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4.47 AVERAGE
4.47 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
WOOOO! Great book!! Loved the characters, the space battles were SPECTACULAR and I was really into it. First book of Brandon Sandersons that I’ve read and would 100% definitely recommend!! (Last read: Obsidio by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff)
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I'm a big fan of Brandon Sanderson, but I have to say I was a little skeptical going into this series. I'm not a big YA fan, and it can be difficult for a male author to write female protagonists, especially young females. However, I was pleasantly surprised with this book.
The story takes place on a planet called Detritus. Humanity has escaped here to avoid extinction but now must constantly defend themselves from a mysterious alien race called the Krell who periodically attack them from the sky. Humanity trains and uses their own starfighters to fight back, but it's obvious they are slowly losing.
The main character is a girl named Spensa, who wants to become a pilot like her father. The problem is her father has been branded a coward after he ran from a fight as was shot down, and so society constantly punishes her for her father's failure. Sanderson does a great job writing her as a legitimate character with her own personality, quirks, and wants. Along the way, there are a lot more characters introduced, each with their own distinct personalities.
Like almost any Sanderson book, the story is easy to read and things move along quickly, almost too quickly for me, especially during parts of flight school. I didn't like how students will go from learning basic maneuvers to immediately being thrown into a battle. Despite that, it's still easy to follow what's going on, making for a very enjoyable read.
One thing I will say that impressed me the most is that for being a YA book, things happen that I did not expect. I expected some kind of love story, and while there is foreshadowing of one, it doesn't make its way here yet, which gives it more time to develop organically rather than feeling forced. I also did not expect how much death happens here. I won't spoil anything, but don't get too comfortable with any character yet. Kudos to Sanderson for making a serious story actually have serious stakes and consequences.
Overall, this isn't one of my favorite books, but it's better than I expected, and I'm excited to see where it goes.
The story takes place on a planet called Detritus. Humanity has escaped here to avoid extinction but now must constantly defend themselves from a mysterious alien race called the Krell who periodically attack them from the sky. Humanity trains and uses their own starfighters to fight back, but it's obvious they are slowly losing.
The main character is a girl named Spensa, who wants to become a pilot like her father. The problem is her father has been branded a coward after he ran from a fight as was shot down, and so society constantly punishes her for her father's failure. Sanderson does a great job writing her as a legitimate character with her own personality, quirks, and wants. Along the way, there are a lot more characters introduced, each with their own distinct personalities.
Like almost any Sanderson book, the story is easy to read and things move along quickly, almost too quickly for me, especially during parts of flight school. I didn't like how students will go from learning basic maneuvers to immediately being thrown into a battle. Despite that, it's still easy to follow what's going on, making for a very enjoyable read.
One thing I will say that impressed me the most is that for being a YA book, things happen that I did not expect. I expected some kind of love story, and while there is foreshadowing of one, it doesn't make its way here yet, which gives it more time to develop organically rather than feeling forced. I also did not expect how much death happens here. I won't spoil anything, but don't get too comfortable with any character yet. Kudos to Sanderson for making a serious story actually have serious stakes and consequences.
Overall, this isn't one of my favorite books, but it's better than I expected, and I'm excited to see where it goes.
”Claim the stars, Spensa.”
Wow. Just wow. I can’t believe I’ve waited this long to pick this book up. This was such a wild ride, and let's just say it's official that Brandon Sanderson has become a must-buy for me.
I was Devouring this book like it was my last meal. I have no complaints, he delivered this flawlessly. Just enough to have me begging for More, More, More.
”It turned out that strange little girls grow up to be strange young women.”
Coward.
The word follows Spensa like a dark cloud from her father's past judgment. Making it hard for Spensa to see the stars. Since no one will let her forget, that she’s the daughter of a Coward.
Always wanting to be in the sky. She fights the system to prove to herself and everyone else that she was born to fly.
Becoming a DDF pilot is not what she thought it would be. With time comes the realization of firsthand experience of being a pilot and answers that will change everything she once thought she believed in.
I really loved Skyward and can’t wait to read the next book in the series. It had me at the edge of my seat, it had everything I would want in a book and more.
And the characters, Brandon Sanderson definitely didn’t hold back any punches.
I’m so happy this series will be bringing me into the new year. This end to a new beginning is already looking up.
Until the next read.
Thank you,
adventurous
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I actually really liked it. Not your typical Sanderson novel. Reads a lot quicker, but great story and the ending was interesting
I forgot how awesome Sanderson's scifi novels are! He's an expert. I loved his Reckoners series so I thought I would try the first book of the Skyward series. And now I'm hooked on another of his series. The worldbuilding is just fantastic in this futuristic world where humans are constantly fighting the Krell aliens. Totally believable and you just want to be Spin's friend as she learns to be a pilot like her father.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
medium-paced
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I loved every second of this book. I wanted to savor it the whole time. It was fast paced and fun and the characters were well developed and interesting. I liked the world. I felt like I was living inside the book the entire time. The mystery kept me guessing. I can't wait for the next one!