May the 4th Be With You!

The 10 best 'Star Wars' novels according to Goodreads

Books have been a key part of the vast Star Wars universe since its inception, starting with A New Hope, a 1976 novel that actually preceded the original 1977 film it is based on, written by George Lucas himself. In total, more than 400 books have been written, including graphic novels, movie novelizations, and expanded storylines.

In 2014, Disney/Lucasfilm rebranded the massive Expanded Universe as Star Wars Legends and established their own official Star Wars Disney Canon of novels. We're celebrating Star Wars Day—May 4—with this roundup of the ten best Star Wars novels, according to Goodreads.  

The Top Ten

Based on the numbers and average rating of reader reviews, these stellar titles are the ultimate Star Wars novels available.

Path of Destruction by Drew Karpyshyn

On the run from vengeful Republic forces, Dessel, a cortosis miner, vanishes into the ranks of the Sith army, joining the bloody war against the Republic where his singular brutality and cunning set him apart. This Legends novel is the first in a trilogy chronicling the rise of the fearsome Sith lord Darth Bane.

Thrawn by Timothy Zahn

One of the most cunning and ruthless warriors in the history of the Galactic Empire, Grand Admiral Thrawn has earned an iconic status as one of the most captivating villains in the Star Wars universe. This is the first installment of a trilogy chronicling his origins and the story of his rise in the imperial ranks.

Revenge of the Sith by Matthew Woodring Stover

As combat escalates across the galaxy, the stage is set for an explosive endgame. Based on the final film in Lucas’s epic saga, this novelization, part of The Dark Lord trilogy, crackles with action, captures the iconic characters in all their complexity, and brings a space opera masterpiece full circle in stunning style.

Chaos Rising by Timothy Zahn

Nestled within the swirling chaos of the Unknown Regions beyond the edge of the galaxy is the Ascendancy, home to the enigmatic Chiss and the Nine Ruling Families that lead them. This Canon novel is the first in the Thrawn Ascendancy trilogy chronicling Thrawn's beginnings as a bright young military officer.

Darth Pagueis by James Luceno

Darth Plagueis the Wise and his ambitious acolyte, Darth Sidious, aka Palpatine, target the galaxy for domination—and the Jedi Order for annihilation. But can they defy the merciless Sith tradition? Or will the desire of one to rule supreme, and the dream of the other to live forever, sow the seeds of their destruction?

Master & Apprentice by Claudia Gray

A Jedi must be a fearless warrior, a guardian of justice, and a scholar in the ways of the Force. But perhaps a Jedi's most essential duty is to pass on what they have learned. Master Yoda trained Dooku; Dooku trained Qui-Gon Jinn; and now Qui-Gon has a Padawan of his own, the young Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Dark Disciple by Christie Golden

The only way to bring down the Sith's most dangerous warrior may be to join forces with the dark side. Based on unproduced episodes of The Clone Wars, this is the thrilling story of Asajj Ventress, former Sith apprentice turned bounty hunter and one of the great antiheroes in the Star Wars galaxy.

Kenobi by John Jackson Miller

Obi-Wan Kenobi has lost everything—everything but hope. Hiding out on the desolate planet Tatooine, he's drawn reluctantly into the fight between the farmers and Sand People. It's an unlikely place to find a Jedi Master, not to mention the orphaned infant on whose tiny shoulders rests the future of a galaxy.

Ahsoka by E. K. Johnston

After the devastation of Order 66, Ahsoka is unsure she can be part of a larger whole ever again. Fans have long wondered what happened to Ahsoka between her time with the Jedi Order and her appearance as the mysterious Rebel operative Fulcrum. Finally, her story is being told.

Bloodline by Claudia Gray

Leia, now a respected senator, is reluctant to step into the new role of First Senator. As the daughter of Darth Vader, she distrusts anyone holding such a powerful position—even if it's herself. But a new enemy may make this path Leia's only option. For at the edges of the galaxy, a mysterious threat is growing.

Pre-Order the Next Star Wars Novel, coming out Nov. 11

Star Wars: Master of Evil by Adam Christopher

In the wake of Emperor Palpatine's rise to power, the true nature of his most sinister enforcer remains a mystery. Following the events in Revenge of the Sith, a newly forged Darth Vader hunts for the secrets of life and death under the watchful eye of Emperor Palpatine.

Happy Star Wars Day to the legions of Jedi-level fans around the world! May the force be with you.

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Read more by Ashly Moore Sheldon