[Glelas]

I am a long-time fan of SW. Lately I have been caught up in the hype - once again - of the whole Star Wars Universe (with the release of original trilogy DVD's). I have always read "hard" Sci-Fi and Fantasy, looking at the SW novels as "light" reading or "comic book" novels. Well, I want to give them a try. How and where should I start? The NJO novels look interesting, should I start with that series? Or chronologically with the Prequel Novels? OR publishing order, like Timothy Zahn's Thrawn trilogy? Or even Splinter of the Mind's Eye the first spin-off novel? I am just curious if anyone has a particular preference for attacking these novels...

[Chlestron]

A lot of the stuff that takes place in the NJO series mentions stuff that happened previously in the other novels. Unlike many sci-fi universes, the Star Wars universe maintains continuity between books so that, with the exception of "Splinter of the Mind's Eye" which was written prior to "Return of the Jedi", they don't contradict each other etc.

I would start with the Thrawn Trilogy by Timothy Zahn because that basically sets the stage and major players for just about everything else to come. The Jedi Academy Trilogy also introduces a number of the characters that play a major role in the NJO story. After that, pick and choose as you would I say.

[Captain J]

My personal recommendation to to start with the Timothy Zahn trilogy. It is set in the aftermath of RoJ and is well written. If you enjoy that, you can branch out. There seems to be a few different tracks. Some stories, and series are set as follow on to TZ's trilogy in the post RoJ era, and use the same main charcaters (plus a few more) from the Original trilogy. Other are series of their own, using other characters, primarily the children of Han and Leia, as well as other aspiring future Jedi.

[x_aka_andy]

Try the Truce at Bakura as well. It's set immediately after Return of the Jedi.

[Rob B]

Go: http://www.randomhouse.com/delrey/starwars/new_jedi.html and you will find the reading order The New Jedi Order storyline.

I personally have been enjoying the NJO series, with well known authors like Matt Stover, Greg Keyes, RA Salvatore, and Walter Jon Williams, authors who previously were not very associated with SW, work in the series. The overal quality of the books are good, to great. Good storytelling and overall, good entertainment.

[Horrorfiend]

The NJO was quite good but kinda overdone. It could have ended a few books earlier. At least Del Rey has gotten rid of the "monster of the month" books and focuses on keeping continuity throughout the series.

Right now they are only putting out Clone Wars novels and since I don't have any particular interest in the CW I find these books a chore to read.