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Updated 01/14/25

STAR WARS RECOMMENDED READING ORDER

We have a full breakdown of our recommended reading order and why we so frequently recommend it on our post
The Best Star Wars Book Reading Order. But here is the short version: Start with the Youtini Foundational Five‍, read all
the newest novels within 30 days of their release (use our release schedule), use the Youtini Ideal Reading Order
(see below), and pick books based on what you like (use our reading collections).

TIER 1: MUST READ

These books are some of the best books to read first. They are the highest quality, important to the EU, and are an
absolute blast to read. If you’re trying to find the best parts of Canon and Legends alike, Level 1 books should be your first
priority.

#1 Lost Stars by Claudia Gray ​

#2 Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith by Matthew Stover ​
#3 Kenobi by John Jackson Miller ​
#4 Master & Apprentice by Claudia Gray ​
#5 Bloodline by Claudia Gray ​
#6 Darth Bane: Path of Destruction by Drew Karpyshyn ​
#7 Darth Bane: Rule of Two by Drew Karpyshyn ​
#8 Darth Bane: Dynasty of Evil by Drew Karpyshyn ​
#9 Thrawn by Timothy Zahn ​
#10 Leia, Princess of Alderaan by Claudia Gray ​
#11 Dooku: Jedi Lost by Cavan Scott ​
#12 Darth Plagueis by James Luceno ​
#13 Most Wanted by Rae Carson ​
#14 Dark Disciple by Christie Golden ​
#15 The High Republic: Light of the Jedi by Charles Soule ​
#16 The High Republic: The Rising Storm by Cavan Scott ​
#17 The High Republic: The Fallen Star by Claudia Gray ​
#18 The High Republic: Convergence by Zoraida Córdova ​
#19 The High Republic: The Battle of Jedha by George Mann ​
#20 The High Republic: Cataclysm by Lydia Kang ​
#21 The High Republic: Path of Vengeance by Cavan Scott ​
#22 The High Republic: Tales of Light and Life by Various ​
#23 The High Republic: The Eye of Darkness by George Mann ​
#24 The High Republic: Defy The Storm by Tessa Gratton & Justina
Ireland
​

#25 The High Republic: Temptation of the Force by Tessa Gratton ​

#26 The High Republic: Tears of the Nameless by George Mann ​
#27 Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn ​
#28 Dark Force Rising by Timothy Zahn ​
#29 The Last Command by Timothy Zahn ​
#30 Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel by James Luceno ​
#31 Alphabet Squadron by Alexander Freed ​
#32 Alphabet Squadron: Shadow Fall by Alexander Freed ​
#33 Alphabet Squadron: Victory's Price by Alexander Freed ​
#34 The Princess and the Scoundrel by Beth Revis ​
#35 The Living Force by ​
#36 Thrawn Ascendancy: Chaos Rising by Timothy Zahn ​
#37 Thrawn Ascendancy: Greater Good by Timothy Zahn ​
#38 Thrawn Ascendancy: Lesser Evil by Timothy Zahn ​
#39 The Paradise Snare by A.C. Crispin ​
#40 The Hutt Gambit by A.C. Crispin ​
#41 Rebel Dawn by A.C. Crispin ​
#42 Aftermath by Chuck Wendig ​
 #43 Aftermath: Life Debt by Chuck Wendig ​
#44 Aftermath: Empire's End by Chuck Wendig ​
#45 Star Wars The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire by Chris
Kempshall
​

#46 Phasma by Delilah S. Dawson ​

#47 Inquisitor: Rise of the Red Blade by Delilah S. Dawson ​
#48 Brotherhood by Mike Chen ​
#49 Labyrinth of Evil by James Luceno ​
#50 Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader by James Luceno ​
#51 Thrawn: Alliances by Timothy Zahn ​
#52 Thrawn: Treason by Timothy Zahn ​
#53 Queen's Shadow by E. K. Johnston ​
#54 Queen's Peril by E. K. Johnston ​
#55 Queen's Hope by E. K. Johnston ​
#56 Resistance Reborn by Rebecca Roanhorse ​
#57 Shadow of the Sith by Adam Christopher ​
#58 Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise Of Skywalker - Expanded
Edition by Rae Carson
​

#59 Ahsoka by E.K. Johnston ​

#60 Outbound Flight by Timothy Zahn ​
#61 Scoundrels by Timothy Zahn ​

TIER 2: SHOULD READ

These books are good, and there’s nothing wrong with being good! These books may not be as perfect as those in the level
above them, but they all still maintain a high level of quality and can promise a lot of fun for the reader. Once you’ve finished
Level 1, Level 2 should be your next goal if you are seeking the most well-rounded experience.

#62 From A Certain Point of View: The Empire Strikes Back by

Various Authors
​
#63 From a Certain Point of View: Return of the Jedi by Various
Authors
​

#64 Doctor Aphra: An Audiobook Original by Sarah Kuhn ​

#65 Ronin: A Visions Novel by Emma Mieko Candon ​
#66 Lords of the Sith by Paul S. Kemp ​
#67 Rebel Rising by Beth Revis ​
#68 Last Shot by Daniel José Older ​
#69 Tarkin by James Luceno ​
#70 Solo: A Star Wars Story: Expanded Edition by Mur Lafferty ​
#71 Crimson Climb by E.K.Johnston ​
#72 Galaxy’s Edge: A Crash of Fate by Zoraida Córdova ​
#73 The High Republic: Into the Dark by Claudia Gray ​
#74 The High Republic: Out Of The Shadows by Justina Ireland ​
#75 The High Republic: Tempest Runner by Cavan Scott ​
#76 The High Republic: Tempest Breaker by Cavan Scott ​
#77 The High Republic: Midnight Horizon by Daniel Jose Older ​
#78 The High Republic: Path of Deceit by Tessa Gratton, Justina
Ireland
​

#79 Galaxy’s Edge: Black Spire by Delilah S. Dawson ​

#80 X-Wing: Rogue Squadron by Michael Stackpole ​
#81 X-Wing: Wedge's Gamble by Michael Stackpole ​
#82 X-Wing: The Krytos Trap by Michael Stackpole ​
#83 X-Wing: The Bacta War by Michael Stackpole ​
#84 X-Wing: Wraith Squadron by Aaron Allston ​
#85 X-Wing: Iron Fist by Aaron Allston ​
#86 X-Wing: Solo Command by Aaron Allston ​
#87 X-Wing: Isard's Revenge by Michael Stackpole ​
#88 X-Wing: Starfighters of Adumar by Aaron Allston ​
#89 X-Wing: Mercy Kill by Aaron Allston ​
#90 Battlefront II: Inferno Squad by Christie Golden ​
#91 Padawan by Kiersten White ​
#92 Rogue One by Alexander Freed ​
#93 A New Dawn by John Jackson Miller ​
#94 The Old Republic: Revan by Drew Karpyshyn ​
#95 The Old Republic: Deceived by Paul S. Kemp ​
#96 The Old Republic: Fatal Alliance by Sean Williams ​
#97 The Old Republic: Annihilation by Drew Karpyshyn ​
#98 Maul: Lockdown by Joe Schreiber ​
#99 Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter by Michael Reaves ​
#100 The Glass Abyss by Steven Barnes ​
#101 Lost Tribe of the Sith: The Collected Stories by John Jackson
Miller
​

#102 Force Collector by Kevin Shinick ​

#103 Republic Commando: Hard Contact by Karen Traviss ​
#104 Republic Commando: Triple Zero by Karen Traviss ​
#105 Republic Commando: True Colors by Karen Traviss ​
#106 Order 66: A Republic Commando Novel by Karen Traviss ​
#107 Imperial Commando: 501st by Karen Traviss ​
#108 Shatterpoint by Matthew Stover ​
#109 Coruscant Nights I: Jedi Twilight by Michael Reaves ​
#110 Coruscant Nights II: Street of Shadows by Michael Reaves ​
#111 Coruscant Nights III: Patterns of Force by Michael Reaves ​
#112 The Last Jedi by Michael Reaves ​
#113 Allegiance by Timothy Zahn ​
#114 Choices of One by Timothy Zahn ​
#115 Empire and Rebellion: Razor's Edge by Martha Wells ​
#116 Empire and Rebellion: Honor Among Thieves by James S. A.
Corey
​

#117 Shadows of the Empire by Steve Perry ​

#118 The Mandalorian Armor by K.W. Jeter ​
#119 Slave Ship by K.W. Jeter ​
#120 Hard Merchandise by K.W. Jeter ​
#121 Jedi Search by Kevin J. Anderson ​
#122 Dark Apprentice by Kevin J. Anderson ​
#123 Champions of the Force by Kevin J. Anderson ​
#124 The Courtship of Princess Leia by Dave Wolverton ​
#125 Clone Wars Gambit: Stealth by Karen Miller ​
#126 Clone Wars Gambit: Siege by Karen Miller ​
#127 The Clone Wars: Wild Space by Karen Miller ​
#128 Ambush at Corellia by Roger MacBride Allen ​
#129 Assault at Selonia by Roger MacBride Allen ​
#130 Showdown at Centerpoint by Roger MacBride Allen ​
#131 Specter of the Past by Timothy Zahn ​
#132 Vision of the Future by Timothy Zahn ​
#133 Betrayal by Aaron Allston ​
#134 Bloodlines by Karen Traviss ​
#135 Tempest by Troy Denning ​
#136 Exile by Aaron Allston ​
#137 Sacrifice by Karen Traviss ​
#138 Inferno by Troy Denning ​
#139 Fury by Aaron Allston ​
#140 Revelation by Karen Traviss ​
#141 Invincible by Troy Denning ​
#142 Millennium Falcon by James Luceno ​
#143 Outcast by Aaron Allston ​
#144 Omen by Christie Golden ​
#145 Abyss by Troy Denning ​
 #146 Backlash by Aaron Allston ​
#147 Allies by Christie Golden ​
#148 Vortex by Troy Denning ​
#149 Conviction by Aaron Allston ​
#150 Ascension by Christie Golden ​
#151 Apocalypse by Troy Denning ​
#152 The Clone Wars Anthology: Stories of Light and Dark by Various
Authors
​

#153 Poe Dameron: Free Fall by Alex Segura ​

#154 Tales from the Mos Eisley Cantina by Various Authors ​
#155 Tales of the Bounty Hunters by Various Authors ​
#156 Tales from Jabba's Palace by Various Authors ​
#157 Tales from the Empire by Various Authors ​
#158 Tales from the New Republic by Various Authors ​
#159 Myths & Fables by George Mann ​
#160 Dark Legends by George Mann ​
#161 Life Day Treasury by George Mann & Cavan Scott ​
#162 Star Wars Insider: The High Republic: Starlight Stories by
Charles Soule, Justina Ireland, Cavan Scott
​
#163 Star Wars Insider: The High Republic: Tales of Enlightenment by
George Mann
​

TIER 3: COULD READ

Get to these books when you’ve finished off the gems in Levels 1 and 2. A lot of these books vary dramatically in quality and
often offer an average to mediocre experience. Get to them if you like, because sometimes, you don’t have to be too
picky when Star Wars is on the cover.

#164 Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens by Alan Dean Foster ​
#165 Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi: Expanded Edition by Jason
Fry
​
#166 Canto Bight by Jackson Miller, Saladin Ahmed, Rae Carson, and
Mira Grant
​
#167 Padawan’s Pride by Bryan Q. Miller ​
#168 The High Republic: Seeds of Starlight by George Mann ​
#169 Battlefront: Twilight Company by Alexander Freed ​
#170 Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace by Terry Brooks ​
#171 Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones by R.A. Salvatore ​
#172 Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope by Alan Dean Foster (Credited
as George Lucas)
​

#173 Tales from a Galaxy Far, Far Away: Aliens by Landry Q. Walker ​
#173 Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back by Donald F. Glut ​
#174 Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi by James Kahn ​
#175 From A Certain Point of View by Various Authors ​
#176 Jedi: Battle Scars by Sam Maggs ​
#177 Dawn of the Jedi: Into the Void by Tim Lebbon ​
#178 Red Harvest by Joe Schreiber ​
#179 Knight Errant by John Jackson Miller ​
#180 Cloak of Deception by James Luceno ​
#181 Rogue Planet by Greg Bear ​
#182 The Approaching Storm by Alan Dean Foster ​
#183 The Cestus Deception by Steven Barnes ​
#184 Jedi Trial by David Sherman, Dan Cragg ​
#185 Yoda: Dark Rendezvous by Sean Stewart ​
#186 MedStar I: Battle Surgeons by Michael Reaves, Steve Perry ​
#187 MedStar II: Jedi Healer by Michael Reaves, Steve Perry ​
#188 The Lando Calrissian Adventures by L. Neil Smith ​
#189 The Force Unleashed by Sean Williams ​
#190 The Force Unleashed II by Sean Williams (Based on a story by
Haden Blackman)
​

#191 The Han Solo Adventures by Brian Daley ​

#192 Death Troopers by Joe Schreiber ​
#193 Death Star by Michael Reaves, Steve Perry ​
#194 Shadow Games by Michael Reaves and Maya Kaathryn Bohnhoff ​
#195 The Truce at Bakura by Kathy Tyers ​
#196 Dark Forces: Soldier for the Empire by William C. Dietz ​
#197 Dark Forces: Rebel Agent by William C. Dietz ​
#198 Dark Forces: Jedi Knight by William C. Dietz ​
#199 Luke Skywalker and the Shadows of Mindor by Matthew Stover ​
#200 Tatooine Ghost by Troy Denning ​
#201 I, Jedi by Michael Stackpole ​
#202 Before the Storm by Michael P. Kube-McDowell ​
#203 Shield of Lies by Michael P. Kube-McDowell ​
#204 Tyrant's Test by Michael P. Kube-McDowell ​
#205 The New Rebellion by Kristine Kathryn Rusch ​
#206 Survivor's Quest by Timothy Zahn ​
#207 Vector Prime by R.A. Salvatore ​
#208 Dark Tide I: Onslaught by Michael A. Stackpole ​
#209 Dark Tide II: Ruin by Michael A. Stackpole ​
#210 Agents of Chaos I: Hero's Trial by James Luceno ​
#211 Agents of Chaos II: Jedi Eclipse by James Luceno ​
#212 Balance Point by Kathy Tyers ​
#213 Edge of Victory I: Conquest by Greg Keyes ​
#214 Edge of Victory II: Rebirth by Greg Keyes ​
#215 Star by Star by Troy Denning ​
#216 Dark Journey by Elaine Cunningham ​
#217 Enemy Lines I: Rebel Dream by Aaron Allston ​
#218 Enemy Lines II: Rebel Stand by Aaron Allston ​
#219 Traitor by Matthew Stover ​
 #220 Destiny's Way by Walter Jon Williams ​
#221 Force Heretic I: Remnant by Sean Williams, Shane Dix ​
#222 Force Heretic II: Refugee by Sean Williams, Shane Dix ​
#223 Force Heretic III: Reunion by Sean Williams, Shane Dix ​
#224 The Final Prophecy by Greg Keyes ​
#225 The Unifying Force by James Luceno ​
#226 The Joiner King by Troy Denning ​
#227 The Unseen Queen by Troy Denning ​
#228 The Swarm War by Troy Denning ​
#229 Crosscurrent by Paul S. Kemp ​
#230 Riptide by Paul S. Kemp ​
#231 Crucible by Troy Denning ​
#232 Star Wars: The Clone Wars by Karen Traviss ​
#233 The Clone Wars: No Prisoners by Karen Traviss ​

TIER 4: CAN SKIP

These books are controversial, occasionally just plain bad, and generally disliked by the community. That doesn’t mean
that you won’t enjoy them, but consider this the level of diminishing returns.

#234 Splinter of the Mind's Eye by Alan Dean Foster ​

#235 Heir to the Jedi by Kevin Hearne ​
#236 Children of the Jedi by Barbara Hambly ​
#237 Darksaber by Kevin J. Anderson ​
#238 Planet of Twilight by Barbara Hambly ​
#239 Galaxies: The Ruins of Dantooine by Veronica Whitney-Robinson,
Haden Blackman
​

#240 The Crystal Star by Vonda N. McIntyre ​

#241 Scourge by Jeff Grubb ​
​