The galaxy far, far away has boasted so many narratives on the big and small screen that it's difficult to try and keep track of every story gap which might open up. However, LucasFilm and Disney have done a fantastic job of publishing new Star Wars novels that help to bridge any of those plot holes.
They might give further context to a relationship, perhaps indicate why a specific choice was made, or perhaps even give readers the details of a series of events that led to what happens on screen. Regardless of how they achieve their goals, the movies and shows have been enhanced by reading these books.
Thrawn: Treason (2018)
Thrawn was introduced on screen for the first time in Rebels, but the character has a long legacy before this on the page, in both Legends and Canon. For those who are searching to fill in the gaps between Thrawn's appearances in Rebels, alongside this relationship with Pryce, then the Timothy Zahn trilogy is a must-read.
The final entry into the saga, in particular, Thrawn: Treason tracks the Empire leader's relationship with Palpatine and keeps track of what's happening with the Rebels on Lothal. It's a perfect companion piece for fans of the animated show and throws a few hints as to what his final fate could be. The books are sure to influence his live-action return as well.
Dark Disciple (2015)
Christie Golden is a mainstay of the Star Wars universe now, producing plenty of thrilling novels that help to flesh out the galaxy further. Dark Disciple adapts a narrative that should have been brought to the Clone Wars animated show, but it was initially canceled before it could be established.
It gives fans an answer as to how Asajj Ventress' story ends, alongside building a relationship with Quinlan Vos. Interestingly, Vos himself has made a comeback in recent months, with a tease that a live-action appearance might be imminent. That makes this read more important than ever and gives Ventress a satisfying conclusion.
Bloodline (2016)
Fans wanted to know how the political situation played out after the collapse of the Empire. General Organa took a leading role in trying to restore some semblance of democracy and peace, but all of the events are documented in Claudia Gray's Bloodline.
While young Leia is currently continuing the Princesses' story, Bloodline does add more to her narrative between her leadership of the Rebellion and eventually her rise in the Resistance. Considering how vital the politics of the Senate was to the prequel trilogy, it's refreshing to revisit it in a new light.
Battlefront II: Inferno Squad (2017)
Battlefront II followed the trend of the original game, with an accompanying book released alongside it. However, the sequel title from DICE boasted its campaign, which focused on Iden Versio and her Inferno Squad, a task force that worked for the Emperor.
Inferno Squad by Christie Golden gives a lot of context to the partnerships within the team, why Iden joined the Imperials in the first place and drops some hints as to why she will eventually have a change of heart. It's packed full of action and sets up the video game superbly.
Cobalt Squadron (2017)
Rose Tico was firmly established in The Last Jedi, but her sister never got a chance to cement herself in Star Wars lore before she sacrificed herself. It was an emotional moment, but audiences didn't get the full bond between Rose and Paige, nor did they get to see any of their backstories.
Cobalt Squadron by Elizabeth E. Wein adds some much-needed depth to proceedings. It tracks the sisters on a mission together before the events of The Last Jedi, establishing how they work alongside one another and the importance of that connection. It explains the lead-up to their final adventure together as well.
Before The Awakening (2015)
There was a lot of mystery surrounding Rey heading into The Force Awakens. For those who wanted a better sense of her childhood and to understand how she had picked up so many useful skills (including piloting a ship), then there's a book that fills in all those gaps.
Before The Awakening by Greg Rucka focuses on multiple characters that will be integral to the sequel trilogy, but Rey is the star here. Regardless, Poe and Finn get an arc here too, with the latter's becoming quite informative as to the former Stormtrooper's sudden betrayal.
Rebel Rising (2017)
Rogue One will be garnering a prequel adventure in the form of Andor. However, Jyn Erso's story essentially begins with Rebel Rising by Beth Revis. Jyn's origins are full of violence and tragedy. She may have lost her parents from a young age but she did find support from an unlikely source.
A great deal of the text analyses the father and daughter-like bond that was built between Erso and Saw Gerrera, which eventually pays off in Rogue One. It leads right up until the moment of the movie's beginning as well, including a little breakdown of why Erso had gotten herself into trouble. As a character study, it's so vital.
Most Wanted (2018)
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Speaking of spin-off movies, Solo attempted to look at the origin of the smuggler himself, Han Solo. It's a piece of filmmaking that has risen in popularity again, but some of its most important beats are fleshed out further in the novel Most Wanted by Rae Carson.
It largely follows Han and Qi'ra in the criminal underworld of Corellia. It sees their romantic interests intertwine in a way that adds to the chemistry in Solo while setting up Qi'ra's ultimate desire for wealth and power. It enhances everything about the following film, capitalizing on the interesting array of characters and filling in that early gap which saw plenty of retcons to Solo's character.
The Princess And The Scoundrel (2022)
The Princess And The Scoundrel is a recent addition to Star Wars Canon and was written by Beth Revis. Audiences want to know how Solo and Organa's relationship came to an end and in doing so, the author looks to their wedding for inspiration.
The book thus takes place directly after the conclusion of the original trilogy and allows the partnership to blossom for a time. One huge piece of information concerns the plot hole of Leia talking about her mother's memories, of which she should have none. This is addressed in the book.
Aftermath: Empire's End (2017)
The conclusion of the sequel trilogy left a lot to be desired for some fans, but it did bring back the Emperor himself, to the planet known as Exegol. That setup was never established on screen, with the Sith territory coming out of nowhere. The Aftermath trilogy sets a lot of future plots up though.
Not only does it add to the gap between the originals and the sequels, while introducing characters like Temmin Wexley properly, but it even concludes on a note that leads directly into Palpatine's revival. Empire's End in particular, which is written by Chuck Wendig like the rest of the series, adds a great deal to the Star Wars tapestry. Cobb Vanth also made his vital debut in the trilogy.