What Order to Read Star Wars Books: A Galactic Guide to Navigating the Expanded Universe

The Star Wars universe is vast, encompassing not just the iconic films but also an extensive collection of books that expand upon the lore, characters, and events of the galaxy far, far away. For fans looking to dive into the literary side of Star Wars, the question of “what order to read Star Wars books” is a common one. The answer, however, is not as straightforward as one might hope. The order in which you read these books can significantly impact your understanding and enjoyment of the saga. In this article, we’ll explore various reading orders, discuss the pros and cons of each, and provide recommendations for both new and seasoned fans.

1. Chronological Order: Following the Timeline

One of the most logical ways to approach the Star Wars books is to read them in chronological order according to the in-universe timeline. This method allows readers to experience the events of the Star Wars galaxy as they unfold, from the earliest days of the Old Republic to the aftermath of the Sequel Trilogy.

Pros:

• Consistency: Reading in chronological order ensures that you experience the story as it was meant to unfold, without jumping back and forth in time.
• World-Building: This approach allows you to see the evolution of the galaxy, its politics, and its characters over time.
• Context: You’ll gain a deeper understanding of the events and characters that shape the Star Wars universe.

Cons:

• Spoilers: If you’re not familiar with the films, reading in chronological order may spoil key plot points from the movies.
• Pacing: Some periods in the Star Wars timeline are more densely packed with events than others, which can lead to uneven pacing.

Recommended Chronological Reading Order:

1. Dawn of the Jedi (e.g., Dawn of the Jedi: Into the Void by Tim Lebbon)
2. The Old Republic (e.g., Deceived by Paul S. Kemp)
3. Rise of the Empire (e.g., Darth Plagueis by James Luceno)
4. The Prequel Era (e.g., Master & Apprentice by Claudia Gray)
5. The Original Trilogy Era (e.g., Lost Stars by Claudia Gray)
6. The Sequel Trilogy Era (e.g., Bloodline by Claudia Gray)
7. The New Jedi Order (e.g., Vector Prime by R.A. Salvatore)

2. Release Order: Experiencing the Evolution of Star Wars Literature

Another approach is to read the books in the order they were published. This method allows you to experience the evolution of Star Wars literature, from the early days of the Expanded Universe (now known as Legends) to the current canon under Disney.

Pros:

• Historical Context: Reading in release order gives you insight into how the Star Wars universe has grown and changed over time.
• Authorial Intent: You’ll experience the books as they were originally intended, without the influence of later works.
• Nostalgia: For long-time fans, this order can evoke a sense of nostalgia, as you revisit the books that first expanded the Star Wars universe.

Cons:

• Inconsistencies: The Star Wars canon has undergone significant changes over the years, leading to inconsistencies between earlier and later works.
• Spoilers: If you’re new to Star Wars, reading in release order may spoil key plot points from the films.

Recommended Release Reading Order:

1. Legends Era (e.g., Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn)
2. New Jedi Order Series (e.g., Vector Prime by R.A. Salvatore)
3. Legacy of the Force Series (e.g., Betrayal by Aaron Allston)
4. Fate of the Jedi Series (e.g., Outcast by Aaron Allston)
5. Canon Era (e.g., A New Dawn by John Jackson Miller)

3. Character-Centric Order: Following Your Favorite Characters

For fans who are particularly attached to certain characters, a character-centric reading order can be a rewarding way to explore the Star Wars books. This approach involves reading books that focus on specific characters, such as Darth Vader, Princess Leia, or Ahsoka Tano.

Pros:

• Depth: This method allows you to delve deeply into the lives and motivations of your favorite characters.
• Focus: By concentrating on a single character or group of characters, you can avoid getting overwhelmed by the sheer volume of Star Wars literature.
• Emotional Connection: Following a character’s journey from book to book can create a strong emotional connection to the story.

Cons:

• Limited Scope: Focusing on one character may mean missing out on other important events and characters in the Star Wars universe.
• Spoilers: If you’re not familiar with the broader Star Wars story, this approach may lead to spoilers.

Recommended Character-Centric Reading Orders:

• Darth Vader:

  1. Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader by James Luceno
  2. Lords of the Sith by Paul S. Kemp
  3. Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith (Comic Series) by Charles Soule

• Princess Leia:

  1. Leia: Princess of Alderaan by Claudia Gray
  2. Bloodline by Claudia Gray
  3. The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher

• Ahsoka Tano:

  1. Ahsoka by E.K. Johnston
  2. Star Wars: The Clone Wars (TV Series)
  3. Star Wars: Rebels (TV Series)

4. Thematic Order: Exploring Specific Themes or Eras

For readers interested in exploring specific themes or eras within the Star Wars universe, a thematic reading order can be a great option. This approach involves selecting books that focus on particular aspects of the galaxy, such as the Sith, the Jedi, or the Galactic Civil War.

Pros:

• Focus: This method allows you to concentrate on the themes or eras that interest you the most.
• Depth: By focusing on a specific theme, you can gain a deeper understanding of that aspect of the Star Wars universe.
• Variety: You can mix and match books from different timelines and authors to create a unique reading experience.

Cons:

• Fragmentation: This approach can lead to a fragmented understanding of the Star Wars universe, as you may miss out on important connections between different themes and eras.
• Spoilers: If you’re not familiar with the broader Star Wars story, this approach may lead to spoilers.

Recommended Thematic Reading Orders:

• The Sith:

  1. Darth Bane: Path of Destruction by Drew Karpyshyn
  2. Darth Plagueis by James Luceno
  3. Dark Disciple by Christie Golden

• The Jedi:

  1. Master & Apprentice by Claudia Gray
  2. Jedi Apprentice Series by Jude Watson
  3. The Jedi Path: A Manual for Students of the Force by Daniel Wallace

• The Galactic Civil War:

  1. Lost Stars by Claudia Gray
  2. Battlefront: Twilight Company by Alexander Freed
  3. Alphabet Squadron by Alexander Freed

5. Hybrid Order: Combining Multiple Approaches

For those who want the best of all worlds, a hybrid reading order can be an excellent choice. This approach involves combining elements of chronological, release, character-centric, and thematic orders to create a personalized reading experience.

Pros:

• Flexibility: This method allows you to tailor your reading experience to your interests and preferences.
• Comprehensiveness: By combining different approaches, you can gain a more comprehensive understanding of the Star Wars universe.
• Engagement: This approach keeps the reading experience fresh and engaging, as you switch between different types of books.

Cons:

• Complexity: Creating a hybrid reading order can be complex and time-consuming.
• Spoilers: If you’re not careful, this approach can lead to spoilers, especially if you’re not familiar with the broader Star Wars story.

Recommended Hybrid Reading Order:

1. Start with the Prequel Era (e.g., Master & Apprentice by Claudia Gray) to understand the origins of the Jedi and Sith.
2. Move to the Original Trilogy Era (e.g., Lost Stars by Claudia Gray) to explore the Galactic Civil War.
3. Dive into the Sequel Trilogy Era (e.g., Bloodline by Claudia Gray) to see the aftermath of the Empire’s fall.
4. Explore Character-Centric Stories (e.g., Ahsoka by E.K. Johnston) to delve deeper into specific characters.
5. Finish with Thematic Stories (e.g., Darth Bane: Path of Destruction by Drew Karpyshyn) to explore specific aspects of the Star Wars universe.

Conclusion

The order in which you read Star Wars books can greatly influence your experience of the galaxy far, far away. Whether you choose to follow the chronological timeline, read in release order, focus on your favorite characters, explore specific themes, or create a hybrid reading order, each approach offers its own unique benefits and challenges. Ultimately, the best order is the one that aligns with your interests and enhances your enjoyment of the Star Wars universe.

Related Q&A

Q: Are the Star Wars books considered canon? A: The Star Wars books published after 2014 are considered part of the official canon, while those published before are part of the Legends continuity. However, some elements from Legends have been reintroduced into the canon.

Q: Can I read Star Wars books without watching the movies? A: While it’s possible to enjoy the books without having seen the movies, watching the films will provide important context and enhance your understanding of the characters and events.

Q: Are there any Star Wars books that are essential reading? A: Some essential reads include Lost Stars by Claudia Gray, Darth Plagueis by James Luceno, and Thrawn by Timothy Zahn. These books are highly regarded for their storytelling and contributions to the Star Wars lore.

Q: How do I know if a Star Wars book is part of the canon or Legends? A: Books published before 2014 are part of the Legends continuity, while those published after are part of the official canon. Additionally, the publisher usually indicates whether a book is canon or Legends on the cover or in the book’s description.

Q: Are there any Star Wars books that focus on the Sith? A: Yes, several books focus on the Sith, including Darth Bane: Path of Destruction by Drew Karpyshyn, Darth Plagueis by James Luceno, and Dark Disciple by Christie Golden. These books provide insight into the Sith’s philosophy, history, and characters.