Favorite Star Wars Expanded Universe Novels
Some call them Legends
Since Disney acquired Lucas Films, the Star Wars universe has changed as we know it. They have done away with years of what fans call the Extended Universe, a series of novels by various authors.
They introduced a whole cast of planets, heroes, and villains. Disney has relabeled them as Star Wars Legends and has said that they are no longer canon which is a little sad. I decided to make a list of my favorite old-school novels.
The Thrawn Trilogy– Timothy Zahn wrote this series Heir To The Empire, Dark Force Rising, and The Last Command featuring the villain Admiral Thrawn taking place right after Return of the Jedi. He recently appeared in Star Wars Rebels.
The Approaching Storm– Alan Dean Foster tells a story before Attack of the Clones, where the planet Ansion, fed up with the bureaucracy of the Republic, decides to take off on their own featuring Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker.
Shadows of the Empire– Written by Steve Perry, this tale takes place between the Empire Strikes Back and Episode VI. It is about the Black Sun organization and its leader Prince Xizor who wants to capture Luke Skywalker, earning the ire of Darth Vader.
Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter– This book gives insight into Emperor Palpatine’s first apprentice, Maul. It has him setting up the events of Episode I using the Dark Side of the Force.
The Bounty Hunter Wars– KW Jeter wrote the books The Mandalorian Armor, Slave Ship, and Hard Merchandise about what happens to the bounty hunter Boba Fett after the events of Return of the Jedi.
The Darth Bane series– Set during the days of the Old Republic, in a last battle the Jedi have defeated the Sith, except for Darth Bane. The books Path of Destruction, Rule of Two, and Dynasty of Evil show how he establishes the Rule of Two, saying that there should only be two Sith Lords at a time.
Rogue Planet– Written by Greg Bear set during the Padawan days of Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi and his apprentice head to the planet Zonama Sekot. It is rumored to be founded by Jedi defectors, but they find a conspiracy that could destroy Galaxy.
The New Rebellion– Kristine Kathryn Rusch does a brilliant job writing a story about someone sabotaging the New Republic. Both Luke Skywalker and Leia Solo’s children are targets in this dark conspiracy.
Star Wars: Republic Commando– Karen Travis tells the story of the elite Commandos. The first three books are based on the video game of the same thing while the last two take place after Revenge of the Sith.
The Cestus Deception– Set during the Clone Wars, Steven Barnes weaves a web of intergalactic politics as both the Republic and the Separatists both try to grab a platoon of droids from the planet Cestus.
Those are some of my favorite Star Wars novels. Did I miss any of yours? Let me know and you might see them on another list.
What do you think? Let me know in the comments below. Tell me if there is a comic book, movie, or anime you would like me to review.