Reign of the Empire Era
A Youtini Collection

Star Wars books you should read if you like
Reign of the Empire Era

This is some text inside of a div block.
Reign of the Empire Era
I have brought peace, freedom, justice, and security to my new Empire! Your new Empire!?
I

n Lucasfilm’s official Star Wars timeline, the Reign of the Empire era covers the time between the end of the Clone Wars and the early days of the Rebellion. The era starts with Palpatine proclaiming the Galactic Empire and purging the Jedi Order.

Liberty dies, and darkness falls. The Sith Lord’s long-running plan finally comes to fruition.

After the Clone Wars, people crave peace and stability. But the Empire’s authoritarian rule subjects the galaxy to oppressive policies. The military and Imperial-backed industry scour planets for resources to build the ultimate weapon.

The new regime includes forced conscription and enslaved labor. Imperial Security Bureau agents are the new regime’s unblinking eye.

Darth Vader learns his new role and adapts to his new life. At the same time, he leads other dark-side Force-users in the hunt for remaining Jedi. Those that can’t stay hidden face a cruel fate at the hand of these ruthless Inquisitors. The Sith rule casts a long shadow. These are dark times, indeed.

The Battles of Scariff and Yavin are still a long way off. Nevertheless, sparks of hope remain. From Coruscant to the Outer Rim, secret networks form. The exploitation and oppression trigger resistance, and small groups of Rebels emerge.

The stakes are high, and the odds are long. Being caught means certain death. Yet, even as the Empire seems to thrive, the seeds of its demise begin to take root.

While all this is happening, people across the galaxy get by the best they can, including a young man breaking free from Corellia’s mean streets. In the Unknown Regions, a soon-to-be legendary Imperial admiral begins his career in another civilization’s military.

Their appointments with destiny lie in the future, but their stories start here.

The era includes the films Star Wars: Episode III: Revenge of the Sith and Solo: A Star Wars Story, as well as the television series The Bad Batch, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Andor. The video games Jedi: Fallen Order and Jedi: Survivor also occur during this time.

The galaxy’s upheaval makes for rich storytelling. With so much change, we’re left with questions. What became of some of our favorite characters? How did the galaxy evolve to where we find it in A New Hope?

This era has the answers. Creators have steadily been providing us fascinating looks at life in the ashes of the Republic as the Empire tightens its grip and rebellion begins to stir.

Some plot lines from the prequels and The Clone Wars find a resolution. Others turn in new directions. We find backstories for some of the Original Trilogy’s central characters and events. It all makes for engaging viewing and reading.

Here at Youtini, we’ve selected what we feel are some of the best books and comics from the Reign of the Empire Era. Of course, this just scratches the surface.

You can find even more titles to enjoy on our Canon Timeline. New books and comics come out all the time, so be sure to check our Release Schedule!

This reading guide is
Coming Soon
Our team is hard at work building out this collection. Stay tuned!

Books in this Collection

The Youtini Collections team has hand-selected the books in this collection
Legends
Legends
Adult Novel

Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith

Written by
Matthew Stover
Artwork by

Every Star Wars movie has an accompanying novelization, but none so impressive as Revenge of the Sith. While it expertly tells the story of the film, it also manages to add to it in unexpected ways. Not only is it the best novelization, it’s a fantastic work of fiction in and of itself.

Matthew Stover outdoes himself in this novelization by painting Obi Wan, Anakin, and the rest of the Jedi as glorified super heroes in the eyes of the common man in the Star Wars universe. Somehow, this raises the stakes of one of the most intense episodes of the saga and makes Anakin’s ultimate fate even more impactful.

The turning point for the entire Star Wars saga is at hand

After years of civil war, the Separatists have battered the already faltering Republic nearly to the point of collapse. On Coruscant, the Senate watches anxiously as Supreme Chancellor Palpatine aggressively strips away more and more constitutional liberties in the name of safeguarding the Republic. Yoda, Mace Windu, and their fellow Masters grapple with the Chancellor’ s disturbing move to assume control of the Jedi Council. And Anakin Skywalker, the prophesied Chosen One, destined to bring balance to the Force, is increasingly consumed by his fear that his secret love, Senator Padmé Amidala, will die.

As the combat escalates across the galaxy, the stage is set for an explosive endgame: Obi-Wan undertakes a perilous mission to destroy the dreaded Separatist military leader General Grievous. Palpatine, eager to secure even greater control, subtly influences public opinion to turn against the Jedi. And a conflicted Anakin–tormented by unspeakable visions– edges dangerously closer to the brink of a galaxy-shaping decision. It remains only for Darth Sidious, whose shadow looms ever larger, to strike the final staggering blow against the Republic . . . and to ordain a fearsome new Sith Lord: Darth Vader.

Canon
Canon
Adult Novel

Thrawn Ascendancy: Greater Good

Written by
Timothy Zahn
Artwork by
In the Chiss Ascendancy, you're either a member of one of nine ruling families - at the top of the hierarchy - or you're lesser than. Even in a galaxy far, far away, there's no better way to topple a tiered system of families than to turn them against each other ... from within. In an effort to avoid disaster, Thrawn and his allies must decide what's most important - the favor of your family, or the greater good. Picking up shortly after CHAOS RISING left off, GREATER GOOD features a mix of characters old and new that will delight, frustrate, impress, and surprise you, all reaching for one of two goals: To grasp for as much power as possible, or to save the Chiss Ascendancy from breaking apart because of a power struggle no family can win.
Thrawn’s latest triumph still rests newly on his shoulders. Despite leading the Chiss to victory and bringing glory to the House of Mitth, the true threat to the Ascendancy has not yet been extinguished. Their foes do not send threats or ultimatums, or mass ships on the edge of the Chaos. Their weapons come cloaked in smiles and generosity—gifts offered freely, services granted unconditionally. Across the Ascendancy, seemingly inconsequential events could herald the doom of the Chiss. As Thrawn and the Expansionary Defense Fleet rally to uncover the enemy plot, they discover a chilling truth. Rather than invade Chiss capitals or pillage resources, this mysterious enemy strikes at the very foundation of the Ascendancy by widening the rifts between the Nine Ruling Families and Forty Great Houses below. As rivalry and suspicion sow discord among allies, each warrior must decide what matters most: the security of their family, or the survival of the Ascendancy itself
Canon
Canon
Adult Novel

Thrawn Ascendancy: Lesser Evil

Written by
Timothy Zahn
Artwork by
Thrawn Ascendancy: Lesser Evil is a science fiction novel by Timothy Zahn, the third and final book in the Thrawn Ascendancy trilogy. The novel takes place in the Star Wars universe and follows the story of Grand Admiral Thrawn as he investigates a series of mysterious attacks on the Chiss Ascendancy. Thrawn soon discovers that a powerful enemy is at work, and he must use all of his cunning and skill to save the Ascendancy from destruction. Lesser Evil is a fast-paced and exciting read that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Zahn does an excellent job of developing the characters and creating a suspenseful plot. The novel is also full of interesting insights into the Chiss culture and history. If you are a fan of Star Wars or Timothy Zahn, then you will definitely enjoy Lesser Evil.
Thrawn Ascendancy: Lesser Evil is a canon novel written by Timothy Zahn as the sequel to Thrawn Ascendancy: Greater Good, and the final volume of Star Wars: The Ascendancy Trilogy. The fate of the Chiss Ascendancy hangs in the balance in the epic finale of the Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendancy trilogy from bestselling author Timothy Zahn. For thousands of years The Chiss Ascendancy has been an island of calm, a center of power, and a beacon of integrity. Led by the Nine Ruling Families, their leadership stands as a bulwark of stability against the Chaos of the Unknown Regions. But that stability has been eroded by a cunning foe that winnows away trust and loyalty in equal measure. Bonds of fidelity have given way to lines of division among the families. Despite the efforts of the Expansionary Defense Fleet, the Ascendancy slips closer and closer toward civil war. The Chiss are no strangers to war. Their mythic status in the Chaos was earned through conflict and terrible deeds, some long buried. Until now. To ensure the Ascendancy's future, Thrawn will delve deep into its past, uncovering the dark secrets surrounding the ascension of the First Ruling Family. But the truth of a family's legacy is only as strong as the legend that supports it. Even if that legend turns out to be a lie.
Canon
Canon
YA Novel

Ahsoka

Written by
E.K. Johnston
Artwork by

After the events of Order 66, survivors of the Jedi Purge must navigate the galaxy undetected. It's been a year since Ahsoka Tano watched the Galactic Republic fall, and she's leaving yet another planet to dodge Imperial suspicion and start over. Again. Something strange is happening, however, and she can't help but let her curiosity get her into serious trouble.

E.K. Johnston's young adult novel builds an important bridge between the Ahsoka we knew from The Clone Wars and the Fulcrum we meet in Star Wars Rebels. It's in this story that our hero must come to terms with her past and discover the role she is meant to play in her darkened galaxy's future.

Fans have long wondered what happened to Ahsoka after she left the Jedi Order near the end of the Clone Wars, and before she re-appeared as the mysterious Rebel operative Fulcrum in Rebels. Finally, her story will begin to be told. Following her experiences with the Jedi and the devastation of Order 66, Ahsoka is unsure she can be part of a larger whole ever again. But her desire to fight the evils of the Empire and protect those who need it will lead her right to Bail Organa, and the Rebel Alliance?
Canon
Canon
Adult Novel

Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel

Written by
James Luceno
Artwork by

When Director Krennic arrives on Lah'mu to bring Galen Erso back into the arms of the Empire, he greets him as an old friend. While his nefarious motivations are clear to any viewer, we can't help but wonder...did this friendship truly exist?

Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel answers this question by introducing us to the two men as they both attempt to climb the professional ladder in their respective fields. Galen's obsession with kyber crystals proves to be an irresistible draw to Krennic as well as a distinct hindrance to the family life that Galen and Lyra are trying to create.

If you ever wondered how the most brilliant scientist in the galaxy could walk away from his life's dream in order to hide on a farm at the edges of the universe, this is exactly the place to start.

War is tearing the galaxy apart. For years the Republic and the Separatists have battled across the stars, each building more and more deadly technology in an attempt to win the war. As a member of Chancellor Palpatine’s top secret Death Star project, Orson Krennic is determined to develop a superweapon before the Republic’s enemies can. And an old friend of Krennic’s, the brilliant scientist Galen Erso, could be the key.

Galen’s energy-focused research has captured the attention of both Krennic and his foes, making the scientist a crucial pawn in the galactic conflict. But after Krennic rescues Galen, his wife, Lyra, and their young daughter, Jyn, from Separatist kidnappers, the Erso family is deeply in Krennic’s debt. Krennic then offers Galen an extraordinary opportunity: to continue his scientific studies with every resource put utterly at his disposal. While Galen and Lyra believe that his energy research will be used purely in altruistic ways, Krennic has other plans that will finally make the Death Star a reality. Trapped in their benefactor’s tightening grasp, the Ersos must untangle Krennic’s web of deception to save themselves and the galaxy itself.

Canon
Canon
YA Novel

Most Wanted

Written by
Rae Carson
Artwork by

Set before Solo: A Star Wars Story, Rae Carson gives us a glimpse into how Han and Qi’Ra’s relationship began. In a story that gives us a glimpse into life with the White Worms and on the streets of Corellia, we see the pair start out as rivals pitted against each other by Lady Proxima and evolve into the duo we see at the beginning of the film, getting help along the way from intriguing new characters after their job takes a messy turn.

Don’t let the ‘young adult’ tag deter you: Most Wanted is a fast-paced heist adventure with just enough twists to keep you guessing while it keeps you turning pages. The extra depth and gravitas it lends to Han and Qi’Ra’s relationship may well change the way you see that spaceport scene and Qi’Ra’s fateful decision aboard Dryden Vos’s yacht.

Han and Qi'ra don't have a lot in common other than not having a lot. They're street kids on the industrial planet Corellia, doing whatever it takes to get by, dreaming of something more. They each jump at a chance to prove themselves in the perilous world of Corellia's criminal underbelly, only to discover they are on the same mission for the same unscrupulous boss. When the job goes disastrously wrong, Han and Qi'ra are on the run - from pirates, a droid crime syndicate, the Empire, and their boss - and will have to learn to trust each other if they are going to survive.
Canon
Canon
Omnibus

Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith: Volume 1 (Hardcover Omnibus)

Written by
Charles Soule
Artwork by
Giuseppe Camuncoli, Cam Smith, Joe Caramagna, David Curiel, Jimmy Cheung

Explore Darth Vader's early history! Picking up directly where Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith ends, follow Vader as he receives his legendary red lightsaber and witness Vader's rise to power as a Dark Lord of the Sith! When Anakin Skywalker fell, both to the pull of the dark side and the blade of Obi-Wan Kenobi, he rose back up, more machine than man. Having lost everything that was once dear to him, he now takes his first steps into a darker world...beginning by hunting down and eradicating the galaxy's remaining Jedi! But Jocasta Nu, librarian of the Jedi Temple, is making a desperate effort to gather and preserve whatever she can of the religion's legacy. Palpatine views her as a particular threat to the Empire - does her knowledge make her a one-woman Jedi Order?

Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel

Lando: Double Or Nothing (Trade Paperback)

Written by
Rodney Barnes
Artwork by
Paolo Villanelli, Joe Caramagna, Andres Mossa, W. Scott Forbes
A young Lando accompanied by the eccentric droid L3, new owners of the Millennium Falcon, find themselves in the middle of a messy job involving a crime lord and a beautiful woman—and L3 throws herself into the middle of a droid rebellion!
Straight from the frames of the highly anticipated film Solo: A Star Wars Story swaggers a younger - and somehow even cockier - Lando Calrissian! Before his days in the Rebellion, before he ran Cloud City, even before he lost the Millennium Falcon, comes this tale of Lando's adventures and misadventures in search of love and money - leading right up to his appearance in Solo!
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel

Han Solo: Imperial Cadet (Trade Paperback)

Written by
Robbie Thompson, Gerry Duggan
Artwork by
Leonard Kirk
In Solo: A Star Wars Story, we see Han’s stent in service to the Empire in only one scene as he defects from the ground troops on Mimban, fatefully befriends Chewbacca, and hitches a ride with Beckett’s crew. Han Solo: Imperial Cadet gives us the story of what happens to our favorite soon-to-be smuggler after he enlists on Corellia and before his mission to Mimban. In fact, this series shows how he was training to be a TIE fighter pilot, but how things quickly went awry. Plus, the series reintroduces the character of Valance, who goes on to star in Marvel’s Target Vader and Bounty Hunters titles!
Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel

Han Solo & Chewbacca Vol 1: The Crystal Run (Trade Paperback)

Written by
Marc Guggenheim
Artwork by
David Messina
Star Wars: Han Solo & Chewbacca Vol. 1: The Crystal Run

A Trade Paperback compilation of the Marvel Comics Han Solo & Chewbacca Series

The galaxy's best buddies star in a hair-raising adventure from the days before they joined the Rebellion! Loveable rogue Han Solo and his Wookiee partner-in-smuggling, Chewbacca, set off on a heist for none other than Jabba the Hutt — and this time, the Rodian bounty hunter named Greedo is working alongside them! It's supposed to be a nice, straightforward job. What could possibly go wrong? Well, for starters, how about a reunion with the very last person Han expected to see? When the target safe is cracked, you won't believe what's inside! Plus, celebrate the galaxy's favorite holiday with a collection of festive tales from all across the saga of Star Wars. Happy Life Day!

Canon
Canon
Graphic Novel

Han Solo & Chewbacca Vol 2: The Crystal Run: Part 2 (Trade Paperback)

Written by
Marc Guggenheim
Artwork by
David Messina
Star Wars: Han Solo & Chewbacca Vol. 1: The Crystal Run: Part 2

A Trade Paperback compilation of the Marvel Comics Han Solo & Chewbacca Series

Chewbacca behind bars! Chewie is held captive on the prison planet of Gulhadar — and you'll never believe who his cellmate is. None other than…Maz Kanata! But where is Han Solo…and whatever happened to the Millennium Falcon?

Collecting: Issues: #6-10

By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. View our Privacy Policy for more information.