Best Star Wars book?

[slowenowen]

Well here coming up i will be going on a 9 month deployment. I was wondering what everyone thought was the best Star wars book was and why? I havent read any of the book but i plan on buying a few and reading them when i am not working. I would love a book that gives the history of the jedi. Something that talks about sabers.

[madmaxx]

You could try downloading the complete audio book collection.i got them of the pirate bay and have steadily been listening to them at work.

[fragrax]

If you're interested specifically in the history of the Jedi you might want to check out "The Jedi path" (http://www.amazon.com/Jedi-Path-Star-Daniel-Wallace/dp/1452102279/ref=pd_sim_b_1/188-7456324-2670652). There's even the dark-side counterpart which is about the Sith. If you're generally interested in a good Star Wars book I'd recommend the Thrawn trilogy (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrawn_trilogy) by Timothy Zhan. It's a great series and it also introduces some very important characters of the Expanded Universe that will appear in later novels. If I had to start somewhere I'd start there.

[Silver Serpent]

Piracy is not the sort of thing we encourage around here madmaxx.

[Elodin]

Drew Karpyshyn's various works are pretty good, as is James Luceno's recent effort, "Darth Plagueis" (Though that book's not got so much action). It's quite interesting if you want to know about the workings of the republic. It covers a lot of the business /politics of the expanded universe.

[Darth Odious]

I highly recommend the book Traitor from the new jedi order series.

[madmaxx]

oh yeah Traitor was a brilliant book, True nature of the force and all that. It was very well written as was nearly all of the new jedi order series. Bit of a spoiler though... alot of main characters get the axe...or the moon for that matter in that series

[madmaxx]

and sos Silver i didn't mean to promote piracy, it was just an option if you wanted the whole collection, they are also available on the Free Audio Books website but you have to sift though all of them individually

[CGompertz09]

My favorite Star Wars book would probably be Star By Star of the New Jedi Order series, (aside from one event, but it's still a bad ass scene). A good amount of action and suspense, as most of the New Jedi Order series seems to be, I had to usually make myself put it down otherwise I would've finished it in a day probably, haha.

[Zzan]

I second fragrax's suggestion of the Thrawn series by Timothy Zahn.

[pezzer75]

Thrawn is a good series, But if you want one that talks about building a saber you would want to read one of my favorites. "I, Jedi" It's good as a standalone, but better if you've read the X-Wing books. If you have a e-reader or a tablet I would check out the free e-books like lost tribe of the sith series.

[DarkarNights]

I highly recommend "Darth Bane: Path of Destruction" by Drew Karpyshyn, it's also the first book of a trilogy, followed by "Darth Bane: Rule of Two" and "Darth Bane: Dynasty of Evil." This trilogy is an excellent look into the history and motivations of the Sith Order, and details Darth Bane's rise to power and the establishment of the infamous Rule of Two. Once you start the first book you won't want to put it down. Fun Fact: Drew Karpyshyn is also the head writer for the Mass Effect video games.

[YoRn Mangers]

The Thrawn series is a must for anyone in my opinion. I also second "I, Jedi". I would also recommend if you read "I, Jedi", to read the Jedi Academy series first as it gives you a broader scope of what going on at the same time.

[Nico]

I recommended the best star war book is to Darth Bane i think this is a good book about this topic otherwise its depend on your choice
because many books are else

[stegasp]

X-Wing, Thrawn Trilogy, Hand of Thrawn Duology, and Jedi Academy/I, Jedi are all fantastic. Survivors Quest & Scourge are both great stand-alone books.

[Freedan_Nadd]

Well, I have read almost every Novel up to the New Jedi Order, Fate of the Jedi (I think??) and whatever else after (not counting the Legacy comic series about Cade Skywalker... was pretty sweet!!) I can tell you this, its a really tough question being that each one became my new favorite almost 100% of the reads lol I went "Read crazy" for the first time since 13 because of the "Jedi Academy Trilogy" and can say that its a great way to continue your Star Wars universe "history." I also LOVED the Thrawn Trilogy, Darth Bane Trilogy, Vaders series, "Death Troopers'" (because its a zombie/ Star Wars clash up done perfect!" and Darth Mauls books. I know it seems like a lot to pick, but as long as you choose 2 sets out of any from these series, you will be begging for more! Hope its not too late to help man, and Thank You for your service to our Country :)

[Skinnerman02]

I'd suggest anything by Timothy Zahn.

I, Jedi by Michael J. Stackpole is one of my favorites, and I still read it, periodically.

The Jedi Academy trilogy from Kevin J. Anderson is pretty good, as well.

The Prequel books are better than their movies, the original trilogy novels are short and sweet. The "in-betweeners," if you will (Labyrinth of Evil, Dark Lord, The Force Unleashed, and Shadows of the Empire), give some good perspective on events between the movies.

I also thought the Young Jedi Knight series was fair, though written for a younger audience (only the first six books are really worth reading; the others are fair, but not as well done).

If you would like to read short stories that flesh out the Star Wars universe in greater detail, the "Tales from..." titles (Tales from the New Republic, Tales from the Mos Eisley Cantina, etc.) have some amazing stories. Fair warning, though, some aren't so amazing.

Personally, I don't like the New Jedi Order, or anything that's come after, and many of the prequel/old republic novels fall into the same boat. I think they have taken Star Wars in a direction that's inconsistent with the original sources (or are just not well written). But that's my opinion, maybe you'll like them.

Unfortunately, speaking now from the perspective of a degree carrying Literature student, a lot of Star Wars novels are a waste of time. Slowly through the years I've been sifting the books to tailor the timeline to what feels more appropriate for Star Wars. The New Jedi Order, Legacy of the Force, and The Fate of the Jedi, sadly, haven't made the cut for me. The vast majority of prequel novels also aren't on my shelf. Though one can find good, individual novels with excellent story telling and sufficient depth within these story lines that reflect excellently upon the Star Wars Universe, many are but a shadowy reflection of what Star Wars ought to be. But, that's my opinion and I'm totally fine with other people liking whatever series or book most appeals to them. (No offense is meant to those who enjoy the series listed above, to each his own. Please don't feel insulted because I don't like the series you do. I have a myriad of reasons for doing so. Trying to convince me of their excellence, or insulting me because of my opposing opinion, will be futile and only cause bruised feelings on both sides).

I hope this post helps, if slowenowen would like more reasons for my book choices past "they're good," let me know and I'll go into greater detail.

[X]

I like The Old Republic books "Fatal Alliance" and "Deceived" (which is the story of the sacking of Coruscant from the TOR game trailer). I like the Old Republic era cuz it gives you a look at the history of the universe. Also if you want something different read "Red Harvest" which is sith zombies.

[Kaide]

I found Fatal Alliance to be a difficult read... It could never quite grab my attention and i found my self looking forword to being finished with it rather then actually reading it. I recomdend skipping it and going directly to Deceived... Also the newer Revan book is cool for some nice backstory on that character.

[shmoetech]

by far the best series was The New Jedi Order.

[MandoJoe]

I was in the Army once upon a time, and I find that Karen Traviss' "Republic/Imperial Commando" series makes the military part of my brain happy. It's basically a look at the Star Wars Universe through military eyes.

[Lubic]

I agree that getting the audio books, and putting them in Star Wars Chronological order and starting from the first is a great way to do it. Toss them on an Ipod/digital audio device and its a great way to eat up time plus you don't have to lug around books which is tough enough on a deployment. And I really wish I had thought of audiobooks back during my last deployment could have helped with all the downtime.

I started off a few years ago and have been through all of the books in audio form while at work. Best part about it is if you don't like it you can just skip to the next one in the set and not have to worry about anything but deleting it.

Some of the ones that stood out for me were:
The Thrawn Trilogy
The Darth Bane books
Darth Plagueis

If you are enjoy a touch of horror then Red Harvest and Death Troopers are decent,
I also overall enjoyed the Legacy books some of them were dull at times but when the action finally came it was pretty good.

There is also a Dawn of the Jedi book set to come out May 7, 2013.

[sekrogue1985]

Thrawn Trilogy. Traitor is by far my favorite part of the NJO. The Legacy of the Force arc

[jin starkiller]

have to agree The Thrawn Trilogy is the best

[Darth Ryo]

+1 for Thrawn, definitely!

I enjoyed Revan as well (being a SWTOR player).
And The Bane Trilogy will be my next read.

[shmoetech]

O.K. Thrawn series was pretty cool, but come on Jason Solo turning to the darkside how can you compare!!!!

[vctrsone]

Tales of the bounty hunters. Ive read most the starwars series books but when i think of a favorite book its Tales of the bounty hunters for sure.

Loved Boba's and Ig-88's storys.

[Jedi Master Taka]

I highly recommend the book Traitor from the new jedi order series.

Anor: "There are thousands of warriors out here. You are only one man!"
Rhysode: "I am only one Jedi."
Anor: "You're insane!"
Rhysode: "No. I am Ganner. This threshold is mine. I claim it for my own. Bring on your thousands, one at a time or all in a rush. I don't give a damn. None shall pass."
―Nom Anor and Ganner Rhysodes

One of the best scenes ever.

[patolcott]

its a bit off topic and i am sure you have already deployed but where you headed? what branch and what mos are you? it is always good to find fellow military nerds :p

[ZacMuleer]

Reading Zahn's "Allegiance", and then "Choices of One" made me feel like a kid reading these novels again. Smooth reads, and really, really well-written. Zahn captured the '77 versions of the hero characters well (whiny Luke, headstrong Princess, and smug Han) as well as introduced some fantastic Stormtrooper good-guys. (Not rebels, but genuine "doing-the-right-thing" troopers. :) Loved it.