Skyward

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Skyward (Skyward, Book 1) by Brandon Sanderson

The “Sanderson Avalanche” is in full effect.

Brandon Sanderson is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. It’s no secret that I love the Stormlight Archive series, and I often wonder why it took me so long to dive into his epic library (I know why: his books are massive).

But Skyward has left me with one desire, other than a sequel: for Sanderson to venture more into science fiction. Seriously, can you imagine if Brandon Sanderson were to write an epic space opera? OF COURSE YOU CAN’T! The potential greatness is too much for the human brain to comprehend.

Sorry, I’m getting off topic.
Skyward.

The setup and progression of the story are perfect. You’re constantly being introduced to something new and interesting. Whether it be a new character, a new part of the world, or a new event, it’s done at such a great pace that you’re not being overwhelmed with information, and it’s easy to keep track of all the who’s, what’s and where’s.

And when you are introduced to these new things, he’s not just pulling them out of thin air and saying, “oh hey, by the way, this is a thing.” They’re either alluded to early on and are finally coming into play, or it’s a natural progression of the world and it’s characters.

On top of that, it’s progression that you actually see. I know I’m not the only one who doesn’t like Mary Sue characters, and Spin is far from this. From training at the academy, to trying to repair her own ship, and how she relates to her other flight members, you see her character develop as she struggles to achieve her dream. And by the end, she’s almost a completely different person.

I will note that by the end of Skyward, there are a few unanswered questions, but at the same time, this is a series. And given Sanderson’s talent and reputation, I have no doubt these questions will be answered in time.