Mefi-Wan Kenobi, you're my only hope

December 9, 2010 6:08 PM

Help a recovering Star Wars addict with his relapse. That is, update me on what's worth reading the Expanded Universe.

I seriously considered posting this as Anon, given how nerdy -- even among Internet people -- it makes me seem.

As an introverted nerd pre-teen and early teenager, I was way into Star Wars novels. I'm not sure if time has made them seem better than they were, but dang if I didn't love everything I could get my hands on. Evidence: I even had the technical manuals for the SW universe's vehicles, weapons, and droids.

I recently chanced upon a spoiler-filled Wikipedia page for a major character (spoilers, duh), and thought, Hey, I'd like to find out the story behind those events. They sound even darker and more interesting than I remember. But I have 10+ years of novel releases between my last foray and present day, and I have very little time to read, so I'd like to pare it down to just the quality stuff, if there's any to be had.

This is where I need your help.

Here's what I've read, in fictional-chronological order, taken from this list:

• Shadows of the Empire
• Truce at Bakura
• The X-wing Series (Yes, all 9. They're still on my shelf at my parents' house.)
• Courtship of Princess Leia
• Thrawn Trilogy
• I, Jedi
• Jedi Academy Trilogy
• Callista Trilogy
• Crystal Star
• Hand of Thrawn

Probably some others too, but these are the titles that jump out at me.

I never read any of the comics/graphic novels. Not really a fan of the format. I think I might have picked up one of the young adult novels at some point by mistake... and never finished it.

So, fellow SW nerds-- what else should I read to catch up on the story, published either since I stopped paying attention, or something I missed? Are there specific authors to watch out for?

And yes, "Nothing from the expanded universe is worth reading." is a valid answer, as long as you're speaking from experience. In that case, feel free to tell me the least-bad installments.

posted by supercres to Media & Arts (11 answers total)

Hi there,

I'd really recommend starting with the New Jedi Order series. Even though its pushing you a bit further forward, its truly the best writing in the EU since the Jedi Academy Trilogy or say, I, Jedi.

They are the best!!!!!
posted by Draccy at 7:04 PM on December 9, 2010

Seconding Draccy on the New Jedi order series. It is written by several authors so the styles change between book which, imho is usually a refreshing change of pace.

I also liked the Han Solo Trilogy, (The Paradise Snare, The Hutt Gambit and Rebel Dawn) but that just might be because I have a huge fangirl crush on Han Solo.
posted by HMSSM at 7:29 PM on December 9, 2010

My period of major Star Wars nerditude concluded a few years into the NJO series, and I definitely enjoyed the ones I read. Just a note, that series had some kind of an odd heirarchical structure where some of the books were "major" novels designed to catch you up on the intervening books, in case you're not up for a 19-book series :)
posted by heyforfour at 7:38 PM on December 9, 2010

Ha, I'm actually in the middle of re-reading all the books. They're fantastic to read in bed when you're super tired and need something easy!

I'm a really big fan of the Han Solo Trilogy...three books about the time before Han Solo became HAN SOLO. Also, the Han Solo Adventures are pretty fun too. On preview, I pretty much agree with HMSSM on the crush on Han--he's so suave.

I just started Planet of Twilight and so far, I'm digging it. It's funny how I don't remember any of the books from reading them the first time around.

Have fun!
posted by Zoyashka at 7:38 PM on December 9, 2010

Best answer: You listed about 1/3 of my Star Wars book collection, those are all I read from middle school until half way into high school.

Here is my top list out of what you have not read:

The Han Solo Trilogy (defiantly a good read)
Outbound Flight
Callista Trilogy
* Children of the Jedi
* Darksaber
* Planet of Twilight
The Black Fleet Crisis Trilogy
* Before the Storm
* Shield of Lies
* Tyrant's Test
The New Rebellion
* The New Rebellion
The Corellian Trilogy
* Ambush at Corellia
* Assault at Selonia
* Showdown at Centerpoint
The Hand of Thrawn Duology (another must)
* Specter of the Past
* Vision of the Future
posted by token-ring at 6:14 AM on December 10, 2010

Also I stopped checking back on your list half way through mine, so I did list some ones you have read,
posted by token-ring at 6:16 AM on December 10, 2010

I know it's a comic format but Dark Empire is a must-read in my opinion.

And yes, you can probably guess what my favorite series was.
posted by Jorus at 9:00 AM on December 10, 2010

Best answer: It sounds like you missed all the "Tales" books -- "Tales from the Mos Eisley Cantina", "Tales from Jabba's Palace" and the "Bounty Hunters Tales" (can't remember if that's the actual title..). They're all great reads, and give you a lot of back story to the characters that you hardly see in the movies...
posted by Glendale at 9:41 AM on December 10, 2010 [1 favorite]

Oh and they're probably perfect if you don't have a lot of time to read.. Each tale is something like 40-60 pages!
posted by Glendale at 9:42 AM on December 10, 2010

Response by poster: Thanks, everyone. You've given me a lot to put on my wish list. Hopefully I can find some used book sellers on Amazon or Ebay willing to combine shipping.

Plan: fill in the gaps, things like the Callista and Black Fleet trilogies (honestly, at this point, I can't remember what I've read), or maybe hit the backstory novels first, then go through the NJO series.

Or maybe I'll just reread everything. The more I think about it, and how many gaps I have in memory from Jedi Academy (the first EU thing I read, I think), the more I think that's the way to go. And oh boy is that a daunting task. We shall see.

Thanks!
posted by supercres at 11:31 AM on December 10, 2010

If you read nothing else, I think Vector Prime is a must, perhaps followed by the Chewbacca comic mini-series.

I mean, that's kind of necessary.
posted by CarlRossi at 8:29 PM on December 11, 2010