We have the answers if you are still having trouble deciding what to read. We are committed to helping you navigate the Expanded Universe. And we keep adding new material all the time. These are Star Wars books.
Then who wrote the star wars books and How Many Star Wars Books Are There? The Penn Book will provide you with all the details in the following article.
How Many Star Wars Books Are There In Total?
There are numerous Star Wars books. Without counting comic books and other forms of media like short stories collections and novels about “hidden history,” the total number of Star Wars books is 381.
What Star Wars Books is Canon?
Since 1977, there have been books on Star Wars available. There were hundreds of books to pick from even before a division between Star Wars Canon and Legends. And that doesn’t even include the comics!
Since 2014 alone, over 40 Star Wars books have been released, increasing the Expanded Universe’s canonical storyline collection quicker than ever before. However, it also means that readers of various reading preferences will have more opportunities to discover books they like.
Star Wars Canon Comics
The Star Wars Expanded Universe, which includes anything that isn’t a movie or television program, is made up of tales from the Star Wars franchise that take many different forms.
You may learn all you need to know about the background of Star Wars comics, the canonical comics, and how to navigate the countless issues released over the years with the help of our Star Wars Comics Ultimate Getting Started Guide.
Are you sure you’re not “into” comics? The experience of reading Star Wars comics is quite unlike that of reading classic novels. However, just because they are unique doesn’t imply they aren’t worthwhile exploring.
Unlike Star Wars novels, Star Wars comics are shorter to read while still providing a gripping, continuous narrative. The concepts and topics covered in these quick-paced, action-packed tales are similar to those in the novels; yet, they are conveyed via visual storytelling and often with comedy that is exclusive to this medium.
Comic books are the way to go if you just adore Star Wars and want to read more tales from other regions. The shift to this new reading genre may be easier than you think, as many of them include characters you already know and like.
Suppose you don’t know where to start. In that case, Marvel’s Star Wars comic book takes up immediately after A New Hope finishes and covers well-known characters from the original trilogy. These storylines in the panels are so compelling that you may nearly forget you’re reading a comic.
Canon vs Legends in Star Wars Books
All this discussion of Canon vs. Legends is among the things new Star Wars book readers find to be the most perplexing. So let’s take a moment to briefly explain how the two variables and how each affects how you approach the Star Wars Expanded Universe.
Anything released before 2014, such as the original Thrawn trilogy and the New Jedi Order novels, falls under the category of legends books and comics. The First Order and Kylo Ren never existed in the timeframe depicted in these tales.
Contrarily, anything issued after 2014 and any new Star Wars novel, comic, or reference book are considered canon novels and comics. These volumes have the same chronological order as the whole Skywalker saga.
Additionally, without looking into the publication dates, you can quickly distinguish between Star Wars Canon and Legends books in shops and online by comparing their covers.
All Legends books are now printed with a gold banner that reads LEGENDS across the top of the front cover to alert you that they were released before 2014 and may have some discrepancies with other Canon novels you’ve read. The covers of canon novels, however, do not display this banner.
Easy, huh?
Legends books are also smaller than Canon books if you look at Star Wars novels that are physically displayed on shelves. Legends novels usually sell in paperback, but Star Wars Canon books are more extended, broader, and taller.
Check out our guide for a more comprehensive, in-depth look at the distinctions between Canon and Legends.
Star Wars Reading List: Where To Start After You Finish The Movies
If You’re Just Getting Started:
The Thrawn Trilogy by Timothy Zahn
If you ask any Star Wars fan what book they recommend starting with, nine out of ten will give the same answer: Timothy Zahn’s Thrawn trilogy. The Expanded Universe was created decades before The Force Awakens. It began with The Last Command, Dark Force Rising, and Heir to the Empire.
They are smart, they introduce amazing characters such as Grand Admiral Thrawn or Mara Jade (an ex-Imperial assassin who later became Luke Skywalker’s wife), and they still hold up well many years after being published. These Star Wars novels are worth reading if you have only read a few more.
The X-Wing series by Michael A
Aaron Allston and Stackpole. This series is based on old PC gaming games. Stackpole uses only a few of the characters from the franchise but introduces a lot of his own. The series follows the New Republic’s efforts to defeat the Empire over the years following Return of the Jedi.
There is plenty to love if you enjoy military science fiction: there are lots of X-Wing Fighter dogfights, espionage, and a host of new characters. Aaron Allston’s entries are hilarious and follow a unit that is more geared toward espionage.
Mercy Kill is the final installment, and it was published years later. This series can be referred to as Legacy of the Force. It’s worth reading the entire series of 10 books.
The Han Solo trilogy, A.C. Crispin
Although we might soon see a standalone Han Solo movie, the A.C. Crispin trilogy centers on a teenage Han Solo who works as a transport pilot for an underground cult.
The trilogy tells how Chewbacca met him, how he was kicked out from the Imperial Academy and how he lost some cargo belonging to Jabba the Hutt. This is a great example of a prequel novel that tells its own story while also serving a larger narrative.
The Jedi Academy Trilogy, Kevin J. Anderson / I, Jedi, Michael A Stackpole
These books are not popular with all fans, but they are essential. The trilogy centers on Luke Skywalker’s attempts to restart the Jedi Order. After tracking down several Force sensitive recruits to help him, his most promising student is taken to the Dark Side.
Although the series isn’t the most enjoyable, it introduces many characters that will be pivotal later on. These include Han Solo and Leia Organa’s children Jacen Solo and Jaina Solo. Stackpole cleverly inserted a character from the X-Wing series into his novel I, Jedi, after the trilogy.
The X-Wing series by Michael A
Aaron Allston and Stackpole. This series is based on old PC gaming games. Stackpole uses only a few of the characters from the franchise but introduces a lot of his own. The series follows the New Republic’s efforts to defeat the Empire over the years following Return of the Jedi.
There is plenty to love if you enjoy military science fiction: there are lots of X-Wing Fighter dogfights, espionage, and a host of new characters. Aaron Allston’s entries are hilarious and follow a unit that is more geared toward espionage.
Mercy Kill is the final installment, and it was published years later. This series can be referred to as Legacy of the Force. It’s worth reading the entire series of 10 books.
The Han Solo trilogy, A.C. Crispin
Although we might soon see a standalone Han Solo movie, the A.C. Crispin trilogy centers on a teenage Han Solo who works as a transport pilot for an underground cult.
The trilogy tells how Chewbacca met him, how he was kicked out from the Imperial Academy and how he lost some cargo belonging to Jabba the Hutt. This is a great example of a prequel novel that tells its own story while also serving a larger narrative.
The Jedi Academy Trilogy, Kevin J. Anderson / I, Jedi, Michael A Stackpole
These books are not popular with all fans, but they are essential. The trilogy is about Luke Skywalker and his efforts to restart the Jedi Order.
After tracking down several Force sensitive recruits to help him, his most promising student is taken to the Dark Side. Although the series is not the best, it introduces many characters that will be pivotal later on.
These include Han Solo and Leia Organa’s children Jacen Solo and Jaina Solo. Stackpole cleverly inserted a character from the X-Wing series into his novel I, Jedi, after the trilogy.
The Republic Commando series, Karen Traviss
The Republic Commando series is the most important of all the Clone Wars novels. Based on the video game series, Traviss introduces Delta Squad to an alien planet equipped with a bioweapons research center.
Traviss gives depth and personality to the faceless clone troopers, far better than The Clone Wars animated series. She also creates complex characters that are both interesting and challenging.
Shatterpoint, Matthew Stover
Shatterpoint is a Star Wars novel that’s as good as Karen Traviss’s series. This book is about Mace Windu in the Clone Wars’ early days. It’s thematically outstanding. Stover used Joseph Conrad’s The Heart of Darkness as a source to make a dark and fascinating novel about the seductive nature of power.
If You Want To Take The Next Step
Thrawn Duology, Timothy Zahn
Zahn was unable to finish the Expanded Universe for a few years, but when the time came to end the central conflict between Empire and the New Republic, he created the Thrawn duology. These novels are a way to bring back Thrawn and tie up some loose ends. However, they also open the doors for the next chapter in the Star Wars universe.
The Corellian Trilogy, Roger McBride Allen
The series explores Han Solo’s past, as his home system is on the verge of war. This is a fun trilogy with lots of action and espionage.
Black Fleet Crisis, Michael P. Kube McDowell
The New Republic and local governments are at war in this remote star cluster. Although the trilogy is well written and dark, it feels like an unfinished story within the larger continuity arc. However, it makes for a great standalone set of adventures.
The rest of the Clone Wars novels
Del Rey began a multimedia project when Attack of the Clones was released. It included novels, comic books, video games, and animated series. Many novels are covering the Clone Wars.
Books like Jedi Trial and Cestus Deception and Battle Surgeons and Jedi Healer were all part of the Clone Wars story that was first described in A New Hope. Although Dave Filoni’s Clone Wars animated series has some issues with this, there are still good episodes compared to the best.
Honor Among Thieves, James S.A. Corey and Razor’s Edge, Martha Wells, Scoundrels, Timothy Zahn
These novels are some of the last to be published in the Expanded Universe. They were intended to be an easier entry level book to the franchise. These novels are straight up adventures that have the same feel as the films.
Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter Michael Reaves. Although The Phantom Menace received mixed reviews, it introduced the fan favorite character, Darth Maul. This novel explains the origins and trials of Maul on Coruscant.
Shadows of the Empire, Steve Perry
Shadows of the Empire is a multimedia series that ties in with the comics and game. It follows the main characters as they try to find Han Solo. The book explores the Star Wars criminal underworld, filling the gap between Empire Strikes Back & Return of the Jedi.
The Young Jedi Knights Series, Kevin J. Anderson, and Rebecca Moesta
This 14-book series is geared towards younger readers. However, they are very foundational for the New Jedi Order and Legacy of the Force novels.
They are the story of Anakin Solo, Jaina, and Jacen as they train to become Jedi. There is a lot of adventure along the way. Some are very good, such as Heir to the Force. Others are okay.
Darth Plagueis, James Luceno
This novel explains the background of Darth Plagueis. He was briefly mentioned in Revenge of the Sith. A Sith Lord who discovers the secret to immortality before his apprentice kills him, Plagueis. This book provides a detailed explanation of the reference and helps to explain how the Sith rose just before the prequel trilogy.
John Jackson Miller, Kenobi. Many people have been clamoring to see a movie about Obi Wan Kenobi. But, in the meantime, this book goes into Kenobi’s life on Tatooine following the events of Revenge of the Sith. It’s not perfect, though some of it has been altered by Obi Wan Kenobi appearing in Rebels.
If You Absolutely Have To Be A Completist
The Castilla Trilogy
Although these three books don’t age well, they introduce interesting concepts. Darksaber by Kevin J. Anderson and Children of the Jedi by Barbara Hambly are two examples.
These books are long and tedious, but they introduce new superweapons and Callista, a love interest in Luke Skywalker. The long dead Jedi Knight, Callista, was trapped on the computers of an Imperial cruiser abandoned with a dangerous mission.
The Truce at Bakura, Kathy Tyers
This book is noteworthy because it occurs right after Return of the Jedi and follows a New Republic task force sent to assist a planet under attack from strange aliens called the Ssi Ruuk. They steal the life energy of people to power their vessels.
Death Troopers, Joe Schreiber
Do you like horror? Do you like zombies? Stormtrooper zombies. This is all there is to know about the book. Red Harvest is a horror novel that can be used as a prequel.
Courtship of Princess Leia. Dave Wolverton. Han Solo drugtes Han Organa and kidnaps her when she is considering marrying another person. Yes. Although it is a book that hasn’t aged well, it does have some familiar canon characters and locations. Dathomir, the Nightsisters, and other characters that were first seen in the Clone Wars are here.
Bounty Hunter Wars, K.W. Jeter
This series is for bounty hunters. It follows Boba Fett and other bounty hunters following the events of Return of the Jedi. Although it’s a dark take on Star Wars universes in general, it never really lives up to its potential.
In the New Jedi Order, various authors
The conflict between the Empire and the New Republic was over. Del Rey needed to decide what to do next. It gathered a group of writers to create a 19-book, multi author series, to see the galaxy invaded and controlled by Yuuzhan Vong. Although there are some positive points to the series, it is long and uneven in quality.
The Legacy of the Force, various authors
The Legacy of the Force trilogy comprises three trilogies by three authors (Aaron Allston and Karen Traviss) and takes place after the New Jedi Order. It’s shorter than the NJO but has a lot more books.
The Han Solo and Lando Calrissian Adventures
These books were created by Brian Daley, L. Neil Smith and span the formative years for the characters. These books are lighthearted and fun, with some 1970s/80s science fiction.
The Crystal Star, Vonda N. McIntyre
This book is mocked in every way, so it’s probably best to skip it. If you must, however, do not hesitate to read the entire book.
New Continuity
Lucasfilm was faced with a choice when The Force Awakens was announced. It could either keep the huge EU and create a story in the same universe or ignore it entirely. Or keep bits.
To the dismay and delight of many fans, it decided to make the entire storyline non-canon. However, it kept the building blocks that comprised the EU. We’ve seen that there are parts of the EU that have made it into the regular continuity. And we’ll probably see more shortly.
If You’re Just Getting Started
Aftermath Trilogy, Chuck Wendig
Although not the first novel in the new continuity, Chuck Wendig’s Aftermath novels are the first to cover the period between Return of the Jedi and The Force Awakens.
The novels introduce new characters and describe how the Empire fell. They also show some of the major battles mentioned in The Force Awakens to help you get ready for the new trilogy.
Thrawn, Timothy Zahn
Although we have already discussed Thrawn, we will reiterate that it is a great book. It serves as both an entry point to the franchise and a good set up for the original Thrawn trilogy. The best of both!
Bloodline, Claudia Gray
This novel is set right before The Force Awakens and follows Leia Organa’s journey to manage both the First Order’s rise and the Resistance that will come to fight it.
Ahsoka, E.K. Johnston
Ahsoka is one of the most beloved characters from the Clone Wars. Fans were puzzled when she disappeared from the series but later returned in Rebels. This book covers the lost time. Ashley Eckstein voices the character in this audiobook.
If You Want To Take The Next Step
Catalyst, James Luceno
This novel begins at the Clone Wars’ end and helps set up Rogue One. This novel follows Galen Erso through the early years of the Death Star Project and explains why Erso left.
Lords of the Sith, Paul Kemp
Lords of the Sith tells the story of Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine, and their relationship in the early days of the Empire when they are both trapped on hostile planets.
Battlefront: Twilight Company, Alexander Freed
Alexander Freed was commissioned to write a novel based upon Battlefront when it returned to consoles. It is similar to the Republic Commando and X-Wing books.
The Rebellion between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back is covered in this action-packed book. A Battlefront novel is also due out in the future.
Lost Stars, Claudia Gray
This novel is aimed at younger readers and begins eight years after the Revenge of the Sith. It follows Thane Kyrell (a friend) and CienaRee (a stranger) as they navigate their diverging paths during the war that has ravaged the galaxy.
Tarkin, James Luceno
Grand Moff Tarkin is a key figure in A New Hope, Rebels, and now Rogue One. This book traces his journey to become a fearsome member of the Imperial government.
If You Absolutely Have To Be A Completist
Dark Disciple, Christie Golden
The Clone Wars was famously canceled before its time. Christie Golden decided to adapt one of its story arcs for a novel. It follows Asajj Ventress, a former Sith apprentice, and Quinlan Vos, a Jedi knight (who first appeared in the Expanded Universe).
A New Dawn, John Jackson Miller
This novel is a prequel to the animated Rebels show. It explores Caleb Dume’s origins, who would become Kanan Jarrus. This novel features several Rebels characters, along with other novels set around the same time.
Heir to the Jedi, Kevin Hearne
This novel was originally intended to be the last Expanded Universe novel. However, it was slipped into the main canon. This novel would have been the third in a loose trilogy.
It would have followed the last member of the franchise’s Big Three, Luke Skywalker, where James S.A. Corey’s Honor Among Thieves follows Han Solo and Princess Leia.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Alexander Freed / The Force Awakens, Alan Dean Foster
The respective novelizations of each book are well worth the effort if you want to read them all. They are easy to read and add an extra dimension to the films.
FAQs About Star Wars Book Series
Is there a book series for Star Wars?
Star Wars Junior Novel Collection 5 Books by Ryder Windham: A New Hope, Empire Strikes Back Return of The Jedi Force Awakens The Last Jedi
What is the first Star Wars book to read?
If you ask any Star Wars fan what book they recommend starting with, nine out of ten will give the same answer: Timothy Zahn’s Thrawn trilogy. The Expanded Universe was created decades before The Force Awakens. It began with The Last Command, Dark Force Rising, and Heir to The Empire.
What is the most expensive Star Wars book?
Thurn says that the Star Wars Frames original edition is probably the most valuable Star Wars book, and he also serves as the Collectors’ Stage organizer at all U.S. Celebrations.
When was Star Wars books published?
Six months before the film’s debut, on December 16, 1976, Ballantine Books first released it as Star Wars: From the Adventures of Luke Skywalker.
Are there official Star Wars books?
(Amounts from 2014 through 2019) Star Wars produced an original canon in 2014, which comprised all of the published novels and comic books as well as all of the episodes of the films, television programs, and movies Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels, and Star Wars Resistance.
How many have Star Wars books been published
The comics are excluded from this. Thanks to the release of more than 40 tales this year, the Star Wars Canon books collection is expanding faster than ever.
Who published Star Wars books?
The forthcoming Star Wars books from Disney Publishing Worldwide and Del Rey Books will now be included in the Star Wars TV programs and films, allowing fans to read what they have been longing to do.
Who wrote most Star Wars books?
Timothy Zahn is said to be the author of the fabled Thrawn trilogy and fourteen expansion-themed books set in the Star Wars world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are over 300 Star Wars books in print, and more being added every year. This is a testament to the enduring popularity of the Star Wars franchise and its many stories. With such an impressive library of books available, it is no wonder why Star Wars fans keep coming back for more.
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