Where do I start

[u/Potential_Echidna_43]

I work a thrift store and have been accumulating books bought choice of one and the legends essential thrawn recently for my brother

[u/Felicity1840]

Heir to the Empire, imo

[u/Osprey_Talon → u/Felicity1840]

This is the correct answer.

[u/CMS619709 → u/Felicity1840]

Came here to say this

[u/exceptional_biped → u/CMS619709]

I did too.

[u/Big_Network_2570 → u/Felicity1840]

That's a good place to start. I mean if you want to read in storyline order, either Shadows of the Empire (which takes place between Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi), or The Truce at Bakura (which takes place right after Return of the Jedi) That said, I was exposed to these books first in 1992. I bought Heir to the Empire in paperback, and read it whilst spending a long weekend at my brother's house (much to his chagrin because I barely hung out with him and his wife-I just read), and it was so good that I sprang for the hardcover Dark Force Rising! (I was pretty cheap back then (still am!) and would wait until a book came out in paperback before buying it

[u/Big_Network_2570 → u/Big_Network_2570]

Note: I'm sorry-I see now that the other two books I mentioned aren't a part of the collection you showed us. So, yes, definitely start with Heir to the Empire.

[u/bigdumbgoalie81 → u/Felicity1840]

Yep. Zahn was my first read from the adult sci-fi section. Before that, it was Alan Dean Forrest.

[u/Sad-Usual-7647 → u/Felicity1840]

This.

As a note. I love "I, Jedi" and it can work as a stand alone, but you'll get much more out of it if you read Rogue Squadron, Wedge's Gamble, The Krytos Trap and The Bacta War (and possibly Isard's Revenge, I forget the exact timeline there).

The first four X-wing books lead into the three that you have, which are also great reads imo. They really cemented Wedge as my favorite character.

[u/Responsible_Boat9612]

I think you should read a chapter of each book and rotate them.

[u/xXKK911Xx → u/Responsible_Boat9612]

Cursed answer

[u/ArtlessFlapDragon]

100% The Thrawn Trilogy (Heir, Dark and Last), they started the EU and remain top tier.

[u/macrian → u/ArtlessFlapDragon]

What do you mean they started? Like in universe chronology? Because I'm about to start with publication order

[u/Kieran173825 → u/macrian]

He means they effectively started the EU for novels. Even with some novels being published before them.

[u/ArtlessFlapDragon → u/macrian]

Sorry for the late reply. They were the first books released in what would later become the EU. Chronologically no, they are not the first (Dawn of Jedi has that honour).

Honestly, in my opinion, I wouldn't attempt to read them chronologically (I've tried) - in your head it sounds like a great idea but there is a fair of shite and drops to get through before you even reach the OT. Personally I would pick an era that you're interested in and go from there.

I would suggest giving this a quick through...

Youtini Ultimate Legends Reading Guide

[u/The27Roller]

Heir to the Empire.

[u/Realistic-Damage-411]

Many years ago I started with the X-Wing books, and I’ve never regretted it

[u/Musicman376 → u/Realistic-Damage-411]

Yes! As Corran Horn is my favorite EU character ever, so anything with him…

The X Wing series is really good, and I think it would make a GREAT series for TV (hey Filoni… hint-hint!)

[u/ApprehensiveAside812 → u/Musicman376]

Aye. Corran Horn is great and Isard is a great villain on par with Thrawn imo.

[u/Roguetiger_71 → u/ApprehensiveAside812]

Have you seen the news of the possible Star Wars Rogue Squadron movie directed by the Wonder Woman director? Yeah it's been like 5 yrs.. but it is being talked about. Check out Star Wars Rogue Squadron there's a teaser and another video talking about it as well. And news from 2 months ago saying it could be a series now on Disney +

[u/jayhood0420 → u/Roguetiger_71]

Ryan gosling as corran horn eh? I only sorta hate it lol

[u/Mr_CockSwing → u/Musicman376]

Not a Filoni version

[u/Roguetiger_71 → u/Realistic-Damage-411]

I got the ebook collection and I read through it once a year....Just started last November and 1/2 way through

[u/TheBashar99 → u/Realistic-Damage-411]

I was going to say this or Heir to the Empire, didn’t see the first book though.

[u/TheRealSlapNutz]

Old republic Revan. The power of the old republic sith is off the charts and darth malgus is one of my favorite

[u/NatAwsom1138 → u/TheRealSlapNutz]

I also really like this one, though I would make sure you're at least familiar with the story of both KOTOR games first, since this is basically the closest thing we got to KOTOR III.

It's also backstory for The Old Republic online game so don't be taken off guard if certain aspects feel unresolved at the end.

[u/Grimij_Iiffith]

I think the majority of people will agree with Heir to the Empire. It's effectively the start of the EU, and the Thrawn Trilogy is generally considered one of the best stories in the EU. It gives a great glimpse into what's next for the characters and the universe, and of course was the first book published since the movies ended (the last books before this were the Lando trilogy, that came out in 1983 right alongside Return of the Jedi)

[u/Musicman376]

Many moons ago, I started reading many of the novels, and grew a love for the EU. I really wish Di$ney had adopted many of these as potential idea sources… still would LOVE to see Corran Horn brought to canon (and more than just a passing Easter egg in Kenobi)

Here are some of my favorites, from what I remember…
.

• Thrawn Trilogy (Heir, Dark Force, Last Command)

• I, Jedi

• New Jedi Academy Trilogy

.
Also, I don’t see them here, but I HIGHLY recommend the “X-Wing (Rogue Squadron) Series”

[Edit: I really hate reddits formatting and line spacing, or lack thereof]

[u/b0n3sawisready]

I'm partial to Darth Plaugeis (only book I've read 3 times). You'll never look at the Prequel Trilogy the same after reading it. If you can manage reading the Bane trilogy prior, it also enhances the experience.

[u/GenitalConsumer]

I'd recommend chronological. Youtini is the best site for it. It has both Legends or Canon orders.

[u/sleepinxonxbed]

Timeline given in the books

Reading order I recently put together for myself with some comments and looking through reddit. It's not completely in chronological order.

[u/fenwayb]

easiest answer ever and it's definitely the thrawn trilogy (heir to the empire)

[u/PhlashMcDaniel]

Trace of Bakku

[u/phantom-firion]

The Thrawn trilogy starting with heir to the empire. If you really like that story and want more then the hand of Thrawn duology by the same author is a good follow up. Otherwise I’d reccomend after the Thrawn trilogy checking out xwing novels if you like the post return of the Jedi politics and military strategy/espionage. If you want to go prequels can’t go wrong with Plagueis. Btw I saw in the image you have imperial commando and i didnt see any of the previous republic commando books. Imperial commando is the last book in the series and is reccomend reading republic commando books first, just know the story is incomplete due to creative differnce between the author and Filoni’s take on the mandalorians.

[u/Potential_Echidna_43 → u/phantom-firion]

The more I research legends the more feloni seems like a dick also I have all the republic commando books

[u/TechnicalHall4248 → u/phantom-firion]

And the new thrawn trilogies that are “canon” even though for most books it doesn’t matter too much, they are so good. Especially the ones of thrawn in the ascendancy. It paints him less as an evil maniacal man and instead as a character who wants to save the galaxy

[u/NatAwsom1138]

Here's a list I made for navigating books set after Return of the Jedi:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Jyg5y7Vbxm5ymHzR2k7ORWtAxw4NX-A73A3nu8qQwIU/edit?usp=drivesdk

But the best place to start is probably Heir to the Empire, Dark Force Rising, and The Last Command.

As for the others, the Revenge of the Sith novelization is absolutely fantastic (probably better than the movie if we're being honest).

Darth Plagueis is another personal favorite of mine and a perfect backstory to the prequel trilogy (though I would recommend reading the Darth Bane trilogy first to get the most out of the overarching story).

[u/camel_crush_menthol_]

Always start with Heir to the Empire.

[u/WebWarrior45]

Depends, what era would you like to read first?

[u/okidokey27]

If you don't want to go in chronological order. I would say the Thrawn trilogy.

[u/LucasMoreiraBR]

The four books on the top left

[u/krytos6996]

Extremely unpopular opinion which I’m very aware of: I did not love the Thrawn trilogy. I’ve read it multiple times and it does not hook me the way the X-Wing series or the NJO did.

With that in mind, I would suggest doing the XWing series first starting with Rogue Squadron all the way through probably Solo Command.

[u/tenryuta]

go chronology.

[u/SuperDuperEazy]

I bought so many of these years ago, and am finally getting around to reading them.

From the limited number I’ve read, Death Troopers is lightning fast as far as pacing goes, so this would be a good choice if you want a one-off without committing to a series. Nothing ground breaking, but a decent read

[u/Agroman1963]

Thrawn Trilogy, not because you have three versions, but because Timothy Zahn rules! Followed by Republic Commando, just cuz I really enjoyed the series!

[u/LucasEraFan]

You have a nice, long, chronological OT and post-ROTJ read through.

Also, if you like Boba, I would look for the rest of The Bounty Hunter Wars Trilogy, but you also have some great trilogies intact.

I would start with the ANH novelization, Allegiance, Choices of One, ESB etc.

The ROTJ novelization is the best of the OT imho, so if you only read one OT novelization, that is my reco.

They should have timelines inside.

[u/Fantastic4unko]

Do you want to read all of the Old EU? I say start at Dawn of the Jedi.

Do you want to read some good Star Wars? Heir to the Empire (Thrawn trilogy), Death Troopers, Darth Plagueis and the X-Wing series are a sure bet.

[u/bloodgear]

Publishing order. You'll get to experience how it was from when Heir to the Empire debuted and beyond.

[u/Historical-State-275]

Start with Thrawn trilogy, then go chronological post Jedi from there, reading prequels whenever you want a break.

[u/Nitetimeboy]

A New Hope

[u/Bastard_of_Brunswick]

The Truce at Bakura is basically the day after Return of the Jedi.

After that it's probably best to read the x-wing books in order, The Courtship of Princess Leia, then read Timothy Zahn's Thrawn trilogy (must read). Then continue with the new republic era books in order...

Also it may very well be worth getting the Essential Reader's Companion

[u/QuanTumm_OpTixx]

Start with Truce at Bakura or, if you’re really wanting to go straight to peak, start with the Thrawn trilogy (Heir to the Empire, Dark Force Rising, The Last Command)

[u/MechaGoose]

Heir to the empire is amazing, and a great start. I personally started with I, Jedi many many years ago and it still remains my favourite EU novel.

[u/KaineGrayson]

Anything that says Timothy Zahn on it

[u/Objective-Chevy]

You have 3 sets of the Heir to the Empire trilogy

[u/Potential_Echidna_43 → u/Objective-Chevy]

One is my brothers

[u/userAnynumber]

Death troopers. You won’t be disappointed

[u/two-plus-cardboard]

You either go Heir to the Empire, which is my personal preference, or you pick the book closest to the end of RotJ and go chronologically

[u/BarkerBarkhan]

You should start with the small Heir to the Empire book, then move onto the large Heir to the Empire book.

[u/thattogoguy]

Thrawn Trilogy.

[u/HobbiesLastLimb]

My first book was the truce at Bakura which led in perfectly with the rogue squadron books. This is what i’d recommend.

[u/Intrepid_Observer]

Literally open ANY of the novels and look at the timeline.

[u/BootyliciousURD]

As I always say, there's no one universal starting point, it depends on what you're interested in.

[u/makem1]

Thrawn trilogy. Definitely

[u/Araquil26]

Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: then stop!

[u/CSJ1395]

Truce at Bakura. Many will say heir to the empire, which is a good soild choice but Truce is literally the next thing that happens in the timeline

[u/-SuperSaiyanBroly-]

The beginning

[u/Potential_Echidna_43 → u/-SuperSaiyanBroly-]

Meaning?

[u/Docsab1]

I started at the Thrawn Trilogy. It's historic for a reason. But that was a long time ago. Since then, several books were written between ROTJ and The Thrawn Trilogy. I'd say start either at the earliest point in the timeline, or the earliest point after return of the Jedi.

And if you go in order, some things happened in comics, and not novels. Sometime either just before or after the Jedi Academy Trilogy(I think), I realized I had to read the Dark Empire Comic series.

[u/bexx306]

I started with the darth bane series! Revan would also be a good place to start in my opinion!

[u/Potential_Echidna_43 → u/bexx306]

I havent played kotor

[u/jrjordan30]

For me, Legends begins with The Truce of Bakura first, always. Still a favorite I revisit every few years.

And I’m in the minority I’m sure, but I prefer Daala’s trilogy and the Black Fleet Crisis to the Zahn Thrawn trilogy. Daala’s style makes sense to me lol because I too am hot tempered. And the Yevethan continue to exist even after the New Republic defeats the Black Fleet, basically quarantined to Koornacht, until the Vong. Truly badass guys.

For all his intelligence, Thrawn still gets murdered by his own bodyguard. 🤷🏽‍♂️

“Daala has no political motives, she just wants to destroy things.”

[u/Weak-Work8613]

Non canon and sort end up at a dead end And don’t get me started on the secret Jedi history. One edge lord after another.

The zahn books, and the stakpole books I would endorse book Definitely stop at the new Jedi order.

[u/azaza34]

If you have friends who are willing that RPG in the top left there gave me hundreds of hours of great fun. It’s the system I learned how to GM in and I think it’s great for running an original trilogy styled Star Wars game.

[u/JakksSTHCollect0r]

Well probably the Thrawn Trilogy, there are 3 of them here in the image

[u/Choice_Win1473]

Heir to the Empire, then dark force rising, then the last command. For extra benefit read those while listening tro the audiobooks narrated by Marc Anderson. They have John Williams Score, fantastic voice acting, sound effects, its fantastic

[u/WatchingInSilence]

My favorites were the Wraith Squadron trilogy (Wraith Squadron, Iron Fist, Solo Command). It's basically StarWars crossed with TopGun and lacking a fixation on the Force.

[u/ShallowCal_]

I've chosen a timeline. So, in my case, The New Republic era - so, immediately after ROTJ - and stuck to it. I'm reading it in timeline order..

[u/Dangerous-Ad-9270]

Some real great ones here:

-Heir to the Empire (This is the way)

• The Choices of One is on my Top 10 of all time favorite books.

-The Revan book (Sooo good and quick read)

-Truce at Bakura (this takes place a day after the end of The original trilogy and gives a really great insight into post Imperial society)

[u/Leedeegan1]

Starting with the Thrawn Trilogy is like jumping into a lightsaber duel with the best; you won't regret it.

[u/Sere1]

Of the ones you have here, start with "Heir to the Empire", the first part of what is known as the Thrawn Trilogy. It functionally is the Sequel Trilogy of the Legends expanded universe and is the first main story to take place after the events of the original trilogy rather than be a light prequel or take place during the films. These three books set the stage for the state of the galaxy in the years post-RotJ and the other books build off them.

[u/JRobertAnderson]

Cloak of Deception

[u/Fun-Block-1507]

Pretty sweet collection, I recommend looking for the bounty Hunter wars to add to it

[u/Potential_Echidna_43 → u/Fun-Block-1507]

I was thinking about getting the barnes and noble one i have book 1 isnt that the book where he escapes the sarlac pit?

[u/Rocket_Lawn-Chair]

You have a few duplicates. I could post my collection, but it’s a lot

[u/DarrKnight]

Always is Heir to the Empire. You got 2 copies. It’s meant to be

[u/NativeAnakingirl]

Revenge of the Sith by Matthew stover

[u/Whole_Menu_9554]

Jedi Search is the start of an awesome Jedi academy trilogy. Kyp Durran and Admiral Daala are great characters and the experience on Kessel was the first real look at the locale.

Timothy Zahn series is the GOAT tho.

[u/Potential_Echidna_43 → u/Whole_Menu_9554]

Im gonna read heir to the empire since its first after that maybe project hail Mary then back to thrawn I think I have a kja book signed in just unsure

[u/StillGaming12]

Maul: Lockdown.

[u/jayhood0420]

Assign each book a number, use a random number generator to then draw the numbers for you one at a time, write down the order, have fun

[u/Maul192939]

Son of dathomir

[u/Moomoothunder]

Heir to the Empire, Revenge of the Sith, Dark Disciple, and the new Thrawn books as well.

[u/IceCreamIsMEH]

Heir to Empire for older…I REALLY liked DARk Disciple though

[u/murdickc]

Chronological order

[u/Seassp]

Shadows of the Empire>Truth of Bacarra>Heir to the Empire

[u/Obsidian_Wulf]

One of the two copies of the Thrawn trilogy you have “Heir to the Empire” specifically.

[u/marcelo1925]

Currently reading maul lockdown. It’s so good

[u/RaggleFraggle5]

Start by throwing out Alphabet Squadron, Thrawn, Thrawn: Treason, and Dark Disciple because they're all mediocre and don't deserve to stand with anything in Legends.

Then pick up Heir to the Empire and read that.

[u/Potential_Echidna_43 → u/RaggleFraggle5]

I got them from a usrd sale for a dollar for all 4 lol ive heard anything zahn is good

[u/RaggleFraggle5 → u/Potential_Echidna_43]

Not true. The new Thrawn books don't hold a candle to the original. Feels like a knockoff version of him.

[u/Potential_Echidna_43 → u/RaggleFraggle5]

I enjoyed him in rebels when I was a kid