One of the things fans love about the Star Wars universe is the amount of material there is to consume for anyone who can't get enough of the world created by George Lucas. Before the original movie was even released, the novelization of the film was published. After that, dozens of licensed novels made their way onto bookshelves, delighting the imaginations of fans.

RELATED: Star Wars' High Republic Explained & Release Guide (Books, Comics & Show)

In 2014, many were surprised to hear anything published before would no longer be referred to as canon. With the sequel films on the horizon, what had previously been known as the Expanded Universe would now be printed as Star Wars Legends. There continues to be some dispute over the matter, but, regardless, there are some truly amazing stories that deserve their chance to shine among the stars.

Outbound Flight by Timothy Zahn

Though famous for his Thrawn Trilogy, Timothy Zahn also wrote several other Star Wars novels that should be on the reading list of any fan. Of course, the appearance of the master strategist is always welcome, so, when Thrawn encounters both the Jedi as well as Darth Sidious in Outbound Flight, readers get to see him as the commander of the Chiss fleet. One of the few characters to make the return journey from Legends to canon, Thrawn has made his way into Star Wars Rebels, The Mandalorian, and a new series of novels still being released.

Shatterpoint by Matthew Stover

Since Star Wars was released in 1977, fans have been fascinated with the Clone Wars, first mentioned by Obi-Wan Kenobi. Years later, Attack of the Clones showed the beginning of the war, followed by Revenge of the Sith showing the end of it.

But, that wasn't enough for fans; they wanted more Clone Wars content. Shatterpoint was the first book published in the Clone Wars novel series, giving fans the content they'd been craving, as well as some awesome Mace Windu moments. After its release, Stover went on to write the novelization of Episode III.

Jedi Trial by David Sherman and Dan Cragg

It's no secret that Anakin Skywalker is frustrated with being a padawan in Attack of the Clones, but, when he appears again in Revenge of the Sith, he's already a full Jedi Knight.

RELATED: The Book Of Boba Fett: 10 Unanswered Questions Fans Have

This is what makes Jedi Trial such an essential part of Legends, fans get to see the final mission that allowed him to transition from apprentice to knight. The novel also shows more of Anakin's descent towards the dark side and gives a closer look at the secrets Jedi Master Nejaa Halcyon is hiding.

Yoda: Dark Rendezvous by Sean Stewart

Yoda Dark Rendezvous Cover

A must-read for any Yoda fans, Yoda: Dark Rendezvous dives deeper into the relationship between Yoda and Count Dooku. The revelation that Yoda had an apprentice who turned to the dark side startled audiences when it appeared on the big screen during Episode II, and many clamored to know more.

The novel shows Yoda's last attempt to guide Dooku back towards the light and provides more information about Dooku's mysterious past. Fan-favorite Asajj Ventress plays a key part in what unfolds, as well.

The Dark Lord Trilogy by James Luceno

No Star Wars reading list is complete without a book by James Luceno. A few of the many great books he's written for Legends include Darth Maul: Saboteur, Darth Plagueis, and Cloak of Deception.

RELATED: 10 Star Wars Books To Read When New Movies Aren’t Enough

The Dark Lord Trilogy was published as a collection volume with Labyrinth of EvilDark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader, and the Revenge of the Sith novelization (written by Matthew Stover). Labyrinth of Evil is a direct prequel to Episode III, while Dark Lord is a direct sequel, giving fans the full picture of Anakin's transition to Vader.

The Cestus Deception by Steven Barnes

Part of the Clone Wars multimedia project, The Cestus Deception is an action-packed story with the same essential elements a fan would expect to see in an episode of the animated show.

Obi-Wan and beloved Jedi Master Kit Fisto, along with several clone troopers, battle bio-droids with force abilities known as Jedi Killers, which are as deadly as they sound. They are forced to face off against Asajj Ventress, and, if that wasn't enough action, there's also a rebellion against a group called the Five Families.

The Approaching Storm by Alan Dean Foster

Some fans may not know that Alan Dean Foster was the ghostwriter for George Lucas on the novelization of A New Hope, making him the first person to publish a Star Wars book. He also wrote the very first Expanded Universe novel, Splinter of the Mind's Eye, which was released only a year after Episode IV.

RELATED: Star Wars: Rogue Squadron Is An Original Story, Won't Adapt Books Or Games

The Approaching Storm marked Foster's return to the galaxy. It tells fans what happened on the mission Obi-Wan and Anakin just returned from at the beginning of Attack of the Clones, referred to as "a border dispute on Ansion" and features some truly wonderful moments with the two Jedi, as well as Luminara Unduli and Barriss Offee.

Rogue Planet by Greg Bear

An award-winning science fiction author, Greg Bear introduced a variety of new things to the Star Wars universe with this novel. The story follows a twelve-year-old Anakin on a mission with his master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, as well as Tarkin, who's currently a commander in the Republic Outland Regions Security Force.

Blood Carvers, a race known for being excellent assassins, are introduced in the book, along with the living planet, Zonama Sekot. The descriptions of Anakin's connection with the living ship he helps create on the planet make this novel a truly memorable read.

Clone Wars Gambit by Karen Miller

A series of five novels were written as tie-ins to Star Wars: The Clone Wars, three of which were written by Karen Miller. She wrote the second in the series, Wild Space, along with the fourth and fifth books, Clone Wars Gambit: Stealth and Clone Wars Gambit: Siege.

While the Gambit books are technically separate, they read as a single complete story. Karen Miller truly captures the characters, especially the brotherly bond between Obi-Wan and Anakin, as well as the passion between Anakin and Padme. These books are an essential read for any Clone Wars enthusiast.

Jedi Apprentice & Jedi Quest by Jude Watson

A staple on the bookshelf of any Star Wars fan, Jude Watson has written 18 Jedi Apprentice novels and 10 Jedi Quest novels, along with 10 The Last of the Jedi novels. Legacy of the Jedi and Secrets of the Jedi tie into her other books. She has been called the most celebrated author of the prequel-era and also wrote journals for Queen Amidala, Darth Maul, and Princess Leia.

Her Jedi Apprentice series covers most of Obi-Wan's time as Qui-Gon's apprentice, and Jedi Quest follows Anakin's time as Obi-Wan's apprentice. If anyone deserves to have their work declared as true canon, it's Jude Watson for her incredible stories that spanned over a decade.

NEXT: 10 Things Star Wars Legends Fans Want To See In The Book of Boba Fett