Best Galactic Empire Science Fiction Books of 2025

House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas is a contemporary fantasy novel that follows Bryce Quinlan, a half-Fae and half-human seeking revenge after a demon murders her closest friends. As she investigates the crimes, she teams up with Hunt Athalar, a notorious Fallen angel enslaved to the Archangels. Together, they discover a dark power that threatens everything and everyone they hold dear. The book's emotional depth and stunning twist make it an exciting read for fans of epic fantasy books. House of Earth and Blood is a richly inventive and imaginative tale that explores the heartache of loss, the price of freedom, and the power of love.

Star Wars: Cataclysm (The High Republic) (Star Wars: The High Republic: Prequel Era) is a thrilling addition to the Star Wars universe. The book follows the Jedi as they try to end the Forever War and bring peace to two planets on the brink of destruction. The story is full of action, mystery, and betrayal, with a diverse cast of characters that will keep readers engaged until the very end. Lydia Kang delivers a High Republic masterpiece that will leave readers with happy and sad tears. Cataclysm is a must-read for any Star Wars fan looking for a captivating and emotional story.

The High Republic is a golden age where Jedi are at the height of their power, and peace reigns throughout the galaxy. However, a catastrophic event in hyperspace puts the Jedi to the test as they race to save billions of lives. In Star Wars: Light of the Jedi, Charles Soule delivers an intensely enjoyable read that is sharply written with breathtaking action and remarkable power. Soule redefines the Force, fulfilling his promise to fans. This book is a must-read for Star Wars fans and anyone who loves an action-packed adventure!

Star Wars: The High Republic: Chronicles of the Jedi: An Illustrated Guide to the Galaxy's Golden Age is an in-universe guide that takes readers to the golden age of the Jedi, centuries before the Skywalker Saga. With stunning original illustrations, the book offers an immersive experience into the world of Star Wars: The High Republic, showcasing valiant heroes, terrifying monsters, and daring exploration. It also includes detailed profiles of popular characters such as Avar Kriss, Bell Zettifar, Stellan Gios, Keeve Trennis, Burryaga, Yoda, and more. This book is a must-have for fans of Star Wars and serves as a great entry point for new readers, making it an essential collectible for any Star Wars collection.

Star Wars: Thrawn Ascendancy (Book I: Chaos Rising) by Timothy Zahn is the first book in an exciting new trilogy that delves into the origins of Thrawn within the Chiss Ascendancy. The story takes place in the Unknown Regions, a chaotic and uncharted part of the galaxy, where the Chiss and their Nine Ruling Families reside. When the Chiss capital is attacked, Thrawn is sent on a mission to uncover the culprits. With the help of Admiral Ar’alani, Thrawn faces hidden dangers in his quest to protect the Ascendancy. This book is a must-read for Star Wars fans and a great addition to Timothy Zahn’s impressive collection of Star Wars novels.

Star Wars: The Rising Storm (The High Republic) by Cavan Scott is a thrilling addition to the Star Wars universe. Set after the events of Light of the Jedi, the book follows the heroes of the High Republic era as they face a new threat from the Nihil. The story is action-packed and full of twists and turns that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Scott's writing is engaging and immersive, transporting readers to a galaxy far, far away. Overall, The Rising Storm is a must-read for any Star Wars fan and a testament to the enduring popularity of the franchise.

The Star Wars®: The Jedi Path and Book of Sith Deluxe Box Set is a collection of two books, The Jedi Path and Book of Sith, that brings together the light and dark sides of the Force. The Jedi Path is an ancient Jedi training handbook featuring handwritten comments from prominent force-wielders, including Yoda and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Book of Sith is a compilation of six legendary dark texts gathered and bound together by Darth Sidious, featuring comments from Darth Vader, Mace Windu, and others. This book set is an ideal Star Wars collectible for any fan and provides insights into the Star Wars timeline and the complex powers of good and evil.

Horus Rising (1) (The Horus Heresy) is the first novel in the bestselling Horus Heresy series. The book tells the story of Warmaster Horus, who tries to carry out the Emperor's grand design while the seeds of heresy and rebellion have been sowed amongst his brothers. Written by Dan Abnett, the book has received critical acclaim for its gripping storytelling and vivid characters. The re-release of the mass market edition is a must-read for science fiction adventure fans, especially those interested in the Games Workshop brand. Overall, Horus Rising is an excellent start to a fantastic series that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end.

Heir to the Empire is the first novel in the Thrawn Trilogy, which takes place after the events of the original Star Wars trilogy. In this book, Grand Admiral Thrawn, the last of the Emperor’s warlords, takes command of the shattered Imperial fleet and prepares for war against the New Republic. The story is a thrilling epic of action, invention, mystery, and spectacle on a galactic scale. The book is a must-read for all Star Wars fans and for those who love space operas. It is a unique addition to the Star Wars universe and a great start to the Thrawn Trilogy.

Eisenhorn: The Omnibus is a must-read for science fiction enthusiasts. This omnibus follows the career of Inquisitor Gregor Eisenhorn, a zealous upholder of the truth turned collaborator with the very powers he once swore to destroy. Gaunt’s Ghosts creator, Dan Abnett, masterfully blends detective story and interplanetary epic in this omnibus, which includes the novels Xenos, Malleus, Hereticus, and The Magos, as well as four short stories. Abnett’s writing is engaging and captivating, making the reader feel invested in the characters and their journey. Overall, this omnibus is a great addition to any science fiction collection.