You know how it starts. 

“A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…”

You likely know the stories, too, to some extent: They’re modern mythology. The farm boy, the princess and the scoundrel with a heart of gold. The dark lord and the evil empire. How that dark lord rose, and fell, and what came after.

But there’s an awful lot more to it than that.

It’s understating the matter to say that there’s a wealth of Star Wars material beyond the 11 (almost 12—”The Mandalorian and Grogu” arrives May 22) movies and multiple TV shows that make up that galaxy far, far away. Even without the plethora of nonfiction (from technical ship guides to tomes on how to make galactic drinks), hundreds of novels, stories and comic, manga and graphic novels flesh out the worlds and characters we know and love or love to hate. 

There’s so much out there, both canon and non-canon, that it can be difficult to figure out where to start. If you’re curious, however, here’s a guide on the (highly subjective) wide world of Star Wars novels and stories. 

(Disclaimer: It’s unlikely that any one person has read everything the Star Wars library has to offer. This is one admittedly Gen X fan’s take on things, and it’s failing in some areas, such as the High Republic and many junior novels. And maybe we have different opinions. Maybe you love “The Crystal Star.” You do you.)

Canon Star Wars material, for the most part, is that from the main movies/novelizations and the time after the Walt Disney Company acquired Lucasfilm in 2012. There are also levels of canon. Much of what was developed in the novels and stories before 2014 is now considered Legends material, or non-canon stories.

If you like the original trilogy, read The Thrawn Trilogy–Legends by Timothy Zahn

The Thrawn trilogy includes the novels “Heir to the Empire” (1991), “Dark Force Rising (1992) and “The Last Command” (1993). These books were a revelation for those of us who grew up with the original trilogy—“A New Hope” (1977), “The Empire Strikes Back” (1980) and “Return of the Jedi” (1983). Picking up five years after “Return of the Jedi” with the classic characters of Luke, Han, Leia and more, they also introduced the eponymous Grand Admiral Thrawn and other memorable characters, including some of my favorites (oh, Mara Jade, I miss you). Even if you liked the sequel trilogy (again, you do you), this take on the next steps in the Star Wars galaxy makes for a fantastic story. Thrawn and some other characters also have sidestepped into canon in Star Wars Rebels and other media, and it’s worth seeing where they got their start. 

Honorable mention: There could be a lot here, but I’m going to go with “The Princess and the Scoundrel” (2022) by Beth Revis for all of us Leia/Han fans out there. They go on their honeymoon. Trouble ensues.

If you like the prequel movie trilogy, “Labyrinth of Evil” and “Dark Lord” by James Luceno

“Labyrinth of Evil” (2005) is a direct prequel to “Revenge of the Sith” (2005), while “Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader” (2005) is set right after the movie, which is the third in the prequel series, which also includes “The Phantom Menace” (1999) and “Attack of the Clones” (2002). They flesh out the tragic story of Anakin Skywalker in a painfully real way, although these books are considered Legends material now.

Honorable mention: “Brotherhood” (2022) by Mike Chen (a story of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker as Jedi Knights) and “Master and Apprentice” (2019) by Claudia Gray (Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan).

If you like the sequel movie trilogy, read “Resistance Reborn” by Rebecca Roanhorse

Set after “The Force Awakens” (2015) and “The Last Jedi” (2017), “Resistance Reborn” (2019) sets the stage for “The Rise of Skywalker” (2019). Roanhorse is an amazing author in any universe, and it’s great to see her take on the Star Wars canon. 

Honorable mention: “The Last Order” (2025) by Kwame Mbalia is a YA novel that picks up the stories of Finn and Jannah after “The Rise of Skywalker.”

Future honorable mention: “Star War: Legacy” by Madeline Roux will be released July 28, 2026, and deals with Leia and Rey, two of my favorite characters in any Star Wars tale. 

If you like “Rogue One,” read “Catalyst” by James Luceno

A prequel of sorts to “Rogue One” (2016), “Catalyst” (2016) presents backstory for Galen Erso and his family … and for Orson Krennic, Ben Mendelsohn’s scene-stealing character in this movie and “Andor” Season 2. 

Honorable mention: “Rebel Rising” (2017) by Beth Revis. This YA novel focuses on Jyn Orso before the events of “Rogue One.” Also, “Guardians of the Whills” (2017) by Greg Rucka, focusing on Baze and Chirrut.

If you like “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” read “The Han Solo Adventures: Star Wars Legends” by Brian Daley.

Bear with me here. Yes, they’re old enough to be the parent of “Solo: A Star Wars Story” (2018). Possibly grandparent. But the three books of this original Solo trilogy are excellent reading for anyone who loves the characters. This compilation collects the trilogy’s three volumes: “Han Solo at Star’s End,” “Han Solo’s Revenge” and “Han Solo and the Lost Legacy.”

Honorable mention: “The Lando Calrissian Adventures” (1983) by L. Neil Smith. Includes “Lando Calrissian and the Mindharp of Sharu,” “Lando Calrissian and the Flamewind of Oseon” and “Lando Calrissian and the Starcave of ThonBoka.” Are they campy and very ‘80s? Yes. Are they entertaining? Also, yes. 

Stay tuned for thoughts on what to read if you love the Star Wars live-action and animated TV shows. And May the Fourth be with you.

About the writer

Jill Keppeler is a writer and editor from Buffalo, N.Y. She’s an avid reader who has really has far too much comic book and sci-fi lore taking up space in her brain.