The Ultimate Guide to Star Wars Legends Books: Chronological Reading Order and Timeline

Welcome to the galaxy far, far away—but not quite the one you see on Disney+. This is the realm of Star Wars Legends, an expanded universe filled with stories that venture beyond the movies. In the Legends timeline, we find a rich galaxy spanning tens of thousands of years. If you’re a newcomer, this guide will help you get a handle on where to start, and if you’re a longtime fan, think of this as a refresher to brush up on all that chaotic, Force-powered history.

Our mission? To walk you through the chronological reading order of Star Wars Legends books. So, buckle up, charge your blasters, and get ready for an epic journey through hyperspace (with as few spoilers as possible).

Table of Contents

1. What Is Star Wars Legends?
2. How to Approach the Legends Timeline
3. Timeline Order and Must-Reads for Each Era
   • 1. The Old Republic (5,000 – 67 BBY)
   • 2. Rise of the Empire (67 – 0 BBY)
   • 3. Rebellion Era (0 BBY – 5 ABY)
   • 4. New Republic Era (5 – 25 ABY)
   • 5. New Jedi Order (25 – 40 ABY)
   • 6. Legacy Era (40 – 140 ABY)

What Is Star Wars Legends?

Star Wars Legends encompasses all the books, comics, video games, and other stories released before 2014, which were once considered part of the official Star Wars canon. When Disney acquired Lucasfilm, they rebranded this rich history as “Legends” to make way for new stories in the cinematic universe. So, while the books we’re discussing aren’t “official” Star Wars canon anymore, they remain some of the most beloved stories in the galaxy.

But why should you dive into Legends if it’s not official canon? Here are a few reasons:

1. Incredible Characters and Stories: Legends introduced some of the most iconic characters outside of the movies, like Grand Admiral Thrawn, Mara Jade, and Darth Bane, to name a few.
2. Expanded Lore: Legends built on Jedi and Sith lore, delving into their philosophies, rituals, and even rivalries across the ages. You’ll find extensive backstories, especially for the Sith, which make the Force even more complex and fascinating.
3. Unique Takes on the Star Wars Universe: Legends wasn’t bound by the same restrictions as today’s canon, so it’s filled with adventurous storytelling that sometimes borders on the wild side (looking at you, Yuuzhan Vong War!). It’s an imaginative playground that doesn’t hold back.

If you’re a Star Wars fan who loves deep character development, wants to understand more about the Sith, or is curious about “what could have been,” then Legends is for you.

Timeline Order and Essential Reads for Each Era

Now, let’s dive into each era in the Legends timeline, giving you a taste of the must-reads and their authors. We’ll also list a few additional books to help you navigate the galaxy.

1. The Old Republic (5,000 – 67 BBY)

Vibe: Ancient Jedi vs. Sith conflicts, mystical Force philosophies, and galaxy-shaking events.

Essential Reads

• Darth Bane Trilogy by Drew Karpyshyn Available here
  Titles: Path of Destruction, Rule of Two, and Dynasty of Evil
  This trilogy dives into the origin of the “Rule of Two” that would define Sith philosophy for generations. It’s a gritty look at the Sith’s journey from chaos to a deadly order.
• Revan by Drew Karpyshyn Available here
  This novel explores Revan’s journey post-KOTOR (Knights of the Old Republic) and uncovers more about his struggle with his past as both a Jedi and a Sith.
• The Old Republic Series by Sean Williams, Drew Karpyshyn, and Paul S. Kemp Available here
  Titles: Deceived, Fatal Alliance, and Annihilation
  Set during the time of the Old Republic MMORPG, these books expand on Sith and Jedi conflicts across the galaxy.

Additional Reads

• Knight Errant by John Jackson Miller Available here
  This standalone novel follows Kerra Holt, a lone Jedi trapped in Sith space. A must-read for fans who love seeing the Jedi operate in morally gray areas.
• Tales of the Jedi by Tom Veitch (Comic Series) Available here
  This classic comic series dives into the ancient Jedi and Sith conflict, long before the movies, and introduces legendary characters like Exar Kun and Ulic Qel-Droma.

2. Rise of the Empire (67 – 0 BBY)

Vibe: The gradual shift from Republic to Empire, the rise of Darth Vader, and the seeds of rebellion.

Essential Reads

• Darth Plagueis by James Luceno Available here
  One of the definitive Legends novels, this book covers the rise of Darth Sidious (Palpatine) and his master, Darth Plagueis, showcasing the sinister machinations that paved the way for the Empire.
• Kenobi by John Jackson Miller Available here
  This novel gives us an intimate look at Obi-Wan’s life after the fall of the Republic as he watches over young Luke on Tatooine.
• The Han Solo Trilogy by A.C. Crispin Available here
  Titles: The Paradise Snare, The Hutt Gambit, and Rebel Dawn
  This trilogy shows us Han Solo’s early days in the criminal underworld, his dealings with the Hutts, and the beginning of his friendship with Chewbacca.

Additional Reads

• Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader by James Luceno Available here
  Following Revenge of the Sith, this book explores Vader’s struggles with his new identity, bridging the gap between Anakin Skywalker and the Dark Lord of the Sith.
• Labyrinth of Evil by James Luceno Available here
  This novel sets up the events leading into Revenge of the Sith and provides more insight into the final days of the Clone Wars and Palpatine’s manipulation of Anakin.

3. Rebellion Era (0 BBY – 5 ABY)

Vibe: Classic Rebel Alliance vs. Empire clashes, daring rescues, and epic space battles.

Essential Reads

• Splinter of the Mind’s Eye by Alan Dean Foster Available here
  Written as a potential sequel to A New Hope, this novel offers a unique adventure featuring Luke and Leia.
• Shadows of the Empire by Steve Perry Available here
  Set between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, this book introduces new characters like Prince Xizor, a ruthless Black Sun leader.
• Allegiance and Choices of One by Timothy Zahn Available here
  These novels explore the Empire from Mara Jade’s perspective, a fan-favorite character and the Emperor’s secret operative.

Additional Reads

• Death Star by Michael Reaves and Steve Perry Available here
  This novel gives a behind-the-scenes look at the people who built the Death Star, shedding light on the lives of those affected by the Empire’s superweapon.
• The Han Solo Adventures by Brian Daley Available here
  This classic trilogy explores Han’s life as a smuggler before joining the Rebellion, packed with adventure and humor.

4. New Republic Era (5 – 25 ABY)

Vibe: The fall of the Empire, the birth of the New Republic, and political struggles in a galaxy trying to rebuild.

Essential Reads

• The Thrawn Trilogy by Timothy Zahn Available here
  Titles: Heir to the Empire, Dark Force Rising, and The Last Command
  The original and arguably the most popular Star Wars trilogy outside the movies. It introduces Grand Admiral Thrawn and characters like Mara Jade and Talon Karrde.
• The X-Wing Series by Michael Stackpole and Aaron Allston Available here
  Titles: Rogue Squadron, Wedge’s Gamble, Krytos Trap, and more.
  This series focuses on starfighter battles, offering a detailed look at New Republic’s struggle to reclaim the galaxy from Imperial forces.
• The Courtship of Princess Leia by Dave Wolverton Available here
  A romantic but action-packed tale, this novel explains how Leia ultimately chooses Han over the politically advantageous Prince Isolder.

Additional Reads

• I, Jedi by Michael Stackpole Available here
  Written from the first-person perspective of Corran Horn, a member of Rogue Squadron, this novel provides a unique look at Jedi training and family secrets.
• The Black Fleet Crisis Trilogy by Michael P. Kube-McDowell Available here
  This trilogy delves into political conflicts and military battles as the New Republic faces threats both from within and beyond.

5. New Jedi Order (25 – 40 ABY)

Vibe: Galaxy-wide conflict with the Yuuzhan Vong, the emergence of new Jedi, and a darker tone.

Essential Reads

• Vector Prime by R.A. Salvatore Available here
  The first novel in the New Jedi Order series introduces the Yuuzhan Vong, a brutal alien species immune to the Force.
• Star by Star by Troy Denning Available here
  A pivotal novel in the New Jedi Order series that has high-stakes action and heart-wrenching moments for the Skywalker and Solo families.
• Traitor by Matthew Stover Available here
  A philosophical and intense exploration of the Force, this book follows Jacen Solo as he is captured and tortured by the Yuuzhan Vong.

Additional Reads

• Dark Tide Duology by Michael Stackpole Available here
  Titles: Onslaught and Ruin
  These two books explore the early stages of the Yuuzhan Vong invasion and how the New Republic adapts to this terrifying new threat.
• The Final Prophecy by Greg Keyes Available here
  One of the concluding books in the New Jedi Order series, this novel builds up to the climactic final showdown with the Yuuzhan Vong.

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6. Legacy Era (40 – 140 ABY)

Vibe: A fractured galaxy, the evolving Jedi Order, and the legacy of the Skywalker bloodline.

Essential Reads

• Legacy of the Force Series by multiple authors (Aaron Allston, Karen Traviss, Troy Denning) Available here
  This nine-book series explores the fall of Jacen Solo to the dark side and his transformation into Darth Caedus.
• Fate of the Jedi Series by multiple authors (Aaron Allston, Christie Golden, Troy Denning) Available here
  Focusing on Luke Skywalker’s quest to understand the mysteries of the Force, this series sees the Jedi confronting ancient threats.
• Legacy Comics by John Ostrander and Jan Duursema Available here
  Set over 100 years after the movies, this comic series follows Cade Skywalker, Luke’s descendant, as he navigates a dark and fractured galaxy.

Additional Reads

• Crosscurrent by Paul S. Kemp Available here
  This standalone novel explores time travel and the consequences of the ancient Sith on the future.
• Riptide by Paul S. Kemp Available here
  A sequel to Crosscurrent, this book expands on the mysteries and dangers that linger from past Sith experiments.

Conclusion

There you have it—the ultimate guide to exploring the vast, thrilling, and sometimes downright wild galaxy of Star Wars Legends. From the ancient conflicts of the Old Republic to the future legacies of the Skywalker bloodline, this timeline covers everything a Star Wars fan could dream of. Legends is a universe where the possibilities are endless, where beloved characters like Luke, Leia, and Han are tested in ways unseen in the movies, and where new characters like Thrawn, Mara Jade, and Darth Bane leave an unforgettable mark on the galaxy.

Whether you’re a die-hard Star Wars fan or a newcomer looking to get a taste of the Legends timeline, we hope this guide gives you a good starting point. Each era has its own flavor—from the mystical and ancient tales of the Old Republic to the raw space battles of the Rebellion and the high-stakes power struggles of the New Republic. Remember, there’s no single right way to explore Legends. Pick the era that calls to you, dive into its essential books, and don’t be afraid to wander off the beaten path.

As you journey through these stories, you’ll experience new aspects of the Force, get to know the galaxy’s unsung heroes, and maybe even understand the Dark Side a little better. Legends is a universe that constantly challenges, excites, and surprises—and now it’s your turn to jump into it, blaster and lightsaber in hand.

Happy reading, and may the Force be with you—always!

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