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Disclaimer: This article may contain spoilers for certain Star Wars Books. Proceed with caution!

One of my personal favorite things about Star Wars media is the novels that have been written. Some of them are part of the Canon Universe, while others are only legends, but nonetheless, all of them provide amazing insight. They introduce so many new and amazing characters as well as provide a chance to understand better what beloved characters are thinking. The novels make already lovable characters even more loveable. 

Now, I’m not going to lie, I haven’t even read close to half of all the books that are out, but I do have favorites among the ones I have read. There are ones I would definitely recommend for any Star Wars fan. 

Ahsoka

The Star Wars novel I have probably read the most is Ahsoka by E.K. Johnston. This book follows Ahsoka Tano as she attempts to make a life for herself while also trying to avoid the Empire. I really like this book because it shows how much of a struggle it was for any surviving force user after the rise of the Empire. It also has big character development for Ahsoka. At the end of the Clone Wars, we see her feeling hopeless and on the verge of giving up. She even carries that with her into the beginning of the book, which takes place one year after Revenge of the Sith. 

Through the book, Ahsoka slowly starts to realize that hiding and running away simply isn’t an option for her. She was trained to fight for people who couldn’t fight for themselves. In the book, she finds a new found confidence in herself. She also makes some new friends who help her find her spark again. 

As someone who loved Ahsoka’s character in both Clone Wars and Rebels, it’s amazing to see a book that shows a transition between the two. I would encourage anyone who likes Ahsoka Tano to check out this book. I assure you that you will not be disappointed. 

Kenobi

The next most read and enjoyed book on my shelf is Kenobi by John Jackson Miller. Although this book is now considered Legends, it is still one of my all time favorites. This book takes place in the months following Revenge of the Sith and it follows Obi-Wan as he tries to find his place. Again it shows the struggle of a surviving Jedi, but in a different light. Obi-Wan blames himself for the fall of Anakin and overall the end of the Republic. In the book,we see him struggling with his emotions while also trying to stay hidden and not let his Jedi habits show through. 

In the book, he makes several new friends and finds himself unable to keep himself out of local trouble. Much like in the Ahsoka book, Obi-Wan finds that he cannot hide from who he is. He has to find a way to balance being a Jedi while also being Luke Skywalker’s protector. This book is very similar to the Ahsoka book because it also ends with Obi-Wan finding his spark again and remembering who he truly is. It’s really amazing to see such a broken Jedi finding solid ground. 

One of my favorite facts about this book is that it’s actually one that Ewan McGregor read. After the filming of the show Kenobi, he wanted more of Obi-Wan’s character so he decided to read this book. It’s fun to know that the person who brought Obi-Wan to life read and enjoyed the same book that I love so much. I would recommend this book to everyone who enjoyed the Kenobi show on Disney+ or even just loves Obi-Wan. 

Queen’s Peril

I must have a huge liking for Star Wars books following a specific character from the movies/shows because my next favorite book is Queen’s Peril by E.K. Johnston. This book follows Padme Amidala as she starts off her reign as Queen of Naboo. In this book it shows how Padme came to get all of her handmaidens and also her relationship with them. It also shows her struggles with trying to find where she stands both as a person, queen, and friend. 

One of my favorite parts is definitely the relationship between Padme and her handmaidens. We hardly even get a slimmer of a glimpse into how close they all are in the Phantom Menace, and seeing the behind the scenes is wonderful. I also enjoyed seeing Padme’s transformation from normal teenage girl into the elegant queen that we see in the movie. It’s very refreshing and interesting to see that it wasn’t a seamless change. There were struggles of designing outfits, planning the decoy scheme that they pull in the movie, and maintaining friendships in a stressful environment. Despite the fact that the book takes place in a galaxy far far away, in a place where many things are unrealistic, it was nice to see a character that was still fairly relatable. 

As of late this has probably been my favorite Star Wars book. And also, like every book that is going to be mentioned on this list I would recommend it to all Star Wars fans. I would especially encourage you to read it if you’re looking for a strong and relatable female character. It’s very eye opening and has plenty of suspense and action making you never want to put the book down. 

Revenge of the Sith

One of the most beautifully written Star Wars books I’ve read is the novelization of Revenge of the Sith by Matthew Stover. Although this book is rather lengthy and is technically considered Legends, Matthew Stover does an amazing job at making Revenge of the Sith even more amazing. He does a wonderful job at highlighting all of the characters inner thoughts and struggles. Along with that he does a great job showing just how deep rooted some relationships are. 

Obviously there isn’t too much to say about this book because it plays out just like the movie, but it’s just so amazing. If you think the movie is sad then this book will make it even sadder. The best part in my opinion is highlighting Anakin’s inner turmoil and hearing how he’s wrestling with his emotions. He struggles with wanting to please Obi-Wan and be his friend while also trying to save his wife Padme without anyone knowing about their relationship. It’s heartbreaking to see the raw emotions. 

If you’re somebody who loves Revenge of the Sith then it’s essential that you read this book. Like I mentioned before it makes a great movie even better. I will warn that it does have a bit of gore at times and is pretty lengthy, but it’s all worth it. 

Dark Disciple

The final book I’ll talk about is Dark Disciple by Christie Golden. This book is based on episodes of the Clone Wars that were never aired, and I can assure you that reading the book feels just like watching the show. The book mainly focuses on Jedi Master Quinlan Vos and ex-Sith Assassin Asajj Ventress. In the book, the Jedi have finally had enough of Count Dooku so they decide the only option is to send someone to assassinate him. That Jedi is Quinlan Vos. They tell him he has to find Ventress because she is the only person who has ever gotten close enough to kill the sith lord. 

The story starts as just Vos and Ventress not getting along, but eventually morphs into something else. Feelings start to appear, and secrets end up being revealed. Like I mentioned, it feels just like you’re watching the shows. There’s even the usual banter between Obi-Wan and Anakin. 

I will warn that the ending is kind of sad, but if you’re looking for more episodes of the Clone Wars to enjoy then this book is definitely for you. 

Honorable Mentions

Those five books aren’t the only ones I’ve read that I’ve enjoyed. Here are some honorable mentions that are books I also loved. The first is A New Dawn by John Jackson Miller which shows the beginning of Kanan Jarrus’ and Hera Syndulla’s relationship. It has a lot of action as well as introducing the beginning of my favorite Star Wars couple. 

Another book is Lost Star by Claudia Gray. This book is about a boy and girl that come from a remote planet and then end up joining the Empire. Later one of them defects and joins the Rebel Alliance instead. It’s probably one of my favorite romances that I’ve ever read because it feels so natural and has a healthy amount of action and angst. 

The final one isn’t a single book in a five book series. The Republic Commando series by Karen Traviss is another that I love. It is about a mismatched group of Commando Clones and the missions that they go on. It has a good share of romance, family bonding, and action to keep you entertained. I really love this series and although it’s Legends it’s one that I’m excited to read again. 

Those are a large portion of my favorite Star Wars books. If I were to talk about all the ones I’ve read and enjoyed, we would be here for a lot longer. Again I will say that if you’re a Star Wars fan and you enjoy reading, these novels are definitely worth checking out. There are also so many more books out there apart from the handful I talked about. I promise you are sure to find one that you’ll enjoy. May the Force be with you!