The 5 Best Sci-Fi & Space Opera Epics By Star Wars Creators

Star Wars has always been so much more than a mere film franchise. The old Star Wars Expanded Universe actually predates the first movie, while George Lucas’ novelization (ghost-written by Alan Dean Foster) served as the film’s perfect setup. The EU was reborn in the 1990s courtesy of Timothy Zahn, whose “Thrawn trilogy” continues to influence the franchise today; Lucas himself brought elements of Zahn’s books to the big screen, including the planet Coruscant.

The EU has been branded “non-canon” (or “Legends”), but only so Lucasfilm could reboot the line under Disney. Since then, we’ve had a stunning number of Star Wars books, comics, games, and more; the best Star Wars novels have fleshed out secondary characters, deepened the lore, and answered questions left by The Rise of Skywalker. But, of course, the cellebrated authors of all these books have also published their own novels, welcoming readers into some very different worlds.

Take Kevin J. Anderson, for example, who Star Wars readers will know from his bestselling “Jedi Academy Trilogy.” A prolific author, Anderson’s “Nether Series” is due to expand on October 27th (you can preorder your copy The 5 Best Sci-Fi & Space). In celebration, Screen Rant is proud to unveil our favorite sci-fi and space opera stories created by some of the best Star Wars authors of all time.

5

The Nether Series

By Kevin J. Anderson

Let’s start with Anderson’s “Nether Series,” a duology set to be completed by this month’s Nether Vortex. There’s always been something of a dark edge to Anderson’s writings; the “Jedi Academy Trilogy” featured the spirit of a long-dead Sith Lord who corrupted Luke Skywalker’s most powerful student. The “Nether Series” goes one step beyond that, because it’s a blend of science-fiction and Lovecraftian horror. Here’s the synopsis of Anderson’s Nether Station:

Space is vast. Space is full of wonders. Space is terrifying.

In the darkest part of the solar system lies a wormhole. Nether.

Astrophysicist Cammie Skoura has joined the first research team traveling to the Nether anomaly, eager to understand the mechanics of the wormhole and to explore its possibilities as a shortcut to Alpha Centauri.

But another race of ancient beings has already been here—an impossibly long time ago—leaving remnants of their vast complexes and gigantic temples built for horrific beings beyond comprehension.

What dangers did those elder races find in the hidden corners of spacetime?

What did they unleash?

And what remains?

Now, Cammie and the crew of Nether Station must find the answers—before the darkest part of the cosmos swallows them up …

Space is vast. Space is full of wonders. Space is terrifying.

In the darkest part of the solar system lies a wormhole. Nether.

Astrophysicist Cammie Skoura has joined the first research team traveling to the Nether anomaly, eager to understand the mechanics of the wormhole and to explore its possibilities as a shortcut to Alpha Centauri.

But another race of ancient beings has already been here—an impossibly long time ago—leaving remnants of their vast complexes and gigantic temples built for horrific beings beyond comprehension.

What dangers did those elder races find in the hidden corners of spacetime?

Now, Cammie and the crew of Nether Station must find the answers—before the darkest part of the cosmos swallows them up …

Nether Station was pitched as the creepiest novel Anderson has ever written, and reviewers have universally praised the book for how well it sustains its tension. Nether Vortex ups the ante in the best possible way, turning this duology into one of Anderson’s best stories to date.

You can pick up Nether Station from retailers like Amazon, and Nether Vortex The 5 Best Sci-Fi & Space.

4

The Conquerors Saga

Timothy Zahn

Now let’s move to an older, more established trilogy; Timothy Zahn’s “Conqueror’s Saga.” I’ve already mentioned Zahn, who’s considered Star Wars royalty; this is the mastermind behind Grand Admiral Thrawn and Mara Jade, the Emperor’s Hand who became Luke Skywalker’s wife. Zahn has remained heavily involved with Star Wars, even after the canon reset in 2014. But if you want to dip into wider sci-fi and space opera universes, he’s just as prolific as Anderson.

Zahn’s “Conquerors Saga” is a trilogy, published between 1994 and 1996. A fully-fledged space opera, this kicks off in Conquerors’ Pride when first contact between human and aliens goes badly wrong. The second book, Conquerors’ Heritage, surprised readers by shifting to the viewpoint of the invaders themselves; the third, Conquerors’ Legacy, blends the two different perspectives.

You can buy Conquerors’ Pride The 5 Best Sci-Fi & Space.

3

The Humanx Commonwealth

Alan Dean Foster

Timothy Zahn is often credited as creator of the Star Wars Expanded Universe, but that’s not true; if that’s true of anyone, it’s celebrated fantasy author Alan Dean Foster. Ghost-writer of the first novelization, Foster is best-known for the original Star Wars sequel, Splinter of the Mind’s Eye, published before The Empire Strikes Back scripts had even been begun. And yes, that unfortunately means Splinter of the Mind’s Eye features Luke / Leia romance and not even a hint of “I am your father.” It’s still a great read, though.

Foster is a fantastic science-fiction and fantasy author, but readers would be wise to check out his “Humanx Commonwealth” saga. This began with Midworld all the way back in 1975, with Foster introducing a unique sci-fi galaxy where humans have entered into a symbiotic relationship. He’s returned to the Commonwealth many times, and it’s even been adapted for some major popular RPGs.

2

The Warrior Trilogy

Michael A. Stackpole

Now let’s move to Michael A. Stackpole, who Star Wars fans will recognize as mastermind of the popular X-Wing novels. Those gave Star Wars more of a militaristic edge, with a tight focus on Rogue Squadron and Force-sensitive Corran Horn; Stackpole worked closely with his friend Timothy Zahn to become a major architect of the old Expanded Universe, and penned two of the best books in the “New Jedi Order” range.

Stackpole made his debut writing in BattleTech, with the “Warrior” trilogy: En Garde, Riposte, and Coupe. He’s remained heavily involved with that universe ever since, writing what are considered the “spine” novels that hold it all together. Stackpole’s first trilogy is still available today, and is recommended reading for anyone who wants to step into another sprawling sci-fi universe.

You can buy Warrior: En Garde The 5 Best Sci-Fi & Space.

1

Acts of Caine

Matt Stover

Finally, Matt Stover’s Acts of Caine series is a little different; but there’s no way to talk about the best Star Wars authors without mentioning Stover. His novelization of Revenge of the Sith is generally considered better than the movie; it was important enough for Lucasfilm to publish a recent anniversary edition incorporating the author’s notes. Stover is also well-known for adding extra depth to Mace Windu in Shatterpoint, challenging the nature of the Force itself in Traitor, and penning the exceptional Luke Skywalker and the Shadows of Mindor.

Stover’s phenomenal Acts of Caine saga kicked off in 1997, running through four books: Heroes Die, Blade of Tyshalle, Caine Black Knife, and Caine’s Law. This genre-blending sci-fi / fantasy series is an adrenaline-fueled rollercoaster, and it’s often brutal and violent, so readers need to go in well aware this is a lot “edgier” than the typical Star Wars fare. But, that said, it’s also incredibly well-written, and demonstrates exactly why he went on to become such an influential figure in Star Wars too.