also, Claudia Gray’s writing is just chef’s kiss. She nails the Star Wars vibe while adding her own flair. The dialogue is snappy, the descriptions are vivid, and you can tell she really gets these characters.
7Lost Stars by Claudia Gray
Lost Stars by Claudia Gray is a young adult novel set in the Star Wars universe that follows the lives of two childhood friends, Thane Kyrell and Ciena Ree, who grow up dreaming of becoming pilots for the Imperial Navy. The story begins on Jelucan, a remote planet on the Outer Rim, where Thane and Ciena are introduced as best friends who share a love for flying and a passion for the Empire.
As they grow older, Thane and Ciena both enroll in the Imperial Academy and work hard to become elite pilots. However, their paths soon diverge, as Thane becomes disillusioned with the Empire’s tactics and begins to question its values, while Ciena remains fiercely loyal to the cause and believes that the Empire is the only way to maintain order in the galaxy.
Despite their ideological differences, Thane and Ciena maintain a deep and complicated relationship that is tested as they both rise through the ranks of the Imperial Navy. They are eventually separated when Thane defects to the Rebel Alliance, while Ciena remains committed to her duties as an Imperial officer.
Throughout the book, Gray weaves in the major events of the original Star Wars trilogy, such as the destruction of Alderaan, the Battle of Hoth, and the Battle of Endor, providing a unique perspective on these well-known moments from the perspectives of Thane and Ciena. Additionally, Gray delves into the complex moral issues surrounding the Empire, such as the treatment of non-humans and the use of force to maintain order.
Lost Stars is a more emotional story that explores the complexities of war, loyalty, and friendship in the Star Wars universe. Gray expertly weaves together the political and personal aspects of the Galactic Civil War, providing a unique perspective on this well-known period of Star Wars history.
Why It’s One of the Best
It dives deep into the lives of its main characters, Thane Kyrell and Ciena Ree, showing us their struggles, ambitions, and the moral dilemmas they face. It’s not just about space battles and lightsabers; it’s about the people caught in this massive conflict between the Empire and the Rebellion.
The book spans several years, starting from when Thane and Ciena are just kids dreaming of flying starships, all the way to the aftermath of the Battle of Endor. This gives us a unique, ground-level view of the major events in the original Star Wars trilogy. It’s like watching the movies from a totally different angle.
Another cool thing is how Claudia Gray (again, we love her writing) handles the moral ambiguity of the Star Wars universe. Lost Stars doesn’t just paint the Empire as purely evil and the Rebellion as purely good. It shows us good people on both sides, making tough choices for what they believe is right. This adds layers of complexity to the story, making it more engaging and thought-provoking.
And let’s not forget the romance. It’s not cheesy or forced; it’s genuine and heartfelt. The relationship between Thane and Ciena adds emotional stakes to the story, making you really care about what happens to them.
8Ahsoka by E.K. Johnston
Ahsoka is a young adult novel by E.K. Johnston set in the Star Wars universe, specifically during the time between the events of Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and Episode IV: A New Hope. The novel follows the story of Ahsoka Tano, a former Padawan learner of Anakin Skywalker and a survivor of Order 66, as she tries to find her place in the galaxy after the fall of the Jedi Order.
The novel begins one year after the end of the Clone Wars. Ahsoka has been in hiding on the planet Thabeska, using the name “Ashla” and trying to keep a low profile to avoid drawing attention to herself. However, she is forced to reveal her identity when she intervenes to help a local farmer named Kaeden Larte and her friends when they are harassed by a group of criminals. Kaeden and her friends are shocked to discover that “Ashla” is actually Ahsoka Tano, a former Jedi.
Ahsoka is a story about a young woman trying to find her place in a galaxy that has been torn apart by war and oppression. It is a Star Wars tale of redemption and courage, as Ahsoka learns to confront her past and fight for what she believes in.
9Path of Destruction (Darth Bane Trilogy #1) by Drew Karpyshyn
Path of Destruction is a sci-fi book by Drew Karpyshyn that tells the story of Darth Bane, one of the most iconic villains in the Star Wars universe. The novel is set in a time before the events of the original Star Wars trilogy, and it explores the origins of the Sith, a group of dark side users who seek to destroy the Jedi and rule the galaxy.
The novel begins on the planet Apatros, where the young Dessel is born into a life of poverty and hardship. Dessel is a miner who spends his days working in the dangerous tunnels beneath the planet’s surface. Despite his tough upbringing, Dessel is a charismatic and ambitious young man who dreams of a better life.
Dessel’s life changes forever when he meets a Sith Lord named Kopecz. Kopecz recognizes Dessel’s potential and begins to train him in the ways of the dark side. Under Kopecz’s tutelage, Dessel becomes stronger and more powerful, and he renames himself Darth Bane.
As Darth Bane rises through the ranks of the Sith, he becomes increasingly disillusioned with the organization’s leadership. He sees the infighting and backstabbing among the Sith Lords as a sign of weakness, and he begins to plot his own rise to power.
Throughout the novel, Darth Bane struggles with his own inner demons. He is haunted by the memory of his past life as Dessel, and he wonders if he is truly meant to be a Sith Lord. However, as he gains more power and influence, he becomes increasingly convinced that the dark side is his true path.
Path of Destruction is a gripping and action-packed novel that explores the origins of one of the most iconic villains in the Star Wars universe. With its complex characters, intense battles, and deep exploration of the dark side, it’s a must-read Star Wars novel.
10Thrawn (Thrawn Trilogy #1) by Timothy Zahn
Thrawn by Timothy Zahn is a novel set in the Star Wars universe, and it follows the rise of the Chiss Grand Admiral Thrawn in the Empire’s ranks.
The story begins with a meeting between Thrawn and Emperor Palpatine, in which Thrawn convinces the Emperor to allow him to join the Imperial Navy, despite not being human. Thrawn is a brilliant strategist, and he quickly rises through the ranks, winning battles against the Rebels and other threats to the Empire.
Meanwhile, a young woman named Eli Vanto is drafted into the Imperial Navy and assigned to Thrawn as his aide. Eli is initially reluctant to work with Thrawn, but she soon realizes that he is a master tactician and begins to learn from him.
As Thrawn and Eli work together, they uncover a plot by a group of smugglers to steal a shipment of valuable crystals. Thrawn and Eli manage to thwart the smugglers’ plan, but they soon discover that the smugglers were working with a group of rebels, who are plotting to overthrow the Empire.
…And the story takes off from there, so I won’t spoil it for you. But if you like your Star Wars a little on the darker side of things, Thrawn is a great option.
11Master and Apprentice by Claudia Gray
Master and Apprentice is another Star Wars novel by Claudia Gray set in the Star Wars universe. The story follows the adventures of Qui-Gon Jinn, a Jedi Master, and his Padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi, as they are sent to the planet Pijal to resolve a political crisis. The two Jedi are tasked with mediating negotiations between the ruling royal family and a group of rebellious miners who threaten to destabilize the planet.
As they work to resolve the crisis, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan’s relationship is tested as they grapple with their differing perspectives and approaches to the Force. Qui-Gon is a Jedi who is deeply attuned to the living Force and values intuition and individualism, while Obi-Wan is a more by-the-book Jedi who follows the Jedi Code and values discipline and tradition.
Throughout the novel, the two Jedi also confront their past traumas and regrets. Qui-Gon is haunted by the memory of his former Padawan, Xanatos, who turned to the dark side, while Obi-Wan grapples with his own feelings of inadequacy as a Padawan.
12Darth Plagueis by James Luceno
Darth Plagueis by James Luceno is a Star Wars novel that tells the story of Darth Plagueis, a Sith Lord who is obsessed with cheating death and gaining ultimate power.
The book starts by introducing Darth Plagueis as a wise and powerful Sith Lord who is capable of manipulating the Force to achieve his desires. Plagueis takes an apprentice, Darth Sidious, who later becomes known as Emperor Palpatine. Together, they plot to take over the galaxy and rule it as Sith Lords.
The story also delves into the backstory of Palpatine, revealing his rise to power and his dark past. The book explores the relationship between Plagueis and Sidious and how they work together to carry out their plans. It also delves into the political landscape of the Star Wars universe and the events that lead up to the events of the prequel trilogy.
Throughout the book, Plagueis is obsessed with finding a way to cheat death and become immortal. He conducts experiments to manipulate the Force and tries to create life itself. However, his obsession ultimately leads to his downfall.
13Shatterpoint by Matthew Stover
Shatterpoint is a Star Wars novel written by Matthew Stover and published in 2003. It follows the story of Jedi Master Mace Windu, who returns to his home planet of Haruun Kal during the Clone Wars to investigate the disappearance of his former Padawan, Depa Billaba.
Upon his arrival, Windu discovers that the planet has been torn apart by war and is being held captive by a ruthless warlord named Kar Vastor. Vastor’s power is based on his ability to tap into the shatterpoints, or the weak points in people and things, which allows him to manipulate events and individuals to his advantage.
As Windu searches for his missing Padawan, he becomes embroiled in the conflict between Vastor’s forces and the local populace, who are trying to overthrow their oppressor. Along the way, Windu confronts his own demons and questions the Jedi Order’s role in the war.
The novel explores themes of power, corruption, and redemption, and provides a unique perspective on the Clone Wars by focusing on a single planet rather than the galaxy at large. It also offers insights into Windu’s character and backstory, as well as his philosophy on the Force.
14Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn
Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn is the first book in the Thrawn Trilogy, a series of books set in the Star Wars universe. The story takes place five years after the events of Return of the Jedi and follows the adventures of the Rebel Alliance heroes Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia Organa, and Han Solo, as they try to restore peace to the galaxy.
The main antagonist of the book is Grand Admiral Thrawn, a brilliant military strategist from the alien Chiss species who serves as the new leader of the shattered Galactic Empire. Thrawn launches a series of devastating attacks against the New Republic, forcing the heroes to band together to stop him.
Along the way, they are aided by Mara Jade, a former Imperial agent with a vendetta against Luke Skywalker, and Talon Karrde, a smuggler who becomes embroiled in the conflict. As they race to uncover Thrawn’s secrets and stop his plans, they face a series of challenges and betrayals that threaten to tear them apart.
The book is known for its complex plot, engaging characters, and its introduction of Thrawn, who has since become one of the most iconic villains in the Star Wars universe. It was a critical and commercial success upon its release in 1991 and is considered one of the most influential works in the Expanded Universe of Star Wars.
15Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader by James Luceno
Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader is a novel by James Luceno set in the Star Wars universe. It takes place shortly after the events of the movie “Revenge of the Sith” and explores the early days of Darth Vader’s transformation into the infamous Sith Lord.
The story follows Vader as he struggles to come to terms with his new identity and his loyalty to his new master, Emperor Palpatine. Vader must also contend with the remnants of the Jedi Order who are still loyal to the Republic, as well as the newly formed Rebel Alliance.
Throughout the novel, Vader must confront his past as Anakin Skywalker, including his relationships with former friends and allies. He also begins to question the motives of the Emperor and wonders if there is more to his master’s plans than he is being told.
Meanwhile, the Emperor’s plans for galactic domination become increasingly apparent, as he schemes to create a new weapon capable of destroying entire planets. Vader becomes involved in this plan, leading to a climactic battle against the Rebel Alliance and the remaining Jedi.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Star Wars Novels
Are Star Wars Novels Canon?
The Star Wars canon has gone through several changes over the years, and the answer to this question depends on the time period in which the books were published.
Before 2014, there was a wide range of Star Wars books, comics, and other media that were considered part of the official canon. However, in 2014, Disney purchased Lucasfilm, and they decided to create a new unified Star Wars canon that included only the movies, TV shows, and a select few books and comics.
Under this new canon, the only books that are considered officially canon are those that were published after April 2014, when the new canon was established. This includes books like “Aftermath” by Chuck Wendig, “Bloodline” by Claudia Gray, and “Thrawn” by Timothy Zahn.
That being said, many of the books and comics that were published before 2014 are still considered part of the “Legends” continuity, which is a separate continuity that exists outside of the official canon. These books and comics are still enjoyed by many fans, but they are not considered official parts of the Star Wars story as it exists in the current canon.
Which Came First: Star Wars Books or Star Wars Movies?
Wondering if the books or the movies came first?
The Star Wars movies came first. The original Star Wars film, later retitled “Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope,” was released in 1977, and it was a huge success. The popularity of the film led to the creation of a wide range of tie-in merchandise, including books, comics, and toys.
After the success of the first film, a series of novels, comics, and other tie-in materials were produced, and these continued to expand the Star Wars universe and its lore. However, it was the movies that established the core storyline and characters that have become so iconic and beloved by fans around the world.
What Was the First Star Wars Novel?
The first Star Wars book, “Star Wars: From the Adventures of Luke Skywalker,” was actually a novelization of the first movie, written by George Lucas’s friend and collaborator, Alan Dean Foster. It was published in 1976, a few months before the release of the film, as a way to generate interest in the upcoming movie.
Which Star Wars Books Should I Read First?
I think Lost Stars by Claudia Gray feels freshest, and gives a unique perspective as well as easily likeable characters. If it doesn’t sound very appealing to you, go for something a bit darker with Darth Plagueis (which explores the backstory of one of Star Wars’ most iconic villains, Darth Sidious).
