Star Wars Books?

[horacethegrey]

Well I've only read the Thrawn Trilogy, so I'm not sure of what other books to recommend in the Star Wars literary universe.

That said, Timothy Zahn's books are excellent. It has a good overarching plot and introduces some really good characters. Examples being Grand Admiral Thrawn (quite possibly the best Star Wars antagonist ever), Mara Jade (despite other people's claim that she's nothing but a Mary Sue in disguise), and the Noghri (space ninjas! ).

Really, the only thing that really spoils the books for me is the introduction of that galactic slimeball extraordinaire, Borsk Fey'lia. God, how such a despicable character could exist for so long in the novels stuns me. :\

 

[Klaus]

If you're going chronologically, you'll want to start with Truce At Bakura, which opens on the day after the second Death Star blows up.

Keep in mind that several novels were rendered obsolete by the Prequel Trilogy. Most notavly, the Darksaber novel, which details a completely different origin for the Death Star.

 

[Zaukrie]

Thanks, the boy is 9, so we might not go chronologically at first. I figured Zahn was the man, from what I'd read elsewhere, but it's always nice to have your suspicions confirmed. Any other suggestions, keep them coming, if not, thanks for what is here, it will be helpful.

 

[delericho]

I enjoyed the Zahn books, the X-Wing books, and almost all of the New Jedi Order. The rest is largely unremarkable. I haven't read anything that takes place before "Revenge of the Sith", though, so can't comment on those, and I haven't yet read any of the "Legacy of the Force" books, as I'm waiting for the paperback of the first one.

 

[BrooklynKnight]

If you're going chronologically, you'll want to start with Truce At Bakura, which opens on the day after the second Death Star blows up.

Keep in mind that several novels were rendered obsolete by the Prequel Trilogy. Most notavly, the Darksaber novel, which details a completely different origin for the Death Star.

Actually, like i mentioned above I disagree. Truce At Bakura is not the first book that should be read Chronologically.

The two Trilogies centered on Han Solo and the one Trilogy about Lando should go "first". Followed by Shadows of the Empire which takes place between Empire and Return.

 

[BrooklynKnight]

I enjoyed the Zahn books, the X-Wing books, and almost all of the New Jedi Order. The rest is largely unremarkable. I haven't read anything that takes place before "Revenge of the Sith", though, so can't comment on those, and I haven't yet read any of the "Legacy of the Force" books, as I'm waiting for the paperback of the first one.

You'll be waiting a while i think. Take out the hardcover from the Library so you can get started, and buy the paperback when available.

 

[Meloncov]

Read the Thrawn Trilogy by Zahn. Decide wether or not to read anything else after that (keeping in mind that nothing will come close to it in quality).

I'd say that Matthew Stover's (Trator, RoTS novelisation, and Shatterpoint) books are as good as Zahn's. Very different, and perhaps not appropriate for a 9 year old due to their dark nature (especially Traitor, were the first half of the book is an extended torture sequence), but just as good.

 

[Meloncov]

I enjoyed the Zahn books, the X-Wing books, and almost all of the New Jedi Order. The rest is largely unremarkable. I haven't read anything that takes place before "Revenge of the Sith", though, so can't comment on those, and I haven't yet read any of the "Legacy of the Force" books, as I'm waiting for the paperback of the first one.

Legacy is bad. Very, very bad. it more or less ignores all the character development that occurs during NJO, and has really wonky plots.

 

[Klaus]

But the Star Wars: Legacy comic book is pretty neat (that is now my favorite Star Wars era).

 

[Darth Shoju]

Of the novels, I've only read Shadows of the Empire and it was mediocre at best (and I'm probably being charitable here). The Dark Horse comics are numerous but largely well-done IMO. You can pick up a lot of them in trade paperback.