TOP 30 Star Wars books for beginners! (LEGENDS & CANON)

[@Polydeuces0]

Timestamps: 03:46 The High Republic: Light of the Jedi 04:35 The High Republic: Rising Storm 05:14 The High Republic: Into The Dark 06:29 The High Republic: Out of the Shadows 07:03 Master & Apprentice 07:53 Dark Disciple 09:22 Ahsoka 10:05 New Thrawn Trilogy (Thrawn, Thrawn: Alliances, Thrawn: Treason) 12:37 Battlefront Duology (Battlefront: Twilight Company and Battlefront II: Inferno Squad) 15:17 Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens series, Junior books (The Weapon of the Jedi, Smuggler's Run, Moving Target) 17:42 Ronin: A Visions Novel 18:48 Heart of the Jedi 23:02 The Bounty Hunters Wars Trilogy (The Mandalorian Armor, Slave Ship, Hard Merchandise) 25:15 Force Unleashed & Force Unleashed II 26:11 Shadows of the Empire 27:50 The Last Tribe of Sith 28:48 Dawn of the Jedi: Into the Void 30:15 Splinter of the Mind's Eye 31:20 The Truce at Bakura 32:47 X-Wing: Rogue Squadron 34:53 Young Han Solo Trilogy (The Paradise Snare, The Hutt Gambit, Rebel Dawn) 37:41 Original Thrawn Trilogy (Heir to the Empire, Dark Forces Rising, The Last Command)

[@starwarstimeline]

Wow, that's very nice of you Polydeuces. Thanks!!

[@Polydeuces0]

@@starwarstimeline You are most welcome, sir! I hope it will prove useful to future viewers who like me want to get into canon (or Legends) books.

[@starwarstimeline]

Likewise. It's never late to start, and doesn't really matter where you begin.

[@Polydeuces0]

@@falafeleater8523 If you like Quigon and still didn't read it, I can recommend Jedi Apprentice series. Fun and easy read.

[@ImTheReverse]

@@falafeleater8523 Jedi Apprentice is 20 books long, there’s also Master and Apprentice. There’s also an Obi-Wan book coming out later this year featuring Qui-Gon called Padawan.

[@starwarstimeline]

I hope this helps new Star Wars readers! Don't forget to watch till the end and follow instructions on how to win a copy of the book! Good luck. 😎

[@hharrybboy]

This is insanely informative and well organized, even as an avid Star Wars reader I enjoy hearing some of another fan's favourites.

[@starwarstimeline]

I’m glad you found it useful. Hope there is a book or two you’re interested in reading

[@aadilsood_014]

i would also thoroughly recommend leis princess of alderman for canon, i just finished reading it and i really enjoyed it

[@starwarstimeline]

Yes!! That was a fantastic book. Claudia Grey is my favorite author from Canon era.

[@aadilsood_014]

@@starwarstimeline agreed!

[@macmiddlebrooks1]

This is very clear and to the point. I've been searching for a good vid to explain all of this, and here it is. Thank you so much.

[@starwarstimeline]

My pleasure Stephe. Glad I could help. Let me know if you have any other questions. It feels great introducing a next gen. of SW readers to all this material.

[@PapaPalps84]

Great list. I also highly recommend the Darth Bane Trilogy, Darth Plagueis, and Lost Stars

[@starwarstimeline]

Agreed, those are great books!

[@technodaisy18]

Hey Ben, absolutely loved your recommendations in this video too! I'm really excited to start reading the Star Wars EU with the Master & Apprentice book.

[@starwarstimeline]

That's awesome. I get super giddy when I see a new generation of Star Wars fans come and exp. these books for the first time! Hope you have tons of fun.

[@panamalgato]

Dude I just found your page. I really appreciate it. Little disappointing you didn't talk about Darth Bane. But he was the one that got me into a lot of the lore and wanting to dive deeper

[@starwarstimeline]

Thanks for the kind words. Darth Bane trilogy is excellent but I'm not sure I'd recommend it to a beginner reader. It requires some prerequisite reading. At least the Tales of the Jedi comics and the decent knowledge of KOTOR game lore.

[@StarWarsComplete]

This is a great list! So many of the books you picked up had me shaking my head in agreement. Many of these are on my "To Be Read" list and I hope to get to them soon. Especially Dawn of the Jedi! I also agree with you about Splinter of the Mind's Eye, it was such a strange story, but I actually really enjoyed it. Although knowing now that Luke and Leia are siblings, some of the scenes in that book make me uncomfortable. Lol

[@starwarstimeline]

At times Splinter felt like a pulpy horror story and not a space soap opera, but I'm glad you enjoyed it. LoL

[@Cakemstr]

Thanks for the recommendations defenetly reading the Thrawn trilogy and Shadow of the empire to start.

[@starwarstimeline]

Any time.

[@starwarstheology]

Wow, Star Wars TImeline. This is excellent work. I love your recommendations and reviews. This EU novel list is very useful. Thank you!

[@starwarstimeline]

My pleasure.

[@BryonTunks-m5x]

I truly love reading about Star wars right now I'm ready the thrawn. Ascendancy #

[@starwarstimeline]

Have fun!! There's lots to discover in Star Wars books.

[@datboisteve6992]

Except for The High Republic books, I actually own all of the Canon novels you mentioned. Dark Disciple was the first SW novel I EVER read, Plagueis was the first Legends novel I ever read. I'm waiting for phase one of THR to end before I buy all the books & comics, that way I can buy them all at once & read them one after the other w/o waiting for the next!!

[@starwarstimeline]

Yeah you’re gonna love THR. So many epic battles and awesome new characters.

[@returnofthefandom9357]

Excellent list and video! Its awesome you give both canon and legends their fair share of appreciation -Cody #HeartOfTheJedi

[@starwarstimeline]

My pleasure Cody. This is the goal - to unite the fans, not divide us!

[@TaterTaute]

As a lifelong Star Wars fans, I had always heard about the books and some of the general stories, and even borrowed my Uncle's Heir to the Empire when I was young (although I'm not sure if I even read it back then!). This year, I read through the original Thrawn Trilogy and then read a couple other novels soonafter. I'm now hooked on The High Republic (just started Phase 2) and I'm already planning out what in the EU to read next! Really appreciated your video!!

[@starwarstimeline]

My pleasure. Glad you enjoyed it. There is just so much to discover in both EU and current canon. I'd also highly recommend you look into the Dark Horse comics. Those were fantastic.

[@whytheheckarewedoinginhere1886]

You know how hard it to narrow that down....because I like it.

[@Awakendabeast13]

Awesome vids I saw a great vid on KZbin and resparked my love for Star Wars never read any books omg now I will read all of them thank you for this❤

[@starwarstimeline]

My pleasure. Enjoy the massive Star Wars book library!! There's tons to choose from, old and new.

[@edwardbloecher4563]

I bought Splinter from Scholastic book club in elementary school before Empire ever came out. Lol I've been reading Star Wars books for 40+ years lol. Yes I'm old!!!!

[@starwarstimeline]

Nice!! That must be an amazing experience. I say, so long that you still enjoy your favorite stories and have interest to play in this SW sandbocks you're a young soul!

[@edwardbloecher4563]

@@starwarstimeline I appreciate that Sir!! 😀

[@jeffmooney3991]

This was the best video i have found on Star Wars books very helpful. Thanks

[@starwarstimeline]

Thanks Jeff. Glad I could help.

[@Lucifer_isthereal_god]

Right on thanks for this. Gonna keep some of these ideas in mind. I recently bought the Thrawn trilogy(legends), the bane trilogy, Revan(because Revan is my favorite star wars character EVER), and the Han Solo trilogy(partially because he's my dad's favorite character).

[@starwarstimeline]

Nice. Also don't forget Han Solo's original trilogy from 1979 by Brian Daley. Those are really cool.

[@justheathers]

Thank you so much for this thorough video! Such an awesome reference guide that I have saved to refer back to!

[@starwarstimeline]

Glad you enjoyed it Heather and thanks for your support and kind words!)

[@desirees3539]

Hi there, I really enjoyed your selections. Thank you so much for the hard effort. I have 2 questions, hopefully you're still answering on this older post. 1. What is the name of that massive white book under The Heart of the Jedi? 2. Forgive me if you have it already, I will check but do you have a video that talks about the first Sith and beyond and how and where we can access those books to read more about them? I'm having a difficult time tracking down anything on Sith Master Ajunta Pall. Any help would be appreciated. As well as the other Sith Lords.

[@starwarstimeline]

Hey, thank you for the compliments. Glad you enjoyed my video. 1. The Massive white box under HOTJ is actually a box set of Imperial Handbook, The Bounty Hunter Code, Book of Sith and The Jedi Path hardcovers. Here is the link where you can buy it on amazon. They're a fun "journals" with pictures that detail each faction in Star Wars. amzn.to/3MMLSZg 2. The Early Sith including Ajunta Pall and their war with the Jedi are featured in what is known as "Tales of the Jedi" comics series. The later KOTOR games and novels are also inspired by this series. Just go to this page and click to "comics" section to see the individual issues and volumes where you can purchase these books. I highly recommend you read all the arcs of this series, from the "Golden Age" to the "Redemption". It's some of the best storytelling in SW. starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Star_Wars:_Tales_of_the_Jedi_(comic_series)#Comics

[@desirees3539]

@starwarstimeline omg you're the best! Thank you so much, I was really losing my mind trying to figure out how do I accomplish this. I'm finishing up the 3rd book in the Bane series and wanted to go back in the past before I get into Darth Plagueis. You're a gem in these Star Wars streets and you definitely have a new subscriber!

[@starwarstimeline]

Any time. I haven't produced new content lately but I'll probably start doing it again. Glad to help other fans get on their reading journey. Bane was one of the greatest trilogies in the franchise. Loved reading it.

[@ogurlz]

this video and your other videos have been INCREDIBLY helpful, thank you!

[@starwarstimeline]

Aw, thanks! It means a lot when my videos are helpful to my fellow SW readers!! Did you decide which book you're going to read?

[@ogurlz]

Yeah! I picked up the original thrawn trilogy just cause of how many people rave about it. I would love to go through this list in order after and go through each one haha. kinda a new star wars fan here going through mandalorian and clone wars after playing some swtor with friends. Can see myself getting hooked :) your passion and joy talking about star wars is infectious!

[@starwarstimeline]

Haha, welcome to the fandom. Hope you see the best parts of it)

[@amvsdaily8944]

i whatched video and i will read some of this i readed some but i have few left to read

[@starwarstimeline]

Trust me I have a lot of catching up to do myself! LoL

[@Farmboyz72]

Great video as always i appreciate all your hard work cant wait for more excellent videos.

[@starwarstimeline]

Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed the video. Don't forget to hashtag if you want the copy of the book.

[@kershawstumbris]

i have read a few of the already. i plan to dive into some of the very popular legends soon. love your book reviews and recommendations #heartofthejedi

[@starwarstimeline]

My pleasure. I hope this helps more newcomers discover the Expanded Universe and enjoy all those awesome books. Don't sleep on LEGENDS

[@spazialeee]

Hello man, I'm very glad to have found your videos about Star Wars literature, I got suscribed as they are really clear and well made! I was looking for someone to recommend books for beginners and there you are! Thank you for your work!

[@starwarstimeline]

It's my pleasure Alessandro. I've been reading them for a very long time and I still discover new things every day. It's nice to share with other fans and exchange information.

[@Islaa247]

Thank you so much for the amazing recommendations!! I also think you'd love Phasma by Delilah S. Dawson

[@StarWarsonHigh]

Very good video! I’m sure this is something a lot of fans would love to hear!

[@starwarstimeline]

Thanks. It feels great helping out fellow fans to get into the larger world of the EU

[@-septimus]

My first EU book I read myself was probably Republic Commando Hard Contact, which is great. Before that, I did listen to a few audiobooks on roadtrips with my parents.

[@starwarstimeline]

That's another series I gotta get into. I gave it to my friend to read, he's more into military sci fi and he loved it. So now he's been pestering me about reading it. LoL

[@-septimus]

@@starwarstimeline I've only ever finished Hard Contact, but it was really good. I'm trying to collect the entirety of Expanded Universe, so I'll circle back for the rest of the series eventually. #HeartoftheJedi

[@starwarstimeline]

Yeah, it took me years to complete the full collection. Best of luck on that.

[@-septimus]

@@starwarstimeline Thank you. I'm just enjoying the process.

[@edwardbloecher4563]

Lovin that shirt Sir!!!!!

[@starwarstimeline]

Appreciated lol

[@pandaemonaeonaeon]

Very nice video! What would you recommend to read after master ans apprentice and jedi lost,dooku,to follow up in Dooku's history??

[@starwarstimeline]

Thank you. If you're specifically interested in Dooku I highly recommend the Legends novel "Yoda: Dark Rendezvous". It explores Dooku's relationship to the order during the Clone Wars and fits into modern canon quite well.

[@pandaemonaeonaeon]

@@starwarstimeline thank you I'll check it!

[@juribe5202]

#HeartoftheJedi !!! Am i too late?! 😢😂 Loved hearing you speak. New ti the channel. Just been looking for a good chronological order of books bith legends and canon. I fjnd a huge list onlune and cane here and fund your recomendations are on the list (i think yhe lost kight be every single book published and planned on being published) haven't ever read a Star Wars book. Ive been watching a lot of the revenge of the sith novelisation and i just love the whole anakin pre Vader stuff. Im a huge fan of the sith and jedi and force sensitives and lightsaber action. Not a huge fan of the flying and soldiering and gunslinging. Would you recommend skipping those books? (Han solo or lando calrisian and the x wing stuff) and juwt trying to read anything about jedi and sith? Or do you really reccomend reading it all? Or at least trying it. I hope you have are having a wonderful time in everything and you are healthy and happy. I enjoyed your full video very muh. Sorry for the long comment and if you read this thank you for taking your time of the day :)

[@starwarstimeline]

Hey there Juri. You're absolutely NOT late! I've more books to give out. LoL If you're a huge fan of the Jedi teachings and the Sith/Jedi lore here are some recommendations. LEGENDS: I strongly recommend the "Darth Bane" trilogy. It's thousands of years before the movies and it goes deeply into the Sith Cult, their beliefs and how their order goes through a magor transformation because of one very ambitious person. Next, The Jedi Academy Trilogy by K.J. Anderson deals with Luke Skywalker establishing the first Jedi School after the events of EP6. If you're one of the fans who wished to see a more "badass" Luke in sequel movies, this trilogy is for you. From CANON, check out the recent Shadow of the Sith book that shows more aged Luke confront a resurging Sith acolytes. Another fantastic recent book is Master & Apprentice. It shows some of the more interesting dynamics between Jedi masters and their pupils. Hope that helps. Don't hesitate to ask more questions.

[@gabrielmarques5257]

The best books by far for me its the old thrawn trilogy, definitely want to check out the new one! #heartofthejedi

[@starwarstimeline]

The trilogy will always pop up in any recommendation conversation, no matter if I'm among friends or helping someone out online. It's such an essential work. I hope new generations of fans keep re-discovering it.

[@Lovewritinglife]

#heartofthejedi Love the video!!!!

[@keithrosenthal4757]

Great video buddy !

[@starwarstimeline]

Appreciate the kind words Sir!

[@DIEGhostfish]

I think Tales of the Bounty Hunters and Tales from Jabba's Palace work better for Boba Content.

[@starwarstimeline]

Thank you for sharing Dieg. I honestly can't speak to those books since I haven't read them yet. But you're right, I think an anthology of short stories set between EPIV and VI are always a great entry point. I should recommend those next time.

[@DIEGhostfish]

@starwarstimeline Mostly, I like how they handled Boba, Dengar, and espescially Zuckuss and 4LOM better than the BHWars

[@ScottCastle]

Great video man. Even though I have read tons of great Books in both canons I really enjoyed this video.

[@starwarstimeline]

Much appreciated. Which were some of your favorite titles from Legends and Canon?

[@ScottCastle]

@@starwarstimeline Lost Stars is a highlight from Canon. Legends.... Most underrated books are the Couruscant Knights Trilogy.

[@starwarstimeline]

@@ScottCastle Lost Stars was amazing. I haven't got to Couruscant Knights Trilogy yet but I def. will check it out. Bought the books first day.

[@csrobles74]

Wow! Best coverage for a newbie like me. Very informative and will follow your recommendations. Subscribed! #heartofthejedi

[@starwarstimeline]

Thanks Cesar. I'm glad I could help. It's such a pleasure helping others get into the rich Star Wars lore. There's so much to enjoy from both new and old.

[@holmesgirl3673]

This video was great! Very helpful! Thanks so much for doing it. #heartofjedi

[@starwarstimeline]

My pleasure. Glad you enjoyed it. There's so many great book to choose from.

[@ejnjobe]

Thank you so much for making such a comprehensive video. I love star wars but am a relatively new fan. I want to expand my horizon obviously. This gives me a good place (a couple good places actually) to start. #HeartoftheJedi

[@starwarstimeline]

My pleasure. Let me know if you have any questions and I'll be happy to help.

[@richardadcock5450]

#Heart of the Jedi

[@zaat9898]

Legend 😊

[@caseyw1050]

Such a good video! For some reason at first I thought the book next to you was a bucket of chicken 🤣🤷🏻‍♂️

[@starwarstimeline]

Lmao, that's "Heart of the Jedi"... haha. But very interesting comparions. Thanks for your kind words, and laughs.

[@connorliverio8778]

awesome video with great books #HeartOfTheJedi

[@starwarstimeline]

Thanks!! It makes it fun being a SW fan when others have use from your advice. Hopefully more readers will check out both Legends and Canon!

[@joeyws6]

#HeartoftheJedi...great viedo all excellent book choices👍👍

[@starwarstimeline]

Thanks, have you read any of these yourself??

[@joeyws6]

@@starwarstimeline All of Dark Disciple and about half of Thrawn and reall enjoyed them so far

[@starwarstimeline]

Nice. Dark Disciple blew my mind. Loved Quinlan and Asaj's relationship.

[@joeyws6]

That X Wing book sound good definitely will check that out also

[@starwarstimeline]

I can't recommend that series enough. Stackpole is just so good!

[@Cakemstr]

It's crazy how much Starwars material there is, yet Disney said nah.

[@starwarstimeline]

Disney & LucasFilm decided to start from scratch. At least they were very transparent with the fans since 2014 clearly stating they're not continuin the EU books. But thanks to them all of those titles are available in prints. Plus we get amazing HD remasters of the old-school Dark Horse/Early Marvel comics. They never said nah. Those books are around for old and new fans to check out. Enjoy it.

[@revelation7349]

Great video, perfect for beginners #heartofthejedi

[@starwarstimeline]

Thanks. And best of luck on winning a copy!

[@donkstamper1335]

#HeartOfTheJedi - I know I'm a little late but just in case I'm able to figure out how to get to travel to the World Between Worlds, I want to have all my ducks in a row.

[@starwarstimeline]

Not late at all my friend. Still quite a few Heart of the Jedi books to go around.

[@bharatsadhnani4370]

Very nice reviews, I think I will pickup the new thrawn trilogy thanks for your recommendation. 😄 #heartofthejedi

[@starwarstimeline]

My pleasure. Hope you enjoy it.

[@xavierordonez6546]

Awesome vid my man #HeartoftheJedi

[@starwarstimeline]

Glad you enjoyed it Xavier!!

[@jasonbonham2039]

Been a huge fan of the movies, shows, games and my son has become a huge fan himself. Now we are getting into the books and I felt lost on where to start to read with my son. This was a huge help on understanding the star wars timeline and universe. My son has chosen the legend Thrawn trilogy, so our Star wars book journey begins. Subscribed and look forward to more of your videos. #HeartoftheJedi

[@starwarstimeline]

@@jasonbonham2039 I'm glad I could help. I have specific videos going into detail what Star Wars timeline looks like. If you guys have any questions I'll be happy to help but the original Thrawn Trilogy is an excellent starting point.

[@starwarstheology]

Long Live the The Heart of the Jedi! #heartofthejedi

[@starwarstimeline]

I wonder if Kenneth will continue to write. He still has passion for it. Imagine writes more self published Star Wars books?

[@starwarstheology]

@@starwarstimeline My interaction with Kenneth in EBN was very good. He loves Star Wars very much and you can tell he is a big fan. His conversations are priceless. He also believes that someone must have read the novel because the Season 2 finale is clearly parallel to Chapter 1 of The Heart of the Jedi. Thanks, Star Wars Timeline!

[@starwarstimeline]

@@starwarstheology I used to follow ENB but all the sequel hate got annoying fast. It really serves no one ignoring fans who enjoy new content.

[@starwarstimeline]

Congratulations my friend! You have one a copy of "Heart of the Jedi". Please reach out with your personal info where to ship the book. FaceBook Star Wars Timeline group is a comfortable way of doing it. If you have other social media or e-mail you can let us know.

[@heydon2012]

Just came across your video and now heart of the Jedi on eBay Is being sold for £299.99

[@starwarstimeline]

Yeah some folks are taking advantage but we are giving away the book for free. Besides you can always read it for free.

[@heydon2012]

@@starwarstimeline yes I have also been lucky enough to.get a signed copy by the author of star wars ronin , every cloud .....:)

[@starwarstimeline]

@@heydon2012 Haha, I did an interview with Heart of the Jedi author Kenneth Flint. Check it out. He's such a sweet person, I'd never take advantage of his work. I'd rather give them away for free.

[@colinmoore8169]

love the content, dropped a sub. #HeartOfTheJedi

[@starwarstimeline]

Thank you for the kind words Colin.

[@colinmoore8169]

@@starwarstimeline Your welcome, My favorite character is Darth Sidious, so i loved Plagueis. I just started getting into Star Wars books very recently. Do you have any recommendations for Sidious heavy books.

[@starwarstimeline]

Yes. Totally read Cloack of Deception. That book shows his true genius, how he was playing the long game decades before Jedi ever realized what's happening. I loved that book!

[@danieljames9322]

Is this Legends or disneywars?

[@starwarstimeline]

It's both Legends and the good portion of Disney Star Wars, which I don't follow much lately but those are still exceptional books who understood George's vision.

[@chase7646]

#heartofthejedi

[@JReese2013]

#Heartofthejedi

[@starwarstimeline]

"Good luck. You'll need it!"

[@Starwarsfearsome]

Anyone else just create a new head canon and merge canon and legends books together and have fun like that?

[@starwarstimeline]

Sorry I'm not sure I follow. Hope the video was helpful in easily discerning what you can easily pick and choose from both sides.

[@Starwarsfearsome]

@@starwarstimeline sorry, your video was fantastic. basically when I read canon and legends books I put them in my own order and pretend they are all in the same timeline. Like you said it’s all for fun.

[@starwarstimeline]

It's all good. That's honestly the best way to do it, tailor the book order to your personal preferences.

[@brianmelendy1194]

Avoid Cannon books and stick with Legends and you'll be fine. #HeartOfTheJedi

[@starwarstimeline]

It's all Star Wars to me. Canon has as much thrills, excitement and some of the best storytelling in the franchise to date. All it takes is an open mind.

[@assassin77able]

#heartofthejedi

[@starwarstimeline]

Good luck on winning!)

[@E90_Alpine_White]

#Heartofthejedi

[@starwarstimeline]

Good luck!! I'm a bit late with announcing the winner, just giving folks a couple of more days before the Christmas but look out for the winner video coming shortly.

[@sandermertens9309]

#heartofthejedi

[@starwarstimeline]

Best of luck on winning!

[@carsondota1845]

#heartofthejedi

[@omahalite3609]

#heartofthejedi

[@HarryPotterPs1fan]

#heartofthejedi

[@starwarstimeline]

Good luck on winning!

[@BenDoverson120]

#heartofthejedi

[@starwarstimeline]

Good luck! I'll be announcing the winners in a few days.

[@victorm8884]

#heartofthejedi

[@starwarstimeline]

Good luck Victor. I'll be announcing the winners tomorrow most likely.

[@Lovewritinglife]

#heartofthejedi

[@starwarstimeline]

Good luck on scoring a copy.

[@ShorePointsAudits]

#heartofthejedi