I don’t think it’s any secret that I’m a huge Star Wars fan. Growing up I had all the action figures, the Darth Vader case, the Ewok village and Jaba the Hutt. I had books, and encyclopedias. But I don’t love Star Wars because of the lightsabers and those things.
I don’t even love it because of the space battles, or even the Millennium Falcon (Which is a pretty good reason.) Those things are great, don’t get me wrong. But they’re not the reason I’ve spent decades returning to the galaxy far, far, away.
I love Star Wars because it believes people can change.
I mean the entire first six films are about the rise, fall, and redemption of Anakin Skywalker. Luke believes there’s still good in Vader, even when everyone else has given up on him. Then take Han Solo, how he discovers that there’s something worth fighting for beyond just himself. Even in the darkest moments of the saga, Star Wars insists that hope isn’t foolish.
Maybe that’s why these stories stick with us.
As I’ve gotten older, I don’t just watch Star Wars. I revisit it often. I notice different things than I did when I was twelve. I appreciate the mentors a little bit more. And I understand the sacrifices a lot better.
When I watch Star Wars I see fathers and sons, friendships, failures, and second chances in ways I never could as a kid.
The vast collection of books written over the years are a big part of that.
For years, the Expanded Universe— what the heathens now call Legends—kept the galaxy alive for us fans. It introduced unforgettable heroes and villains. It explored different corners of the galaxy we’d never seen. It asked bigger questions than I expected from what some people dismiss as “movie tie-ins.”
In fact some of my favorite Star Wars moments have never even appeared on a screen.
They happened in the novels.
That’s why I decided to put together my personal ranking of my Top 30 Star Wars EU novels over on YouTube.
Now, I didn’t put this list together because I think everyone has to agree with me. Trust me, I know many of you won’t.
But that is where the fun is: arguing about it.
Maybe your favorite book will land in my top five. Maybe I buried it at number twenty three and you think I’ve completely lost my mind. Either way, that’s part of being a Star Wars fan.
Maybe you have never read Star Wars novels and want to jump in, will this list will recommend some places to do just that.
I believe stories are meant to be shared, debated, and passed from one generation to the next.
Which is why I recently launched Geeky Dads Read.
I want more dads to embrace that geeky side of themselves. I want more dads to read, and enjoy tossing the phone to the side. Yes, I read science fiction and fantasy. Some of these books I’ll be talking about have kept me up late. So I want to share with other dads, so they can share those stories with their kids and friends. It’s about building memories around books the same way we do around movies.
Because stories have a funny way of bringing people together.
If you’ve been looking for a new Star Wars read (or you just want to see where your favorite novel lands on my list) I think you’ll enjoy this week’s series of videos.
Just don’t blame me if you spend the comments telling me I ranked one of your favorites way too low. I’d probably do the same.
A few quick updates:
My new book, How to Write Middle Grade, is coming at the end of August! If you’re interested in writing middle grade and can’t make it to WriterCon in Oklahoma City or StoryCon in Salt Lake City— where I’ll also be teaching— you’ll be able to get much of that material in the book. This book will only be available in ebook format for now. You can Pre-order it here.
Also, my publisher is running a 25% off sale right now on all of their middle grade titles. If you’re looking for some fun adventures for the young readers in your life, use the coupon code EPICMG at checkout. Go to
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