Skyward is a fantasy/sci-fi novel written by Brandon Sanderson, first published in 2018. The book sets place in a planet called Detritus where, a long-time ago, a group of space-travelling humans were forced to land after being attacked by a hostile alien race called Krell. Years later, the surviving humans had built a new civilization underground the planet while building an air force comprised of trained pilots to defend themselves against Krell’s attacks. This book is told from the perspective of Spensa Nightshade, a young girl that aspires to become a pilot like her father. After her father was labeled as a traitor by Detritus’ leaders, Spensa “Spin” Nightshade has to fight against all odds to fulfill her dream and prove her father’s innocence.

Skyward is yet another great story from Brandon Sanderson. It’s full of intersting drama and dynamics between its characters. The author pulls no punches in pushing his characters over the edges. The name of the original fleet that landed on their planet, Defiant, becomes the central theme of this story and is beautifully translated into the characters that have to fight to the extent of their wills and abilities to defy their hopeless fate.

As the first book of the series, Skyward establishs a very limited explanations of the world’s lore and history. There are still a lot of unanswered questions and unresolved plots. However, the author did promise for something bigger for its next chapters. It’s really intriguing how the story will expand from this point. I’m already sold with the well-written characters and the still-lingering mysteries around the story. I, for one, can’t wait to join Spensa in her next flight.

Claim the stars!