Top 15 Best Star Wars Books of All Time, Ranked and Reviewed

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You underestimate the power of the written word. While the countless movies and Disney+ series define Star Wars for many, the vast literary universe has long been, and remains, a core part of the franchise. Authors like Timothy Zahn and Kevin J. Anderson have influenced high-profile on-screen projects, with their characters and stories bleeding into shows like Ahsoka and Rebels.

But which Star Wars novels are truly the best? Read on for our list of the top 15 best Star Wars books of all time, from Heir to the Empire to The Fallen Star, along with their continuity status in either Legends or canon.

Unveiling the Greatest Star Wars Books

1. Heir to the Empire (1991) – Legends

Timothy Zahn is widely credited with revitalizing the Star Wars franchise during a quiet period in the 1990s, and Heir to the Empire is where it all began. The first book in the original Thrawn trilogy, it introduced readers to an array of new characters (including the menacing Grand Admiral Thrawn himself) while adding interesting layers to existing ones like Luke Skywalker and Han Solo. The joy of exploring these fresh, detailed ideas for the first time makes this a standout, even though its lore is now considered non-canon.

2. Jedi Search (1994) – Legends

Zahn wasn’t the only trilogy writer in the early ’90s. Kevin J. Anderson’s Jedi Academy trilogy followed Luke Skywalker as he set up a new training camp, with Jedi Search ambitiously setting the scene. While Anderson’s dialogue may lack some of Zahn’s punch, his creative, “out-there” ideas feel incredibly true to the Star Wars spirit, showcasing an author with a deep understanding of the universe.

3. I, Jedi (1998) – Legends

Even with many novels already published, Michael A. Stackpole did something unique by providing a first-person narrative from a character never seen in the films. I, Jedi follows Corran Horn as he develops his Jedi skills under Luke Skywalker’s tutelage. It offers a fascinating insight into the process of understanding the Force and explores Luke’s new role as a mentor.

4. Vision of the Future (1998) – Legends

This book rounds off The Hand of Thrawn duology, which picks up after The Last Command. While Timothy Zahn might juggle a few too many subplots, the chance to spend time with lesser-known characters—including those close to Grand Admiral Thrawn—is a real treat, and the twists are classic Zahn.

5. Labyrinth of Evil (2005) – Legends

The Prequel trilogy introduced some great villains who often felt a bit underdeveloped. Labyrinth of Evil, set just before Revenge of the Sith, offers greater insight into General Grievous and his relationship with the unflappable Count Dooku, making it a must for any Prequel-era fan.

6. Allegiance (2007) – Legends

Stormtrooper helmets are an iconic symbol of the franchise, but the people inside them were largely unexplored in the Original Trilogy. Timothy Zahn’s Allegiance more than makes up for this, following five Imperial Stormtroopers who become disillusioned with the Empire. This unique tale brings a much-needed human element to characters often reduced to poor aim and monotone one-liners.

7. Darth Plagueis (2012) – Legends

Did you ever hear the tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise? Now you have. While James Luceno’s novel is “Legends,” its detailed exploration of Palpatine’s rise could easily be the official backstory. Palpatine was a relatively minor presence in the Original Trilogy, so this psychological thriller, which dives deeper into the Sith Lord’s story than any of the films, is a joy to read.

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8. Scoundrels (2013) – Legends

Few Star Wars characters are as fun to spend time with as Han Solo and Chewbacca. Zahn clearly knows this, crafting a light-hearted, gag-filled novel that follows the famous smugglers as they team up with Lando Calrissian and a ragtag crew for their biggest heist yet. Free from galaxy-ending crises, this silly romp is one of the most enjoyable reads in Zahn’s extensive body of work.

9. A New Dawn (2014) – Canon

Star Wars: Rebels has a huge following and continues to influence the franchise through shows like Ahsoka. For those who haven’t seen the show or simply want more, John Jackson Miller’s A New Dawn provides the perfect canon prequel, offering an excellent introduction to this extensive world.

10. Thrawn: Alliances (2018) – Canon

Bringing Grand Admiral Thrawn into Star Wars canon was a massive moment in 2017. The 2018 sequel, Alliances, stands as the peak of this three-book arc. Getting to dive first-hand into the psyche of the galaxy’s most cunning tactician while he butts heads with its most formidable villain, Darth Vader, makes this one of the most fascinating and tense reads in all of Star Wars lore.

11. Thrawn Ascendancy: Lesser Evil (2021) – Canon

After ten books, you might think the “Thrawn” saga would get tiresome, but Timothy Zahn keeps finding new ways to make the character interesting. In the Ascendancy trilogy, Zahn takes us back to the future war expert’s early days on his home planet, Csilla. Seeing him stripped of his usual tools and interacting with fellow Chiss is a treat, and the story comes to a chilling climax in this twist-filled finale.

12. Light of the Jedi (2021) – Canon

Charles Soule was under immense pressure to launch a brand new High Republic multimedia project, and he delivered. Set 200 years before The Phantom Menace, Light of the Jedi not only created new characters and dynamics but also laid the groundwork for an entirely fresh era. By crafting instantly likable characters like Avar Kriss and Master Loden Greatstorm, it proved a winning start to a whole new chapter for the franchise.

13. Brotherhood (2022) – Canon

While Hayden Christensen and Ewan McGregor’s on-screen chemistry did a lot of heavy lifting, viewers don’t get much time to truly dive into the “brotherly” relationship between Anakin and Obi-Wan. Mike Chen’s Brotherhood helps to make up for that, exploring their dynamic during the Clone Wars. The back-and-forth between the pair is what keeps this compelling, even if some plot points are slightly predictable.

14. Padawan (2022) – Canon

It’s no surprise that Obi-Wan Kenobi is one of Star Wars’ most iconic characters, and Kiersten White’s Padawan offers a canon tale of his time as a … well, a Padawan. After his Master, Qui-Gon Jinn, goes missing, a young Obi-Wan sees a chance to prove himself, showing early signs of the intelligence and wit that would make him one of the Jedi Council’s most trusted members.

15. The Fallen Star (2022) – Canon

Claudia Gray takes the themes from Light of the Jedi and its sequel, The Rising Storm, and explores them with greater depth in The Fallen Star. Examining the political and psychological consequences of the Nihil’s attack, Gray takes a character-first approach to show how the chaos changed the culture of the Republic, laying the groundwork for the paranoia seen in the Jedi Masters of the Prequel era.

Final Thoughts on the Best Star Wars Books Ever Written

This list represents just a fraction of the vast, expanding universe of Star Wars literature, but it includes the greatest Star Wars books that both defined the franchise and pushed its boundaries. From the legacy of the original Thrawn trilogy to the new frontier of the High Republic, these must-read Star Wars books are essential for any fan.

The best Star Wars books of all time ranked on this list offer something for everyone. Whether you’re a long-time fan looking for a deeper dive or a newcomer ready to explore beyond the films, these novels prove that the power of the written word in a galaxy far, far away is not to be underestimated.

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