For readers looking to dive into the best Star Wars novels to read in 2025, there are several exciting new releases and reprints that offer a wide range of stories across the galaxy far, far away. These books cover different eras, characters, and genres, making 2025 a rich year for Star Wars literature.
One of the most anticipated novels is **Star Wars: Legacy** by Madeleine Roux, scheduled for release in July 2026 but already generating buzz in late 2025. This novel is set between the events of *The Last Jedi* and *The Rise of Skywalker*. It follows Rey and Leia as they journey to Tython to repair Rey’s lightsaber and rediscover the true meaning of the Jedi. Roux is known for her ability to write complex, emotionally layered characters, making this a must-read for fans interested in deepening their understanding of Rey and Leia’s characters[1].
Another notable upcoming novel is **Eyes Like Stars** by Ashley Poston, debuting in summer 2026 but announced at New York Comic Con 2025. This book marks the first official Star Wars romance novel, introducing a new genre to the Star Wars publishing world. It is a young-adult romance set about a year and a half before *The Force Awakens*, featuring new characters, mysterious artifacts, and the looming threat of the First Order. This novel expands the Star Wars universe by focusing on a love story, which is a fresh direction for the franchise[4].
For those interested in reprints and classic stories, 2025 sees the release of several hardcover and trade paperback reprints of Shakespeare-inspired Star Wars adaptations. These include titles like *William Shakespeare’s Tragedy of the Sith’s Revenge*, *The Force Doth Awaken*, *Jedi the Last*, and *The Merry Rise of Skywalker*. These creatively reimagine Star Wars stories through the lens of Shakespearean drama, offering a unique literary experience for fans who enjoy both classic literature and Star Wars[2].
Fans of the Star Wars Expanded Universe (EU) or Legends material can look to community rankings and tier lists to find highly regarded EU novels. While specific titles are not detailed in the search results, the community rankings as of May 2025 provide guidance on which EU books are considered the best by longtime fans. These lists often highlight classics like Timothy Zahn’s *Thrawn* trilogy and other beloved stories that have shaped Star Wars lore outside the official canon[3].
Comic readers should not miss the ongoing **Star Wars: Jedi Knights** series by Marc Guggenheim, with issues #8 and #9 released in late 2025. These comics explore new characters and deepen the emotional complexity of the Jedi era, including stories about Soona Taj, a young Force-sensitive girl, and Corlis Rath, a dark figure connected to Qui-Gon Jinn and Count Dooku. These issues are praised for their thoughtful storytelling and immersive portrayal of the Force[1].
Additionally, the **Alphabet Squadron Trilogy** continues to be popular, with the trade paperback reprint of *Star Wars: Yoda – Dark Rendezvous* by Alexander Freed available in 2025. This book is the second in the trilogy and follows the hunt for the deadliest TIE fighters in the galaxy, blending action and character-driven storytelling[2].
For readers interested in character-driven narratives, Kwame Mbalia’s **The Last Order** offers an engaging story focusing on Finn and Jannah. Although some reviews note it does not fully reach its narrative potential, it remains a significant addition to the post-episode IX timeline and provides insight into these characters’ journeys[5].
In summary, the best Star Wars novels to read in 2025 include a mix of new releases, reprints, and genre expansions. Key highlights are *Star Wars: Legacy* by Madeleine Roux for fans of Rey and Leia, *Eyes Like Stars* by Ashley Poston for those interested in romance within the Star Wars universe, Shakespearean adaptations for literary Star Wars fans, and ongoing series like *Jedi Knights* and *Alphabet Squadron* for comic and action enthusiasts. These books collectively offer a diverse and rich reading experience for Star Wars fans of all kinds.
