Spanning from 25000 – 1000 BBY and easily the lengthiest era in Star Wars continuity, the Old Republic is awash with historically significant events and some of the most influential characters Star Wars has to offer. Indeed, boasting characters like Bastila Shan, Darth Bane, and Revan, the Old Republic has understandably received a fair share of the Star Wars spotlight in the last quarter century.
But, while the Old Republic games rightfully garner much of the attention covering this formative time in Star Wars, it’s the literary reads that contain a treasure trove of value. Here, hidden within these creative classics, fans can find some of the most engaging characters, themes, and plotlines in Star Wars. Thus, utilizing my decades of source reading, I have identified the best Star Wars reads on the Old Republic for your reading pleasure.
The Old Republic: Revan
Unquestionably, a gem of a read from the literary Godfather of the Old Republic, Drew Karpyshyn, Revan checks in as a best for any fan of the Old Republic. This up-tempo novel tracks the all-time Star Wars video game great after the events of Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords and ties directly into the events of the popular MMORPG Star Wars: The Old Republic.
Most knowledgeable Star Wars Old Republic fans likely hold a special place in their heart for the Revanchist, and Revan encapsulates why. Since debuting in the award-winning Knights of the Old Republic, Revan’s trademark mix of light, dark, and the in-between has permeated his lore. Thus, being a memorable entry on the titular character, Revan artistically nails his intricate nuance and introduces many legendary shapers of the Old Republic to a grander audience.
Lost Tribes of the Sith
Without a doubt, a top read on the Old Republic, Lost Tribe of the Sith boasts the Star Wars sci-fi staples fans have come to love, draped in the historical context of the Old Republic. Following a stranded group of Sith from Naga Shadow’s Sith Empire as they crash land on a primitive planet littered with untold horrors, Lost details the many obstacles the tribe must overcome to survive.
Deftly proving his fluency in the era with Lost, best-selling author John Jackson Miller brings these unconventional wayward Sith to life. Moreover, while conveying their generational fight for survival, Miller illustrates the stark differences this tribe has with more traditional Sith, simultaneously exacerbating the same call to power all Sith share.
Tales of the Jedi Omnibus
A foundational collection of lore regarding the Old Republic era, the Tales of the Jedi omnibus represents the upper echelon of reading material on this titular subject. This artistic omnibus collects the praised ‘Dawn of the Jedi’ and ‘Tales of the Jedi’ comic series in one glorious read. Written by comics legend John Ostrander and former Benedictine monk Tom Veitch, Tales focuses on the bloody beginnings of the Jedi and Sith orders as they carved out their place in the galaxy.
Focusing on the most important galactic events of the era, Tales introduces readers to Old Republic legends like Exar Kun, Ulic Qel-Droma, Naga Sadow, and Nomi Sunrider, detailing their exploits in the Old Republic. But, while this omnibus might seem daunting because of its overall length, I assure interested readers that the stories told within serve as the backbone of Old Republic lore and undoubtedly remain among the best Star Wars reads on the Old Republic.
The Old Republic: Deceived
A superbly crafted novel by author Paul S. Kemp, Deceived follows the exploits of Darth Malgus, a legendary Sith of the Old Republic. Beginning with the Sacking of Coruscant, Malgus spearheads the assault, desecrating the fabled Jedi Temple and leaving nothing but carnage in his wake. But, before the Sith Empire delivers the coup-de-grace to the crippled Republic, the Treaty of Coruscant is struck, leaving Malgus questioning his peers’ dedication to ending the Republic.
Tenured writer Kemp creates an integral entry into the Old Republic mythos, shedding light on the underlying events surrounding the cinematic Sacking of Coruscant and the Darth at the forefront. Along with the vivid imagery it conjures, Deceived draws high marks as poignant lore on Darth Malgus, notably showcasing his differences from the traditional Darth model and introducing Star Wars fans to this unique Dark Lord of the Old Republic.
Darth Bane Trilogy
Full of engrossing anti-heroes and captivating villains, the Bane trilogy ranks as a best-read to fans of Sith, the Old Republic, or Star Wars. Beginning with ‘Path of Destruction’, award-winning author Drew Karpyshyn chronicles the life of Darth Bane, from his abusive upbringing on the mining planet Apatros to his galvanizing of the Sith under the Rule of Two, giving readers invaluable insight into galactic history.
Here, Karpyshyn brings Bane to life with clear and concise prose, showcasing the progenitor of the Rule of Two as he formulates the Great Plan. Truly, this seminal trilogy encapsulates everything that makes Star Wars so alluring, combining memorable characters with a masterful plot and pacing, crafting one helluva read on the Old Republic.
The Old Republic: Annihilation
Penned by lauded Star Wars scribe Drew Karpyshyn, Annihilation introduces roguish Republic SIS agent Theron Shan in a race against time to thwart the Sith Empire after the Battle of Ilum. Admittedly thrust into the eye of the Sith hurricane, Shan must overcome reservations about his past, his distrust of authority, and bloodthirsty Sith zealots to save the Republic he is sworn to protect.
Annihilation checks all the boxes, providing Star Wars readers with a detailed backstory on the enigmatic Theron Shan, his cinematic parents, and his role in the acclaimed Star Wars: The Old Republic MMORPG. Therefore, when discussing the best reads on the Old Republic, it would be a disservice if Annihilation were excluded from contention.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Vol. 2 Omnibus
The Knights of the Old Republic Vol.2 omnibus follows Jedi Zayne Carrick, of Carrick Station fame, and his adventures traversing the dangers of the Old Republic. Here, collecting issues #19-37 of the hailed Knights of the Old Republic comic series by Marvel, Vol. 2 dives into the thick of the unlucky Jedi Carrick’s story, seeing him on the run and unable to prove his innocence in a Jedi padawan massacre.
Undoubtedly one of the best reads on the Old Republic, Vol. 2 keys on many of the prevalent issues of the era, like warring Sith factions, the Mandalorian menace, and galaxy-threatening weapons. Here, Star Wars veteran Jonathan Jackson Miller nails the high-stakes nature of the Old Republic, concocting a fast-paced story with a relatable protagonist and delivering a best-read on Star Wars the Old Republic.
Red Harvest
Lastly comes Red Harvest, a top read from the Old Republic era that harkens to zombie-loving fans across the Star Wars universe. As growing unrest settles across the galaxy following the re-emergence of the Sith Empire and the attack on Coruscant, the sinister Darth Scabrous, seeks to complete an ancient Sith ritual that will deliver him command of an undead army. Yet, hope lies in the gifted Jedi Hestizo Trace, whose unique flora force powers threaten Scabrous’s evil machinations.
Courtesy of bestselling author Joe Schreiber, Red Harvest presents Star Wars Old Republic fans a sci-fi space horror read at its finest. Importantly, Schreiber’s accentuation of the gory details combined with his expert backdrop choices gives readers a tangible sense of dread. Moreover, as the novel progresses and these ominous feelings build, Star Wars readers are left with lasting impressions that accurately reflect the grandeur and horror of the Old Republic.
