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Contents

Introduction
The Films
Star Wars Publishing History
Terminology and Mechanics of Star Wars Publishing
Timeline
What to Read

Introduction

The Star Wars films are among the most heavily and successfully merchandised films in history. Almost every conceivable product imaginable has been given the Star Wars treatment from breakfast cereal to computers.It should therefore come as no surprise that the films have also spun off an enormous number of reading material. Fans seek out this material and many are fully conversant on the peculiarities of this subgenre. However those who, for whatever reason, are new to the “expanded universe” of Star Wars are likely to need assistance picking their way through the ins and outs of Star Wars publishing. Enter librarians.
 
The trouble is that for most librarians, Star Wars publishing is just as much a mystery for them as the reader and make Reader’s Advisory for Star Wars can a daunting prospect. There are hundreds (yes, hundreds) of titles for all ages which makes it difficult to help customers decide what to read next, even for those of use who are fairly Star Wars literate. Enter this guide.

Hopefully this guide will help the librarian’s efforts to provide RA in this niche of Science Fiction. It will describe the mechanics of this particular sub-genre, provide suggestions for providing RA service to Star Wars fans, and provide an extensive if not exhaustive list of the titles available with annotation where appropriate.

The Films

Perhaps the single most confusing part about Star Wars for the uninitiated is keeping the films straight. The original three films, called either the original or “classic” trilogy, were the ones that follow the exploits of Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Princess Leia during the war against the Empire. These include Episode IV: A New Hope (1977), Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980), and Episode 6: Return of the Jedi (1983).

Then, starting in the late 1990s, Lucas began working on new films he’d intended to make all along set before the first three. Since they came before established events, these came to be known as the “prequel” trilogy. These follow the life of Anakin Skywalker and the events that led to him becoming a Jedi, and later the Sith Lord, Darth Vader. These films are entitled Episode I: The Phantom Menace (1999), Episode II: Attack of the Clones (2002), and Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005).

There are therefore two ways to order the films:

Chronologically	Order of Release
Episode I: The Phantom Menace	Episode IV: A New Hope
Episode II: Attack of the Clones	Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
Episode III: Revenge of the Sith	Episode VI: The Return of the Jedi
Episode IV: A New Hope	Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back	Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Episode VI: The Return of the Jedi	Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

Its really up to the person to decide what order they prefer. This is largely based on the order in which they first saw them!

Star Wars Publishing History

Like most things Star Wars publishing started small. Indeed, given the fact that there had never been a blockbuster movie before Star Wars, the merchandisers were actually caught rather flat-footed. The first tentative efforts at reading material, perhaps unsurprisingly, took the form of comic books from Marvel Comics. Starting with issue #7, the creators of this comic stated creating the first material that dealt with events outside the films.

The first novel actually predates the release of the first film with the novelization of the film released in 1976, (attributed to George Lucas but ghostwritten by Alan Dean Foster). However, the first it wasn’t until the release of Splinters of the Mind’s Eye in 1978 that expanded universe has really gotten off the ground.

As it currently stands there are well over 300 distinct title in the Star Wars library. These are written by an astonishing variety of authors which typically represent some of the best the Science Fiction Genre as a whole has to offer. Truly notable in this field are Terry Brooks, Timothy Zahn, R. A. Salvatore, Kevin J. Anderson, and Troy Denning.

Terminology and Mechanics of Star Wars Publishing

There are three primary terms to know in Star Wars publishing: expanded universe, canon, and time-line.

Expanded Universe

The Expanded Universe (EU) is all the material that goes beyond the films their novelizations, and related material. This includes the vast majority of the items currently published, so it’s a good term to keep in mind.

Canon

Similar to its religious meaning (for Star Wars is a religion you know), canon refers to an understanding of what is “true”. In the context of a fictional universe like Star Wars, Canon refers to those novels, stories, films, etc. that are considered to be genuine, and those events, characters, settings, etc. that are considered to have inarguable existence within the fictional universe.

There are officially four levels of canon used by Lucas Licensing.

• G (George Lucas) canon is absolute canon. This category includes the six films, the deleted scenes from the films (except where contradicted by other “G” cannon material), the novelizations of the films, the radio dramas based on the films, the film scripts, and any material found in any other source (published or not) that comes directly from George Lucas himself. G canon outranks all other forms of canon.
• C (continuity) canon refers to the main body of EU work, and is the next most authoritative level of canon. All material published under the Star Wars label that doesn’t fall into either G, S, or N canon is C canon and is considered authoritative as long as it isn’t contradicted by G canon.
• S (secondary) canon refers to older, less accurate, or less coherent EU works, which would not ordinarily fit in the main continuity of G and C canon.
• N continuity material is also known as “non-canon” or “non-continuity” material. What-if stories (such as those published under the Infinities label) and anything else that cannot at all fit into continuity is placed into this category. “N-continuity” is not considered canon.

Librarians need to keep this in mind only insofar as it matters to the patron. For all intents and purposes, the majority of materials available that are not “G” level are “C” level.

Timeline

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…

At their core, all of the films, comics, and books of the Star Wars Universe constitute a long historical narrative of a fictional place. Given this sense of time that rests at the core of all things Star Wars, it’s only natural that the time-line would be significant.

All things are dated relative to the Battle of Yavin which is the battle at the end of Episode IVthat resulted in the destruction of the the first Death Star. Things are dated as either BBY (Before Battle of Yavin) or ABY (After Battle of Yavin), in much the same way as things in the western, christian world are dated BC or AD.

There are currently six recognized eras in Star Wars time in which publishing currently occurs. This is almost certain to change. As long as they continue to publish Star Wars materials, this will continue to grow. What follows are the eras as the currently stand, with descriptions.

The Old Republic (25,000 – 1,000 BBY)

The Old Republic was the government that united the Star Wars galaxy under the rule of the Galactic Senate. In this era, the Jedi are numerous and serve as guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy.

As things stand, this era is mostly covered by comics and graphic novels, but it seems likely that it will attract more attention in the future as we get farther from the prequel films and the other eras become more crowded with material.

The Rise of the Empire (1,000 – 0 BBY)

After the seemingly final defeat of the Sith, the Republic enters a state of complacency. In the waning years of the Republic, the senate was rife with corruption and scandal, and saddled with a bureaucracy so immense that effective governing was nearly impossible. The Sith persist in secret passing on the ancient teachings until the Sith Lord, Darth Sidious, caused himself to be elected Supreme Chancellor under the guise of Senator Palpatine. He promised to reunite the galaxy under a New Order, and destroyed the majority of the Jedi.

The prequel trilogy takes place during this era. Much of the recent publishing has focused on this era, tieing in with the popularity of the prequel films.

The Rebellion (0 BBY – 5 ABY)

An outcry of resistance begins to spread across the galaxy in protest to the new Empire’s tyranny. Cells of Rebellion fight back, and the Galactic Civil War begins. This era begins with the Rebel victory that secured the Death Star plans, and ends a year after the death of the Emperor high over the forest moon of Endor. The Rebellion starts to reform itself into a body of government, first as the Alliance of Free Planets, and later the New Republic.

This is the period of time covered by the three original movies. Much of the existing material for this era is “G” canon, with only a limited amount of “independent” material.

The New Republic (5 ABY – 25 ABY)

Having defeated the Empire at the Battle of Endor, the Rebel Alliance must now transform itself from a militant resistance force into a functioning galactic government. As Imperial territory is reclaimed, the New Republic suffers growing pains, having to fend off insurrections, Imperial loyalists, and wayward warlords. Also, Luke Skywalker, the last of the Jedi, begins to rebuild the Jedi Order and train new apprentices.

Prior to the release of Episode I, the period before Episode IV: A New Hope, especially the “Rise of the Empire” era was absolutely off limits. As a result, much of the older publishing focused on the time after Return of the Jedi. Many of what are considered classics of Star Wars books relate to this era, including the very popular “Thrawn Trilogy” which is generally considered among the best Star Wars fiction out there.

 The New Jedi Order (25 – 30 ABY)

The Jedi Knights are now over one hundred strong. The New Republic has signed a peace treaty with the remains of the Empire. The galaxy is finally enjoying a peaceful respite from decades of war. It’s at this time that a horrible alien menace invades the Republic from beyond known space. The Yuuzhan Vong lay waste to entire worlds in their scourge, as depicted in the novels of The New Jedi Order.

The New Jedi Order arose out of (largely reasonable) fears that Star Wars books had become stale. For avid readers, the books of the last several years had come to be totally lacking in dramatic tension. After all, our heroes have been in dangerous spots for the better part of 25 years and are almost entirely unscathed. The books of the past had also worn out the Empire as an opponent. This all would change. The New Jedi Order series was designed and planned by Lucas Licencing and a cadre of Authors to inject some drama back into the world of Star Wars by presenting an exotic new foe, the aforementioned Yuuzhan Vong, and by making the good guys just as mortal as their opponents.

As the preceeding explaination implies, the New Jedi Order is of a rather darker nature than most of the previous Star Wars novels. Parents should be careful about letting their younger children read these.

Legacy of the Force (40-unknown date ABY)

Having reached peace with the Yuuzhan Vong, the newly formed Galactic Federation of Free Alliance struggles to keep itself working as a single government. But many threats from inside are joined by a danger that comes from the remains of the Dark Side, that threaten to give rise to a new Sith Lord more powerful than Darth Vader or Emperor Palpatine. The new Jedi order created by Luke Skywalker faces a new era as the heirs of the Skywalker legacy grow up. Jacen Solo, perhaps the strongest of the new order, is now Ben Skywalker’s master, and has partnered with a nemesis from Luke Skywalker’s past; Lumiya, who has promised him only if he becomes the next Sith Lord will he be able to bring peace to the galaxy.

Legacy of the Force was designed to build on the momentum from the New Jedi Order books. Like New Jedi Order, it ventures into decidedly darker territory. Only recommended for teens or older.

What to Read

The single most important thing to keep in mind is that it is neither practical nor necessary to read the Star Wars novels “in order” on the largest scale. There are just too many to do this way and they weren’t even published in chronological order so it would be largely a waste of time. It is however, important to read the books within the individual series in order as they do build on one another as they present the entire story arc. The following lists will include the titles I reccomend. I will write them in a suggested reading order that is not set in stone. As I already said, read individual series in order.

For Adults and Teens

Highly Recommended

Shadows of the Empire by Steve Perry – Shadows looks at events that take place between Episodes V and VI. It adds the character of Prince Xizor, an evil crime lord with a grudge against Darth Vader. The heros of the Rebellion are swept up in a plot by Xizor to discredit Vader in the eyes of the Emperor. A fun story that has a lot of the charm of the films. One sees what happens between episode V and VI and gets to know Lando Calrissian and some other peripheral characters better.

The Truce at Bakura by Kathy Tyers - This ones especially good for folks new to Star Wars novels. It follows directly after the events of Episode VI and is shorter, making it a easier way to break oneself into Star Wars fiction.

The Courtship of Princess Leia by Dave Wolverton – This one plays an important role in establishing the trajectory of much of the books written in the New Republic period. Lays the groundwork for the interpersonal dynamics between the main characters in the books, culminating in the marriage of Han Solo and Princess Leia.

The Thrawn Trilogy by Timothy Zhan - These books are considered among the best written of the older novels. They introduce several of the most popular Expanded Universe characters including Grand Admiral Thrawn, Captain Pellaeon, and Mara Jade.

• Heir to the Empire
• Dark Force Rising
• The Last Command

The Jedi Academy Trilogy by Kevin J. Anderson – Anderson’s trilogy builds on the Thrawn trilogy and introduces many of the new Jedi characters as Luke Skywalker goes about trying to rebuild the Jedi Order.

• Jedi Search
• Dark Apprentice
• Champions of the Force

Recommended

Black Fleet Crisis by Michael P Kube-McDowell – The Black Fleet Crisis is kind of a precursor to the New Jedi Order. It presents the galaxy with an unforeseen threat. This is a lot darker than many of the books that came before and is a worthy choice.

• Before the Storm
• Shield of Lies
• Tyrant’s Test

X-Wing Series – A longish series that focuses on the military aspects of the war against the Empire. The heroes are the pilots of Rogue Squadron, the Rebel Alliance’s (and later the New Republic’s) elite fighter squadron. A competently written series that’s heavy on action but not unbalanced.

• Rogue Squadron by Michael A Stackpole
• Wedge’s Gamble by Michael A Stackpole
• The Krytos Trap by Michael A Stackpole
• The Bacta War by Michael A Stackpole
• Wraith Squadron by Aaron Allston
• Iron Fist by Aaron Allston
• Solo Command by Aaron Allston
• Isard’s Revenge by Michael A Stackpole
• Starfighters of Adumar by Aaron Allston

The New Jedi Order - The epic New Jedi Order series constitutes a whole new direction for Star Wars. Its considerably darker than anything that proceeded it (almost oppressive at times). It depicts a new war with a new outside threat that doesn’t even try to understand the society they’re attempting to destroy. For the first time, characters in the Star Wars universe prove mortal and no one really feels safe anymore. Far more interesting reading than some, but occasionally too brooding for some.

• Vector Prime by R A Salvatore
• Onslaught: Dark Tide I by Michael A Stackpole
• Ruin: Dark Tide II by Michael A Stackpole
• Hero’s Trial: Agents of Chaos 1 by James Luceno
• Jedi Eclipse: Agents of Chaos 2 by James Luceno
• Balance Point by Kathy Tyers
• Conquest: Edge of Victory I by Greg Keyes
• Rebirth: Edge of Victory II by Greg Keyes
• Recovery by Troy Denning
• Star by Star by Troy Denning
• Dark Journey by Elaine Cunningham
• Rebel Dream: Enemy Lines I by Aaron Allston
• Rebel Stand: Enemy Lines II by Aaron Allston
• Traitor by Matthew Stover
• Destiny’s Way by Walter Jon Williams
• Remnant: Force Heretic I by Shane Dix and Sean Williams
• Refugee: Force Heretic II by Shane Dix and Sean Williams
• Reunion: Force Heretic III by Shane Dix and Sean Williams
• The Final Prophecy by Greg Keyes
• The Unifying Force by James Luceno

For Teens

Star Wars : Young Jedi Knights (series) by Kevin J Anderson and Rebecca Moesta – A series written with Teens and Older Kids in mind, but without “talking down to them”. Well written and even worth a look for adults

• Heirs of the Force
• Shadow Academy
• The Lost Ones
• Lightsabers
• Darkest Knight
• Jedi Under Siege
• Shards of Alderaan
• Diversity Alliance
• Delusions of Grandeur
• Jedi Bounty
• The Emperor’s Plague
• Return to Ord Mantell
• Trouble on Cloud City
• Crisis at Crystal Reef

For Kids

There are numerous series for kids and I must confess that I don’t know them very well.

Star Wars : Boba Fett (series) by Terry Bisson and Elizabeth Hand

Star Wars : Jedi Apprentice (series) by Dave Wolverton and Jude Watson

Star Wars : Jedi Quest by Jude Watson

• Path to Truth 
• The Way of the Apprentice
• The Trail of the Jedi 
• The Dangerous Games 
• The Master of Disguise 
• The School of Fear
• The Shadow Trap
• The Moment of Truth
• The Changing of the Guard 
• The False Peace 
• The Final Showdown

Star Wars : Junior Jedi Knights

• The Golden Globe by Rebecca Moesta and Nancy Ann Richardson
• Lyric’s World by Nancy Ann Richardson
• Promises by Rebecca Moesta and Nancy Ann Richardson
• Anakin’s Quest by Rebecca Moesta
• Vader’s Fortress by Rebecca Moesta
• Kenobi’s Blade by Rebecca Moesta

Star Wars : Last Of The Jedi by Jude Watson

• The Desperate Mission
• Dark Warning
• Underworld
• Death on Naboo
• A Tangled Web
• Return of the Dark Side
• Secret Weapon
• Against the Empire
• Master of Deception
• Reckoning

Graphic Novels

Graphic novels are a huge part of the Star Wars Publishing Universe! After all, Star Wars was born in a visual medium. For the sake of brevity, I will highlight a few very important ones and then mention some series as a whole.

Must Reads

• Dark Empire by Tom Veitch
• Dark Empire II by Tom Veitch
• Empire’s End by Tom Veitch (Available as part of Dark Empire II in newest edition)

Good Series

• Star Wars : X-Wing Rogue Squadron by Michael A Stackpole
• Star Wars : Tales of the Jedi