All Legends Star Wars Books In Chronological Order

7 October 2024

Here is your official guide to the Star Wars Legends books in chronological order. Months before the first Star Wars movie hit theaters in 1977, readers were introduced to George Lucas’ galaxy far, far away through the novelization in 1976. When the film became a massive hit, the franchise continued to expand through original novels, including Alan Dean Foster’s Splinter of the Mind’s Eye, written to be adapted as a low-budget movie if needed. The modern Star Wars Expanded Universe truly kicked off in 1991 with Timothy Zahn’s Heir to the Empire, the first novel of the bestselling Thrawn trilogy.

When Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012, they wanted to give creative freedom to new filmmakers and make it easier for new readers to jump into Star Wars. On April 25, 2014, the Star Wars Expanded Universe was rebranded as “Legends,” and all stories published from that point on would be set in the new official canon. Many of the new Star Wars movies and TV shows contain story elements that originated in Legends, so here’s your guide to every Expanded Universe book in chronological order. Note that this doesn’t include choose-your-own-adventure stories, simple adaptations, comics, or stories of debatable “canonicity.”

Star Wars Books Set During The Dawn Of The Jedi Era

37,000 BBY – 25,000 BBY

While the origin of the Jedi Order had been touched on previously in Star Wars reference guides, stories set during this era began publishing in 2012. The comic series Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi by John Ostrander and Jan Duursema reveals how Force-sensitives from across the galaxy came to the planet Tython to form the Je’Daii Order.

It also features the Rakatan Infinite Empire, first mentioned in the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic video game. The series ran for 15 issues and received one tie-in novel, set around the same time as the comic’s first arc.

Dawn of the Jedi: Into the Void by Tim Lebbon

Star Wars Books Set During The Old Republic Era

25,000 BBY – 1,000 BBY

This era covers the thousand generations in which “… the Jedi Knights were the guardians of peace and justice in the old Republic.” The stories of the ancient Jedi Knights were first told through the Tales of the Jedi comics but gained greater recognition thanks to the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic video games.

The online game Star Wars: The Old Republic further expanded this era, received various tie-ins, and is the only project regularly producing new Legends content. The Old Republic era ends approximately 1,000 years before the Star Wars movies with the apparent defeat of the Sith.

The Old Republic (video game tie-in novels)
- Revan by Drew Karpyshyn
- Deceived by Paul S. Kemp
Red Harvest by Joe Schreiber
The Old Republic (video game tie-in novels)
- Fatal Alliance by Sean Williams
- Annihilation by Drew Karpyshyn
Knight Errant by John Jackson Miller
Darth Bane by Drew Karpyshyn
- Path of Destruction
- Rule of Two
- Dynasty of Evil

Star Wars Books Set During The Rise Of The Empire Era

1,000 BBY – 0 BBY

With the Sith defeated, and the Galactic Republic reorganized, the galaxy enters 1,000 years of peace. Unknown to the Jedi, Darth Bane was the last survivor and reformed the Sith under his “Rule of Two” doctrine. Rather than increase their numbers, there will only be one master and apprentice at a time, and the Sith will conquer the Republic from within. The Sith Gran Plan culminates in the events of the Star Wars prequel trilogy when Darth Sidious declares himself Emperor Palpatine and decimates the Jedi Order, turning Anakin Skywalker to the dark side as his apprentice, Darth Vader.

Jedi Apprentice (Books 1–18)
- The Rising Force by Dave Wolverton
- The Dark Rival by Jude Watson
- The Hidden Past by Jude Watson
- The Mark of the Crown by Jude Watson
- The Defenders of the Dead by Jude Watson
- The Uncertain Path by Jude Watson
- The Captive Temple by Jude Watson
- The Day of Reckoning by Jude Watson
- The Fight for Truth by Jude Watson
- The Shattered Peace by Jude Watson
- The Deadly Hunter by Jude Watson
- The Evil Experiment by Jude Watson
- The Dangerous Rescue by Jude Watson
- The Ties That Bind by Jude Watson
- The Death of Hope by Jude Watson
- The Call to Vengeance by Jude Watson
- The Only Witness by Jude Watson
- The Threat Within by Jude Watson
Maul: Lockdown by Joe Schreiber
Darth Maul: Saboteur (eBook) by James Luceno
Cloak of Deception by James Luceno
Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter by Michael Reaves
STAR WARS: EPISODE I – THE PHANTOM MENACE
- Adult Novelization by Terry Brooks
- Junior Novelization by Patricia C. Wrede
- These novelizations are only canon when they match what happens onscreen. Everything else is Legends.
Episode I Journal
- Anakin Skywalker by Todd Strasser
- Queen Amidala by Jude Watson
- Darth Maul by Jude Watson
Darth Plagueis by James Luceno
- The story begins 35 years before Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace and ends shortly after the film.
Jedi Apprentice Special Edition: Deceptions by Jude Watson
Rogue Planet by Greg Bear
Jedi Apprentice Special Edition: The Followers by Jude Watson
Jedi Quest (Introductory Novel & Book 1) by Jude Watson
- Path to Truth
- The Way of the Apprentice
Outbound Flight by Timothy Zahn
Jedi Quest (Books 2–10) by Jude Watson
- The Trail of the Jedi
- The Dangerous Games
- The Master of Disguise
- The School of Fear
- The Shadow Trap
- The Moment of Truth
- The Changing of the Guard
- The False Peace
- The Final Showdown
The Approaching Storm by Alan Dean Foster
STAR WARS: EPISODE II – ATTACK OF THE CLONES
- Adult Novelization by R. A. Salvatore
- Junior Novelization by Patricia C. Wrede
- These novelizations are only canon when they match what happens onscreen. Everything else is Legends.
Boba Fett (Books 1–3)
- The Fight to Survive by Terry Bisson
- Crossfire by Terry Bisson
- Maze of Deception by Elizabeth Hand
Legacy of the Jedi by Jude Watson
- This story was originally set 6 months after Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, but its timeline placement was retconned in Star Wars: The Essential Reader’s Companion by Pablo Hidalgo.
The Cestus Deception by Steven Barnes
- This story was originally set 1 year after Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones, but its timeline placement was retconned in Star Wars: The Essential Reader’s Companion by Pablo Hidalgo.
The Hive (eBook) by Steven Barnes
- Set during the events of The Cestus Deception.
Secrets of the Jedi by Jude Watson
- This story was originally set 7 months before Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, but its timeline placement was retconned in Star Wars: The Essential Reader’s Companion by Pablo Hidalgo.
Jedi Trial by David Sherman and Dan Cragg
- This story was originally set 6 months before Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, but its timeline placement was retconned in Star Wars: The Essential Reader’s Companion by Pablo Hidalgo.
STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS (Movie)
- Adult Novelization by Karen Traviss
- Junior Novelization by Tracey West
- These novelizations are only canon when they match what happens onscreen. Everything else is Legends.
The Clone Wars: Secret Missions by Ryder Windham
- 1: Breakout Squad
- 2: Curse of the Black Hole Pirates
- 3: Duel at Shattered Rock
- 4: Guardians of the Chiss Key
The Clone Wars: Wild Space by Karen Miller
Boba Fett (Book 4) by Elizabeth Hand
Republic Commando (Book 1) by Karen Traviss
Shatterpoint by Matthew Stover
The Clone Wars: No Prisoners by Karen Traviss
Republic Commando (Book 2) by Karen Traviss
Clone Wars Gambit by Karen Miller
Republic Commando (Book 3) by Karen Traviss
The Wrath of Darth Maul by Ryder Windham
- The spans from 19 years before Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace to shortly after Star Wars: The Clone Wars season 4, episode 21 “Brothers.”
MedStar by Michael Reaves and Steve Perry
- I: Battle Surgeons
- II: Jedi Healer
Yoda: Dark Rendezvous by Sean Stewart
Boba Fett (Books 5–6) by Elizabeth Hand
Labyrinth of Evil by James Luceno
STAR WARS: EPISODE III – REVENGE OF THE SITH
- Adult Novelization by Matthew Stover
- Junior Novelization by Patricia C. Wrede
- These novelizations are only canon when they match what happens onscreen. Everything else is Legends.
Republic Commando (Book 4) by Karen Traviss
Kenobi by John Jackson Miller
Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader by James Luceno
Imperial Commando: 501st by Karen Traviss
Coruscant Nights I: Jedi Twilight by Michael Reaves
The Last of the Jedi (Books 1–4) by Jude Watson
- The Desperate Mission
- Dark Warning
- Underworld
- Death on Naboo
Coruscant Nights II: Street of Shadows by Michael Reaves
The Last of the Jedi (Books 5–10) by Jude Watson
- A Tangled Web
- Return of the Dark Side
- Secret Weapon
- Against the Empire
- Master of Deception
- Reckoning
Coruscant Nights III: Patterns of Force by Michael Reaves
The Last Jedi by Michael Reaves and Maya Kaathryn Bohnhoff
The Han Solo Trilogy (Books 1–2) by A. C. Crispin
- The Paradise Snare
- The Hutt Gambit
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (Video Game)
- Adult Novelization by Sean Williams
- Based on a story by Haden Blackman
Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II (Video Game)
- Adult Novelization by Sean Williams
- Based on a story by Haden Blackman
The Lando Calrissian Adventures by L. Neil Smith
- Lando Calrissian and the Mindharp of Sharu
- Lando Calrissian and the Flamewind of Oseon
- Lando Calrissian and the Starcave of ThonBoka
The Han Solo Adventures by Brian Daley
- Han Solo at Stars’ End
- Han Solo’s Revenge
- Han Solo and the Lost Legacy
Dark Forces (video game tie-in / illustrated novella #1) by William C. Dietz
Death Troopers by Joe Schreiber

Star Wars Books Set During The Rebellion Era

0 BBY – 5 ABY

Just as the Galactic Empire is about to secure its eternal reign over the galaxy, a new hope emerges in the form of Luke Skywalker, who destroys the first Death Star. Aided by his loyal friends, Luke vows to become a Jedi Knight, while the Galactic Civil War rages as the Rebel Alliance fights to end the Empire’s tyranny. Luke learns that Darth Vader is his father and that Princess Leia Organa is his sister. In a final act of redemption, Vader sacrifices himself to save Luke, ending the Emperor’s reign as the Rebellion becomes a New Republic.

Shadow Games by Michael Reaves and Maya Kaathryn Bohnhoff
The Han Solo Trilogy (Book 3) by A. C. Crispin
STAR WARS: EPISODE IV – A NEW HOPE
- Adult Novelization by George Lucas (ghostwritten by Alan Dean Foster)
- Junior Novelization by Ryder Windham
- These novelizations are only canon when they match what happens onscreen. Everything else is Legends.
Star Wars Journal
- The Fight for Justice (Luke Skywalker) by John Peel
- Captive to Evil (Princess Leia) by Jude Watson
Death Star by Michael Reaves and Steve Perry
- The story begins 3 years before A New Hope and concludes near the end of the film.
Scoundrels by Timothy Zahn
Rebel Force (Books 1–5) by Alex Wheeler
- Target
- Hostage
- Renegade
- Firefight
- Trapped
Allegiance by Timothy Zahn
Rebel Force (Book 6) by Alex Wheeler
Galaxy of Fear (Books 1–8) by John Whitman
- Eaten Alive
- City of the Dead
- Planet Plague
- The Nightmare Machine
- Ghost of the Jedi
- Army of Terror
- The Brain Spiders
- The Swarm
Choices of One by Timothy Zahn
Galaxy of Fear (Books 9–12) by John Whitman
- Spore
- The Doomsday Ship
- Clones
- The Hunger
Honor Among Thieves by James S. A. Corey
Galaxies: The Ruins of Dantooine by Voronica Whitney-Robinson with Haden Blackman
Splinter of the Mind’s Eye by Alan Dean Foster
Razor’s Edge by Martha Wells
STAR WARS: EPISODE V – THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK
- Adult Novelization by Donald F. Glut
- Junior Novelization by Ryder Windham
- These novelizations are only canon when they match what happens onscreen. Everything else is Legends.
Shadows of the Empire (Multimedia Project)
- Adult Novel by Steve Perry
- Junior Novelization by Christopher Golden
STAR WARS: EPISODE VI – RETURN OF THE JEDI
- Adult Novelization by James Kahn
- Junior Novelization by Ryder Windham
- These novelizations are only canon when they match what happens onscreen. Everything else is Legends.
Star Wars Journal
- Hero for Hire (Han Solo) by Donna Tauscher
The Rise and Fall of Darth Vader by Ryder Windham
- The story spans from 6 years before Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace and to shortly after Return of the Jedi.
The Bounty Hunter Wars by K. W. Jeter
- The Mandalorian Armor
- Slave Ship
- Hard Merchandise
The Truce at Bakura by Kathy Tyers
A New Hope: The Life of Luke Skywalker
- The story spans from 4 years after Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith to shortly after Return of the Jedi.
Luke Skywalker and the Shadows of Mindor by Matthew Stover
Adventures of a Jedi Prince by Paul Davids and Hollace Davids
- The Glove of Darth Vader
- The Lost City of the Jedi
- Zorba the Hutt’s Revenge
- Mission from Mount Yoda
- Queen of the Empire
- Prophets of the Dark Side
Dark Forces (video game tie-in / illustrated novella #2–3) by William C. Dietz

Star Wars Books Set During The New Republic Era

5 ABY – 25 ABY

Although Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader are gone, the remaining Imperial factions wage war against the fledgling New Republic. The rebels must contend with an array of deadly enemies, including Director Ysanne Isard, Admiral Natasi Daala, the ancient Sith Lord Exar Kun, Grand Admiral Thrawn, and even the resurrected Emperor Palpatine. These last two villains appeared in the Thrawn trilogy by Timothy Zahn and the comic series Star Wars: Dark Empire by Tom Veitch and Cam Kennedy respectively, which collectively kicked off the modern Star Wars Expanded Universe in 1991.

X-Wing (Books 1–7)
- Rogue Squadron by Michael A. Stackpole
- Wedge’s Gamble by Michael A. Stackpole
- The Krytos Trap by Michael A. Stackpole
- The Bacta War by Michael A. Stackpole
- Wraith Squadron by Aaron Allston
- Iron Fist by Aaron Allston
- Solo Command by Aaron Allston
The Courtship of Princess Leia by Dave Wolverton
A Forest Apart: A Chewbacca Adventure (eBook) by Troy Denning
Tatooine Ghost by Troy Denning
The Thrawn Trilogy by Timothy Zahn
- Heir to the Empire
- Dark Force Rising
- The Last Command
The Life and Legend of Obi-Wan Kenobi by Ryder Windham
- The story spans from 12 years before Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace to 5 years after Return of the Jedi.
X-Wing (Book 8) by Michael A. Stackpole
The Jedi Academy Trilogy by Kevin J. Anderson
- Jedi Search
- Dark Apprentice
- Champions of the Force
I, Jedi by Michael A. Stackpole
Children of the Jedi by Barbara Hambly
Darksaber by Kevin J. Anderson
X-Wing (Book 9) by Aaron Allston
Planet of Twilight by Barbara Hambly
The Crystal Star by Vonda N. McIntyre
The Black Fleet Crisis Trilogy by Michael P. Kube-McDowell
- Before the Storm
- Shield of Lies
- Tyrant’s Test
The New Rebellion by Kristine Kathryn Rusch
The Corellian Trilogy by Roger MacBride Allen
- Ambush at Corellia
- Assault at Selonia
- Showdown at Centerpoint
The Hand of Thrawn Duology by Timothy Zahn
- Specter of the Past
- Vision of the Future
Scourge by Jeff Grubb
Junior Jedi Knights
- The Golden Globe by Nancy Richardson
- Lyric’s World by Nancy Richardson
- Promises by Nancy Richardson
- Anakin’s Quest by Rebecca Moesta
- Vader’s Fortress by Rebecca Moesta
- Kenobi’s Blade by Rebecca Moesta
Fool’s Bargain (eBook) by Timothy Zahn
Survivor’s Quest by Timothy Zahn
Young Jedi Knights by Kevin J. Anderson and Rebecca Moesta
- Heirs of the Force
- Shadow Academy
- The Lost Ones
- Lightsabers
- Darkest Knight
- Jedi Under Siege
- Shards of Alderaan
- Diversity Alliance
- Delusions of Grandeur
- Jedi Bounty
- The Emperor’s Plague
- Return to Ord Mantell
- Trouble on Cloud City
- Crisis at Crystal Reef

Star Wars Books Set During The New Jedi Order Era

25 ABY – 40 ABY

Luke Skywalker has successfully trained a new generation of Jedi Knights, but they are soon put to the test when the Yuuzhan Vong invade the galaxy. This race of deadly warriors despises technology, sacrifices people to their gods, and conquers every world in their path.

Most significant of all, the Yuuzhan Vong somehow exist outside the Force, making them formidable opponents for the Jedi. The conflict pushes the New Republic to the brink and divides the Jedi Order, with some like Jacen Solo questioning the role the Jedi should play and the true nature of the Force.

The New Jedi Order (Books 1–5)
- Vector Prime by R. A. Salvatore
- Dark Tide I: Onslaught by Michael A. Stackpole
- Dark Tide II: Ruin by Michael A. Stackpole
- Agents of Chaos I: Hero’s Trial by James Luceno
- Agents of Chaos II: Jedi Eclipse by James Luceno
Boba Fett: A Practical Man (eBook) by Karen Traviss
The New Jedi Order (Books 6–19)
- Balance Point by Kathy Tyers
  - Recovery (eBook) by Troy Denning
- Edge of Victory I: Conquest by Greg Keyes
- Edge of Victory II: Rebirth by Greg Keyes
- Star by Star by Troy Denning
- Dark Journey by Elaine Cunningham
- Enemy Lines I: Rebel Dream by Aaron Allston
- Enemy Lines II: Rebel Stand by Aaron Allston
- Traitor by Matthew Stover
- Destiny’s Way by Walter Jon Williams
  - Ylesia (eBook) by Walter Jon Williams
- Force Heretic I: Remnant by Sean Williams and Shane Dix
- Force Heretic II: Refugee by Sean Williams and Shane Dix
- Force Heretic III: Reunion by Sean Williams and Shane Dix
- The Final Prophecy by Greg Keyes
- The Unifying Force by James Luceno
Dark Nest by Troy Denning
- I: The Joiner King
- II: The Unseen Queen
- III: The Swarm War

Star Wars Books Set During The Legacy Era

40+ ABY

Following the Yuuzhan Vong War, the New Republic has been replaced by the Galactic Federation of Free Alliances. Hoping to prevent his visions of a galaxy consumed by war, Jacen Solo is gradually converted to the dark side and becomes the deadly Sith Lord Darth Caedus. He is eventually defeated by his sister, Jaina Solo, but this comes at great cost and strains the Jedi Order’s relationship with the Galactic Alliance in subsequent stories. Although the Star Wars novels end with Crucible by Troy Denning, the Legacy era continues through the Star Wars: Legacy comics.

Legacy of the Force
- Betrayal by Aaron Allston
- Bloodlines by Karen Traviss
- Tempest by Troy Denning
- Exile by Aaron Allston
- Sacrifice by Karen Traviss
- Inferno by Troy Denning
- Fury by Aaron Allston
- Revelation by Karen Traviss
- Invincible by Troy Denning
Crosscurrent by Paul S. Kemp
Riptide by Paul S. Kemp
Millennium Falcon by James Luceno
Fate of the Jedi
- Outcast by Aaron Allston
- Omen by Christie Golden
- Abyss by Troy Denning
- Backlash by Aaron Allston
- Allies by Christie Golden
- Vortex by Troy Denning
- Conviction by Aaron Allston
- Ascension by Christie Golden
- Apocalypse by Troy Denning
X-Wing (Book 10) by Aaron Allston
Crucible by Troy Denning

Star Wars Anthologies

Stories across the Legends timeline

Finally, there are several Star Wars anthologies collecting short stories from the Expanded Universe. Most of these were published in the 1990s and are primarily set around the time of the original Star Wars trilogy, while the Lost Tribe of the Sith short stories are set thousands of years before the movies. Because these stories are set at various points in the timeline, the anthologies have no definitive placement alongside the novels. Some details in these stories no longer align with the movies and TV shows, making it unclear how “canon” they are within the Star Wars Legends timeline.