Star Wars: 30 greatest moments not seen in the movies

5. Star Wars: Scoundrels

An often mentioned flaw of Star Wars is the lack of sophistication in singular books or films. The entire timeline is far more complex, but individual plots often remain very simplistic. Enter Star Wars: Scoundrels, probably the most complex and sophisticated of the Star Wars universe.

Ultimately this novel is the Ocean’s Eleven or Italian Job of the Star Wars world. If you’re familiar with the films, the star protagonist is eyeing a massive score. An early retirement. In order to win the prize, a team of complex but completely vital characters must be compiled to pull off the most convoluted plan possible while avoiding an antagonist on their heels the entire time.

Scoundrels is Han’s chance to land the grand prize. Normally outside his M.O., Han enlists help of a motley crew: Lando Calrissian and Chewbacca, expert burglars, an explosives guru, a master thief, a magician, a person with photographic memory, to pull off the heist of a lifetime: a million stolen credits in the Black Sun crime syndicate’s impregnable safe. The added bonus is Han Solo will be square with Jabba, and no longer have to look over his shoulder.

Star Wars: Scoundrels is one of the most enthralling, fast-paced, well-constructed Star Wars novels ever created.