20 Best Star Wars Books Of All Time For Fans To Read

Star Wars that is famous in the whole world for being a pop-culture phenomenon was created by George Lucas. It is an American epic space opera media franchise. The first-ever film of the franchise was released in the year 1977. Star Wars definitely has tons of fans around the world and is continuing to amaze the fans with their brilliant story-lines and strong characters.

Die-hard fans of star wars must have read some books of the franchise but there is a whole galaxy of star wars books that are waiting to be read by the fans. The franchise that was originally centered on a film series has gained a large fan base for books too.

The books of star wars may not be as popular as the film series on which it is based but is of equal importance to the people who like to read and also to the true star wars fans who don’t like to miss anything related to the franchise.

The Star Wars can be divided into Canon and Legends. For those who don’t know ‘canon’ is considered as the consistent part of the main universe whereas ‘legends’ is the part of the expanded universe. So basically there are two kinds of books we are talking about here.

There are a whole lot of Star Wars books that are written by different authors in canon and legends. In this article, we have listed best star wars books in each section. Both the section consist of 10 books. The books are selected on the basis of their popularity among the readers. Find the list below:

Best Star Wars Canon Books:

1. Lost Stars

Lost Stars

To start with, we have Lost Stars on the list. Lost Stars is written by Claudia Gray. Basically it is the whole Romeo Juliet drama but in space. It was published in the year 2015 and the genre of the book is young science adult fiction.

The thrilling novel highlights one of the most important events in the star wars universe like the fall of the empire, the rise of the rebellion, etc.

The storyline of the book revolves around Thane and Ciena. The two childhood friends and lovers who are on opposite sides in the battle. The memorable characters and their beautiful storyline will definitely leave you breathless.

2. The Weapon of a Jedi

The Weapon of a Jedi

The Weapon of a Jedi that is written by Jason Fry is a junior-level book. The book is entirely focused on the adventures of Luke Skywalker. The novel is a part of a book series called the Journey of Star Wars: A Force Awakens.

The thrilling middle-grade novel is the journey of Luke Skywalker and his exploration of an ancient Jedi Temple.

The storyline is simple, Luke visits the temple where he meets a friend. In his journey to explore the temple, he also has to deal with a strange alien smuggler. The novel basically shows the character development of Luke Skywalker and how he proved himself worthy.

3. Queen’s Shadow

Queen's Shadow

Queen’s Shadow that is written by E.K. Johnston is a canon young adult novel. The star wars book focuses on the life of Padme Amidala and her journey from a queen to a senator. The story begins when Padme Amidala was elected to begin the Queen of Naboo at the age of just 14 years.

It shows us how Padme tries to keep herself safe and her assistants, confidants, defendants, and decoys, which are disguised as her handmaiden move around Padme as a unit.

In Queen’s Shadow, Padme is shown as a heroic as well as a tragic figure. Her death at the end of the book remarks a very sad ending and will leave you wondering.

4. Battlefront: Twilight Company

Battlefront: Twilight Company

Battlefront: Twilight Company is another brilliant novel in the list of best star wars books of all time. The canon novel that is written by Alexander Freed is based on a video game. The star wars book is focused on war and even if you haven’t played the battlefront video game, you will thoroughly enjoy the Battlefront: Twilight Company.

The book highlights the journey of the brave warriors and soldiers who became the ultimate survivor in the epic battle of star wars. The action-packed novel follows the journey of Namir, an infantry soldier who becomes a rebellion and fights like a hero.

5. Battlefront ll: Inferno Squad

Battlefront ll: Inferno Squad

Battlefront ll: Inferno Squad written by Christie Golden is a New York Times Bestseller. The battlefront novel again is based on the video game and is definitely among the worthwhile reads. The novel shows us the strong characterization and brilliant story-line.

It revolves around Iden Versio is set in the aftermath of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The story is basically a journey of Iden and how after the battle of Endor she leaves the empire and joins the rebellion

Battlefront ll: Inferno Squad comes out as an adventurous book and the characters in the book is definitely very memorable and entertaining.

6. Star Wars: Aftermath

Star Wars: Aftermath

Star Wars: Aftermath by Chuck Wending marks another remarkable listing in the best star wars canon books. The novel was published in the year 2015 by Del Rey Books. Aftermath is the first book of the trilogy of the new canon.

It explores the time period between the 1983 film, Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens that was released in the year 2015. The plot of the book is set soon after the events of the Return of the Jedi.

The book follows strong characters and revolves around Temmin ‘Snap’ Wexley. The character which is played by Greg Grunberg is the X-wing pilot in the Force Awakens.

7. Ahsoka

Ahsoka

Ahsoka, the novel written by E.K. Johnston that deserved its place on the list for several reasons, is a great standalone novel. The book is based on the story of Ahsoka Tano, the Fictional character who is an absolute fan favorite.

The novel was published in the year 2016. It is centered on the time period when she left the Jedi orders and before she joins the rebellion as an operator. Ahsoka, the novel has gained a lot of appreciation from the fans and absolutely loved the writing of E.K. Johnston.

It is set between the events of the animated series 3D CGI Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars rebels.

8. Alphabet Squadron

Alphabet Squadron

Next one on the list we have another masterpiece by Alexander Freed that is Alphabet Squadron. Alphabet Squadron is about the five new republic pilots that are on the verge of victory in the brutal war transforms from hunted to hunters. The story shows the aftermath of what happens after the emperor is dead.

The Imperial defector turned defector pilots are full of personality and are memorable characters in the story. The book is seen more like a muted war story rather than being like the Original trilogy which was more about the heroes vs the villains. The novel is a full action-packed and very much adventurous.

9. Bloodline

Bloodline

Bloodline is another novel by Claudia Gray on the list which was published in the year 2016 by Del Rey Books. The story of the novel revolves around the series of events that happened after the Return of the Jedi, the movie that was released in the year 1983 and a few years before the 2015 film Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Claudia Gray has created a compelling story about the characters and shows us how the new canon deals with Leia’s relationship with Darth Vader.

The center of the attention in the story remains Leia and also Bloodline is one of the few books that also mentions the Solo family and how are they impacted by the political machinations of the New Republic.

10. Lando’s Luck

Lando's Luck

Lando’s Luck is another middle-grade book that is suitable for young adults, it is written by Justina Ireland. The book was originally published in the year 2018 and it follows the adventures of Lando Calrissian.

The book uses somehow a comic approach that can be seen in the dialogues. The character of Lando is rather witty and makes us laugh out loud with the dialogues shared by him and his droid co-pilot L3-37.

Lando’s life is turned upside down when he gets caught while smuggling at the planet of Hysteria. The queen puts a condition in front of him in exchange for his freedom, which is to visit the Emperor and deliver Solstice Globe on her behalf.

Best Star Wars Legends Books

1. Yoda: Dark Rendezvous

Yoda: Dark Rendezvous

Yoda: Dark Rendezvous is written by Sean Stewart, the book was published in the year 2004 by Del Rey Books. It is one of the standalone novels and is considered as one of the final novels in the Clone Wars story. The plot of the story is based in an expanded universe.

It presents us with the conflict in the expanded universe during the Clone wars between the Revenge of the Sith and the attack of the clones. The Space Opera science fiction answers the big questions, that how the Jedi which is not good at the Force tackles with everything.

Yoda: Dark Rendezvous shows us how the Jedi Master Yoda faces one of the greatest adversaries Count Dooku.

2. X-wing: Rogue Squadron

X-wing: Rogue Squadron

X-wing: Rogue Squadron is written by Micheal A. Stackpole, it is the first installment in the series of novels which was released in the year 1996. The storyline of the novel is focused on the creation of new Rogue Squadron by Wedge Antilles, the legendary Rebel Alliance Pilot.

The novel is basically based on the beginning of the New Republic Era of the Star Wars Universe. Wedge Antilles, the fan-favorite pilot is the focus of X-wing: Rogue Squad who tries to keep the New Republic Military together as they conquer the Imperial capital.

Rogue Squadron is definitely a classic book written brilliantly with strong characters and an amazing story-line. And if you loved reading this one, you should definitely give other books of the series a chance.

3. Traitor

Traitor

Next one on the list if the best star wars legends book we have, Traitor that is written by Matthew Stover. The novel was published in the year 2002. It is the thirteenth installment of the New Jedi Order series which is set in the expanded universe of star wars.

However many would argue that it is a standalone novel. Traitor by Matthew Stover actually connects the dots of the New Jedi series which is like a 19-book series. It shows you the turn of events that lead you to it and you will find a connection in each book of the series.

Matthew Stover shows his impressive writing skills through this book. He is best known for his four Star Wars novels from which Traitor is the one.

4. Shadows of the Empire

Shadows of the Empire

Shadows of the Empire released as a part of a multimedia project by Lucas films is not just a novel, but it has been converted to all the commercial possibilities of the movie. It a part of a tie-in extravaganza which also has video games, soundtracks and more made on its name.

Shadows of the Empire is written by George Lucas, Steve Perry, and John Wagner. The main motive of the Shadow of the Empire project is to create a story between the films The Empire Strikes Back and the Return of the Jedi.

The book may not have gained as much popularity but if you are new in exploring the Star Wars world then you may need this book to get familiar with several aspects associated with the franchise.

5. Heir to the Empire

Heir to the Empire

Heir to the Empire was released in the year 1991 and was written by Timothy Zahn. It is the first book of the trilogy, The Thrawn Trilogy. Many would argue that this series is the most formative series in the Expanded universe that is The Star Wars Legends.

The storyline of the book revolves around a story of hero trio and their adventures. The story also includes characters like Mara Jade, the woman who was earlier the Emperor’s hand which later becomes a powerful Jedi.

You will also find different elements in the book such as the marriage of Han and Lei, Talon Karrde’s network of smugglers, etc.

6. Scoundrels

Scoundrels

Scoundrels is another book on the list written by Timothy Zahn, the New York Bestselling Novel of Star Wars: Heir to the Empire. It is his last non-Thrawn star wars book which considered as his best works to date. The book is the standalone story of Han Solo, Landi Calrissian and the titular group of scoundrels.

The book has various exciting elements in its story and also has a twisted ending which the readers are going to love.

7. Revenge of the Sith

Revenge of the Sith

Revenge of the Sith is the novel by Matthew Stover. Matthew Stover is known for his brilliant characterization in the novel. It was pretty hard for the books written on Star wars to compare with the movies since the movies have internal dialogues and thoughts and also a more dramatic approach but the author has excellently tried to keep up his works up to the public expectations and exactly delivered what was needed.

Revenge of the Sith is about Anakin Skywalker’s struggle with the dragon. His friendship with Obi-Wan Kenobi terribly collapses and now he is on the dark side.

8. Republic Contact: Hard Contact

Republic Contact: Hard Contact

The Republic Commando: Hard Contact is written by Karen Traviss. The novel is a tie-in work of the video game called The Republic Commando. The book follows one young Jedi Padawan and a team of elite clone commandos. The book was published in the year 2004.

The novel is the first book of the series The Republic Commando and is set during the Rise of the Empire. The book tells us the story of the clone war and how the fate of victory is the hands of elite squads.

9. Kenobi

Kenobi

Kenobi by John Jackson Miller is another character study on the list like Ahsoka. The book is all about what happened in Obi-Wan Kenobi’s life and what was his mental state during the time. The novel gives us an account of the life of Kenobi and how was it during the fall of Jedi and the start of their return.

The characterization done by the author in the story is really strong and with his brilliance, John Jackson Miller has created a compassionate story. The story may seem restricted at times but overall it is a great read.

10. Jedi Apprentice

Jedi Apprentice: best star wars books

Last but not the list is the Jedi Apprentice. Written by Jude Watson, Jedi Apprentice is about Obi-Wan Kenobi and how he earns his place in the Jedi Temple. The book is a look inside the life of Jedi. You can consider this novel as the starting point for many fanfics.

The plot of the story revolves around Young Obi-Wan and how he was such a compassionate person who was dedicated to doing his best and was ready to clash with his own master to serve the purpose.

Conclusion

So these were some of the greatest Star Wars books ever written of the franchise. They are great to start with if you are a book lover or a hard-core star wars fans. In today’s time when movies made on the same subject seems to be defeating the books, the Star Wars books at the same time are giving them a tough competition.

The books are not just for the people who follow Star Wars but they are also a reader’s delight. So anytime you feel you need something great to read, head right towards these books because they will disappoint you.

Don’t be upset if we haven’t included your favorite Star Wars book in our list of Best Star Wars books of all time. Instead, let us know about them in the comment section below so we can add them to the list. Also please leave feedback on how you liked this article.

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