“Claim the stars, Spensa”..

My thanks to Orion Publishing/Gollancz for an eARC of this terrific SF novel via NetGalley. I understand from Sanderson’s website that it’s aimed at both YA and Adult readerships, which feels appropriate. It certainly would be a shame if more mature readers of SF passed it by due to a teenage narrator.

This was my first Brandon Sanderson novel though I was aware of his well established reputation and pleased to finally read his work. While a good length (528 pages) it never felt too long.

‘Skyward’ is set on the planet Detritus where a population of humans had crash-landed some eighty years earlier and found themselves in an ongoing fight against an alien species, the Krell. Spensa, a young woman, seeks to achieve her dream to become a pilot. Due to circumstances she faces an uphill struggle despite her desire and innate talent.

I pretty much fell in love with Spensa from the opening pages. She is sassy and brave with a strong sense of loyalty. I also appreciated that Spensa struggled with her training rather than be some kind of wunderkind from the outset.

‘Skyward’ has great supporting characters including the AI M-Bot, who provides a great deal of humour to the narrative. Also, while some writers feel the need to liberally use explicit language, I found Sanderson’s take refreshing and now added ‘Scud’ to my vocabulary for those times I don’t want to offend. 😀

While not wishing to say too much about the plot, I was impressed by Sanderson’s storytelling and especially how well he finished the novel. It was a strong conclusion that set things up for the future. The fight scenes throughout were well described and had me on the edge of my seat.

On a side note, Spensa had grown up with the stories of legendary heroes told by her Gran-Gran. This reminded me of Joseph Campbell’s work and especially ‘The Hero’s Journey’, which had inspired George Lucas in his creation of ‘Star Wars’. There is certainly an epic feel to ‘Skyward’ drawing on deep wells of storytelling and the kind of classic SF I grew up with. I certainly plan to recommend widely.

So a very well deserved 5 stars as I was captivated, thrilled, and entertained throughout. I now am eagerly awaiting the next in the series and certainly plan on reading more of Sanderson’s novels.

Tremble and fear, all writers, for Brandon Sanderson will shake readers everywhere with his talent. Your doom is approaching!

Skyward is a brilliant sci-fi tale about a teen girl fighting against her reputation, herself, authority, adversity, the odds, and aliens (just to mention a few), to become a pilot to defend her world and its people. But this book is so much more.

I can truly say this is one of the funniest books I've ever read and I was trying to smother my chuckling at 4am because I just couldn't put it down. This is skillfully done as there is also a lot of sadness and heart-pumping action too. The characters are great and one non-human in particular has jumped right into my top ten list.

The world, Detritus, is very unusual and it made a fascinating backdrop to the action. I'm not normally one to read action and fighting scenes, but the way Sanderson writes it leaves me gasping for more. And there will be more as this is the first book in a new series. I can't wait to read the next one, though Skyward did have a thoroughly satisfying ending, because I want more time in this world.

I love this book so much that even though I've just read it and I have an ARC copy I want a nice smart hardback to put proudly in place front and centre of my sci-fi shelf. After I have read it again.

Skyward has left me feeling satisfied, thoughtful, sad, amused, tired, and possibly ruined for the next few books I read. Now I want to see Sanderson take on Asimov and write about robots. And read 'Skyward 2: The Ship and the Slug'.

Damn, you know that a book is awesome when you read it in one sitting and stay up until stupid o'clock to finish. Skyward was a blast and one that I adored. 

Spensa is a girl who dreams of being a pilot and clearing her father's name. But everyone is against her succeeding and the powers that be do everything in their power to prevent her from achieving her goal.b To compensate for the cards she's been dealt she is an angry girl with a big attitude who manages to spout some strange thought. Particularly when dealing with her enemies. 

But she is determined to success and her growth is incredible. She starts to realise that there is more to life than being a pilot, that it takes more than being a good flyer. And sometimes you can change the very definition of a word. 

Spensa has been told that she is the Cowards Daughter her whole life. And this is one label that is not easy for her to shake. However throughout she proves how strong, determined and brave she is. As she helps her friends, grieves for losses and proves herself time and time again. 

I loved everyone in this story, I mourned the loss of those I'd grown fond of, I cheered for the victories and I jumped for joy at every success. 

This was a brilliant read that left me craving more and has made me so excited for the next story. Because this a  book that you will want to read time and time again!

This book was a joy to read, one of those book that makes you appreciated how the language, the characters, and the setting mix and makes you feel like you are living in the book with them.
I knew about Brandon Sanderson, I read other books and his work with the Wheel of Time, but it's been a long time since last I read the beginning of a series that made me think "Oh, I needed it in my life.".
Now I will wait for the next instalment in this series and hope it will be out soon because I want more Spensa.
A wonderful debut for a series, highly recommended!
Many thanks to Gollancz and Netgalley for this ARC

TW/CW : Death of family members and close ones

As always I won't do a summary because you can have it everywhere and in reviews. But I'll give in a few words the themes (for me) of this book :
- Recognize and break down what society made of you
- air fights in small ships that will remind you of Xwings fights in star wars
- WOMEN SUPPORTING EACH OTHERS
- No love story (some signs of maybe something in the future but nothing in this book)

The characters
We follow the story with the 1st person POV of Spensa. As I've seen in other reviews many people had a hard time actually liking her which I get, she is... A lot to take in. But I personally really enjoyed the way she acted and the decisions she made always made 100% sense. She is super far fro my personality so I definitely cannot relate but I don't care, that's not always the point : she was so fleshed out and human, I finished the book but I still feel like she is around and *there*
The same thing goes for many of her flightmates : Sanderson managed to really create many characters and give them life. Some are more fleshed-out than other but they still all have their distinct voice and personality and I often could tell who was speaking without the narration telling me, just with the type of comments they made...
I really enjoyed the AI character as well. It was really a fun voice to add. I'll never get boref of AIs in books tbh.
The relationship between the characters ? PRECIOUS. The friendship between all the girls ? And the boy-girl friendship from childhood that didn't turn into a love story ? Like they talk about having a crush on someone else and the other one isn't jealous ? Groundbreaking ! (joking, but really I was actually surprised, that's how much that trope is used).

The worldbuilding
To be honest, that's where we see it's YA and "toned down", the world building could have been much much more if this was an adult story, I think. But Sanderson made it work by creating a closed world : Spensa spends most of her time in the military base, away from the caverns where the civilians live, and for good reasons. Also the civilization is very small and on this planet it's only about 80 years old ? So there's not *that much* to worldbuild. But we can tell with the ending that there will be much more to come in the next books (and I can't wait !)

The plot
I was always on the edge of my seat, wondering what was about to happen. Sanderson isn't scared to kill off some characters and you know from the get-go that anything can happen. That's also why I'm only naming Spensa as character in my review, no spoilers, keep guessing!!
There's a couple of reveals that made me gasp, like irl gasp, wait I need to reread that part and think. WHAT DOES THAT MEAN ?

The writing style
In this, Sanderson truly is the master, the style is not different from the other books I've read (all the cosmere but nothing outside of it until now), he didn't try to dial it down for the YA readers and that's great. We get super descriptive battle scenes of course, and fun (and natural) dialogues, introspection and more. Sanderson's writing is just so easy to read, I got an earc but GR says the book is more than 500 pages... It felt like barely 300, I swear. You will finish it and just wonder why it wasn't 1100 pages like the stormlight books (but actually it didn't *need* more pages really, everything has been said, there's not too much or not enough... He is a pro afterall).

Overall
Overall I just really enjoyed myself a lot, the themes in this book are super interesting, I loved some of the dialogues and what especially one of the female characters had to say about the society and fighting the system. There was never a dull moment, a I said I - like Spensa - flew through this book. I wasn't expecting liking it so much because I don't enjoy YA that much usually but...It was really awesome. You should read it.

Also, as seen in the acknowledgments, there was a big team of TEENS Beta readers (like, 15 of them) and that's so great ? It's super important to give YA books in teen hands and to give them a say so YAY

#bookstersistersreview Skyward by Brandon Sanderson
Brandon Sanderson went right to the top of my favourite author list after Mistborn and as is usual I started researching on all his previously published books and his interviews, blog posts, basically everything remotely connected to him. So that was how I came to know about Skyward. It was a sci-fi project and he described it as Eragon + How to train your dragon meets Top Gun + Enders Game. So obviously I was hooked. And through some divine intervention I managed to score an e-arc from Netgalley and Orion Books.
You know a book is exceptional when you can’t stop turning pages. I couldn’t get to the next page fast enough. It was addictive and enthralling and mindblowing and soo sooo precious. This is my newest book baby, that I just want to bundle up and cuddle forever and ever.
So the book basically is about this young girl called Spensa who who wants to become a fighter pilot to protect her people from the evil aliens trying to destroy them. I don’t want to give away too much because going into this one without knowing too much just enhances the experience.
Spensa is the ultimate underdog. She has nothing going for her, she is met with hurdles at every turn but she never gives up. She is so fierce and a fighter in every sense. I never thought anybody could beat Vin but Spensa is just too precious. Throughout the book she has you rooting for her, cheering her on from your reading nook, celebrating her successes, crying with her on her failures. And the way her character grows and develops throughout the book is a thing of beauty. Trust me when I say, you will love her to bits unless you have a heart of stone.
Its not just Spensa, all the supporting characters are so well developed and empathetic that you feel like crying at the thought of leaving them at the end of the book. I made myself go as slow as I possibly could to avoid having to say goodbye.
The world building, the plot pacing and the fight sequences were pure genius. The information you need to understand the world is so seamlessly woven into the narration that you don’t even realise it. And last but not least, the talking ship. I never thought I could fall so in love with a ship. Sanderson somehow imbues this machine with so much personality and it will make you laugh and cry and laugh harder with tears leaking out of your eyes.
More than anything else, this book is filled with so much hope and courage and life that you just want to go back and read it again and again. Another epic book from a master storyteller and HIGHLY recommended.
Rating: to the stars and beyond

Brandon Sanderson shoots for the stars in Skyward, the first entry of his sci-fi adventure, and absolutely aces the takeoff.

Is there anything better than a new book release from your favourite author?

Ok, I have to admit though. I am not a huge fan of sci-fi books, and as such avoid them where possible. I will however make exceptions for my favourite authors, and Brandon Sanderson is right at the pinnacle of that list. Still, I had my doubts, this being a space opera.

*gives doubting self a reproving glare in the mirror

This is Brandon Sanderson guys - there is no need to doubt. A few frantic reading sessions later I can excitedly confirm, the master of fantasy, Brandon Sanderson, has brought his particular brand of AWESOMENESS to the sci-fi genre as well.

Spensa (callsign: Spin) dreams of being a starfighter pilot for the Defiant Defense Force. The DDF’s main objective: To defend the planet Detritus from the Krell, aliens determined to destroy humankind. She has studied for years to make her dream come true and knows every possible answer that she may need to pass the flight school test that ensures admittance to the pilot training program. If fate had dealt her a different hand, she would not even have to write the test, but would receive automatic acceptance into the school on grounds of being the daughter of one of the heroes of the Battle of Alta. Her father (callsign: Chaser) was one of, if not the DDF’s best pilot , when the famous fight took place. During the battle however, he inexplicably lost his nerve and tried to flee the fight to save his own hide and was consequently shot down by his own team to discourage any other pilot from following his example.

His branding as a coward, and the stigma allotted to his family by association ensured a tough upbringing for Spensa, making her goal of becoming a pilot akin to the punishment of Sisyphus. The deck is stacked against her - there are few who have any respect for the daughter of a craven, and many who do not want her to succeed. She is obstinately determined though to fulfill her destiny - she will pass the flight school test and become one of the best pilots in the fleet, thereby restoring her family name. And then in the middle of her mission to succeed she makes a monumental discovery that could change her life completely, but also change the course for the entire war effort for good...a starship of unknown design with an AI built-in.

As is the norm with this author, the story is very well written. This might be labeled as YA, but I found my enjoyment at the same level as any of his other works and would ignore the label entirely. Some of my favourite narrative devices are present, in a prologue that skips a number of years forward at the first chapter and a lost history where no-one really knows much about what happened in the past. Pacing is brisk and the Sanderson avalanche is present, although not at a Stormlight Archive intensity in my opinion. It does not take anything away from the gripping ending though and should not dissuade anyone from reading this either. World-building is wonderful once again. Sanderson is just… a genius. Characterization is complex and fun, I loved the protagonist, the growth she exhibits throughout and had an easy time enjoying reading about every major and minor character in Skyward. Especially MBot :)

“...human beings need someone friendly to listen to them when they’re grieving. So feel free to talk to me. I will be friendly. You have nice shoes.”
“Is that the only thing you notice about people?”
“I’ve always wanted shoes. They’re the sole piece of clothing that makes any sense, assuming ideal environmental conditions. They don’t play into your strange and nonsensical taboos about not letting anyone see your—”
“Is this really the only thing you can think of to comfort someone who is grieving?”
“It was number one on my list.” Great.
“The list has seven million entries. Do you want to hear number two?”
“Is it silence?”
“That didn’t even make the list.”
“Move it to number two.”
“All right, I . . . Oh.”

As for the magic-system... it’s actually non-existent this time. Whaaaaatttt???, I know, I know, but taking its place are all sorts of fascinating rules governing starfighter movement and fighting and as expected Sanderson brings these to life with vivid imagery easily relayed. Lastly, as with many other Sanderson books, this one also features important themes, touching on fulfillment, self-realization and identity.
Yup, it’s a Sanderson book through and through, which should make every fan rejoice.

This one did. Repeatedly.

Skyward will be released on November 6th 2018. I loved both the UK cover and US cover for this book, so a shout out to the immensely talented Sam Green and Charlie Bowater for your amazing artwork.

I was lucky enough to be provided an ARC from the publisher, Gollancz, via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much for giving me the opportunity.

This was my first Brandon Sanderson book and I have to say I loved it. I liked his writing style and the way he developed both the plot and the characters. At first I was skeptical about a book set in space but soon all I could think about was when I finished work and could pick it up again to find out what happens.

The main character ‘spin’ was relatable if sometimes a little grating but that is what made her good in my eyes. I also liked that there wasn’t any instant love between any characters but a growing affection between her and the rest of her flight... growing even more between her and Jerkface.

All in all I am thankful I got to read this book and can’t wait till it comes out so I can get it in print

Skyward by Brandon Sadnerson is an epic sci-fi saga, completely different to his other books. We follow a girl and a sassy talking spaceship, and that is all you need to know to enjoy this book. The writing, as expected from Sanderson, is beautiful and descriptive, the plot itself is not boring, and really stands out to other sci-fi books I have read in the past.

What I enjoyed the most about this was the banter and humour thrown in, which really was refreshing. After conquering the fantasy genre, is the sci-fi genre next for Sanderson?

Read it to find out! I cannot recommend this book enough. Give me the second book in this trilogy ASAP!!

Skyward is a novel that appeals to the kid in you. It looks past all the stress of everyday life, and reminds you of a time when you thought spaceships were awesome, when the world was just another adventure, and when you weren't afraid to hope for something better.

Fans of Brandon Sanderson might be skeptical of a Sanderson novel that doesn't feature any magic, but Skyward manages to make up for that with a fascinating new world and dogfighting scenes which come with a tangible sense of excitement. The mechanics of these airborne battles may be simpler than the complicated magic systems of his other books, but that doesn't make them any less fun to read.

But this isn't exactly a light-hearted read. At least, not always.

Spensa is our main character. She's a young woman who wishes to follow in her father's footsteps and become what is essentially a fighter pilot, tasked with doing battle with an alien race (known as the Krell) that seems hell-bent on destroying humanity.

Thing is, Spensa's father is infamous for deserting his team during a battle many years previous. Spensa is adamant that her father would never do such a thing, but nonetheless the powers that be aren't exactly receptive to the idea of putting her in a position to do the same.

And so, Spensa faces a fight to even get into flight school, never mind becoming an actual pilot.

But therein lies the heart of this book. Skyward doesn't sugarcoat the fact that the world is an unfair and unjust place. People die when they don't have to, and not enough people care. People aren't always remembered for the right reasons. Some people are privileged enough to be afforded advantages that few others could even dream of. But despite all that, there's still hope. Even when everything looks hopeless, there's still a way to fight for what's right.

It's a common theme in Sanderson's books, but not one I'll ever get tired off.

Character-wise, Skyward is pretty par for the course for a Sanderson novel. There's enough emotion and personality there to serve the story, but those hoping for a really in-depth character exploration probably won't find it here. Having said that, Spensa's dialogue with her friends and her talking spaceship can make for some pretty fun reading — a few annoying mushroom jokes notwithstanding. The dialogue brought enough life to these relationships for me to become really invested in the characters.

There were a few things I wasn't too fond of, but these were more on the "mildly irritating" side of things. The humor is sometimes a little juvenile, the main character can be frustrating and can make some pretty stupid decisions at times... but despite these things I really enjoyed the book as a whole.

The world itself really managed to capture my imagination. The planet, Detritus, is orbited by the rubble of a giant spaceship. This rubble is constantly falling to the planet's surface, meaning that any pilots have to be skilled enough to avoid the falling debris as well as, y'know, the attacking aliens. This ties in with the aforementioned dogfighting scenes, as Sanderson's incredibly visual writing style puts you right in the cockpit as Spensa tries to shoot, spin, and fly her way to victory.

All things considered, I think the most important thing I can say about Skyward  is that it reminded me what it felt like to be a kid again. And I love it for that.

This is a story about fighting for what you believe in. Now more than ever, this kind of story is needed.

So, Skyward. My first foray into the world of Sanderson. And? 

I freaking loved it. 

I mean this book pretty much hit every note for me, unlikely female heroines struggling against their fate, competition between students, training montages, talking spaceships and so much more. Once I was around three chapters in I was already telling my spouse that they are absolutely going to love it (talking spaceships are their jam). Conceptually this book is just fantastic (please read that in the voice of the ninth doctor so we keep this sci-fi feel going). 

Spensa, what a character. I mean. I know I read a lot of books where heroines have to struggle against the odds to get what they want, but what I adored about Spensa is that she doesn't let it turn her into a miserable character, nor does it feel like a quest for revenge (though I suppose in part it is) because she's caught up in the dream of flying. It's like when you talk to someone about something they're passionate about (you get it a lot when people are mid-thesis) and they just light up from within, that's how Spensa feels as a character. 

I've mentioned the concept but I think it's worth delving deeper into the setting because it captured my imagination. A couple of years ago I started work on the beginnings of an idea for a subterranean world and I don't think I can write it now because this was so much better than I could have written it. Sanderson manages to write the cave systems and the world that humans have managed to make out of the scraps that they salvage feel incredibly rich and detailed. To be honest, that's even more of a feat considering that a lot of the action takes place in quite distinct places, this isn't exactly an explore-y book. But you still get the impression that you're reading a hugely detailed world and that always impresses me. 

Relationships between characters were particularly of interest to me since this is obviously setting up for more books, you want to know who you like and dislike (so that your mind can be changed and your heart broken - you know how it is) quite early on. I thought that the mix of people that Spensa trains with (her flight) was very interesting, none of them felt too predictable or tropey (well, maybe one, but I'm thinking they'll be tricksy in later books) and I liked the way they interacted and developed throughout the book. 

I would not be surprised if some of the inspiration for this came from Battlestar Galactica which I'm very slowly watching my way through. Some of the situations these characters end up in and the ethical questions posed regarding things like the sanctity of life vs reputation or resources or similar really reminded me of the TV series. Perhaps this is just a sci-fi thing and I need to read more? I don't know they felt very alike to me and that is a strong compliment. 

Broadly speaking, I had a great time reading this. It felt like just the right blend of fun adventure YA and ethical philosophical science fiction (though that could be because I'd just finished Rejoice so anything lighter than that would be a relief). This is a book I'd gladly recommend to a number of friends - including you!

My rating: 5/5 stars

I received a free digital advanced review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Spensa is determined to be a hero. To be brave, bold and bellicose. And to bring honour back to her family. She is part of a small subterranean human settlement that is in constant conflict with the Krell, any alien species about which very little is known.

The characters are beautifully constructed, the relationships between them are slow and meaningful and there is a fantastic build up to a very sci fi climax.

I found this a little slow going to start with, but the writing, world building and slow maturity of the main character was superb. I can't wait to read the next book, but am also happy to wait, knowing that I've read one book that I really enjoyed.

Good start to a series. Not too many answers given early in the book. Humans have been traveling the stars and a group have crashed into a planet surrounded by debris blocking out stars. The Humans are regularly attached by some aliens and have a defence force. This story follows the daughter of a disgraced pilot attempting to get into the defence force and find out what really happened to get father. Pretty enjoyable and I look forward to the next book. The world building in the book is great and the last 30 pages set up the story for the next book.

I have always found it incredibly hard to review books I loved, and Skyward by Brandon Sanderson is hardly going to break that streak. Because it's been about six hours since I finished it and I'm no closer to working out what I want to say about the book.

Let me start with the plot. The human race has been driven almost to extinction, and the survivors are trapped on a planet, surrounded by space debris and periodically attacked by an alien race called the Krell. Spensa, the main character, is desperate to become a pilot and a hero, after her father is branded a coward and her family shunned. While investigating the caves and tunnels around the city, Spensa stumbles across a ancient ship, which seems to be the key to her dream.

One of the things I loved about this book was how, despite being a book centered around the idea of a flight school essentially, there is a lot of action still going on. Because the human forces are continually being depleted by the alien incursions, the cadets are also employed in the defense of their base and the city underneath it. Sometimes I'll get bored reading about books set in schools because they spend a lot of time on lessons and rivalries, and the action won't come until the last third of the book, but that's definitely not the case here. The plot is action-packed, but still takes the time to make you fall in love with every single character, even when you only have a few chapters with them.

As well as making you fall in love with the characters, Brandon Sanderson has this way of developing relationships so realistically, and heartbreakingly at times, and I love it so much. I mentioned briefly that, unlike a lot of books based in schools, there aren't any rivalries in this. Spensa doesn't come into class to find a rich kid who detests her on site and wants to make her life hell. There's none of that, and I really really loved it. Not only is there none of it, this book gives you such a nice found family trope, and I'm really weak for those. I loved each and every one of Skyward Flight, really really loved them, and I know I've used the words "really" and "love" way too much but I genuinely don't know how to put into words my feelings about these characters. (Also, there is an excellent slowburning enemies to friends to maybe (hopefully) lovers going on between Jorgen and Spensa, so I'm desperate to hear whether there'll be a sequel.)

In true Brandon Sanderson fashion, though, this book also broke my heart. It's a war, we're told it's a war, and that there are high casualty rates among pilots, but still I wasn't prepared for any of what happened. That's an unfortunate byproduct of loving every single character Brandon Sanderson writes when I just know that's he's five minutes away from tragedy at any given time.

If this rambling review hasn't convinced you to read this (and I wouldn't blame you), then just know this: Brandon Sanderson's sci-fi is just as good as his fantasy. A.K.A. you should read both.

(Also, found family.)

6.5/10

I didn’t realise this was young adult and I’m not a fan of the genre but there was plenty of interesting things happening here even if it did border slightly on the predictable side.

It’s sort of a mash up of a number of things like Enders Game and Top Gun with the usual young adult well signposted plot points like a hate you, love you relationship and struggles against an oppressive power. But in the same breathe there were some fun things too like a ship with a full AI backchat (although this became overused and tedious later on) and an easy narrative to read through.

I think I like the idea of Sanderson the author more than his end product, the output is amazing and I know that he diversifies his genres but there have been more average novels than amazing novels in what I’ve read but I also know that I’ve not read masses of his work either.

I’m not 100% if I would read the follow up to this (pretty confident there will be another novel due to some open issues) but I enjoyed what I read enough to keep on riding the Sanderson train

Skyward is a book which is about several things at once. On the one hand, it’s a story about humanity, hiding out in bunkers beneath the surface of a battered world to avoid the attentions of a mysterious enemy. That world is only recently united, and now ina perpetual state of war, it inches along the unknowing precipice of totalitarianism, or militaristic deification. On another, it’s the story of a young girl trying to live up to the stories she’s told herself about her father, or live down the stories others tell about him. On the third hand, it wants to explore friendships, dig into the relationships that help carry us through the day – and whether we’re willing to bear their costs.

Before we get too far though, I want to share my initial review of Skyward, which I sketched out in the first twenty minutes after I finished it, having spent a day reading:

Is this good? Yes. I read it in a day. I stayed up far too late to see where it went, how it ended, and what might happen next.

I finished it 20 minutes ago, and I’m still buzzing with the energy of the story.

In short summary: Not a doorstop, narratively tight, hits some emotional beats that I felt in my gut. Some really solid worldbuilding and emotive, precise characterisation.

And also space fighter combat and explosions. Lots of that.

Heart-in-mouth, tensely paced battles, bookending questions about a young woman finding herself and examining a society that seems to be in a...not great place. Looks at some deep moral dilemmas and gives you some people to care about, to feel for and with. Triumphs, defeats, hope and pain.

Yeah, you’ll want to read this one. It crackles with potential, and delivers a story with a raw, genuine kick you can feel in your bones.

More later. But this? It’s different to say, Mistborn or Stormlight. But it has the same capacity to intrigue, devastate and enchant by turns. In its capacity to make you live, to feel, it’s Sanderson at his best.

If that’s enough for you – get out there and pick up a copy now. If not, there’s some more details below….

It’s a mark of Sanderson’s talent that though this is a sci-fi story, and though the soaring fighters and tired instructors feel as exotic as they do familiar, it holds a personal tale close to heart. Yes, there’s dogfights, and rivalries and heroism, and defeats and victories, and all of those things will get your adrenaline going and have you turning page after page after page, heart in mouth as you wonder if anyone will survive – but it’s the quieter moments, of a girl finding herself, refusing to give up, refusing to accept who she’s told she is, that seem to live at the heart of the text.

Spensa is our guide in this world, a young woman whose goal in life is to fly. The flyers are the rock stars of her world – and everyone else’s. Humanity lurks in caverns, out of sight of an enemy which persistently attacks any surface gatherings. Only one surface facility exists, and that only for decades. It’s here that humanity is making a stand – manufacturing fighters which are allowing them to take the fight to an enemy which has been ever-present for generations. The pilots are the public face of the war, a war which demands victory and total devotion to the cause of survival. Becoming a pilot is terrifyingly competitive – only the best of the best of recruits are allowed to fly the limited stock of fighters. It can also be lethal, with live fire exercises likely to involve enemy incursions, and with ejection informally discouraged as cowardice or as a moral failing – the pilot surviving rather than working until the last moment to save their fighter.

It’s a society teetering on the edge of something, to be sure. Pilots are worshipped, and the military idolised by a civilian population with no other way to hit back.

And that’s where Spensa comes in.

Smart, driven, and clearly unwilling to take any crap from anyone, she suffers from social ostracism; she and her mother eking out a living on the fringes of a society which has no place for her. With a palpable frustration that her social situation might prevent her from flying, and something of a grudge against the descendants of celebrated pilots, who get to enter flight school without undergoing the gruelling tests Spensa herself struggles to be allowed to undergo, she’s got a roiling emotional heat which steams off the page. It’s counterbalanced somewhat by Spensa also being rather likable. She has a deep sense of loyalty and friendship, and a highly developed sense of justice. That combines with her anger and leaves a passionate, fiery young woman, who wants to succeed, wants to do something – and won’t take no for an answer.

There’s something of a younger Top Gun vibe, as the pilots of Spensa’s training squadron bond and banter amongst themselves. All are aware that only a few of them will make the cut, though most are naïve enough not to be entirely sure what that means. The story portrays that dichotomy well; these are people desperate to fill a role, the best of the best – but also as personally conflicted as anyone else. There are petty rivalries, friendships, and internal squabbles. Above that is th the sheer certainty that what they do is necessary, and their energy and pride in doing what they feel is the right thing is obvious, and their hope resonates as you turn the page.

Interspersed with this story, of young people finding themselves and fighting the good fight, are the views of some adults, sympathetically or otherwise. They give the reader a different view of the conflict – perhaps not questioning its necessity, but more jaded, exhausted by the attrition of groups like Spensa’s. That divergent view lends another perspective, one which makes the passion and enthusiasm of their squadron, our squadron, more valuable than ever – they’re in a moment before the hammer drops, living a dream they have yet to realise in blood.

But anyway.

This is a fantastic book. It’s tightly plotted, and the prose is quick to read through and utterly gripping. There’s space battles – fast-paced, snappy, deadly, explosive space battles, with dog fights that carry high stakes for characters you’re invested in. It’s smart – we’re talking about government authoritarianism, about social class, about the sacrifices demanded in war, in between seeing how Spensa gets on with her new squadron and older attachments. It’s a book which had my heart ifting in my chest, the raw emotion of Spensa’s battles – physical and emotional – lifting and crashing like a tidal wave. In short, it’s an excellent sci-fi adventure story, one I literally couldn’t put down until I was done, one which invites and rewards being invested in its characters, and gives you a plot to sink your teeth into, with the promise of more to come.

I’ve always enjoyed Sanderson’s work, but this feels head and shoulders over the rest. If you’re looking for a new sci-fi story, pick this up. If you like a story with a fierce, no nonsense heroine, pick this up. If dogfights and banter are for you, pick this up. If you’re ready to look at the way a society constantly at war shapes itself to the demands of that conflict, pick this up. If you want to know about friendships, about joy and sorrow and loss – pick this up. It’s a good one.

With Skyward Brandon Sanderson has delivered another superb Sci Fi adventure. With a kick ass teenage girl and a great AI character I thoroughly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next!

Okay, let me start off with this:
I live for Spensa.
I adore Spensa.
I want to be like Spensa.

Since this book hasn't been officially released yet and I don't want to spoil anything, I'll be keeping this short. What I will say is that I would have given this 5 stars for Spensa alone. But throw a precious, sassy and funny sidekick, a band of awesome and loyal flightmates and some seriously kickass airfights into the mix and we’ve got ourselves a masterpiece!

This was my first ever Brandon Sanderson book, and I’m kicking myself for not having picked up any of his other books earlier if they’re all going to be this good!
I’m usually not that into sci-fi so I'll probably enjoy his fantasy series even more, which I can't imagine, but hell, this was damn epic and blew me away. His way of telling stories just sucks you right in! I laughed, cried, doubted and mourned with Spensa throughout this whirlwind of a story.

Thanks to Netgalley and Orion Publishing Group for giving me this book to review.

Skyward is an excellent new sci-fi book from Brandon Sanderson. It is a little slow paced but that led to great world building and character growth. While I really enjoyed this book, it did not read like Sanderson’s other works, but that did not stop it from being and action-packed book, full of unexpected twists and a mystery which will keep you guessing.

Spensa is a determined, rash and angry teen who is always putting on a front by acting like a hero from old stories to hide the fact that she feels like a complete outsider and wants to prove herself to everyone. M-Bot is cheeky and arrogant character while also being apprehensive and I really liked him, although while reading I felt he behaved in a feminine way. I liked all of the characters, especially Skyward Flight team, as there was so much character development and the banter maked me understand and root for them.

This book is really good and I hope there is a sequel as there is so much more to discover in this universe. I would recommend Skyward to people who like Sanderson’s other books or to fans of good sci-fi novels.

I'm still a relative newbie reader of this genre so I am still finding my feet insofar as finding things to read. Luckily I have a good book buddie who loves her sci-fi and also, more importantly, knows what I like in a book and she recommended I give this one a spin. Boy does she have good taste / knows me well, as I really did enjoy what I read here.
The human race is dwindling and what is left is trapped on a planet which is under constant attack by mysterious aliens that they call the Krell who every so often navigate the space debris that also surrounds the planet to pop down and attack or threaten with potentially devastating bombs. It's all the humans can do to just keep going, suffering many casualties with each attack, fighter pilots and craft alike, it's getting harder just keeping their heads above water and they certainly don't look like gaining any advantage anytime soon.
Our main character, Spensa - call sign Spin - has always wanted to follow in her father's footsteps and become a fighter pilot. She's done enough work to get into the academy but, problem is, said father has been branded a coward for running away in a fight, so her chances of getting in are slim to none. But, she has an ally. An instructor who is on her side enough to get her into his class but with many still against her, will she be able to stay the course and achieve her dream? And, if she does, what if anything, can she add to the fate of humankind?
This book is a mighty tome page count wise and also content wise. It packs punch after punch as we follow Spensa and her fellow cadets as they learn. We also follow her away from that as she makes a strange discovery in a cave which gives the book a whole other, more humorous at times, tone. This redresses the action packed description of battles and casualties and keeps the overall feeling of the book from getting too heavy.
The characters are very well crafted and develop and change as the story progresses. There were those I started off not liking that I went on to change my mind about - and vice versa. There were others I had a healthy dislike of all the way through and, oh, there were some surprises along the way too. Interaction between them also felt real and, as bonds formed, the way these interactions went changed along with the new alliances well. I took to Spensa from the off which, I guess, helped me along the way as I got to know everyone else. Yes she had her annoying sides but, on the whole, for the age she was, she was pretty OK!
Pacing was also good, with high octane action injected into the narrative well, progressing the story nicely.
And back with that story. Well, it all happened didn't it! As already mentioned, I am not a sci-fi guru so I didn't quite know what I should expect but the story flowed well, kept my attention nicely and left me satisfied at the end. I say satisfied, I actually mean chomping at the bit to see what happens next. There's going to be more... surely ? Hope so. In the meantime, I'm off to check out the author's back catalogue.
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.