Star Wars books are filled with a plethora of characters, locations, and moments you'll never get from sticking to the screen. Here are just a few of the standouts.
Burryaga, the Jedi Wookiee
The High Republic's Burryaga begins the series as a Padawan, and readers follow his various trials and victories throughout the course of the many books and comics that feature him. An empathetic Wookiee with an enormous heart, Burry remains a fan-favorite character among book readers.
Burry's story focuses on something many other Star Wars stories often don't: the power of friendship. His close bond with fellow Jedi Bell Zettifar is one of the most heartwarming friendships you'll ever read about in a galaxy far, far away. No spoilers, but his tale of survival against all odds and his efforts to overcome the traumas of war is equally captivating. Start your High Republic journey with Light of the Jedi, where we first meet Burry, and go in order from there.
Yrica Quell, the former Imperial pilot
Alexander Freed's Alphabet Squadron trilogy often goes unnoticed, but it's a lot like the X-Wing books from Legends in some aspects. The series follows a group of starfighter pilots flying missions for the New Republic following the destruction of the second Death Star. Each of the main characters in all three books are worth getting to know, but Yrica stands out as a must-meet.
The pilot defected from the Galactic Empire after Operation Cinder, and spends many pages grappling with the consequences of her participation in the initiative. She is also easy to love, stubborn in the most recognizable and relatable ways, and a queer icon deserving of all the literal and metaphorical medals.
Snap Wexley, a Resistance hero
Technically, Snap does appear in the sequel trilogy movies, and becomes a true hero toward the end of The Rise of Skywalker. But before that, his Star Wars debut came in the form of a book called Star Wars: Aftermath by Chuck Wendig. In the book, Snap is a troubled teenager filled with angst and resentment. But he eventually grows into a level-headed, extremely skilled pilot who cares deeply for his family and friends.
Part of Lucasfilm's "Journey to The Force Awakens" tie-in event prior to the movie's release in 2015, the first book in the Aftermath trilogy follows a chaotic cast of characters, Snap among them. The overarching story chronicles the New Republic's efforts to officially defeat what remains of the Galactic Empire after Return of the Jedi, all leading up to the Battle of Jakku -- which explains Rey's makeshift home at the beginning of the movie.