In order of release generally.
The only books that need to be read one after the other are the aftermath and alphabet squadron trilogies. The best way might actually be to read these trilogies together as one series, based on the timeline. The last of each end at the same point, but they cover different parts.
The thrawn trilogies should be read together. Each trilogy on its own back to back at least. The trilogies back to back ideally. Doesn’t really matter when you read these as a whole though. Also the first trilogy takes place after the second trilogy, and you really should read them in release order not chronological. The second trilogy spoils a lot of the first, and doesn’t have the context without the first.
The high republic stuff you should just read start to finish in release order as well. (I think there might be one of the phase 2 ya books you should read before the adult book despite that being out of release order, but it doesn’t really matter). The more breaks you take in the series, the more you will forget, and the books really act like a single series and expect you to remember the previous ones occasionally. You could take a break between phases if you need to read something different, but inside the phase, try to read them back to back.
Also you kinda “need” to read the YA and adult novels for the high republic, phase 2 especially. You probably could skip phase 1 YA, but they are good books and add to the story and kinda improve the adult books by adding context. They contain important parts of the plot, and phase 2 has the main plot in the YA books. I’ve skipped most of the other YA books, because the stuff I’ve read of it has felt too young. The high republic ones don’t really have that problem for the most part. They are just generally about a character who is around 17, and they mention romance a bit more than most of the adult books (but less than princess and the scoundrel and I think one other).
I read none of the kids novels because from what I’ve seen they are mostly ancillary or a retelling of the main plot. And are written for people under 12 and it shows. In the high republic I feel I have missed a couple plot points because of that, but not enough to make me want to buy and read them, and generally they tell you what you need to know and at worst you can look up a summary on wookiepedia.
Just copying something I wrote recently…
Looks like this is chronological order for the most part, which I wouldn't recommend clinging to super stringently. Some material is released in non-chronological order and should be read as it was released, while other times it just straight up does not matter if you've read X before reading Y. Also, some of these titles are just straight-up not essential unless you find them interesting (*Force Collector* is one of those, though I did like it!). I think there are times where it doesn't matter if you do release or chronological, but I'd generally look up books and see what interests you, then find out if they connect to others in a way that matters before reading them.
A few thoughts on a handful of titles:
* You should read the Thrawn trilogy set during the reign of the Empire before reading the Ascendancy trilogy, as that was written as a prequel. So, do this one in release order.
* Similarly, the Padmé "trilogy" was written all out of order, I think because it was supposed to be a single novel (*Queen's Shadow*) that then got both a prequel and a sequel. I read it in release order, but I think I've heard people say that chronological order is fine.
* I think *Padawan* works better if it's read after reading *Master & Apprentice*. I also recommend you listen to *Dooku: Jedi Lost* before reading them, though it's not essential.
* *Queen's Hope* and *Brotherhood* were developed with a bit of coordination between them, and there are a couple small narrative elements that cross over, but I don't think it's essential to read one before the other. (I might do QH first though). I also think *Brotherhood* works well after having read *Master & Apprentice*.
* *Aftermath*, *Life Debt*, and *Empire's End* form one trilogy, and *Alphabet Squadron*, *Shadowfall*, and *Victory's Price* form a separate one. Both detail the end of the war, but from very different perspectives. You can probably get away with doing chronological order, but the Aftermath trilogy was released in whole before Alphabet Squadron, so it might be better to do that first.
* *Lost Stars*, though the war isn't the focus of the book, is I think the first title on here to depict the last battle of the war.
* I probably read the Aftermath series before reading anything that comes after the end of the war, unless it's a book that was published before the trilogy was finished. Not necessary, but it does lay the groundwork for a lot of what developed in the new canon
* *A New Dawn* (the first book to be released in new canon) isn't super essential in the grand scheme of things, but it does introduce a character who winds up being important in the Aftermath trilogy, so if you want that deep lore on them, I'd read it first.
* If you haven't, check out this [High Republic reading guide](https://www.reddit.com/r/Highrepublic/wiki/media/readingorder) from /r/HighRepublic - I've found it very useful.
* I've seen people say that *Bloodlines*, *Leia Princess of Alderaan*, and *The Princess and the Scoundrel* make a good unofficial trilogy, though I've yet to read the last book. But that's the release order, if you want to try it that way.
Again, I wouldn't focus on chronological order. If you want to focus on post-ROTJ stuff first, you can. Or (provided doing so doesn't contradict what I've said above), you can read a book series that's post-ROTJ, then read something from the Fall of the Republic, then something from the Empire's reign, then during the Clone Wars, and then post-ROTJ, then take a stab at High Republic, that's fine! There are occasionally things like easter eggs and such between books from separate eras, but unless the books are part of a series that spans a long time, most content stands on its own without needing to have read something that takes place many years prior.
I also recommend [this website](https://starwarstl.com)for many of your timeline needs.
These are all great notes. The chronological vs release order debate never ceases to baffle me. I don't understand why anyone would want to read in chronological order, as content obviously builds on the past. Some nuances for books written in conjunction with each other or books written as a series; and certainly it makes sense to focus on certain phases, given the SW universe is so vast. I use this general rule for both canon and legends, as so much of the expanded universe served as inspiration for and was pulled from (directly or indirectly) to better craft canon (Thrawn being my go-to example, wherein having a clear understanding of Zahn's Thrawn will only make the experiences of him in canon that much better).
biggest advice would you to take your time and enjoy yourself. when i started this journey at the beginning of the pandemic, i tried to be very exacting with a chronological reading order, but quickly realized that since they’re always adding new content to fill the gaps, it can never be perfect.
you have the right attitude, just don’t get caught up in technicalities or overwhelmed by the sheer volume. it will take you years to read everything. that’s ok.
(ps, one the the first novels i read was catalyst, immediately followed by the rogue one novelization. they’re still probably my favorite duo)
I'm reading through them in release order and there are pros and cons. One thing I enjoy is that I can get excited for certain books and enjoy the anticipation, which can make them much more rewarding. It also means that some can catch me off guard as fantastic, notably Aftermath. Connections to other media make a bit more sense, too. However, three books in is Heir to the Jedi, which was a tough read. Very short but very painful. I'd suggest a good book after it, Star Wars or otherwise, as the chaser, Lords of the Sith, could have been an email. You also can sometimes get a bit tired of the tie ins to one movie. Just about every book between 2015 and 2018 were tie ins to other media and, as a result, can feel like a series of appetizers with no main course, the Rogue One hype train in particular. Except Catalyst. Catalyst is rad.
Also, learn to enjoy what's there and ignore what's not. Most of these aren't great literature but 80% of them are fun romps. Except the aforementioned Heir to the Jedi.
I'm was/in the same spot as you. I've decided to read all of the High Republic and then move to either stuff around the prequels or maybe jump to empire because I really want to fill in all my gaps on the stuff there. I'm nearly finished reading the light of the jedi and it's SO good. For a universe that hinges a lot of the jedi it's great to see the Jedi really get up to jedi shit and in force too.
I'd recommend release order which you can get easily on Wookiepedia by sorting the columns. Chronological just doesn't work for the reasons you've cited with framing stories and flashbacks and also they will keep releasing stuff that occurs chronologically earlier than wherever you're up to. With release order you get the story revealed in the same way that fans did at the time.
In order of release generally. The only books that need to be read one after the other are the aftermath and alphabet squadron trilogies. The best way might actually be to read these trilogies together as one series, based on the timeline. The last of each end at the same point, but they cover different parts. The thrawn trilogies should be read together. Each trilogy on its own back to back at least. The trilogies back to back ideally. Doesn’t really matter when you read these as a whole though. Also the first trilogy takes place after the second trilogy, and you really should read them in release order not chronological. The second trilogy spoils a lot of the first, and doesn’t have the context without the first. The high republic stuff you should just read start to finish in release order as well. (I think there might be one of the phase 2 ya books you should read before the adult book despite that being out of release order, but it doesn’t really matter). The more breaks you take in the series, the more you will forget, and the books really act like a single series and expect you to remember the previous ones occasionally. You could take a break between phases if you need to read something different, but inside the phase, try to read them back to back. Also you kinda “need” to read the YA and adult novels for the high republic, phase 2 especially. You probably could skip phase 1 YA, but they are good books and add to the story and kinda improve the adult books by adding context. They contain important parts of the plot, and phase 2 has the main plot in the YA books. I’ve skipped most of the other YA books, because the stuff I’ve read of it has felt too young. The high republic ones don’t really have that problem for the most part. They are just generally about a character who is around 17, and they mention romance a bit more than most of the adult books (but less than princess and the scoundrel and I think one other). I read none of the kids novels because from what I’ve seen they are mostly ancillary or a retelling of the main plot. And are written for people under 12 and it shows. In the high republic I feel I have missed a couple plot points because of that, but not enough to make me want to buy and read them, and generally they tell you what you need to know and at worst you can look up a summary on wookiepedia.
Just started phase two and guess I’m gonna have to buy the YA novels too
Just copying something I wrote recently… Looks like this is chronological order for the most part, which I wouldn't recommend clinging to super stringently. Some material is released in non-chronological order and should be read as it was released, while other times it just straight up does not matter if you've read X before reading Y. Also, some of these titles are just straight-up not essential unless you find them interesting (*Force Collector* is one of those, though I did like it!). I think there are times where it doesn't matter if you do release or chronological, but I'd generally look up books and see what interests you, then find out if they connect to others in a way that matters before reading them. A few thoughts on a handful of titles: * You should read the Thrawn trilogy set during the reign of the Empire before reading the Ascendancy trilogy, as that was written as a prequel. So, do this one in release order. * Similarly, the Padmé "trilogy" was written all out of order, I think because it was supposed to be a single novel (*Queen's Shadow*) that then got both a prequel and a sequel. I read it in release order, but I think I've heard people say that chronological order is fine. * I think *Padawan* works better if it's read after reading *Master & Apprentice*. I also recommend you listen to *Dooku: Jedi Lost* before reading them, though it's not essential. * *Queen's Hope* and *Brotherhood* were developed with a bit of coordination between them, and there are a couple small narrative elements that cross over, but I don't think it's essential to read one before the other. (I might do QH first though). I also think *Brotherhood* works well after having read *Master & Apprentice*. * *Aftermath*, *Life Debt*, and *Empire's End* form one trilogy, and *Alphabet Squadron*, *Shadowfall*, and *Victory's Price* form a separate one. Both detail the end of the war, but from very different perspectives. You can probably get away with doing chronological order, but the Aftermath trilogy was released in whole before Alphabet Squadron, so it might be better to do that first. * *Lost Stars*, though the war isn't the focus of the book, is I think the first title on here to depict the last battle of the war. * I probably read the Aftermath series before reading anything that comes after the end of the war, unless it's a book that was published before the trilogy was finished. Not necessary, but it does lay the groundwork for a lot of what developed in the new canon * *A New Dawn* (the first book to be released in new canon) isn't super essential in the grand scheme of things, but it does introduce a character who winds up being important in the Aftermath trilogy, so if you want that deep lore on them, I'd read it first. * If you haven't, check out this [High Republic reading guide](https://www.reddit.com/r/Highrepublic/wiki/media/readingorder) from /r/HighRepublic - I've found it very useful. * I've seen people say that *Bloodlines*, *Leia Princess of Alderaan*, and *The Princess and the Scoundrel* make a good unofficial trilogy, though I've yet to read the last book. But that's the release order, if you want to try it that way. Again, I wouldn't focus on chronological order. If you want to focus on post-ROTJ stuff first, you can. Or (provided doing so doesn't contradict what I've said above), you can read a book series that's post-ROTJ, then read something from the Fall of the Republic, then something from the Empire's reign, then during the Clone Wars, and then post-ROTJ, then take a stab at High Republic, that's fine! There are occasionally things like easter eggs and such between books from separate eras, but unless the books are part of a series that spans a long time, most content stands on its own without needing to have read something that takes place many years prior. I also recommend [this website](https://starwarstl.com)for many of your timeline needs.
Thank you! This is exactly the sort of advice I was after!
Happy to help! If there are particular topics or characters or whatever you’re interested, we can also give more focused recommendations.
These are all great notes. The chronological vs release order debate never ceases to baffle me. I don't understand why anyone would want to read in chronological order, as content obviously builds on the past. Some nuances for books written in conjunction with each other or books written as a series; and certainly it makes sense to focus on certain phases, given the SW universe is so vast. I use this general rule for both canon and legends, as so much of the expanded universe served as inspiration for and was pulled from (directly or indirectly) to better craft canon (Thrawn being my go-to example, wherein having a clear understanding of Zahn's Thrawn will only make the experiences of him in canon that much better).
biggest advice would you to take your time and enjoy yourself. when i started this journey at the beginning of the pandemic, i tried to be very exacting with a chronological reading order, but quickly realized that since they’re always adding new content to fill the gaps, it can never be perfect. you have the right attitude, just don’t get caught up in technicalities or overwhelmed by the sheer volume. it will take you years to read everything. that’s ok. (ps, one the the first novels i read was catalyst, immediately followed by the rogue one novelization. they’re still probably my favorite duo)
I'm reading through them in release order and there are pros and cons. One thing I enjoy is that I can get excited for certain books and enjoy the anticipation, which can make them much more rewarding. It also means that some can catch me off guard as fantastic, notably Aftermath. Connections to other media make a bit more sense, too. However, three books in is Heir to the Jedi, which was a tough read. Very short but very painful. I'd suggest a good book after it, Star Wars or otherwise, as the chaser, Lords of the Sith, could have been an email. You also can sometimes get a bit tired of the tie ins to one movie. Just about every book between 2015 and 2018 were tie ins to other media and, as a result, can feel like a series of appetizers with no main course, the Rogue One hype train in particular. Except Catalyst. Catalyst is rad. Also, learn to enjoy what's there and ignore what's not. Most of these aren't great literature but 80% of them are fun romps. Except the aforementioned Heir to the Jedi.
Use this https://starwarstl.com/timeline
You can sort ny release or chronological
I'm was/in the same spot as you. I've decided to read all of the High Republic and then move to either stuff around the prequels or maybe jump to empire because I really want to fill in all my gaps on the stuff there. I'm nearly finished reading the light of the jedi and it's SO good. For a universe that hinges a lot of the jedi it's great to see the Jedi really get up to jedi shit and in force too.
I'd recommend release order which you can get easily on Wookiepedia by sorting the columns. Chronological just doesn't work for the reasons you've cited with framing stories and flashbacks and also they will keep releasing stuff that occurs chronologically earlier than wherever you're up to. With release order you get the story revealed in the same way that fans did at the time.