Series: Skyward #1
Published by Delacorte Press on November 6, 2018
Genres: Science Fiction, Young Adult
Pages: 510
Format: Hardcover
Source: Purchased
Spensa's world has been under attack for decades.
Now pilots are the heroes of what's left of the human race, and becoming one has always been Spensa's dream. Since she was a little girl, she has imagined soaring skyward and proving her bravery. But her fate is intertwined with that of her father'sāa pilot himself who was killed years ago when he abruptly deserted his team, leaving Spensa the daughter of a coward, her chances of attending Flight School slim to none.
No one will let Spensa forget what her father did, yet fate works in mysterious ways. Flight school might be a long shot, but she is determined to fly. And an accidental discovery in a long-forgotten cavern might just provide her with a way to claim the stars.
I picked up Skyward because I’m a fan of Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series, and I was curious how he would approach the science fiction genre.
The premise to Skyward is fascinating. I love how the synopsis only gives the most basic premise for the novel; it doesn’t spoil half of the novel like so many synopses do these days. Plus, the tagline “Claim the Stars” is fantastic. It not only hypes the novel, it appears multiple times in the story and plays a clear role in the plot.
The world is complex and developed organically, piece by piece, as Spensa leads the reader through it. Spensa and the other characters start as two-dimensional characters. However, they flesh out as Spensa grows to care about the other characters and acknowledge her own insecurities. Spensa’s interest in old Earthen heroes such as Beowulf is fascinating, both for the nod to present-day cultural knowledge and for its role in motivating her through trying times as the “daughter of a coward.”
The plot twist at the end is explosive and epic. It not only answers the burning mystery of what happened that night Spensa’s father was branded a traitor but it opens the way for more spectacular world building.
Skyward is a highly entertaining read filled with interesting developments. I barely put the novel down once I picked it up! I highly recommend it to fans of Brandon Sanderson and to readers looking for an action-packed sci-fi novel with a courageous female lead.
Let’s Chat
š Have you read any good science fiction recently?
š Have you read Skyward?
Kristen @ Metaphors and Moonlight says
I’m glad the characters in Skyward got more dimension as the story went on, and it’s always a good sign when you can hardly put a book down!
I love the last line of the blurb for Aurora Rising lol, but yeah, I usually find it hard to settle into a story too when there are too many POVs.
Crystal says
I love when a book keepings me turning the pages!
That last line of the Aurora Rising book is fantastic. It’s what got me to pick up the book in the first place!
Angie Elle says
I’ve seen so many great reviews for Skyward. I am hoping it will be my first read from him. The wait for the audio at my library is so long! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Sorry Aurora Rising was a bit of a bust for you. I haven’t read anything from either of those authors, though both are on my TBR.
Great reviews!
Crystal says
I hope you enjoy Skyward once you get a chance to listen to the audio, Angie. I didn’t listen to the audio for this one, but I’ve enjoyed audiobooks of Sanderson’s other works!
Lindsi says
I’ve heard good things about Sanderson, but haven’t had a chance to read one of his books yet. I’m sure I’ll get around to it eventually! I’m happy you enjoyed this one! Bummer about Aurora Rising. I’ve been on the fence about whether or not I want to read it, and I think it’s one I’ll skip.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Lindsi @ Do You Dog-ear? š¬
Crystal says
Thanks, Lindsi! I hope you enjoy Sanderson’s writing when you get the chance to read one of his books!
Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer says
I listened to Aurora Rising with a full cast and it blew me away. I love Sanderson and need to pick this one up. Great reviews!
Crystal says
It’s neat how the audiobook has a full cast. That sounds like a lot of fun! I hope you enjoy Skyward, Kimberly!
ShootingStarsMag says
I still need to read the last book in the Illuminae series, but I do love those. I’m sure I’ll check out Aurora Rising, but sorry to hear you didn’t love it. Yay for good humor though. š
-Lauren
Crystal says
It’s great to hear you love the Illuminae series.
The humor was entertaining; even if the book wasn’t my favorite, it was a fun read š
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction says
Sorry you didn’t love Aurora Rising—I’ve been really looking forward to it. I’m glad it’s humorous, though. Sometimes a funny read is just what I need.
Crystal says
I agree. It’s always nice to have some lighter reads at the ready!
Melliane says
I love Sanderson’s novels but I didn’t know about this one
Crystal says
Skyward is fantastic! I love Sanderson’s novels š