Beginning the Star Wars novels (for the second time)

[The Somberlain]

So... back in the day (so, we're talking '98 or so, after the original trilogy was rereleased and I saw the films for the first time) I was really into Star Wars and really into reading and naturally I picked up a few of the unofficial, "extended universe" novels. And enjoyed them lots.

Since then I decided that science fiction wasn't very cool and I've managed to misplace or give away all of them. I don't have a single one left.

But now, thanks to my recent-ish purchase of Knights Of The Old Republic, I'm into Star Wars again! (Although I've not seen episodes 2 or 3).
I want to start reading them again, but there are so many about... that I don't know where to start.

I can barely remember the ones I used to have, in fact. "Before The Storm", "Jedi Search" and "Darksaber" ring bells, but I don't remember any others. And besides, the plots of those are long forgotten. I just remember a few names.

So, those of you into those books, where is a good place (series, author, novel, setting-era, whatever) to begin?

[Avatar]

The first novel, one you'll see mentioned often here on the watch, is Splinter of the Minds Eye by...Foster, I think. Alan Dean Foster. Set between Empire and Jedi.

I've tended to enjoy Timothy Zahn's books, although I can't think of a title off hand. I'm sure plenty of folks will give you their thoughts on this, Duchess in particular I think has a number of them.

--A

[dlbpharmd]

I thought Splinter was set between ANH and TESB? Doesn't matter, it is a good read, actually a must read for anyone who's into the Star Wars books.

Zahn's books are very good, and also must read - the ones that I'm thinking about are the ones about Admiral Thrawn, but like Av I can't remember what they're called.

[Loredoctor]

I had the Admiral Thrawn ones. They were okay.

[The Somberlain]

A bit of googling indicates that Heir To The Empire would be the first in the Thrawn series... so I will try that one and the Splinter Of The Mind's Eye. And see where things go from there.

[Avatar]

I thought Splinter was set between ANH and TESB? Doesn't matter, it is a good read, actually a must read for anyone who's into the Star Wars books.

Zahn's books are very good, and also must read - the ones that I'm thinking about are the ones about Admiral Thrawn, but like Av I can't remember what they're called.

Oh, you're right about Splinter. It's Zahn's Heir that's after TESB.

I enjoyed it a lot.

--A

[dlbpharmd]

Now see, I thought Heir was after ROTJ. It's been so long since I read those books that I'm not sure of anything about them any more.

[Avatar]

Can't be after ROJ. Has Vader in it.

--A

[Loredoctor]

Can't be after ROJ. Has Vader in it.

--A

The one with Thrawn in it? No way. He unites the Imperial fleet following the destruction of the 2nd Death Star.

[dlbpharmd]

That's what I was thinking.

[Avatar]

So which is the Zahn book with Vader in it? Definitley set before RotJ. Got Mara Jade in too IIRC. Bounty hunters... Damned if I can remember.

--A

[dlbpharmd]

I remember that book but I can't remember the title, sorry.

[Avatar]

Oh well.

--A