Complete Guide to Star Wars Books in Chronological Order
Are you a Star Wars fan looking for a complete guide to the book series in chronological order? Look no further, this article has everything you need to know about the galaxy far, far away. Whether you're new to the franchise or a die-hard fan, we have recommendations for books that will take you on a journey through the Star Wars universe.
From the prequel era to the original trilogy, and from the sequel trilogy to the expanded universe, there are a lot of Star Wars books available for readers to explore. But where do you begin your journey? Don't worry, we've got you covered. This guide provides readers with all the information they'll need to start their reading journey, including summaries, author details, and release dates.
It's time to grab your lightsaber and prepare to journey into a galaxy far, far away. The Star Wars novels are essential reading for any sci-fi fan, and this complete guide to the series in chronological order will help you navigate the vast universe of books. Whether you're a fan of Jedi or Sith, this guide will give you all the information you need to enjoy the best Star Wars books available.
So if you're ready to explore the Star Wars universe through the written word, read on! This guide is sure to provide you with everything you need to start your journey through the galaxy far, far away. This is a must-read for any Star Wars fan and we promise it won't disappoint!
Introduction
If you're a Star Wars fan, then you know that the universe is vast and there are a lot of stories to explore. The best way to dive into this world is through the books. In this article, we'll provide you with a complete guide to the Star Wars book series in chronological order. Whether you're new to the franchise or a die-hard fan, this guide has everything you need to start your reading journey.
The Prequel Era
The prequel era takes place before the events of the original trilogy and gives readers insight into the rise of the Empire and the fall of the Jedi Order. Some recommended books from this era include Darth Plagueis by James Luceno, The Phantom Menace by Terry Brooks, and Attack of the Clones by R.A Salvatore. These books dive into the political intrigue and war that led to the creation of Darth Vader and the Galactic Empire.
Darth Plagueis by James Luceno
Darth Plagueis is a novel that explores the origins of the Sith and the rise of Emperor Palpatine. It takes place before the events of the prequel films and follows the story of Darth Plagueis, a Sith Lord who manipulates the Force to create new life forms. The book also dives into the relationship between Plagueis and Palpatine and how they worked together to bring about the downfall of the Jedi Order.
The Phantom Menace by Terry Brooks
The Phantom Menace novelization by Terry Brooks offers a deeper look at the events leading up to the first film in the prequel trilogy. Readers gain a better understanding of Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi's mission to negotiate with the Trade Federation, as well as the introduction of Anakin Skywalker.
Attack of the Clones by R.A Salvatore
The novelization of Attack of the Clones by R.A Salvatore provides a deeper look into the attraction between Padmé Amidala and Anakin Skywalker, as well as the start of the Clone Wars. Readers get a better understanding of the political motivations behind the war and the relationships between the Jedi Knights.
The Original Trilogy Era
The original trilogy era takes place during the events of the three films that started it all: A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi. Some recommended books from this era include Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn, Shadows of the Empire by Steve Perry, and Tales from the Mos Eisley Cantina edited by Kevin J. Anderson. These books expand on the storylines and characters introduced in the films.
Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn
Heir to the Empire is one of the most popular Star Wars books ever written. The novel takes place five years after the events of Return of the Jedi and follows Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo as they battle a new threat to the New Republic, Grand Admiral Thrawn. This book kickstarts the entire Expanded Universe canon, and readers get a deeper look at the dynamics between Luke, Leia, and Han post-original trilogy.
Shadows of the Empire by Steve Perry
Shadows of the Empire is a multimedia project that includes a novel, comics, and a video game. It takes place between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi and introduces a new villain, Prince Xizor. The book also explores the relationship between Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine.
Tales from the Mos Eisley Cantina edited by Kevin J. Anderson
Tales from the Mos Eisley Cantina is an anthology of short stories that focus on the various characters who inhabit the cantina in A New Hope. Readers get a deeper look at figures like Greedo, Boba Fett, and Ponda Baba, as well as lesser-known characters like Wuher, the bartender.
The Sequel Trilogy Era
The sequel trilogy era takes place after the events of the original trilogy and gives readers a peek into what happens to the galaxy far, far away post-Empire. Some recommended books from this era include Bloodline by Claudia Gray, Aftermath by Chuck Wendig, and Resistance Reborn by Rebecca Roanhorse. These books introduce new characters while expanding on familiar ones.
Bloodline by Claudia Gray
Bloodline takes place six years before the events of The Force Awakens and follows Leia Organa as she tries to uncover a political conspiracy threatening to tear apart the New Republic. The book introduces new characters like Ransolm Casterfo and expands on Leia's struggles as a public figure and mother.
Aftermath by Chuck Wendig
Aftermath takes place in the months after Return of the Jedi and focuses on the battle for control over the remnants of the Empire. The book introduces new characters like former Rebel pilot Norra Wexley and Imperial loyalty officer Rae Sloane, as well as familiar faces like Wedge Antilles and Admiral Ackbar.
Resistance Reborn by Rebecca Roanhorse
Resistance Reborn takes place after the events of The Last Jedi and centers around General Leia's efforts to rebuild the Resistance after their devastating defeat. The book brings together familiar characters like Poe Dameron and Finn, as well as introducing new faces like former Imperial officer Ciena Ree.
Table Comparison
| Era | Recommended Books |
|---|---|
| Prequel Era | Darth Plagueis by James Luceno, The Phantom Menace by Terry Brooks, Attack of the Clones by R.A Salvatore |
| Original Trilogy Era | Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn, Shadows of the Empire by Steve Perry, Tales from the Mos Eisley Cantina edited by Kevin J. Anderson |
| Sequel Trilogy Era | Bloodline by Claudia Gray, Aftermath by Chuck Wendig, Resistance Reborn by Rebecca Roanhorse |
Conclusion
The Star Wars universe is vast and complicated, but the best way to appreciate it is through the books. This guide to the series in chronological order provides readers with a comprehensive look at the books available for exploration. Whether you're interested in the prequel era, the original trilogy era, or the sequel trilogy era, there's a book for everyone. Happy reading!
Dear beloved readers,
First of all, we would like to express our gratitude for taking the time to read our article on the Complete Guide to Star Wars Books in Chronological Order. We hope that our guide has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of the Star Wars universe and helped you navigate through the many books that exist within it.
As fans ourselves, we understand the overwhelming amount of content that can be daunting to undertake. However, by following our chronological guide, you will be able to experience the full scope of the Star Wars story, from the Old Republic era to the sequels and beyond.
In conclusion, we hope that our passion for Star Wars has inspired you to delve deeper into its lore and to continue to explore the vast number of books that are available. May the Force be with you on your journey through the galaxy far, far away.
Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about the Complete Guide to Star Wars Books in Chronological Order:
- What is the chronological order of Star Wars books?
The chronological order of Star Wars books can be a bit tricky since there are various timelines and eras. However, the most popular and widely accepted order is as follows:
- Prequel Era
- Rise of the Empire Era
- Rebellion Era
- New Republic Era
- New Jedi Order Era
- Legacy Era
- Do I have to read the Star Wars books in chronological order?
No, you don't have to read the Star Wars books in chronological order. You can start with any era or timeline that interests you the most. However, reading them in order can provide a better understanding of the overall story and character arcs.
- Which Star Wars book should I start with?
If you're new to the Star Wars universe, it's recommended to start with the Thrawn Trilogy by Timothy Zahn, which takes place after the events of Return of the Jedi. It introduces new characters and expands on the original trilogy's story. If you prefer to start with the prequel era, you can begin with the Darth Bane trilogy by Drew Karpyshyn.
- Are all Star Wars books considered canon?
No, not all Star Wars books are considered canon. The Disney acquisition of Lucasfilm in 2012 resulted in a new canon timeline that includes the movies, TV shows, and select books and comics. However, the old Star Wars Expanded Universe (EU) books are still available as Legends stories.
- Are there any Star Wars book series that are standalone?
Yes, there are several standalone Star Wars book series that don't require prior knowledge of the universe or characters. Some examples include the Alphabet Squadron trilogy by Alexander Freed, the Rogue Squadron series by Michael A. Stackpole, and the Lost Tribe of the Sith novellas by John Jackson Miller.