Star Wars has gone through somewhat of a metamorphosis after Disney's initial acquisition of the property. Their plan to rewrite the continuity fans were familiar with was certainly controversial, but they have since created a canon timeline that allows for new and exciting stories to be told. Their publishing platforms have made the most of these significant changes.
There's a number of must-read novels from throughout the Lucasfilm initiative that helps audiences understand the state of the canon today and how these books are being used to fill in the gaps left by the films, video games, animated shows (and even Walt Disney Parks). Not only are these novels perfect for fans of the galaxy far far away, but they are also brilliant for understanding the tapestry of today's canon.
Honorable Mention - Doctor Aphra: An Audiobook Original (2020)
Although Lucasfilm had previously dived into the realms of Audiobooks through the creation of Dooku: Jedi Lost, it was the Doctor Aphra edition that really showed the full potential of this format. Written by Sarah Kuhn, the piece really showed why Aphra, herself, needs a live-action adaptation.
There are so many comics to enjoy about the adventurer that it's difficult to know where to begin. Luckily, this Audible project summarises some of the crucial aspects of her journey in the graphic novels, while also exploring her complex relationship with the Empire and Vader himself. She's an archeologist caught in over her head in a conflict she has no business being involved in.
Dark Disciple (2015)
After the conclusion of The Clone Wars, the writing team had a number of narratives they wished they could portray left on the cutting room floor. The talented Christie Golden stepped in to write this story about Asajj Ventress after she had left Count Dooku's side and begun life as a Bounty Hunter.
It's a narrative the series eventually picked up on but the novel itself goes a step beyond her connection to Ahsoka Tano, instead building up a relationship with the Jedi Quinlan Vos. Not only does it further investigate the history of the Nightsisters, but it gives fans a real conclusion to her arc as well as adding further layers to the underrated Jedi knight who is tempted by Ventress and the dark side.
Aftermath: Empire's End (2017)
Empire's End is the final installment of Chuck Wendig's celebrated Aftermath trilogy but it perhaps adds the most to the canon timeline and really sets up the next era of Star Wars. The trilogy itself looks at the complex politics of creating the New Republic while tracking Nora Wexley and her son on a dangerous mission across the galaxy.
It's a fitting conclusion to the saga and one that shows why fans should read the other two novels, but it also demonstrates what happened on Jakku, how the remains of the Empire found Exegol, and how they restructured to become the First Order. What's more, it's a fun narrative for fans of Wedge Antilles and adds some layers to the Squadrons video game.
Thrawn (2017)
Thrawn is such an important character within the Legends timeline that it wasn't surprising that Lucasfilm brought back Timothy Zahn to create a version of the Chiss leader in this new canon universe. Thrawn is the perfect intro for new fans and old as the loyal servant of the Emperor gets his start in the glorious Empire.
It provides plenty of nods to the initial works that made the character famous but has also allowed for the launch of two sequel novels, three prequels, a Rebels appearance, and a potential live-action adaptation. With Thrawn becoming more crucial to the timeline, this book is certainly a must-read.
The High Republic: Light Of The Jedi (2021)
The High Republic is the new Star Wars era that sees Lucasfilm trying to create an initiative that spans across all aspects of its production. Each publication aims to tell a different part of the story, but the first novel Light Of The Jedi highlights the galactic conflict that has thrown the Republic into chaos.
Written by Charles Soule, the novel dives into the Hyperspace disaster that has completely shaken the very core of the galaxy. The events of this book are mentioned throughout all the other pieces of the High Republic canon resulting in this compelling tale becoming a crucial part of fan's reading lists.
Rebel Rising (2017)
Rogue One was a demonstration as to how Disney was going to move away from just the Skywalker Saga and try to create compelling narratives outside of the characters fans were so familiar with. As an experiment, it worked, but the storytelling is enriched by the prequel novel Rebel Rising by Beth Revis.
Jyn Erso's personal journey is extended further, as is her relationship with her father, who audiences only get a brief amount of screen time with. Saw Gerrera is also a standout of the novel and such a vital character in Disney's version of the Star Wars timeline that the dynamic between the student and master has to be enjoyed by more fans.
Bloodline (2016)
The political landscape of Star Wars has always been a really important part of the overall narrative and fans were intrigued to know how the galaxy went from the Empire to the New Republic. Aftermath does a good job of getting readers there, but Bloodline does most of the heavy lifting for Leia Organa's role in the story.
It really does make politics far more interesting than it has ever been in the galaxy far far away as diplomacy tries to take precedent over the war for the first time in a while. Writer Claudia Gray expertly creates a novel that is integral to the future of the galaxy and answers so many questions for fans of the new canon.
Galaxy's Edge: Black Spire (2019)
Galaxy's Edge might be the most detailed addition to the Disney Parks that the company has ever produced. Storytelling is at the heart of these new lands and the Black Spire Outpost has been given plenty of opportunities to shine within the new canon timeline.
Although the comics and even the Thrawn trilogy highlight the location of Batuu, it is Galaxy's Edge: Black Spire by Delilah S. Dawson that does the most to set up this mysterious smuggler's paradise; the book actually acts as a sequel to Dawson's Phasma novel as well. Star Wars fans can really feel the importance of this new location thanks to the brilliant writing here.
Battlefront II: Inferno Squad (2017)
Battlefront II is now hugely celebrated thanks to the work that EA and Dice had done to ensure the title was continuously supported. Upon its release, fans were thrilled by the single-player campaign featuring the Inferno Squad and Iden Versio, set after the events of the fall of the Empire.
The novel Inferno Squad by Christie Golden adds some much-needed context to the Inferno Squad's found-family dynamic and Iden Versio's role on the team. It enriches the canon narrative set out in Battlefront II and continues to fill in those gaps about what happened for the Empire after their glorious leader's death.
At the conclusion of The Clone Wars, fans were confused as to how Ahsoka managed to survive Order 66 and return in Star Wars Rebels. Of course, this was before the return of Clone Wars ultimately answered everyone's questions so E.K. Johnston had to step in to add to the story.
It still remains a piece of the canon timeline and only adds to the finale of the Clone Wars series. With Ahsoka Tano getting her own live-action show this is definitely a must-read novel so that fans can understand her point of view in Rebels, The Mandalorian, and beyond.