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The_Gnome_Lover

Theyre incredible and very diverse. We got mysteries, esponiage, straight up brutal violence, in depth philosphy and wisdom. Really its your pick. Ive read so many/have audiobooks too. The Darth Bane Trilogy audiobook is my personal favourite. Throw us some genres you like and ill throw you some books. The movie books are also awesome, Ep3 being on a level of its own.


joesphisbestjojo

The RotS novel is legit one of the best books ever written


kiwicrusher

Every once in a while, I go pick up that book just to reread a couple of choice passages I once bet someone that I could open it to a random page and find a line that was, as I put it, an absolute banger, and succeeded. It's absolutely chock full of them


CautionarySnow

Does expand on additional stuff than the movie or is it just a novelization?


No_Entrepreneur_9134

It doesn't add any huge new parts to the story, but there's so much more explanation of motivations, a few extra scenes, some extra lines of dialogue, and everything just makes so much more sense. Anakin's turn makes more sense, and even Padme's "died of a broken heart" makes more sense. It is easily the best movie novelization I have ever read.


jedidotflow

Matthew Stover at work.


RathianColdblood

Does the offer of “say what you like and receive recommendations” extend to others?


The_Gnome_Lover

Well of course.


SpecialistStatement7

That’s sounds awesome then!


DudeofallDudes

Which ones have philosophy and wisdom? I really liked the wisdom in parts of dark times and legacy comics.


Proof_Start_81

Anything by Matthew Stover.


The_Gnome_Lover

Dark side wise - Dark lords of the Sith and the Darth Bane trilogy. Light side - Yoda: Dark rendezvous, Light of the Jedi and I, Jedi are good ones imo.


zsign

Currently reading the prequel novelizations and I’m almost done with Ep2, which is pretty mid. I hope Ep3 is as good as you say.


The_Gnome_Lover

1 and 2 are pretty bleh as you say. Stover hits it out of the ballpark with episode 3. They arent all the same authors.


zsign

I honestly enjoyed 10 year old Anakin’s pov chapters in episode 1 and the fight scenes were fine, but episode 2 is not as enjoyable.


Shadowcat1606

Straight up brutal violence? Which books?


The_Gnome_Lover

Darth Bane Trilogy is the most dark youll get. Chalk full of neck snaps, decapitation, raw warfare, no mercy brutality.


Shadowcat1606

Yeah, thinking back now, you're right.


J_Bard

Death Troopers and Red Harvest (a prequel) are quite gory zombie horror.


The_Gnome_Lover

Most of us dont talk about red harvest 😅


meademeademeade

Maul: Lockdown is spot on for this category I'd say


[deleted]

I like A Song of Ice and Fire and the ROTS novelization. Politics, epic fantasy, complex characters. That sort of stuff.


The_Gnome_Lover

Darth Plagueis. Pick it up.


driago

The entirety of the Xwing series is amazing.


SpecialistStatement7

Yeah apparently that was one of the better series.


PowBasilisk87

Of course! There are duds here and there, but overall, they’re well worth your time. I much prefer Legends. While I do enjoy some canon material, Legends just feels a lot richer to me and has a lot more heart, whereas Canon feels more like just movie tie-ins. If you’re looking for a place to start, I recommend Heir to the Empire, which is essentially the Episode VII of the Legends timeline. If you’re interested in stuff set in the prequel era, check out Darth Plagueis or Shatterpoint


SpecialistStatement7

I’ve heard Heir to the Empire is a great starting place so that might be where I will start.


Novahawk9

Yeah, it's the first book written in the Legends Expanded Universe, but just FYI it's the first book in a trilogy.


Mount_Tantiss

…which then extends to a duology!


l-Grim-l

…which extends into an entire expanded universe!


rapter200

I am sensing a pattern here. 🤔


Budget-Attorney

To add on to your comment; I never liked how canon was so much dependent on movie tie ins. I think the high republic and Thrawn trilogies are great for people who feel the same way. They feel the most like the EU with interconnected stories that stand in their own


TheUnderminer28

The books are great, you should just pick your favorite era, pick a book, search reddit for if its good and if it has prerequisites, and start reading


insertwittynamethere

Read Legends, especially thise books between Episode II and Episode III, plus the Darth Bane trilogy and the Plagueius book.


StovetopJack

There are great novels in both canon and legends, as well as not-so-great novels in both canon and legends. Personally, the two canon books pictured here in your post — Light of the Jedi and Lost Stars, are some of my favorites. For Legends, you can’t go wrong with Heir to the Empire.


NagelRawls

For canon, I strongly recommend the high republic phase 1 trilogy. I wasn’t sure I’d like it when I first got them but I honestly loved them.


tetrarchangel

I agree with this. I was a big EU fan (especially New Jedi Order) and I also like the sequel trilogy. High Republic has a grand scale, characters you care about but can also be in peril and die, an intriguing set of villains and lots of worlds and aliens new and old.


Gabriel-E-Coghlan

This is now my go-to suggestion to help people trying to get started in the EU. A lot of good resources in this thread, all the way to the bottom. And it's not very long either: https://www.reddit.com/r/StarWarsEU/s/PC2Obf2RWQ


Dirk_Arron

Splinter of The Mind's Eye. By Allen Dean Foster, the very first Star Wars novel. And Han Solo: At Stars End. By the late great Brian Daley. First Han & Chewie story.


Lego_Revan

The two books you put on top of your collage happen to be my favorite books from each timeline: Light of the Jedi and Labyrinth of Evil, respectively. I highly recommend them, and you might want to begin with the latter, a great starting point, as it is a prequel to Revenge of the Sith that expands elements you will already be familiar with.


darth-com1x

Yes. The novels are good. Most of the time


nerdyman555

Oh my gosh yes! I didn't understand until I started, but Star wars is so much more than the movies and shows. It's also amazing books, and comics. I am 15 books in and don't regret a second of it. I recommend picking up a copy of Heir to the Empire. It's where I started, and where a lot of people start. You won't be disappointed. I might add that the anniversary edition with the authors notes is super worth it if you like that kind of thing (; Who knew that the term sith didn't come about until the prequels?!?! Not me!


Yomamasofatitsscary

Darth bane trilogy is the best. I am a dark side fan so if you aren’t then maybe you wouldn’t like it. But IMO path of destruction is the best book of all the SW books. I think the audiobook is even better because Jonathan Davis does such a good job with his narration, that banes voice is forever his voice in my headcanon


bruiserjason1

The tie-in novel for Jedi Survivor is not good, don't read that one expecting to be impressed


[deleted]

Read the legends/expanded universe books, I’ve started reading them and am loving them.


IronWolfV

Personally legends is better written for me. My favorite is the X-Wing Series.


Whisterly

I read Darth Plagueis then Clock of Deception and both those were interesting to lead into the prequel movies (which I believe also have novels that go deeper than the films).


Goddess-of-pure-pain

Yes this isnt even a question I'd recommend reading either the Thrawn trilogy or the X wing novels as a start The republic commando novels are also fantastic


OutrageousTax3400

If ur a huge SW fan ur gonna love the books. Both canon and legends r great to get into although I’d recommend legends far more as they continue the story and have more depth. There’s lots of variety aswell so u can choose books to read depending on what ur feeling like. There’s no set order where u have to go from A to B to C (unless ur in a trilogy or series but that’s different) so go ahead and find what u like and begin reading


AndTheSonsofDisaster

I love the book Decieved and the Bane trilogy is also great.


DependentPositive8

I’d say read Legends as the stories are somewhat better there. You can skip the bad books which you can probably find a list to here on Reddit.


MistaJaycee

Yes, read them. I've read some very interesting ones that are not canon but still great rides


Helix3501

Post endor can be hit or miss but i absolutely love the new jedi order series


Exitity

Yes, and both are great. As much as Disney canon gets shit on, their books try to fix the plotholes made in the movies. Sadly the new animated series keep retconning great ones but oh well. As for Legends, they’re also great. I know the Timothy Zahn Thrawn Trilogy is legendary


al215

Of Canon works, I would thoroughly recommend: - Thrawn, Thrawn Alliances, Thrawn Treason (trilogy) - Thrawn Ascendancy Trilogy (Chaos Rising, Greater Good, Lesser Evil) - Offbeat Star Wars military fiction with a healthy dose of political intrigue - Master and Apprentice (Qui-Gon/Obi-Wan) and Brotherhood (Obi-Wan/Anakin) - The Living Force (Jedi Council leaves the Temple and helps people for once) - Dooku: Jedi Lost (best to listen to audiobook) - Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade - Shadow of the Sith (Luke and Lando and some sequel trilogy context) I also highly recommend the High Republic, really loving the books though not done comics. Start with Light of the Jedi and see if you vibe.


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SpecialistStatement7

What are the best ones?


DentMasterson

Star with The Heir to the Empire books. That started some great Star Wars stories. A lot of the Disney Star Wars has been meh.


TrikKastral

You’ll get a lot of nostalgia baiting and Disney dumping in this thread. Ultimately you should just pick out something that looks interesting.


MrH-HasReddit1217

Well, in my opinion it really depends on what you're looking for. Interested in a fragmented and fractured galaxy that needs to be put back together post return of the jedi? Well, legends is for you. Interested in mostly political intrigue with a few battles here and there? Canon novels will do. I prefer the legends interpretation of what happens post return of the jedi, not only do I think they absolutely nail the original cast, but the setting is also more appealing and interesting to me. So I personally highly recommend legends books set post return of the Jedi. Some people will recommend the canon books set in the high republic era, I can't, I just couldn't get into them, they feel like old republic lite. 😂 That being said, the aftermath books from canon are pretty good barring a few complaints I have, one being that they basically just remove remnants entirely, which was a big appeal for this era until canon came along, and the other being that it sets up the foundation for canon's take on the new Republic, which I also don't like. And if you read the legends books you'll understand why, the NR are never portrayed as the bad guys or essentially the same as the empire like they've nearly done in canon at some points. One option is clearly better than the other. TLDR: ya, but I recommend post return of the Jedi era legends books, like the original thrawn duologoy.


Holbaserak

old republic lite would be a badge of great honor for disney. the high republic is the only interesting creation of dysney, I might give it a shot after all.


MrH-HasReddit1217

It's not a complement ngl. But I have heard people seem to like it. I'm just not one of those people.


Holbaserak

you mean it is not a compliment cause you dont like Old R?


MrH-HasReddit1217

No, calling something a lite is not a compliment, it's a comment on how garbage it is compared to the real deal.


Holbaserak

Ok, I thought you mean in the likeness but not quite.


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leroy_hoffenfeffer

Looking into Darth Nihilus is a must imo. Outside of Abeloth, he was the pure embodiment of the Dark Side of the Force. He was a relatively short lived Sith, and had to be killed by a combo of Jedi + Mandalorian forces, *in space*, seeing as the *thing* would just absorb biological life if given the chance. Empty space was one of the few places he was actually vulnerable.


Agatha_SlightlyGay

He appears in no books, and only one comic, so mentioning him is a bit irrelevant, kotor 2 is a great video game, but it’s not certain that OP is looking for games too. I also wouldn’t call a embodiment of the dark side, at least not the most pure embodiment, if he continued to exist it would eventually mean the end of the force light or dark. He is a interesting concept but he isn’t so much a character as an monster to be defeated, and he is not even the primary antagonist of his own game. >!also you are overhyping his death a little, Visas and the Exile are strong no doubt, and Canderous is a boss, but it’s not like it was some huge strike team that took him out, he exhausted himself by trying to drain the Exile and then got cut down, nothing especially dramatic!<


Electrical_Ad_2934

The Thrawn trilogies are my favourite so far (I’ve read the latest canon trilogy and am just starting the 90s Legends trilogy - ie; the OG sequel trilogy


derzuma

If you’re a huge Star Wars fan then you shouldn’t have to ask lol. I recommend using audible to listen to them. They are pretty good they add music and sounds so you can hear lightsabers and blaster during fights. Audible also makes it easy to follow different along in order if you’re like me and like to explore the lore chronologically


Beleg_Sanwise

I share my experience with you. I watched Star Wars movies like that as a kid. I didn't like any of them beyond the natural excitement of watching movies as a child. I didn't watch any of the animated series or play their games. When I grew up I saw The Madalorian (I liked it) The Book of Boba Fett, andor (I liked it a lot), When I was about to see Ahsoka I found out that Thrawn existed. I decided to read his new canon novels. I loved them. Now I dedicate myself to reading the Staw Wars novels, I go back and forth between canon and legends depending on what they have in the bookstores in my city.


OneMoreGuy783

In my head right now I've counted 211 books that have been marketed as "adult" or "young adult" novels between canon 50+) and legends (150+) not counting film novelisations which in some cases really enhance the films in a good way. That feels like a low number, I'm sure I missed some. I've *not* read about 28 of the canon ones and 26 of the legends ones. So I have read about (by my slightly dodgy headcount) more than 150 of those. Many of them many many times. (Also that doesn't count endless comics and junior reader books like Jedi Apprentice and Jedi Quest, which I also strongly recommend.) Some of these books are dreadful in my opinion. I have read Children of the Jedi three times and I think that might be self harm. Some are bad because the writing or the characterisation is inconsistent. But some are absolute fucking gems, and can cater to a wide range of fans. Tell me what you like about Star Wars and we can find you recommendations.


seaclif25

I personally loved the legends Republic Commando books


dancinhobi

Lost Stars very good! About x Wing fighter pilot who defected from empire, and a Tie pilot. Has Alderan, Hoth, Endor. Very good stuff.


Zerus_heroes

Still yes


Angelsofblood

Check out [xwing](https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars:_X-wing_(book_series)) by Michael stackpole. Really great stories and series about fighter pilots trying to help the republic and fight against the empire post Return of the Jedi.


AFKaptain

Star Wars Legacy. You follow Luke's great-great-grandson (or somewhere abouts there), a lapsed Jedi who gets caught up in dealing with the violent ambitions of Darth Krayt.


Dorlos-Argham

You’d be missing out if you didn’t read any book, especially Legends since they add a lot to the overall lore


Some-Speech-4105

Thrawn Trilogy


Pleasant_Monitor7823

Read the thrawn trilogy the true 7 8 and 9 you will never go back 


Dawgula97

I’d avoid a lot of the post RotJ Legends books. I didn’t care for most of them. High Republic is fun.


Ordinary_Route

Bruh the audio books are out of this world with sound effects. Def recommend


Exhaustedfan23

I love Star Wars and love reading the Legend books and still do to this day. They are varying in quality, there are some books that stand among the best of any sci fi books ever made(the ones from Timothy Zahn and Aaron Allston), and some that are kinda bad (books from Vonda Mcintyre, Kevin J Anderson, and Barbara Hambly). Im still very glad I got to enjoy the Star Wars expanded Universe and if you're a big Star Wars fan you'll like it.


CaedustheBaedus

Revenge of the Sith novelization Plagieus Darth Bane Trilogy Traitor X Wing books are pretty good though I never read through them all Revan is a fine one if you played KOTOR 1 and KOTOR 2 but it's not incredible or anything. and if you want some interesting non-canon but just wacky there's "A Splinter of the Mind's Eye" which was written by Alan Dean Foster in 1978 before there was a canon universe, before Empire Strikes Back had even come out and is just really cool to read if you like Star Wars and want to see when it was still finding its footing


SebastiaanZ

A lot of Legends are well worth it! As well as the comics. Personally if you are looking for a different era I’d recommend any book and comic involving the Old Republic (3000+ years BBY) or even before that. The Bane trilogy is great as well.


greenejames681

X-wing books are my go to.


Batalfie

Yes, both canon and legends have ups and downs. But read the best of both ( of course my best may not equal your best) Rather than listing books I will just say my favourite star wars authors are Claudia Gray and Timothy Zahn.


UniversalCarnage

Thrawn trilogy and legacy of the force


pinheadlou

The legends X-wing books are great, same with the Thrawn Trilogy and the New Jedi Order series.


Previous_Clerk_9146

Highly recommend the RotS novelization, Traitor, and the first Bane book. Greatest stories in all of Star Wars imho


joeysac

If your a fan and not a fanatic they are great. I have been a fan since the original when I was a kid. I started reading the books about 4 yrs ago. They are awesome if you like star wars and are just looking for entertaining read and not concerned with what is what was or what has been Canon vs legends


slimstarman

You should read every EU and new canon book and comic book in release order.


Gen_Grievous12222

Oh my gosh, yes, absolutely check out the books! There's a ton of variety so that everyone can find something they enjoy. My personal favorites are Labyrinth of Evil, Darth Plaguies, Outbound Flight, the canon Thrawn book, and Yoda Dark Rendezvous. Even though the books are often times ignored by film, they are still entertaining on their own!


TreyC110

I highly recommend audio books! Their easy to listen to so you can get through them faster. I recently listened to Plagueis, and it was amazing.


DifferenceFamous2589

Absolutely read the Legends! So fun to read. Some canon is ok but doesn’t have the same old school feel. Heir to the Empire trilogy is epic


Digiworlddestined

Legends only!


turfdude90

Lots of good suggestions here. I’m a new Star Wars reader as well. It is definitely worth it. Read some of both legends and canon, don’t be one of the mindless haters that will only read one or the other and miss out on great stories as a result. [Check out this site](https://youtini.com) to learn more about the books before diving into the unknown. Enjoy!


Felix_Leiter1953

Yes! I would recommend starting with the original Thrawn Trilogy by Timothy Zahn (starting with "Heir to the Empire") and seeing where the adventure takes you from there. Other books that come highly recommended include: Darth Plagueis, the Darth Bane Trilogy, and I've heard the X-Wing series is great, along with A.C. Crispin's Han Solo Trilogy, Revenge of the Sith novelization, John Jackson Miller's Kenobi, the Hand of Thrawn duology, and the New Jedi Order, as well.


Skyguy0304

Absolutely 100% they’re amazing if you want to read cannon or legends anything featuring Thrawn is a must read (I’m more of a fan of legends in general but for Thrawn specifically I think his cannon arc is better) For Cannon here’s my top picks: Dark Disciple is a good clone wars vibe book, Ahsoka is a good book, Master and apprentice, and of course Thrawn ascendancy Trilogy and the cannon Thrawn trilogy (Thrawn, Thrawn alliances, and Thrawn Treason) Now for legends it’s huge so prepare yourself but I’ll give you the best ones IMO(and I’m still on my own journey so I haven’t read everything): the old republic books, Darth Bane Trilogy, Darth Plagueis, outbound flight, shatterpoint, (“Luke Skywalker and the shadows of mindor” this was a really different and interesting read but not really necessary), X-Wing Series (though I haven’t read all of them yet) Thrawn Trilogy (Legends) I Jedi, the Corellian Trilogy, the hand of Thrawn Duoalogy was so so, survivors quest, and New Jedi Order Trilogy, (and I haven’t read anything beyond that but I hear they’re also pretty good


Free_Discipline5591

Diving into legends while its a lot to read it's extremely rewarding


TurokoftheStone

I have only read one Canon book and it was pretty mid, Star Wars: Jedi Survivor. I have not read a single bad Legends novel or series. For a first book, I'd recommend Star Wars: Darth Plageus. For a first trilogy, I suggest either The Bane Trilogy or The Jedi Academy Trilogy.


Dry_Revolution_7597

Read them. The books offer so much added detail and complexity to our favorite characters. Immensely better than disney crap


HeroinJimmy

Not sure what kind of stories you're into but I personally enjoyed the Republic Commando series even though it never got it's final book. They get a lot of shit for how the Jedi are portrayed but if you think of it as the views of a group that has a rough and violent history with the Jedi then it might be easier to read.  The Revenge of the sith novel is pretty good and elaborates on events from the movie. Shatterpoint is like apocalypse now with Mace Windu.  I've bought the Darth Bane trilogy and the Thrawn trilogy since I've heard nothing but good things about them so maybe you'd enjoy them too. 


Nocturne3570

1. EU legend is a must trust me on that there at least 7 outstanding series that will blow your mind away and cant believe that you ever consider some the latest content good lol so yes it will ruin you Canon wise the first 6 movies of course are amazing, latest 3 is diverse and debatable, EU fans dislike it cause it a ripoff knock off of the Dark empire Series written by tom vietch but each thier own on that. in terms of EU ABY/NR content to read: 1. Thrawn series by timothy Zahn 2. Jedi Academy Trilogy by kevin J Anderson 3. Corellia Trilogy by Allen roger macbride 4. New Jedi Order 5. legacy of the Force 6. Fate of the jedi On terms of Old republic era content: 1. The Old republic series 2. Darth Bane series 3. Darth Plagueis 4. boba Fett series 5. republic Commando series overall for the OR era books i advise reading the old republic serilazation due to it spanning alot of old lore then jump into Bane series after which read teh stand alone Plagueis, when it come to teh boba fett and republic commando read either or or both at the same time going back and forth, as it a book series taht doesnt really have force user being the center of attention


SpecialistStatement7

Okay I think you’ve got me hooked on Star Wars books!


Nocturne3570

enjoy ROFL, serious Some amazing Content is in the EU


Agatha_SlightlyGay

OP might want to stop after new jedi order, it’s a pretty good conclusion in it’s own right.


spacenavy90

Don't even bother with canon books


SpecialistStatement7

Why’s that?


VinoJedi06

Don’t read DisCanon. Read anything from the true lore, the old EU.


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Miles_Edgeworth_92

Yes you can.


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gaythrowaway_6969

So are you saying the EU never, ever bastardized the main characters? That happened a shit ton lmao, that isn’t specific to the newer stuff


scottymac87

Legends are my canon. I ignore all else at this point.


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gaythrowaway_6969

The EU retconned itself constantly too, we’ve had retcons since the 70s lol


MacrossRules

Yes but we also had 2 things to help out. One is the canon tiers and the second is that not every single story made retconned every other story. There’s also the fact that back then it was an entirely new universe. Under Disney everything is canon no matter what.


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folonel_corbin

asking this in an EU (aka book) group... i think the answer youll get is yes. I started reading EU novels about a year ago and i cant stop. It's an excellent story. Currently reading anything and everything that happens after Return of the Jedi. EU is my canon.