In order to develop a well-rounded education in the Star Wars galaxy, a magnificent, yet, sometimes, discouragely vast universe, it is necessary to delve beyond the scope of the films, and even games, into depth and penetration of the novels. Having read the majority of them, and recognizing that the sheer volume of what is available that can both enthrall and dishearten the potential fan, I have compiled a list of the novels essential to such an education.

The novels in this list are designed to whet the apitite for information that the newer fan will undoubtedly possess, while providing a continuous stream of information and insight to please the die-hard fan.

Please, contact me for any further recommendations, and to tell me what you think!!
Thanks!

SITH ERA

Darth Bane: Path of Destruction
Darth Bane: Rule of Two

NOTE: Unfortunately, these novels are all that have been written on the Sith Era, which happens to be my favorite era. This is because it is so different from the additional eras, as the Republic is undergoing massive changes, and that this is the sole era with massive amounts of Sith Lords. Fortunately, however, these books provide massive amounts of insight for all fans, and are perfect for KOTOR enthusiasists.

PREQUEL ERA

Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter

NOTE: It is very difficult to find novels told from a Sith perspecitve, which is probably why TFU is creating such excitement. Shadow Hunter is not merely full of great Sith insight, and penetration into the characters of Darths Sidious and Maul, but is skillfully written, packed with lighsaber duels and Force philosophizing.

Rogue Planet

NOTE: With young Obi-Wan and his padawan, Anakin, and intoducing the Yuzaan Vong, on a planet which will become very signifcant during the Yuzaan Vong War.

Legacy of the Jedi
Secrets of the Jedi

NOTE: Perhaps more difficult to find, because they were initially published as novels for younger children, the writing is very mature, and delves into the concealed past of Dooku, Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, and Anakin, their secret loves, passions, and duty. Powerful reading.

Shatterpoint
The Cestus Deception
Jedi Trial
Yoda: Dark Rendezvous

NOTE: These novels depict the Clone Wars in all of their terrible glory, while, at the same time, crafting, in order, the tale of Deepa Billapa's death and Mace Windu's transformation, a masterful and humerous deception by Obi-Wan and Kit Fisto, Anakin's ascention to Jedi Knighthood, and insight into Yoda on the Dark Side, while foreshadowing what is to come.

Labyrinth of Evil

NOTE: Leads perfectly into Revenge of the Sith, while crafting the menace of Grievous and the invasion of Courascant, and displaying a complex relationship between Obi and Anakin.


The Paradise Snare
The Hutt Gambit
Rebel Dawn


NOTE: The Han Solo Trilogy is probably dearest to me because it was the first set of Star Wars novels I ever read. They're great reading, if not necessarily essential.

CLASSIC ERA

X-Wing: Rogue Squadron

NOTE: If you never end up reading the whole X-Wing series, the first will definately acquaint you with the layout and lingo of space battles, a critical portion of every Star Wars novel. In additon, it intoduces several ctirical characters, including Corran Horn, Wedge Antilles, Mirax, and Gavin Darklighter. These individuals eventually gain a story of their own, flourishing into fundamental characters, and participating in nearly every novel following this one.

The Truce at Bakura

NOTE: Picking up the day after A New Hope, The Truce at Bakura contains the details of one of Luke's many loves, while crafting a tale of combat against an exxtra-galactic force, and Luke's inner combat with himself and his inherent responsiblites.

NEW REPUBLIC

Heir to the Empire
Dark Force Rising
The Last Command

NOTE: The Thrawn Trilogy is great for information on the development of the early New Republic, and introduces Mara Jade, Luke's future bride, and an extraordinary participant in the conflicts to come.

Jedi Search
Dark Apprentice
Champions of the Force

NOTE: Chronicles Luke's rebuilding of the Jedi Academy against various threats.

I, Jedi

NOTE: Truly displaying what it takes to be a Jedi, and one of Michael Stackpole's finest. Corran Horn, fighter pilot, narrates this tale of love, sacrifice, and the fight within oneself.


NEW JEDI ORDER

Vector Prime to The Unifying Force
or
Vector Prime
Dark Tide I: Onslaught
Dark Tide II: Ruin
Agents of Chaos I: Hero's Trial
Agents of Chaos II: Jedi Eclipse
Balance Point
Edge of Victory I: Conquest
Edge of Victory II: Rebirth
Star by Star
Traitor
The Unifying Force

NOTE: There are twenty-two books in the NJO series, and, while it would be great to experience them all, it is not necessary. However, the novels listed above are absolutely essential to an understanding of the fates of the orignial heroes and their children, and what is to come in the Legacy Era and beyond. Unlike the Legacy series, each can be read as a realtively indepedent novel.

LEGACY ERA

Betrayal to Invincible

NOTE: There's only nine in this one, so no cutting corners. And, unlike NJO, each is important to the next, and none is independent. Extremely important for ALL fans to experience, and well worth every page.



Well, that's all of the books for now.

Don't miss the new books coming out later this year:
Order 66
Courascant Nights I & II
Luke Skywalker and the Shadows of Mindor

If you purchased Invincible on the day it came out, you will find an advertisement in the back for Troy Denning's new novel, Millenium Falcon, which occurs just subsequent The Legacy of the Force series. On many websites, it officially does not exist, but with more and more individuals divulging this find, they are have begun to stop disclaiming its existance. Nonetheless, I would keep my eye on this, as it looks promising.

In addition, if you are truly serious about Star Wars, I reccomend that you invest in all of the Essential Guides, especially Jedi vs Sith: The Essential Guide to the Force, and the Essential Chronology.


PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR SUGGESSTIONS!!!!


YOU ARE NOW EXITING THE FIFTH DIMENSION...HOLD ON, THIS MAY CAUSE MOMENTARY DISCOMFORT AS YOU REVERT TO NORMAL SPACE-TIME