The major events in the “Star Wars” world may be the movies and television episodes, but the franchise has always been heavily reliant on literature. The official novelization of “Star Wars” by author Alan Dean Foster, titled “Star Wars: From The Adventures of Luke Skywalker,” was published as the first work of “Star Wars” media in November 1976, months before the movie debuted in theaters. Foster came back two years later to write the first authorized offshoot book, “Splinter of the Mind’s Eye.”
Fans were satisfied with “Star Wars” books at the period when rumors of a prequel trilogy were still in the early stages. After “Return of the Jedi” ended, Timothy Zahn’s “Heir to the Empire,” published in 1991, provided a thrilling new adventure that followed the exploits of Luke, Leia, Han, Chewie, Lando, and the droids. Two follow-ups to “Heir to the Empire,” “Dark Force Rising” and “The Last Command,” were made possible by the book. This new phase of “Star Wars” publishing allowed authors to freely continue the stories of their favorite characters. The prequels opened up new possibilities, and “Star Wars” writers jumped at the chance to explore the new time period. They developed a history of the galaxy far, away that stretched more than 25,000 years.
The previous volumes were relegated to the non-canon “Legends” line when Disney relaunched the “Star Wars” timeline in 2013 and started a new wave of “Star Wars” books. However, many of the greatest “Star Wars” stories have been written for the page rather than the screen. The best “Star Wars” books ever written are listed below.
Aftermath
The original Thrawn trilogy by Timothy Zahn served as a foundation for an expanded universe, but Chuck Wendig didn’t want to do the same. Yes, “Aftermath” is sprawling and introduces a ton of new characters, some of whom flit quickly between these post-“Return of the Jedi” events. However, Wendig spends most of his time talking to both former Imperials and Rebels in order to examine the humanity of those who live in this strange new world. “Aftermath” delivers on its promise by illuminating the challenges of restoring order to society after a complete loss of power.
The ensemble of “Aftermath” features some fantastic oddballs, such as the combat droid Mister Bones, who possesses the soul of a HK unit inside a B2’s roger-roger body. Cobb Vanth, a beloved character from “The Mandalorian,” is also introduced in “Aftermath,” which tells Vanth’s side of the tale of how he acquired Boba Fett’s armor. Wendig even gives the (overly) despised Jar-Jar a melancholy denouement, one that gives the Gungan the audience he always deserved: kids. Hidden among the larger plot are several wonderful, poignant passages. The first book in the “Aftermath” series is the greatest and most important for understanding the New Republic era, despite their being two more in the series.
Darth Plagueis
One of the most recognizable moments in the Star Wars prequel trilogy features the tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise, but it is more than just a story. According to the Expanded Universe, Palpatine was Plagueis’s pupil and the genuine Sith Lord who killed him. In his book “Darth Plagueis,” James Luceno reveals the hidden story of how Plagueis killed his own master, Darth Tenebrous, and developed an obsession with studying midi-chlorians in an effort to eventually create life.
When Palpatine was still a politician on Naboo and had just begun to develop his Force skills, Plagueis courted him. Plagueis headed the InterGalactic Banking Clan as Magister Hego Damask II using Palptaine’s political contacts to infiltrate the Galactic Republic. Plagueis and Palpatine orchestrate the demise of Supreme Chancellor Valorum by sowing the seeds of discontent within the government.
Plagueis assists in starting the negotiations with the Trade Federation that result in the conflict in “The Phantom Menace” while plotting to have Palpatine elected Supreme Chancellor. However, Palpatine hatches schemes against his master by turning the Jedi Dooku to the evil side and turning the youthful fighter Maul into an assassin. Palpatine betrays Plagueis and murders him while he is sleeping after pledging to appoint Plagueis his co-chancellor after winning the election. Then, Palpatine carries on Plagueis’ investigation into the Force’s capacity to extend life in an effort to become an immortal.
Jedi Trial
Anakin’s trial to become a Jedi Knight is one of the most significant plot developments between “Attack of the Clones” and “Revenge of the Sith.” This pivotal period is discussed in detail in the Clone Wars novel “Jedi Trial,” which also establishes Anakin’s leadership abilities.
On the planet Praesitlyn, Anakin is given a lone mission to support a defunct Republic station. Anakin, who is solely guarded by a motley crew of combat-tested Republic officers, must aid the undermanned world in mobilizing while Count Dooku’s henchman Pors Tonith plans an invasion. The Separatists would have access to crucial hyperspace channels should Praestilyn be overtaken by droids. While “Jedi Trial” is action-packed, it also focuses a lot on military strategy, which is uncommon in Star Wars books.
“Jedi Trial,” one of the darker books, depicts the toll that war exacts on warriors without access to the Force, and Anakin’s leadership in this scene explains why the Jedi Council decided to knight him despite their reservations about his impulsive behavior.
Kenobi
Even though you realize that this novel won’t really like Obi-Wan’s Disney+ series, John Jackson Miller’s “Kenobi,” which was published near the conclusion of the old Legends timeline, provides a wealth of detail about the Jedi’s existence as an exile that still appeals to readers today. As he guards the Lars homestead on Tatooine, Obi-Wan’s recollections of Duchess Satine Kryze follow him. Ironically, though, this fantastic “Star Wars” book is not being endorsed because of any potential associations with “Obi-Wan.” This one is for “The Book of Boba Fett” aficionados of the Tuskens.
In addition to Ben’s efforts to help a frontierswoman and her dubious suitor, which have strong Western undertones, Obi-Wan spends a lot of time getting to know a Tusken chief named A’Yark. She is fierce but honorable, and she is the warrior teacher who clearly served as Boba Fett’s spiritual forebear. Since then, she has been included in the new canon thanks to another Miller narrative. A’yark still recognizes old Ben in that short story, “Rites,” which can be found in “Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View.”
Master and Apprentice
By the time of “The Phantom Menace,” Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi’s friendship was mature and understanding, but things were far from easy in the beginning. While his pupil was a stickler for protocol who found it difficult to connect with his independent teacher, Qui-Gon was typically opposed to adhering to the rigid Jedi code. The classic novel “Master and Apprentice” by Claudia Gray describes an early adventure that forged a stronger bond between the two.
Yoda approaches Qui-Gon and extends an invitation to join the Jedi Council. Yoda does not agree with the inclusion of the difficult master in the Jedi Order, but the other Jedi believe that Qui-Gon’s special perspective is required. Joining the council would compel Qui-Gon to transfer Obi-Wan’s Jedi training to a different Jedi master, which breaks the heart of his student. Obi-Wan worries about disappointing his strict master since he feels like they are finally starting to connect.
The two are sent on a mission to the planet Pijal, where a young king is challenged by a growing terrorist group, and Qui-Gon mulls his options. The task brings Qui-Gon back together with Rael Averross, another unconventional Jedi who tragically lost his own padawan in a battle. Obi-Wan’s training was included in the YA series “Jedi Apprentice,” but few “Star Wars” books for older readers have covered this period. It’s an exciting adventure that further develops the intriguing Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan dynamic.
Lost Stars
There is plenty of adventure and intrigue in the galaxy far, far away, but there is also room for love. When their homeworld, Jelucan, joins the new Galactic Empire, the tragic narrative of two youngsters from the Outer Rim who grew up together is told in the canon novel “Lost Stars.” With the goal of leaving their home planet and enrolling in the Imperial Academy to become TIE pilots, Thane Kyrell and Ciena Ree are inseparable.
The couple even secures an audience with Grand Admiral Tarkin at first, since the Empire initially appears to be a thrilling alternative to the impoverished farmlands of Jelucan. As they advance through the Imperial ranks, the two develop into heroes in their own right. However, Thane soon becomes concerned about the devastating effects of the Empire’s growth. Thane considers joining the Rebel Alliance after learning about the Death Star’s strength, but a crucial encounter with Wedge Antilles convinces him otherwise. Sadly, this means he must team up with his all-time crush’s rival.
The original trilogy’s events are reimagined in “Lost Stars” through the viewpoint of those who are peripheral to the action. It’s amazing to see how false claims made by the Imperial propaganda about the Rebel Alliance lead honorable people like Ciena to support the Empire and endanger innocent lives. “Lost Stars,” despite being categorized as a YA book, is a fantastic read for any fan searching for a fresh perspective on the Star Wars universe.
Shadows of the Empire
The Expanded Universe’s most ambitious effort to date was introduced by Lucasfilm in 1996. A top-tier creative team was given the assignment of developing a multimedia event that would resemble the year-long marketing campaign surrounding a movie in order to prepare the market for the release of “The Phantom Menace” and the Star Wars Special Editions. The story team created “Shadows of the Empire,” a connected story that was presented through a book, a junior novelization, a video game, a comic book series, a role-playing game, merchandise, and even an official soundtrack.
Between “The Empire Strikes Back” and “Return of the Jedi,” “Shadows of the Empire” fills the time as Luke, Leia, Chewie, Lando, and the droids look for Boba Fett, who still has Han as his carbonite-frozen prisoner. They enlist the assistance of Han’s former nemesis, the smuggler Dash Rendar, in order to enter the world of “scum and villainy.” As Luke is still absorbing the fact that Vader is his father, the book also sheds light on his shattered emotions.
The Black Sun organization, a formidable criminal organization that teams up with the Galactic Empire to find Luke, was first featured in “Shadows of the Empire.” As retaliation for Darth Vader’s use of a biological weapon to destroy his homeworld of Falleen, Prince Xizor, the leader of Black Sun, is determined to kill Vader’s son. In order to succeed Vader as Emperor Palpatine’s deputy, Xizor hatches a scheme and incites the criminal underworld to look for Skywalker.
Shadows of the Sith
However, Adam Christopher’s “Shadows of the Sith” gently performs its duty. It’s disrespectful of Star Wars to require fans to read a novel in order to comprehend the second trilogy, much less to release the essential book several years after “The Rise of Skywalker.” This novel is actually the opening chapter in a Dave Filoni-style redemption story because it is written in clear writing and seamlessly switches between characters’ points of view to maintain narrative flow.
In “The Force Awakens,” do you recall the five minutes Max von Sydow spent being a cool dude? He now has a goal that matches his gravitas thanks to this book. The pointless side story with the Sith assassin and the nasty magic dagger? After reading this, it hurts so much less. What was the deal with Lando in the sequel trilogy, and why was there a brief but significant subplot concerning his daughter? happy news It’s beautifully explained by Adam Christopher.
Better yet, Christopher introduces a variety of original and captivating characters. One of the best book-only characters since Mara Jade is a Sith acolyte who was briefly introduced in Wendig’s “Aftermath” and who plays a larger part here. Fans may even become more anticipatory for “The Acolyte” as a result of Komat’s multifaceted personality and her cloaked past. The book “Shadows of the Sith” is enjoyable and essential reading.
Shatterpoint
This Clone Wars-era novel featured Mace Windu, Yoda’s deputy on the Jedi Council, who visited his homeworld. On the planet of Haruun Kal, where the Summertime War was fought between residents and outsiders, Mace Windu was born and reared. When Depa Billaba, one of his previous padawans, goes missing on the planet, Windu—who has no memory of his past—asks for the job.
Windu is full of uncertainty in this scene, which takes place just months after the end of “Attack of the Clones.” He is perplexed by how swiftly a battle of the stars may start and fears that Billaba’s conversion to the dark side will reveal yet another weakness in the Jedi. Even though Windu is renowned for his moderation, when the Separatist fleet hits the location of his upbringing, he defends a personal cause.
When Windu keeps journals and questions whether Anakin is indeed the Chosen One, “Shatterpoint” provides a unique glimpse into his mental condition. The iconic Vietnam movie “Apocalypse Now,” which, ironically, George Lucas himself had first planned to helm, served as inspiration for author Matthew Stover when he was writing.
Splinter of the Mind’s Eye
Alan Dean Foster, who wrote the first Star Wars novelization, was asked to write “Splinter of the Mind’s Eye,” the sequel. In case “Star Wars” failed commercially, George Lucas had a backup plan prepared. If “Star Wars” didn’t do well, its sets might be utilized for a low-budget spinoff starring some of the main cast. “Splinter of the Mind’s Eye,” however, was repurposed as the first spinoff novel after the movie set box office records.
In the book, Luke, Leia, and the droids explore the mining community of Mimban in pursuit of a kyber crystal, a potent Force artifact. The idea that Kyber crystals are the energy source that powers lightsabers has persisted into the Disney era and was established by The Expanded Universe afterwards.
The limitations of a shorter film bind the narrative. Only Luke and Leia are shown in the movie, and the locations are primarily gloomy forests and sets from the first movie (a cameo wasn’t in Harrison Ford’s initial contract). The novel does contain the first lightsaber duel between Luke and Darth Vader, which took place two years before “The Empire Strikes Back,” but Lucas had Foster leave out a space fight that would have been too expensive to shoot. Foster was not aware that Luke and Leia were related, thus there are also signs of a romance between them.
Star Wars: Thrawn and Thrawn Ascendancy
Grand Admiral Thrawn would triumphantly return to “Star Wars” canon as the newest foe for the cast of “Star Wars Rebels,” Lucasfilm confirmed in 2016. The news that author Timothy Zahn would be back for a new trilogy of Thrawn novels followed that. Zahn’s most recent books maintain Thrawn’s complexity as before while also giving him a brand-new, perfectly logical weakness, even though they aren’t as fundamental to the new “Star Wars” canon as the original Thrawn trilogy was. The new program highlights Thrawn’s early military career, beginning with his exile from Chiss land and his friendship with aspirational Imperial student Eli Vanto. The trilogy deepens his relationship with the Emperor while also introducing fellow “Rebels” nemesis Arihnda Pryce and weaving in and out of existing canon.
“The Ascendancy,” the second trilogy, delves deeper into Thrawn’s past. As the young, adopted Thrawn arouses the wrath of some members of his adoptive family, the complicated politics of the Chiss are examined. Thrawn must contend with his own culture’s concealment when facing a familiar threat, and the Force-sensitive Chiss sky-walkers serve as a secondary focus. A fan of “The Ascendancy” could utilize the series to convert their Honor Harrington-loving pals to the ways of the far-off galaxy because it is pure military science fiction.
The Dark Lord trilogy
In this trilogy of books, Anakin’s transformation into Vader is followed both before and after “Revenge of the Sith” takes place. The final days of the Clone Wars are shown in “Labyrinth of Evil,” when Anakin and Obi-Wan search for Count Dooku’s cloaked master while General Grievous schemes to abduct the Chancellor. The novel teases the battle over Coruscant that opens “Revenge of the Sith,” much like the animated “Star Wars: Clone Wars” microseries.
More in-depth than any other novelization of a Star Wars film is the middle book of the trilogy, Luceno’s “Revenge of the Sith.” It contains moments that were omitted from the movie, such as Padme’s first involvement with the Rebel Alliance. Additionally, it describes Vader’s mental condition as he lies dying on Mustafar, reflecting on his alleged part in Padme’s death and his resentment of Obi-Wan. Compared to Vader’s corny cry in the movie, this conclusion is far more fulfilling.
Last but not least, “Dark Lord” starts in the early days of the Galactic Empire when Padme’s bodyguard Captain Typho looks for Anakin, who was thought to be missing at the end of the Clone Wars. While the Empire invades Kashyyyk, Jedi Masters Roan Shryne and Bol Chatak, as well as Padawan Olee Starstone, manage to withstand Order 66 and form a partnership with Chewbacca.
The Darth Bane trilogy
The Darth Bane trilogy chronicles the life of a significant Sith lord and is set a millennium before the events of “The Phantom Menace.” A grizzled miner named Bane realized he had a knack for the dark side and joined the Brotherhood of Darkness, an army of Sith that fought the Galactic Republic and the Jedi Order. Bane was excited to be a part of the group, but he began to worry that the rival Sith lords were too fixated on gaining control of the galaxy.
The Rule of Two was created by Bane and first appeared in “The Phantom Menace” by George Lucas. Bane’s decree stipulated that the Sith could only have one master and one apprentice. Bane plots the destruction of both the Jedi and the Sith in the novels “Path of Destruction,” “Rule of Two,” and “Dynasty of Evil,” and he also raises an apprentice named Darth Zannah. Due to Bane’s dominance, Zannah hatches a plan to kill her master and recruit an apprentice of her own.
The trilogy brings to an end the Old Republic period of the “Star Wars” timeline and ushers in the millennia of peace that come before “The Phantom Menace,” a time when the Jedi Order stopped being involved in the military because they believed they had vanquished the dark side.
The Force Unleashed
Even though “The Force Unleashed” shot to fame as one of the most played “Star Wars” video games ever, the tale of Darth Vader’s covert apprentice wasn’t just for gamers. Galen Marek, the orphaned son of a Jedi Knight who is schooled in the dark side by the Dark Lord of the Sith and goes by the alias “Starkiller,” is the subject of a novelization written by Sean Williams.
Starkiller is charged with killing any remaining Jedi, even veterans like Shaak Ti and the venerable recluse Kazdan Paratus. Emperor Palpatine fears the two are preparing a coup against him as Starkiller gets closer to his master and orders Vader to put his trainee to death. With nowhere else to go, Starkiller seeks refuge with his former foe, Jedi Master Rahm Kota, who starts teaching him the ways of the Force in an effort to convert him into a key figure in the Rebellion.
In addition to developing Starkiller’s romance with Juno Eclipse, an Imperial pilot who has similar doubts about her allegiance, “The Force Unleashed” keeps all the thrills of the game. Prior to the events of “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” the book offered an alternative account of how the Rebel Alliance came into possession of the Death Star designs. PROXY, a shape-shifting droid owned by Starkiller, provided comedic relief. Williams also wrote “The Force Unleashed 2” novelization, which recounts Darth Vader’s attempts to clone his former protege.
The Han Solo trilogy
The original Han Solo’s history, which was first described in a trilogy of novels by author A.C. Crispin, was heavily referenced in the 2018 prequel movie “Solo.” The now-canonical novels “The Paradise Snare,” “The Hutt Gambit,” and “Rebel Dawn” described the smuggler’s early life as a Corellian outlaw who enlists to become an elite Imperial fighter pilot. Similar to “Solo,” Han loses faith in the Empire and saves a mistreated Chewbacca, who promises to be his co-pilot for the rest of his life.
Many of the scenes in “Solo” originated as written stories, such as Han’s triumph against Lando Calrissian in the card game that gave him the Millennium Falcon. In contrast to Qi’ra, young Han instead develops feelings for Bria Tharen, a rich Corellian woman who struggles to accept Han’s unlawful occupation. Before becoming more cruel, a broken-hearted Han even commands a ship he names Bria.
Other incidents depart from “Solo” and have a stronger connection to the first Star Wars trilogy. For instance, “Rebel Dawn” tells the story of a mission gone wrong that causes Han and Chewie to discard a priceless shipment of spice, upsetting their employer Jabba the Hutt. This alternative origin narrative for the most beloved smuggler in the Star Wars universe may interest both fans who adored “Solo” and those who weren’t impressed.
The Thrawn trilogy
“Heir to the Empire” introduced the Expanded Universe and is arguably the most significant Star Wars book ever written. Before Timothy Zahn’s book hit the market in 1991, the post-“Return of the Jedi” era was largely unexplored, despite a brief appearance in the first run of Marvel comics. The story begins five years after the second Death Star was obliterated. Although the New Republic has been created, the residual Imperial forces are impeding its growth.
Grand Admiral Thrawn, an extraterrestrial tactician who unearths secrets hidden in Emperor Palpatine’s private vaults, unites former Imperials under his leadership. Thrawn sets his eyes on retaking Coruscant, the old Imperial capital, by gathering a fleet of ships and unleashing the menace of a deranged former Jedi. When Thrawn made his debut in the animated series “Rebels,” he quickly gained popularity among fans and helped establish the new “Star Wars” canon; reports indicate that he’ll also have a significant part to play in the future program “Ashoka.”
Han and Leia were married and expecting twins, Jacen and Jaina, according to “Heir to the Empire,” but it wasn’t their only relationship. In “Heir to the Empire,” Luke meets Mara Jade, a former dark side devotee, and although they are first compelled to create a fragile alliance, they soon fall in love. In Zahn’s follow-up novels, “Dark Force Rising” and “The Last Command,” Mara Jade became a hero.
