It was a little longer than I expected, but I was fascinated by the world building of Brandon Sanderson. Would definitely like to read more of this series.

(Review copy from NetGalley)

I absolutely love Brandon Sanderson and his Mistborn series and what I have read of The Stormlight Archive.

Skyward is so incredibly different, but yet also so fantastic! With a YA feel, this novel is in the Sci fi genre and follows a training squad preparing to fight aliens. Spensa, M bot and the doomslug were so incredibly important to me by the end - fabulous book!

I really loved Skyward. It was tragic, intriguing and it still managed to be so funny that I laughed out loud on multiple different occasions. However, I didn’t love the book fully when I first started reading it. The main character, Spensa, is a bit frustrating and exhausting. She is the kind of strong YA girl we often see in fantasies – a reckless, headstrong character that doesn’t want to listen to anyone’s rules. Spensa has something unusual about her though. I’m not sure if she grows as a character a lot during the book, or whether I just grew on her. In any case, by the end of the book I just desperately wanted nothing bad to happen to her.

Skyward is filled with proper high-stakes action. Humans are stuck in a war with an alien species and they do not even know why. A long time ago, a fleet of the humans crashed in the planet they currently live in, Detritus, and in following battles loads of important documents have been lost and now no one knows why the aliens keep attacking them. But the humans don’t have a lot of options – they either jump into their ships to fight the aliens or they will be destroyed. These high-stakes meant that I felt the desperation and loss of the characters intensely. I was frequently at the edge of my seat, gasping for breath while reading this book. It was actually quite awful! I felt like I was in the spaceships with the pilots, fighting for my life. This book was pretty emotionally exhausting.

Although I was breathless after reading one of the action-scenes, Skyward isn’t a difficult book to enjoy because of the humor in it. We have a sassy sentient AI, and honestly, the AI is incredibly funny.

While I’m desperate to have my hands on the sequel, Starsight, because of the intriguing mystery, the precious characters and the breathtaking action, I have to admit that I’m most looking forward to having quite a lot more of the same type of humor. Gosh, I wish Starsight will be at least 1000 pages long. Even that feels too short! I want all of this story! I want it to be endless! The sequel is out on November 26th and I’ll most certainly pre-order it!

Uplifted by Skyward!

When I got approved for this book, it’s safe to say that I pretty much lost my head I was so excited! I mean, I have endless respect for the author’s writing and this space adventure was one of my most anticipated reads of the year. Needless to say, I was on board!

And then we had lift off! And *wow* I was carried away by the immediacy of the voice and the fantastic characterisation of the lead. Spensa’s personality leapt off the page, waved off all the competition and roundhouse kicked my butt to attention! If ever there was a character who literally grabs you and pulls you into the story, it’s her! She was so spirited and zesty and funny- it was easy for me to fall for her. Her turn of phrase (or I should say the author’s command of her character) was particularly hilarious.

I was soon propelled on by the mysteries embedded in the story. As we delved deeper into the background of the world, it quickly became apparent that there were hidden notes and plot points hiding behind the stars. There were beautiful snippets of stories within stories, family histories and a universe of secrets. The world building wasn’t just a passenger for the plot either- it played a massive role in the narrative (which of course I can’t mention cos of *spoilers*- but whether you guess the twist or not, it’s a good one!) This is the kind of story that takes you along for the ride- it rises and falls and swerves unexpectedly. All culminating in a stunning ending- but, in my enthusiasm, I’m getting ahead of myself.

One of the best things about this tremendously action-packed book is how character driven it was- and not just by the aforementioned sensational protagonist. Each supporting member of the cast pulled their weight- which is pretty tricky to do in space 😉 They were not just well drawn or there to serve a purpose- they felt fleshed out and real. This was largely thanks to so many of them being inversions of clichés and designed to turn tropes on their head (my favourite example being Nedd, the not-so-stupid stupid character). All of them played their role perfectly- creating friction and tension for Spensa- and then surprising her (and us) in equal measure. I was legit cheering them on by throughout! There wasn’t a single dud character- even the antagonist was both thrillingly threatening and fascinatingly human. And, of course, I had my usual soft spot for the AI 😉

I also adored the way this handled larger themes, like the question of following your programming versus being defiant. It raised so many questions and was entrenched in complex philosophical ideas. There were so many details and exquisite writing choices- ultimately it all came together in a harmonic new world symphony, an out-of-this-world experience, and made me starry-eyed with wonder. Plus, it was the kind of self-contained story that leaves you satisfied, yet hungry for more! There’s no doubt in my mind this is going to be a future sci fi classic. Can’t wait for the next one! Obviously:

Rating: 5/5 bananas

Skyward was entrancing from beginning to end, driven by the sheer focus and desperation of Spensa (Callsign: Spin). She grates on you a little at times, but if you can see past the bluster, you feel how she hides her vulnerability and fear in the most outrageous fighting words she can utter--all in an effort to hide from what her father is said to be: a coward. Spensa is the only one who knows this cannot be true. Admiral Ironsides and the First Citizens must be hiding something. Whatever the truth is, Spensa is not going to let it stand in the way of the thing she wants the most: to be a pilot, fight the Krell, and see the stars.

There are shades of Ender's Game in this, where children are used in battle against the invading aliens, in a sheer war for survival. It's really the plot twist that makes this book, something I did not--and could not--have foreseen. It's a truth Spensa doesn't want to hear, but which propels her--and the book--into greater heights.

Sanderson writes a brilliantly, and I may actually like this one more than The Stormlight Archives, which sometimes drags out just a tad too much. This is perfect for what it is, an exciting adventure in the skies.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Gollancz via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I received with thanks an ARC copy of Skyward from Orion Publishing Group and Netgalley.

This is my review of Skyward by Brandon Sanderson. This was published on 6th November 2018
This a new series from Brandon Sanderson. This time the author takes us into the world of YA Sci-Fi. This is my 1st book by this author and will not be my last. Such an interesting tale and genius world building that could only be completed by a master storyteller. Cannot wait to continue with this series.

Would recommend if you love a sci-fi.

“Sometimes, the answers we need don't match the questions we're asking." He looked up at me. "And sometimes, the coward makes fools of wiser men.”

This is my first encounter with Sanderson. This wasn't even the book or series that was on my radar, preferring fantasy over sci-fi, but thought his first venture into YA might be an apt place to start, before exploring further in to his back-catalogue. This proved the perfect first encounter with such a well-known and beloved author, because not only has he convinced me of his prowess as a masterful story-teller but he also opened me up to an entire genre I usually stave off from reading.

Skyward is a space adventure that provided a seamless blend of political scheming, anarchy, and alien battles. This was set between an underground warren, where humans have made their hidden home, and in between the stars, fighting off the alien Krell in flight ships and dodging falling space junk as they do so.

Spensa is the daughter of a disgraced coward but dreams of escaping amongst these stars and fighting to save her people. She thinks the only thing distancing her from her long-held dreams is one exam paper, but there is the disdain of her peers and the governing leaders who believe cowardice might be hereditary to contend with first.

Not only did this include an in-depth analysis of new recruit flight training as well as the diagnostics of each battle fought, but each was backed with dense yet understandable scientific backing, that lent authenticity to the futuristic adventure, and was only ever heightened by the emotional topics this also confronted.

There was so many elements for Spensa so contend with that I was never sure which direction this story would take (or who would be killed off next!). I begun this ready to attach all my emotions to the feisty protagonist so full of grit, desire for greatness, and bloody declarations of vengeance but never imagined I would also get so attached to a space slug and a sentient machine along the way!

I received this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, Brandon Sanderson, and the publisher, Gollancz, for this opportunity.

I'm a bit late to the Brandon Sanderson party (OK, very late), but have heard so many glowing reports of his work that when this one came up on Netgalley, I leapt at the chance.
At its core, some aspects of the novel's plot are a sort of mashup between Orson Scott Card's 'Ender's Game' (an awesome book - more on that soon) and Anne McCaffery's 'White Dragon' (also awesome) - only this time, the dragon is a starship. Pretty simple, perhaps - but Sanderson handles the process with a reassuring confidence and skill.
Don't think that this book is hackneyed in any way, however; there are some lovely touches of originality that are sure to pleasantly surprise. It's also not too 'hard' SF, which I know can put off some readers; there is obviously talk of tech and flight manoeuvres, but nothing too daunting - even for the YA audience that the book is aimed at.
Where Sanderson seems to especially excel...

This book was incredible! I was obsessed from the first chapters. Skyward was very fast paced which I loved. I really enjoyed the excitement and the fact I couldn’t put it down once I started really speaks to how amazing this book is. I read it is two days because I couldn’t stop thinking about it and I needed to know what happened. This book is very well developed and so much happens throughout the story and I loved every minute of it. The characters were greatly flawed but their growth throughout the story was very well done. More often than not books either have good characters or a good plot but Sanderson married the to brilliantly. This is my first introduction to Brandon Sanderson’s writing and I can easily say that I will be picking up more of his books. His writing is some of the best I’ve read.

What I liked?

Map – I love a map!
The fast pace – the book didn’t feel as long as it’s very fast paced. The fight scenes were well written and I really enjoyed them.
The concept – I really loved the concept and I enjoyed finding out about Chaser. I also really loved the idea at the end about the Krulls and why they attack. I will read the next book just to find out more about the Krulls and hopefully other aliens.
The world – I enjoyed the background we get in the world and how there are different clans. There’s also a social structure and overall it is well thought out which I expect from Sanderson.
What i disliked?

Felt a little repetitive – Spansa goes to flight school and is angry, they get sent to attack the krull, they go back and it happens again.
I personally couldn’t connect with the characters – I do find it hard to connect to Young Adult characters. I also didn’t like the whole cowardice thing that kept popping up throughout the book.
I’m a little disappointed there wasn’t more aliens – but hopefully we will learn more in book 2.
Overall I found this to be an enjoyable YA Sci-fi with a good concept and I will definitely be reading the next book.

Thank you NetGalley and Orion Publishing Group for providing me with a copy for review.

Skyward is set in a futuristic world in which the remaining humans are living in space and follows Spensa, a young girl who dreams of being a pilot like her father. 

This was my first Brandon Sanderson book after hearing many great things about him and his writing for years and I wasn't disappointed. He manages to write compelling and realistic characters in brilliantly intricate worlds without making it confusing to follow by perfectly weaved the world building into the story as it becomes relevant rather than being dropped in or rushed as is sometimes the danger with sci-fi or fantasy.

I really enjoyed reading this book and meeting all the characters along the way as Spensa enters her flight training and strives to prove herself despite the negative view people have of her family due to her father's legacy as a coward. It was gripping and full of tension whilst also being fun and exciting throughout.

There are SO many great books coming out right now and this is another one I’ve been excited about for a little while now, after dabbling in Sanderson’s Mistborn series previously I couldn’t wait to see his take on what promised to be a Sci-Fi tale right up my street and I was not disappointed, this book is, surprisingly probably no one, absolutely fantastic.

The world building is done brilliantly, any info dumping is done well and at just the right moments but most of the information we get to help create the world in Skyward and help us to understand it is expertly layered into the narrative like brushstrokes to help create the overall picture that is is the Defiant civilization, their history, and their customs. I enjoyed that it wasn’t just the epic moments that were talked about either, there were brilliant small moments that really added to the characters and quite often the world building itself led to some great character development instead of just general history.

Skyward has many great facets, one of them is most certainly the characters with even the smallest being memorable and easy to identify. Most characters were refreshing and weren’t cornered into stereotypes, everyone had their own stories and their goals which were surprisingly simple to keep up with but the characters, their emotions and choices felt no less complex for it. I usually try to refrain from mentioning my favorite characters for fear of giving away spoilers or favoritism but although I loved all the characters I have to say for me personally, M-Bot totally stole the show in the best way. It’s funny, sincere and the most precious, heartbreaking A.I I have ever had the pleasure to read (AIDAN is a close second but that’s another story).

The pacing is spot on and almost constantly has you on the edge of your seat for one reason or another, this is an absolute page-turner and I often found myself totally immersed to the point where I decided to read a little before bed around ten thirty and finally put the book down around three in the morning, it just sucks you in. The battles and even the flight training are particularly fast-paced but written in such a way that they are easy to understand well even when reading at speed which is perfect because if you’re anything like me you will be practically inhaling the words. I was worried the ‘flight speak’ would get repetitive or boring but found that actually, it meant that I was much better able to process the information and I honestly think if you showed me a diagram of a DDF Poco class fighter I could name a good amount of the parts and what they’re used for. Although I enjoy Star Wars I hadn’t initially been sure how I would about the fighter elements parts which a fair bit of the story is comprised from but I feel that Skyward hit the perfect spot where it was exciting and that extra understanding just really helped boost that enjoyment.

The overall story is interesting and certainly piqued my interest many times as a truly good book should, there are some great little twists and turns throughout, some brilliant friendships between the characters and I genuinely felt myself being pleasantly surprised at the turns a lot of the story took. This book is a great sci-fi gem and I don’t think I have ever read such a large book at such a fast pace. Skyward is certainly a story that will stay with me, its humor, it’s important messages, the teamwork, the hope, and the thrilling ride.

Title: Skyward
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Publication date: 6th November 2018
Genres: YA, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
Number of pages: 513
Length of audiobook: 15:15:10

Skyward is Brandon Sanderson's debut in young adult science fiction. Sanderson is a highly popular author of fantasy novels, including The Final Empire.

Skyward is set in the future, where humans now live below a giant debris field. We follow Spencer, a young girl whose father was deemed a coward after he escaped from a huge battle. Her father was a pilot with the defensive agency. These pilots fight creatures known only as the 'Krell' who will often descend through the debris field and shoot at them. Spencer's family is treated poorly as a result of her father's supposed actions. Despite this, Spencer has always dreamed of becoming a pilot. This book follows Spencer as she learns to be a pilot, builds relationships with different characters and discovers more about her father.

I absolutely loved this book! I listened to it on Audible which was a perfect way to read this book. There is one female narrator who is a great narrator for this story. I never got bored or annoyed with her narration. I listened to the audiobook on 1.9x speed and listened to it in chunks. I'm not sure whether I would have enjoyed this book so much had I read it physically. This is a story that I feel needs to be read out loud. Especially because a lot of the book follows on stories and histories.

Spencer was a slightly annoying character in the beginning. She had grown up to be defensive due to the treatment of her and her family by other citizens. She would frequently say intense, aggressive battle speeches which were sometimes funny. However, Spencer's development throughout this book was wonderful. She developed deep friendships, she learned that it is human to be afraid, she went through so many emotional situations and it was a pleasure to be a spectator of her story.

The side characters were also notable. Most of them were extremely well developed. The characters were all from different backgrounds and histories and it was great to see how they interacted with each other. There is also a speaking airship in this story, who I loved! It was so interesting and comical seeing the A.I. learn more about humans and develop a relationship with Spencer.

It was not just Spencer who developed throughout this book but many of the side characters too. There were so many emotional moments in this book for me. Sanderson wasn't afraid to deal with big topics such as the loss of young lives in war and I feel that he really portrayed the impact that this has on their colleagues and friends well.

Overall, I just adored this book. It made me laugh, it made me tear up, it made me feel joy and it made me feel surprised. I have not read a huge range of science fiction, being more of a fantasy reader but I believe that listening to this on audiobook made reading this book an even more wonderful experience. It was also not heavy on the sci-fi side and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone to be honest.

Star rating: 5/5 stars

*I was sent an e-book version of this to review but I decided to listen to the audiobook instead. I was interested slightly in picking this up and I am glad that I did. I enjoyed this book way more than I expected. All opinions are my own and honest.

I'm so lucky to have been able to read this book ahead of publication: I love everything Brandon Sanderson writes, but this is very different. More of a space opera than his usual fantasy. On his website, he pondered 'Like many young readers, I was captured by books about dragons, specifically books about boys who find dragons and learn to fly them ... Could I mash this together with a flight school story like Top Gun or Ender’s Game, and do something that wasn’t “a boy and his dragon,” but was instead “a girl and her starfighter”? ' Well, yes he could, and make a damned good job of it too. I loved every word, tried desperately not to read it all in one go, and failed miserably. Now I've got to wait for the next volume, and it will be as long and frustrating a wait as it was for the next Mistborn volumes. Read it if you get the chance.

Skyward was an outstanding YA science fiction novel, a departure for a writer best known for huge, complex, fantasy novels. This was a highly entertaining mix of Star Wars, Starship Troopers and every other cool and loud SF novel or film you can think of, with a dash of dystopia thrown in. The main character is teenager Spensa who dreams of being a fighter pilot and help in the neverending battle against the vicious alien race, the Krells, who keep humanity stuck underground. The novel opens with Spensa entering flight academy and what follows is an outstanding coming of age drama as Spensa fights against the dark history of her family. It's fast paced, has a massive amount of battle scenes, and a very good ending. It was outstanding.

Paraphrasing here but I remember a foreword from one of Sanderson’s friends which described his greatest skill as his ability to tell massive, world (or even universe) influencing stories by focusing on the very intimate stories of a select few characters. I was struck by how well that captured exactly what it is I love about his books and Skyward was no exception.

Spensa is a sixteen year old girl living on the planet Detritus in the very dark shadow of her once-hero-pilot father’s less-than-ideal legacy, determined to both clear his name and prove her worth.
I could not put this book down. If you’re a diehard Sci Fi fan, you might find this a little light for your tastes as this series is intended for a YA audience. For me that was where the ‘YA’ label ended, Skyward majestically swerves many aspects of the genre that I find off-putting - it isn’t patronising, there isn’t an abundance of ‘teen angst’, at no point did I curl into a ball of cringe watching Sanderson try too hard to imitate teen behaviour... it was just a joy to read.

Given Sanderson’s existing cast of female brilliance, it comes as no great surprise that Spensa is a great protagonist. She’s fantastically flawed, makes mistakes left, right and centre but she’s also gutsy, funny, incredibly brave and inherently likeable. The ‘supporting cast’ are great, with some very funny additions I won’t spoil for you, the narrative is compelling, uplifting and sometimes hits you right in the heart (and the tear ducts). I even enjoyed the combat scenes which are usually the bane of my fantasy reading life!

I'm a little bit unsure about this one. There was a lot to enjoy (and I did definitely enjoy it) but there were certain things that just left me a little bit cold. It tells the story of Spensa, a young woman who is desperate to become a pilot on her planet so that she can escape the legacy of her father, branded a coward. As you would expect from Sanderson, the story is interesting and the plotting is good. I did feel like the book was overly long and there were times that it felt quite repetitive. I also questioned some of the character motivations at times and there were a few plot points that just gave me pause. Having said all of that, the last 100 pages of the book were incredibly compelling and I will definitely be picking up the sequel as I think that it will really advance the plot in interesting ways. I liked this one - I just didn't love it.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

this was exactly what I needed it to be, a gripping pacy spacy bundle of epic with my new favourite character (spensa's talking ship, m-bot). My only regret is reading it so soon after being released. How will I wait for book 2?!

I thoughly enjoyed this book. I feel sandersons novel bridged the gap between YA and adult science fiction extremely well. The writing style was beautiful and easy to follow and the author built a fantastic story beyond the stars

Wowsers! This book is fantastic. It sucked me in, and I read it in a day.
I've only read one Brandon Sanderson book before, and to be honest, I really didn't enjoy it. But the cover for this book intrigued me, and then the writing and the story did the rest.
I admit it is not the most unique of storylines, and yes, the ending is somewhat predictable but the story is action-packed and filled with engaging characters and peril aplenty.
I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading Book 2, although it says it's not out until December!!! December!! How cruel.