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A Complete Guide to Canon Star Wars Books


One of the most fun parts of the Star Wars franchise is the expanded universe novels and comics. While we love the big-budget extravaganzas that are the movies, the books can explore the galaxy far, far away in a unique way. They can establish new characters, introduce weird and exotic aliens and expand on tiny threads that the movies simply do not have the time to explore. The books don’t have to worry about budget since it doesn’t cost anything to write about epic space battles, weird aliens and strange planets which could cost millions of dollars to create on-screen. One of the saddest announcements to come out recently was the end of the old Expanded Universe. The Han Solo Trilogy, The Thrawn Saga, Mara Jade, the adventures of the next generation of Jedi were all kicked out of canon. This allowed the writers of the sequel trilogy to start creating on a blank canvas. And it opened up space for a new Expanded Universe saga of novels.Here is a complete guide to canon Star Wars books:

  1. Dark Disciple

    This novel stars two popular side characters from The Clone Wars animated series; Asajj Ventress and Quinlan Vos. They team up to take down Count Dooku and come to terms with their budding romantic feelings towards each other. When The Clone Wars was canceled, the team at Lucasfilm had plenty of scripts to use. Not wanting to let them go to waste, they adapted them into comics and this novel. Dark Disciple is a must read for any fan of The Clone Wars. It wraps up Asajj Ventress’ character arc and ultimate fate beautifully. It gives us more insight into Quinlan Vos. And it also has a giant mantis shrimp. Which is awesome. Christine’s Golden’s prose is sharp and has the lighting quick action straight from The Clone Wars television series. Fans of The Clone Wars and it’s characters are sure to enjoy this adventure!

  2. Catalyst

    This novel takes place before Rogue One and during The Clone Wars Era of Star Wars. It brings the focus onto the lives of Galen, Lyra and Jyn Erso before the events of the movie. As the conflict between the Republic and the Separatists rages on, the Eros are helped by one Orson Krennic who gives them refuge and Galen an opportunity to continue his research. But Lyra suspects their new benefactor might have darker motivations and intentions. The book expands on what the movie couldn’t, showing us what Jyn’s childhood was like and expanding on the character of Lyra. The relationship between Krennic and Galen is shown and developed to the point we see in the movie. It’s a fascinating look at what Rogue One could only hint at.

  3. Ahsoka

    This novel also focuses on a Clone Wars fan favorite. Ahsoka was the teenage padawan of one Anakin Skywalker. She left the Jedi Order after being falsely accused of treason and terrorism. This novel explores what happened to her afterwards and how she became a member of the Rebel Alliance. This is definitely an interesting time for Ashoka. She’s not sure if she can be part of something greater than herself after the Jedi Order metaphorically burned her so badly. As the novel progresses, she grows and changes, and watching that change is fascinating. For fans of audiobooks, the audiobook of Ahsoka is narrated by Ashley Eckstein, the voice actress for the character. Whether you read or listen to Ahsoka, you’ll be sure to enjoy the book!

  4. Lords of the Sith

    This adventure stars none other than Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader themselves! When a rebellion on Ryloth starts to get out of hand, the Emperor and his faithful apprentice go down planetside to squash it. But when circumstances leave them stranded, the relationship between master and student is tested as they must find their way out. It shows the characters at their most brutal as they put down an insurrection against the Empire and do whatever it takes to get off the planet. Paul S. Kemp perfectly captures Vader and Palpatine and brings forth what we love to hate about them. Clone Wars characters also make an appearance. Cham Syndulla, father of Hera from Rebels, serves as the story’s antagonist, leading the Resistance on Ryloth against the Empire. Fans of Vader and the Empire will definitely want to pick this up.

  5. Tarkin

    Another book Empire fans will want to check out is Tarkin by James Luceno. As the title suggests, it covers the life of Grand Moff Tarkin. It shows his childhood and his rise to the title of Grand Moff within the Empire. Luceno captures the voice of the character and the arrogance that Peter Cushing wonderfully portrayed on screen. The novel goes inside Tarkin’s head and explores how he can commit such horrible acts. And don’t worry, Vader fans, our favorite Dark Lord of the Sith is in there too. The book is a great exploration of inner workings of both Tarkin and the Empire itself. It shows us how evil works and thinks. Readers understand, but perhaps not agree, with one of the most terrible people in the Empire’s machine.  

  6. A New Dawn

    If you aren’t a fan of the Empire and prefer some scrappy Rebels, don’t worry, there’s books for you too. A New Dawn tells this story of Kanan Jarrus and Hera Syndulla. The book covers how they meet and the events before the Rebels cartoon. A New Dawn was the first book of the new Star Wars canon, kicking off the new universe with a bang! There’s plenty of action, adventure and excitement to go around. Fans of the Rebels cartoon will definitely want to give this a read. The book shows Kanan and Hera before they became the unofficial Mom and Dad to the Ghost crew. It shows how they forged their bond and sets up their relationship for the cartoon. Whether you're here for the characters or the action and adventure, A New Dawn is a fun ride!

  7. Lost Stars

    Lost Stars is a different kind of Star Wars novel. Most of the novels focus on galactic politics and the people entangled in them. Lost Stars, however, is a romance. Don’t worry it’s not a tawdry, bodice ripping grocery store romance. Rather, it’s a Romeo and Juliet-like story of two people caught on the opposite side of a galaxy-spanning conflict. Thane Kyrell and Ciena Ree are childhood sweethearts and join the Imperial Academy together. But, Thane cannot stand the atrocities committed by the Empire and joins the Rebellion. Ciena finds herself caught between her loyalty to Empire and her love for Thane. It’s a smaller story set against a giant conflict, and gives readers an idea of what the ordinary people of the Star Wars galaxy went through while our heroes saved the day.

  8. Battlefront: Twilight Company

    Fans of Call of Duty and Star Wars: Battlefront will enjoy this gritty novel about the Sixty-First Mobile Infantry, better known as Twilight Company. They’ve resisted the oppression of the Empire longer than anyone else. They’ve been fighting against waves of stormtroopers since the beginning of the Rebel Alliance. They’re war-weary, grizzled but still up for a fight. When the Rebel Alliance orders them to fall back, they comply. But an new ally changes the equations and provides an opportunity to attack at the center of the Empire’s military machine. The Twilight Company must now defy orders, for the good of their cause. This down and dirty novel will delight fans of the Battlefront video game as well as those who enjoyed the gritter aspects of Rogue One. Check it out and see what you think!

  9. Heir to the Jedi

    After his stunning victory at the Battle of Yavin, Luke is given an assignment to find a codebreaker that could be crucial to the Rebellion. At his side are R2-D2 and a new character, the beautiful and brash Nakari Kelen. The companions dodge everything the Empire has to throw at them with nothing but their wits, each other and The Force at their disposal. The novel is a fun start to the new expanded universe. You don’t need to read other EU novels to get the full story. This novel is the first to tell a story from the first-person perspective of Luke Skywalker himself! It’s a rip-rollicking tale of espionage, action and a little bit of Force action. Fans of the original Star Wars characters and want to see more of Luke will definitely enjoy this novel.

  10. Aftermath

    As the title suggests, this takes place in the aftermath of the Galactic Civil War. The back flap of the book put it best, “The second Death Star has been destroyed, the Emperor killed, and Darth Vader struck down-—devastating blows against the Empire, and major victories for the Rebel Alliance. But the battle for freedom is far from over.” While on a reconnaissance mission, fan favorite pilot Wed Antilles is captured. What he learns while in captivity could change the Rebel Alliance's victorious status. He send out a message to the heroine of the novel, Norra Wexely. Now Norra must find a way to stop the Empire from recouping their resources and returning to oppress the galaxy. Chuck Wendig is a master of the writing craft and delivers an exciting novel with colorful characters and plenty of space fights. If you want to know what happened to the Rebel Alliance and the Empire after Return of the Jedi, this is the book to pick up. Aftermath is also notable for including the first gay protagonist, Sinjir. The book took an important step in improving representation for everyone.

  11. Aftermath: Life Debt

    Chuck Wendig continues the story of Norra Wexely in this follow up to his first Star Wars novel, aftermath. As Norra Wexely chases Admiral Rae Slone across the galaxy, Han Solo and Chewbacca go to liberate the Wookie homeworld of Kashyyyk. But, on their mission Solo and Chewbacca go missing. It’s up to Nora Wexley and her crew to find the Wookie and General Solo. Anyone interested in the story started in Aftermath should pick up this novel. Fans of Armitage Hux may also want to grab this one off the shelves. After all, this is this novel where the character’s first name and backstory is revealed.

  12. Aftermath: Empire’s End

    The final book in the Aftermath Trilogy shows the final death knell for the Empire. It shows us the battle of Jakku, the remnants of which Rey scavenges from in The Force Awakens. Our heroine, Norra Wexley is after the leader of the Imperial Remnant, Admiral Rae Sloane for the Admiral’s crimes against the galaxy. For her part, Sloane is chasing the traterious Gallius Rax to Jakku where the Imperial Fleet orbits. A thrilling chase takes place as the Battle of Jakku builds and builds to a climax where the fate of the galaxy is to be determined.

  13. Bloodline

    The final book on this list turns it’s focus to our beloved Princess- now Senator - Leia Organa. Leia has been keeping busy since the time of the Original Trilogy. She’s been serving in the Senate of the New Republic and advocates for more direct action against the First Order. As threats to the New Republic, external and internal grow, Leia forms the Resistance. This shows her thought process in forming the Resistance. It also shows how she copes with being the daughter of one of the most hated men in the galaxy; Darth Vader. This novel is a must read for Leia fans. Director of The Last Jedi Rain Johnson had input on the novel. Hopefully, he’ll return to the ideas and themes set up in Bloodlines!

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