“People need stories, child. They bring us hope, and that hope is real. If that’s the case, what does it matter whether people in them actually lived?”
This book was both inspiring and entertaining, and wow, just
wow. Since I started reading Brandon Sanderson’s books last year, I’ve been
hooked ever since. This one, however, has got to be my favorite so far. The writing
style is clear, the characters are compelling, and the plot me had me on the
edge of my seat. I ended up finishing the book in two days.
Book: Skyward by Brandon Sanderson
Genre:
Young Adult, Science-Fiction, Fantasy
My rating: 5/5 stars
One-word description: g-force
One of the reasons I enjoy Sanderson’s works is because the
details of his world building are so rich, and the plot is so compelling. I
really felt like he knew what he was talking about when he described space
flight, especially with the added g-forces and coordinates.
He certainly did
his research.
Yet, with Skyward, the story never bogged down like
it seemed to with a few of his Mistborn novels. Sure, I found the
beginning of Skyward to be a bit of a downer, but it picked up after the
first fifty pages or so. That’s not to say that the rest of the book was
completely happy—I don’t trust Sanderson with my favorite characters—but rather
that I couldn’t help but read the rest of the book.
Another reason I enjoy Sanderson’s book is because of his
ability to write multiple genres. The Mistborn trilogy is adult fantasy,
The Alloy Era is its companion series but also a mystery/western, and Skyward
is of course science fiction with a touch of fantastical elements.
Apparently female pilots are one of my favorite character
types. They. Are. Epic. In this book you’ve got Spensa (callsign: Spin) who
will gladly crash her simulated ship into her flightleader just to spite him
and who talks like a hero of old. Then there’s Morningtide, Freyja (callsign:
FM) who likes to point out and defy the status quo, Hudiya (callsign: Hurl) who
is enthusiastic to no end, and Kimmalyn (callsign: Quirk) who’s a little on the
timid side but makes an excellent friend.
It would be a shame not to mention the humor and the AI, and
the AI’s quirky sense of humor. Oh yeah, and Cobb (callsign: Mongrel) is
another of my favorites as he is probably the best teacher in the flight school,
though he can be a little confusing. At one moment, after their first
experience actually flying, he tells them, “That […] was somehow the most
embarrassing and inspiring display I’ve ever seen out of cadets! You
should be ashamed. And proud.”
That’s when I decided he was one of my favorite characters.
My only complaint right now is the way the cover design made
Spensa’s hair look black, not brown. Like excuse you, cover designer, no. Wow,
am I picky or what?
Interested in Skyward?
Have you read it yet? You might also enjoy these books: A Conspiracy of Stars by Olivia A. Cole, Renegades by Marissa Meyer, and Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein.
Let’s chat! Has Skyward
made it to your to-be-read list yet? Have you read it yet? Have any sci-fi
recommendations?
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Similar posts: 8 Popular Fantasy Novels I Enjoyed, 7 Reasons I Enjoy YA Novels, and 7 Reasons I Enjoy Sci-Fi
This is a great easy to read adventure story. Skyward is on level with the likes of Rithmatist, Elantris and Warbreaker.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to check those out. Thanks for the comment!
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