Star Wars is one of the biggest franchises in media, and for good reason! The worlds and stories are unique and captivating, leading fans worldwide yearning for more. For those who enjoy reading, they might find similar interest in books that remind them of Star Wars.
As a fan myself, I have found ten books that feel like Star Wars. Some are science fiction, some focus on the character dynamics, and only a small handful are official Star Wars books. Whether it’s the space travel or unique worlds, these books are perfect for Star Wars fans.
1. The Long Way to the Small Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
This is one of my all-time favorite books, and I will always recommend it to people wanting a fun, heartfelt sci-fi adventure. Set in the very distant future when space travel is normalized and alien cultures mix, this book has major Star Wars vibes.
A ragtag crew of space travelers face unknown threats, explore the worlds around them, and grow together as a family. This book is so well written and instantly draws you into the story. I always feel like I’m apart of the crew when I pick this book up. If you’re looking for found family in space, this is the book for you.
2. Brotherhood by Mike Chen
If you’re a fan of the prequels and Clone War TV show, drop everything and pick this book up. I cannot stress enough how amazing this novel was. There were so many references and nods to the franchise that made this book a wonderful experience.
As one of the official Star Wars books, it creates a new adventure and adds context to the events from the films. This book seamlessly plants this story into the timeline while hinting at what is to come. Mike Chen understands Anakin and Obi-wan so well, and their relationship is such a compelling aspect of this book. I couldn’t help but get sad at how their friendship would soon deteriorate in Episode III.
3. The Scourge Between Stars by Ness Brown
Do you love the action scenes in Star Wars? Or the suspense of science fiction thrillers? Then I think you’ll love this short sci-fi/horror novel.
This book feels like a mix between Star Wars and Aliens. As acting captain, Jacklyn has to keep the last of humanity alive as well as stop a mysterious alien that is hunting down her crew members. There’s gruesome death, plenty of angst, and the terrifying threat of space. I sped through this book to find out what happened. It’s gripping, intense, and such a wild ride.
4. Cinder by Merissa Meyer
One of my favorite aspects of Star Wars is the atmosphere, and Cinder captures that perfectly. If you like cyborgs and futuristic versions of Earth, you’ll love this sci-fi Cinderella retelling.
Cinder, a cyborg mechanic in New Beijing, tries to survive her awful stepmother, discrimination as a cyborg, and a mysterious illness sent from the moon. She gets caught up in a plot to find a cure and discovers a vicious scheme from the Lunar Queen who plans to take over Earth. For me, I loved the world building and the sci-fi version of Cinderella’s story. It’s so fun and a great book for Star Wars fans.
5. The Princess and the Scoundrel by Beth Revis
Ever wonder what happens after Episode VI with Han and Leia? Well, this book takes place immediately after Return of the Jedi and shows you exactly that. Han and Leia go on their honeymoon after being married on Endor and learn what life after the resistance can be like.
This book brilliantly ties in events from the previous movies and gives the focus to Han and Leia. Leia’s ongoing anger towards Vader and Han’s struggle with the time lost from being frozen in carbonite gives this book a realistic edge. It’s sweet, downright funny, and such a great look into what happened when the Empire finally fell.
If you prefer listening to books rather than reading them, I highly recommend the audiobook! The narrators are phenomenal in their roles, and the added music and sound effects make this book feel even more cinematic. The Princess and the Scoundrel on Overdrive
6. All Systems Red by Martha Wells
Ever wondered if Star Wars was viewed through a droid’s perspective? And the droid was specifically designed for murder? That sums up this book. Sent on a scientific expedition gone wrong, a cyborg named Murderbot has to deal with alien threats and save the humans on his crew.
Murderbot is a fun protagonist, as he’s tasked with protecting the humans but would much rather watch soap operas. I loved how fast paced this book was and how dire the circumstances really were. Overall, I know this will satisfy fans looking for a short burst of Star Wars.
7. A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
Another Becky Chambers book, but this time, it feels like the softer sides of Star Wars. Focusing on a planet instead of space, this book follows a tea monk and a robot as they contemplate the purpose of their lives. It’s full of friendship, existentialism, and a lush forest landscape that just feels cozy.
The characters are standout features of this book and feel as though they could exist in the Star Wars universe. Sibling Dex feels like a Jedi with how dedicated and spiritual they are in their role as a monk. The robot Mosscap serves as the droid companion that accompany many of the Star Wars protagonists. Together, they are a heartfelt duo as they explore their planet and grow closer as friends. I could not recommend this book more; it’s truly so special.
8. The Revenge of the Sith Novelization by Matthew Stover
Did you know that there are novelizations of all the Star Wars movies? What if I were to tell you that this is the best one? Trust me when I say that this book is phenomenal.
All of the novelizations follow the plots of the movies, but they include cut scenes and additional details that make them so fascinating to read. Matthew Stover absolutely nailed Anakin’s turn to the dark side. The inner monologue of Anakin is so valuable and adds more context to his character and to the film itself. Wonderfully written, this book is a must read for fans of Star Wars.
9. The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon
One of the most memorable parts of the Star Wars sequels was the dynamic between Rey and Kylo Ren. If you loved those characters and their complicated relationship, I know you’ll like this book.
In a futuristic Asia, the heads of two warring empires forge an unexpected alliance. There’s mystery, magic, and thrilling plot twists that kept me on my toes. It surprised me how similar the characters in The Hurricane Wars were to Rey and Kylo Ren. There’s even a scene that feels directly pulled from The Last Jedi. This romantasy book has a fascinating story that I’m sure a lot of fans will be interested in.
10. Scythe by Neal Shusterman
If you loved the Jedi and their mysterious codes and rituals, you’ll enjoy this book! In this futuristic society, natural death has been eliminated. Instead, an elite syndicate called the Scythedom act as the causes of death. Two young apprentices are taught the ways of the Scythe, learning how to kill as well the secrets of the organization.
This futuristic version of Earth is incredibly fascinating. The plot is unique and fast-paced, and I couldn’t help thinking of the Jedi when reading this book. While the Jedi and the Scythedom have differing values, their culture and elite status make them similar. This is one of my favorite books, and the unique story makes this world both captivating and terrifying.
To conclude, we must…
Star Wars has a huge fanbase for a reason. The stories told in the franchise are enthralling and speak to a lot of people. These books remind me of Star Wars because I got the same feeling when reading these books that I do when watching the movies. They’re fun, heartfelt, and make me think of distant futures and exciting worlds we could only dream of.
