10 Best Star Wars Books: Top Picks for Every Fan

If there’s a cornerstone of Star Wars literature, it’s “Heir to the Empire.” This novel, the first in the Thrawn Trilogy, revitalized the Star Wars franchise in the early 1990s and introduced one of the most iconic characters in the Expanded Universe: Grand Admiral Thrawn. Zahn’s sharp writing and intricate plotting make this a must-read for any fan, old or new. The story picks up five years after the events of “Return of the Jedi” with the New Republic struggling to establish itself while facing a new threat in the form of Thrawn, a brilliant and calculating Imperial leader. Zahn masterfully weaves together political intrigue, epic space battles, and deep character development, making “Heir to the Empire” not just a great Star Wars book, but a great book, period.

• Year of Publication: 1991
• Goodreads Rating: 4.19/5
• Why Buy It: This book is essential for understanding the Expanded Universe, and its influence is felt across many Star Wars media. Zahn’s portrayal of Thrawn is legendary, and the story feels like a natural continuation of the original trilogy.

“Darth Plagueis” delves into the dark, twisted origins of Emperor Palpatine, exploring the Sith Lord’s rise to power under the mentorship of Darth Plagueis the Wise. Luceno’s novel is a masterclass in political intrigue and dark storytelling, making it a favorite among fans who enjoy the darker side of the Star Wars saga. The novel provides a detailed look at the Sith’s long-term plans to overthrow the Jedi and dominate the galaxy, exploring themes of power, corruption, and manipulation. Plagueis himself is a fascinating character—brilliant, ruthless, and obsessed with the idea of cheating death.

• Year of Publication: 2012
• Goodreads Rating: 4.30/5
• Why Buy It: This book offers deep insights into the Sith, exploring themes of power, manipulation, and destiny. Luceno’s writing is compelling, and the novel fills in critical gaps in the Star Wars timeline.

“Lost Stars” is a brilliant novel that weaves together the personal and the epic, telling the story of two star-crossed lovers on opposite sides of the Galactic Civil War. Gray’s ability to blend romance with the broader conflict makes this book stand out as one of the best in recent Star Wars literature. The novel spans the timeline of the original trilogy, offering a fresh perspective on the major events of the Star Wars saga. Through the eyes of Thane Kyrell and Ciena Ree, we see the conflict from both sides, providing a nuanced look at the complexities of war, loyalty, and love. Gray’s characters are well-drawn and relatable, making their journey as compelling as the galaxy-spanning events they’re caught up in.

• Year of Publication: 2015
• Goodreads Rating: 4.36/5
• Why Buy It: This novel is perfect for those who love character-driven stories. Gray’s nuanced portrayal of the main characters provides a fresh perspective on well-known events from the Star Wars saga.

Another gem from Claudia Gray, “Master & Apprentice” focuses on the relationship between Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi, before the events of “The Phantom Menace.” The novel explores the complexities of their bond, their differing views on the Force, and the challenges they face together. Gray delves deep into the Jedi philosophy, examining the nature of prophecy, destiny, and the moral dilemmas that come with being a Jedi. The book also introduces new characters and political intrigues that add depth to the Star Wars universe. For fans of the prequels, “Master & Apprentice” offers valuable insight into the dynamics between two of the most important Jedi in the galaxy.

• Year of Publication: 2019
• Goodreads Rating: 4.17/5
• Why Buy It: This book offers deep character development and insight into Jedi philosophy. It’s a must-read for fans of Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, providing context that enriches the prequel trilogy.

“Bloodline” takes us into the political turmoil that leads up to the events of “The Force Awakens,” focusing on Leia Organa as she navigates the treacherous waters of the New Republic. Gray’s novel is a political thriller that delves into Leia’s legacy, her struggles, and the seeds of the Resistance. The story explores Leia’s identity as both a leader and the daughter of Darth Vader, revealing the internal and external conflicts she faces as she tries to keep the fragile peace in the galaxy. “Bloodline” is rich in political intrigue, with a plot that keeps you guessing and characters that are complex and well-rounded. It’s an essential read for anyone who wants to understand the events leading up to the sequel trilogy.

• Year of Publication: 2016
• Goodreads Rating: 4.24/5
• Why Buy It: This novel is a fascinating exploration of Leia’s character and the political landscape of the galaxy. It’s essential reading for anyone interested in the events leading up to the sequel trilogy.

The legendary Grand Admiral Thrawn makes a return in this novel that reintroduces him into the official Star Wars canon. Zahn’s storytelling is as sharp as ever, offering a deep dive into Thrawn’s mind, his tactics, and his rise through the ranks of the Empire. The novel chronicles Thrawn’s journey from his first encounter with the Empire to his ascent as one of its most feared military leaders. Zahn does an excellent job of balancing Thrawn’s cold, calculating nature with glimpses of his underlying motivations and code of honor. The book is a must-read for fans of military strategy, as it delves into the tactical genius that makes Thrawn such a formidable opponent.

• Year of Publication: 2017
• Goodreads Rating: 4.26/5
• Why Buy It: For fans of military strategy and brilliant villains, “Thrawn” is an absolute must. Zahn reaffirms why Thrawn remains one of the most beloved characters in Star Wars lore.

“Star Wars Jedi: Battle Scars” is a must-read for fans of the Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Jedi: Survivor games. This novel bridges the gap between the two games, following Cal Kestis and the crew of the Stinger Mantis as they continue their fight against the Empire. The book dives deep into the struggles of being a Jedi on the run, with Cal grappling with the loss of the Jedi Order and his place in a galaxy dominated by the Sith. With action-packed sequences and rich character development, “Battle Scars” enhances the gaming experience and provides fans with a deeper understanding of the characters and the stakes involved.

• Year of Publication: 2023
• Goodreads Rating: 4.02/5
• Why Buy It: This book is perfect for fans of the Jedi: Fallen Order game series, providing additional backstory and emotional depth to the characters and events. It’s a great companion piece that enriches the gaming experience.

For fans of the hit Disney+ series The Mandalorian, Adam Christopher’s novel is an essential read. This book expands on the adventures of Din Djarin (Mando) and Grogu (The Child) as they navigate the galaxy’s seedy underbelly. The novel captures the same gritty, Western-inspired tone of the series while delving deeper into the characters’ motivations and backstories. Whether you’re a fan of the show or just love the idea of a lone bounty hunter forging his path in a lawless galaxy, this book offers a fresh perspective on a beloved series.

• Year of Publication: 2021
• Goodreads Rating: 4.25/5
• Why Buy It: This novel is perfect for fans of The Mandalorian series, offering new insights into the characters and their journeys. It’s a great way to extend your love for the show into the literary realm.

“Light of the Jedi” is the first book in the High Republic series, a new initiative exploring the golden age of the Jedi, centuries before the events of the Skywalker Saga. This novel is ideal for fans who are interested in the latest expansions of the Star Wars universe, especially those intrigued by the High Republic era, which is being explored in upcoming series like The Acolyte. Charles Soule introduces readers to a galaxy at its height, where the Jedi are truly the guardians of peace. The story begins with a catastrophic event that threatens the stability of the galaxy, and the Jedi must rally to save the day. With new characters, settings, and a fresh perspective on the Force, “Light of the Jedi” is a thrilling entry into a new era of Star Wars storytelling.

• Year of Publication: 2021
• Goodreads Rating: 4.23/5
• Why Buy It: This book is essential for anyone interested in the High Republic era and the latest developments in the Star Wars universe. It’s an exciting, fresh take on the galaxy with plenty of new characters and lore to explore.

“Ahsoka” follows the former Jedi Padawan Ahsoka Tano after the events of “Order 66” and her journey toward becoming a key figure in the Rebel Alliance. Johnston’s novel beautifully captures Ahsoka’s resilience, her struggles with her identity, and her commitment to fighting the Empire. The story takes place in the aftermath of the Clone Wars, with Ahsoka grappling with the loss of her fellow Jedi and the betrayal of Anakin Skywalker. As she hides from the Empire, Ahsoka begins to forge a new path, using her skills to help those in need while staying one step ahead of her pursuers. The book offers a deeper understanding of Ahsoka’s character, making it a must-read for fans of “The Clone Wars” and “Rebels.”

• Year of Publication: 2016
• Goodreads Rating: 4.13/5
• Why Buy It: This book is essential for fans of “The Clone Wars” and “Rebels,” offering insight into Ahsoka’s life between the shows. It’s a powerful story of survival and finding one’s purpose in the galaxy.