Introduction
"Skyward" is a science fiction novel written by Brandon Sanderson, the acclaimed author of the Mistborn series and The Stormlight Archive. Published in 2018, "Skyward" is the first book in a planned four-part series. This action-packed story takes readers on a thrilling adventure through a future where humans are trapped on a planet surrounded by alien forces.
Brief Synopsis
"Skyward" is set on the planet Detritus, a desolate world where humans have been forced to take shelter in caverns to escape relentless attacks from the alien species known as the Krell. The story follows the protagonist, Spensa Nightshade, a fiery and determined young girl with dreams of becoming a starfighter pilot like her father.
Setting
The story unfolds on the planet Detritus, a harsh and barren world where humans have been confined to underground caverns for generations. The planet's surface is littered with debris from past battles with the Krell, making it extremely dangerous. The humans have created a society within the caverns, with the Defiant Defense Force (DDF) serving as the primary line of defense against the Krell.
Main Characters
| Character | Description |
|---|
| Spensa Nightshade | The determined and fiercely independent protagonist who dreams of becoming a starfighter pilot like her father. |
| Jorgen Weight | Spensa's flight instructor and a highly skilled pilot. Initially skeptical of Spensa's abilities, he becomes her ally and friend. |
| M-Bot | An ancient and highly advanced artificial intelligence that Spensa discovers and repairs. M-Bot becomes her loyal companion and provides valuable assistance throughout the story. |
| Rig | Spensa's loyal and supportive friend, who is always by her side, offering encouragement and comedic relief. |
| Cobb | The gruff and experienced leader of the DDF, who takes Spensa under his wing and becomes her mentor. |
Summary of Story Points
Chapters 1-5: The Beginning
Spensa, known by her peers as "Spin," is determined to prove herself as a pilot despite her family's tainted legacy. She faces challenges and bias from her classmates and flight instructor, Jorgen Weight. Spensa discovers an ancient starfighter buried underground and begins to repair it.
Chapters 6-10: Flight School
Spensa continues her flight training and forms a friendship with her classmate Rig. She faces numerous obstacles and tests her skills in simulated dogfights. Spensa's determination and natural talent begin to earn her the respect of her peers.
Chapters 11-15: The Discovery
Spensa discovers a mysterious shipwreck while exploring the caverns. Inside, she finds M-Bot, an advanced artificial intelligence who becomes her companion and provides valuable information about the Krell. Spensa must keep M-Bot's existence a secret from the DDF.
Chapters 16-20: The Battle
The DDF engages in a fierce battle with the Krell, and Spensa proves her worth as a pilot. She saves her flight leader, Jorgen, from certain death and earns his respect. However, during the battle, she witnesses a shocking revelation about her father's true identity.
Chapters 21-25: Secrets Unveiled
Spensa confronts her mother about her father's past and learns the truth about his actions during a critical battle against the Krell. She struggles with her newfound knowledge and grapples with the moral complexities of war. Meanwhile, tensions rise between the DDF and the government.
Main Events
- Spensa repairs an ancient starfighter and begins her training as a pilot.
- Spensa discovers M-Bot, an advanced AI, and keeps it a secret.
- Spensa proves herself during a battle with the Krell and saves Jorgen's life.
- Spensa learns the truth about her father and confronts her mother.
- Tensions escalate between the DDF and the government.
Themes and Insights
"Skyward" explores themes of determination, identity, and the moral complexities of war. Spensa's unwavering determination to prove herself as a pilot despite the odds reflects the human spirit's resilience in the face of adversity. The story also delves into the importance of embracing one's true identity and overcoming societal prejudice.
Sanderson's exploration of the moral complexities of war raises thought-provoking questions about the nature of conflict. The story highlights the impact of personal choices and the blurred lines between right and wrong in times of war. Additionally, the novel emphasizes the importance of unity and loyalty in the face of external threats.
Reader's Takeaway
"Skyward" is a thrilling and immersive science fiction adventure that captivates readers from start to finish. Sanderson's world-building and character development create a rich and engaging narrative. The story's exploration of determination, identity, and the moral complexities of war provides readers with thought-provoking insights and a satisfying reading experience.
Conclusion
"Skyward" is a compelling science fiction novel that combines high-stakes action, memorable characters, and thought-provoking themes. Brandon Sanderson's masterful storytelling creates an immersive world that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages. Whether you're a fan of science fiction or looking for a thrilling adventure, "Skyward" is sure to leave a lasting impression.
FAQs
Spensa is a 17-year-old girl who is part of a group of shipwrecked humans living on a ruined world called Detritus, under constant attack from mysterious aliens called the Krell. Spensa dreams of following in the footsteps of her deceased father, a fighter pilot of the Defiant Defense Force (DDF).
What is the theme of the book Skyward by Brandon Sanderson? ›
This also leads in to the major theme of the book: cowardice and courage. Spensa, the main character, has been called the daughter of a coward her whole life, so her rejection of anything that could be construed as cowardice makes sense, even if she appears reckless and aggressive because of it.
Is Skyward by Brandon Sanderson for adults? ›
But I think Skyward is the kind of fun and adventurous YA sci-fi novel that can be read and highly enjoyed by both YA and adult readers. It is also suitable for readers who want to get into reading sci-fi for the first time.
What age is appropriate for Skyward Brandon Sanderson? ›
There's h--l, d---n, ba----d, and a--. They're not very frequent, though. But overall, this book is absolutely fantastic, and teen readers (14/15+) will probably get more out of the novel compared to the CSM suggested 12+.
Does Skyward book have romance? ›
I also was oddly happy the book did not try to push a romance into the plot, especially since she has a male rival who she develops a friendship with over the course of the book.
What is the conflict in skyward? ›
Much of the conflict in the book centers, directly or indirectly, on the question of what bravery looks like. Spensa's society has built itself around the idea of defiance, of never backing down, never retreating and never giving up.
Why is skyward not Cosmere? ›
About the book: 1. Is Skyward going to be a part of the Cosmere? It is unrelated to the Cosmere, since Earth is part of its history and because certain elements of space travel are done differently.
What reading level is Skyward? ›
Product information
| Publisher | Audible Studios on Brilliance Audio; Unabridged edition (March 3, 2020) |
|---|
| ISBN-10 | 1978682840 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1978682849 |
| Reading age | 12 - 17 years |
| Grade level | 9 - 12 |
6 more rowsA hopeful story about a crumbling dystopia, Skyward is a reminder of what happens when we put money before people, and how love is the best resistance.
Is Skyward written in first person? ›
Skyward is a YA sci-fi set far in the future on an alien planet and narrated in first-person by Spensa, the daughter of a disgraced pilot who just wants to fly like her father and hopefully clear his name.
Brandon Sanderson is not who first comes to mind when you think of fantasy romance. But Warbreaker has a fantastic arranged marriage plot, along with a more subtle potential love story. Sanderson keeps saying he's going to write more in this particular time in his Cosmere world.
Can a 13 year old read Mistborn? ›
This wildly popular epic fantasy series is for ages 13 and up. Once, a hero rose to save the world. He failed. For a thousand years since, the world has been a wasteland of ash and mist ruled by the immortal emperor known as the Lord Ruler.
Can an 11 year old read Mistborn? ›
There may be too much going on for them as in the plot and/or the characters. There are no cursing but there are topics such as "sleeping with skaa women" and then killing them. It also, talks about other sensitive topics, and I would say one should be at least 13/14 yrs.
Is Cytonic worth reading? ›
If you're a fan of the Skyward series and you're wondering if Cytonic is worth the read, I will say yes. Unequivocally, yes. Because this is the book that will get you all the answers you need. Each book in the series explores a different world.
What book comes after Skyward? ›
KLS If I recall correctly, Sanderson stated on his livestream with Janci Patterson that the recommended reading order of the Cytoverse is Skyward (Book #1), Starsight (Book #2), Sunreach (novella #1), ReDawn (novella #2), Cytonic, (Book #3) and then Evershore (novella #3) for it to make the most timeline sense, so it's ...
Who is Skyward good for? ›
Good for Elemental Burst-Type Characters
The Skyward pride is a good weapon for characters who only need a small amount of Energy Recharge for their Elemental Burst. It's best used for Sub-DPS and Main DPS characters. However, Main DPS need to keep in mind that using this weapon means trading DMG for more Energy.
What is the theme of Starsight? ›
The themes that Sanderson threaded through this story are highly relevant to what we are facing in our real world; presumption, prejudices, and the inability to understand (or even accept) that which is foreign.
What movie is based on Brandon Sanderson? ›
Feature film based on Brandon Sanderson's fantasy book about a crew of rebels with magical abilities that are trying to overthrow a nefarious ruler.
Is the Skyward series good? ›
Skyward is possibly the most captivating, inspirational, and aspirational book that Brandon Sanderson has ever written. There is a heart to this story, to each and every facet of the world and its inhabitants' portrayals, that simply does not exist in modern literature today.
What does Brandon Sanderson teach? ›
Sanderson is adjunct faculty at Brigham Young University, teaching a creative writing course once per year.
