TS Chan's Reviews > Skyward
Skyward (Skyward, #1)
by
by
TS Chan's review
bookshelves: brandon-sanderson, arc-review-copy, physical-owned, re-read
Oct 10, 2018
bookshelves: brandon-sanderson, arc-review-copy, physical-owned, re-read
Read 2 times. Last read August 30, 2023 to August 31, 2023.
Re-reading in preparation for Defiant.
So much fun! With better understanding of Spensa, I didn't find her angst and anger the least bit annoying this time around and appreciated her as a great YA main character. The dynamics of Skyward Flight was so enjoyable to read, M-Bot was just pure gold as Doomslug was simply adorable, and the Sanderlanche was spectacular!
----------------------------------
ARC provided by the publisher, Gollancz, in exchange for an honest review..
4.5 stars.
Skyward is a fine example of a Young Adult novel. Once again, I'm in awe of Sanderson who shows he is still at the top of his game.
This novel is another hallmark of Sanderson's ability to spin the most incredible stories. He described the book as How to Train Your Dragon meets Top Gun and Enders Game. These references, however, would count for nothing if the execution was poor. Fortunately, and to solidify my unwavering faith in my favourite author, he excelled in his first full-length space opera novel.
So what do we get from Skyward? Fascinating worldbuilding - check. Empathetic characterisation - check. Excellent pacing and plotting - check. All these I have come to expect from Sanderson already, but the one thing that impressed me the most are the starship dogfight scenes. No magic system to showcase in action? No sweat! He relied on his (seemingly inexhaustible) imagination to create some unique dogfighting techniques while keeping flight science as real as possible with the help and advice of real-life fighter pilots.
Similar to his magic systems, the capability of the pilots and their starfighters is constrained within a set of boundaries or rules as dictated by available technology; some of which are made-up to make it more exciting. The flight school arc is engaging and well-written with loads of flight action scenes, and they are so vivid and thrilling that I was practically glued to the pages.
If it is even possible, Sanderson is getting better at his worldbuilding skills, and I'm not just talking about how fascinating this most aptly named planet of Detritus is. It is that self-described Grand Skill of incorporating worldbuilding naturally through the perspective of the characters. Aside from avoiding info-dumping, this also lends an air of mystery to the history of the planet, its inhabitants and their lifelong war, but at the same time is not too obscure as to frustrate the reader.
The story is written mainly in the first-person POV of Spensa - an angry young lady with a lot to prove and hence had quite an attitude problem and a propensity to act like an idiot sometimes. Her growth in character was simply quite superb. While I was annoyed with some of her thoughts and actions at first, she was relatable, and as she fought so hard to remain in flight school at all costs to prove her detractors wrong, the life lessons she faced made her development feel completely natural and realistic.
Even the supporting characters are excellent and ones that you will root for and develop an emotional investment. The level of empathy that Sanderson demonstrated in the way he wrote his characters truly astounds me sometimes. My favourite character - who made me tear up and then laugh till I almost cried again - is one that is not even human or biologically alive, but has such a personality as to appear quite sentient.
As with all of Sanderson's stories, there are always important themes imbued into the character's journey. Living in the shadow of her father, Spensa went all out to prove that she is not a coward. As she progressed through flight school, however, her conviction of what real bravery is was sorely tested. Her path to be a pilot and a grown-up was one of harsh realities and self-realisation.
There is also one unifying theme evident in Sanderson's books, and that is one of hope. Not hope in the metaphysical sense or some god-like intervention, but hope that arises from the good in people. I live for stories like these, especially during these dark and nonsensical times.
No, it does not matter to me if Kaladin or Dalinar, Vin or Kelsier, (to name a few) are fictional. Their stories illuminate what it means to hope, to live and be human. And I will want to ‘live' those stories again and again. Now, I am adding Spensa and her awesome, hilarious starship into that list.
You can order this book from: Book Depository (Free shipping)
You can also find this and my other reviews at Novel Notions.
So much fun! With better understanding of Spensa, I didn't find her angst and anger the least bit annoying this time around and appreciated her as a great YA main character. The dynamics of Skyward Flight was so enjoyable to read, M-Bot was just pure gold as Doomslug was simply adorable, and the Sanderlanche was spectacular!
----------------------------------
ARC provided by the publisher, Gollancz, in exchange for an honest review..
4.5 stars.
Skyward is a fine example of a Young Adult novel. Once again, I'm in awe of Sanderson who shows he is still at the top of his game.
This novel is another hallmark of Sanderson's ability to spin the most incredible stories. He described the book as How to Train Your Dragon meets Top Gun and Enders Game. These references, however, would count for nothing if the execution was poor. Fortunately, and to solidify my unwavering faith in my favourite author, he excelled in his first full-length space opera novel.
So what do we get from Skyward? Fascinating worldbuilding - check. Empathetic characterisation - check. Excellent pacing and plotting - check. All these I have come to expect from Sanderson already, but the one thing that impressed me the most are the starship dogfight scenes. No magic system to showcase in action? No sweat! He relied on his (seemingly inexhaustible) imagination to create some unique dogfighting techniques while keeping flight science as real as possible with the help and advice of real-life fighter pilots.
Similar to his magic systems, the capability of the pilots and their starfighters is constrained within a set of boundaries or rules as dictated by available technology; some of which are made-up to make it more exciting. The flight school arc is engaging and well-written with loads of flight action scenes, and they are so vivid and thrilling that I was practically glued to the pages.
If it is even possible, Sanderson is getting better at his worldbuilding skills, and I'm not just talking about how fascinating this most aptly named planet of Detritus is. It is that self-described Grand Skill of incorporating worldbuilding naturally through the perspective of the characters. Aside from avoiding info-dumping, this also lends an air of mystery to the history of the planet, its inhabitants and their lifelong war, but at the same time is not too obscure as to frustrate the reader.
The story is written mainly in the first-person POV of Spensa - an angry young lady with a lot to prove and hence had quite an attitude problem and a propensity to act like an idiot sometimes. Her growth in character was simply quite superb. While I was annoyed with some of her thoughts and actions at first, she was relatable, and as she fought so hard to remain in flight school at all costs to prove her detractors wrong, the life lessons she faced made her development feel completely natural and realistic.
Even the supporting characters are excellent and ones that you will root for and develop an emotional investment. The level of empathy that Sanderson demonstrated in the way he wrote his characters truly astounds me sometimes. My favourite character - who made me tear up and then laugh till I almost cried again - is one that is not even human or biologically alive, but has such a personality as to appear quite sentient.
As with all of Sanderson's stories, there are always important themes imbued into the character's journey. Living in the shadow of her father, Spensa went all out to prove that she is not a coward. As she progressed through flight school, however, her conviction of what real bravery is was sorely tested. Her path to be a pilot and a grown-up was one of harsh realities and self-realisation.
"It has always seemed to me that a coward is a person who cares more about what people say than about what is right. Bravery isn't about what people call you, Spensa. It's about who you know yourself to be."
There is also one unifying theme evident in Sanderson's books, and that is one of hope. Not hope in the metaphysical sense or some god-like intervention, but hope that arises from the good in people. I live for stories like these, especially during these dark and nonsensical times.
"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?"
No, it does not matter to me if Kaladin or Dalinar, Vin or Kelsier, (to name a few) are fictional. Their stories illuminate what it means to hope, to live and be human. And I will want to ‘live' those stories again and again. Now, I am adding Spensa and her awesome, hilarious starship into that list.
You can order this book from: Book Depository (Free shipping)
You can also find this and my other reviews at Novel Notions.
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Quotes TS Liked
“You get to choose who you are. Legacy, memories of the past, can serve us well. But we cannot let them define us. When heritage becomes a box instead of an inspiration, it has gone too far.”
― Skyward
― Skyward
Reading Progress
December 22, 2017
– Shelved
December 22, 2017
– Shelved as:
to-read
April 30, 2018
– Shelved as:
brandon-sanderson
October 5, 2018
– Shelved as:
arc-review-copy
October 7, 2018
–
Started Reading
October 9, 2018
–
50.0%
"Every time I pick up a Sanderson book, this happens... I don't want to stop reading even though I have to!! :("
October 10, 2018
–
Finished Reading
February 13, 2019
– Shelved as:
physical-owned
August 30, 2023
–
Started Reading
August 30, 2023
– Shelved as:
re-read
August 31, 2023
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-50 of 55 (55 new)
Thank you, Rod!
I don't normally read YA as well, but you know me - will read anything Sanderson. Bias aside though, this is really good.
I don't normally read YA as well, but you know me - will read anything Sanderson. Bias aside though, this is really good.
Robin wrote: "So Jealous. I'm completely looking forward to this series."
I think you'll love this one. I was pleasantly surprised as well that Gollancz was offering this arc on Netgalley and quickly grabbed the opportunity. Especially since I won't be able to read it on release date.
I think you'll love this one. I was pleasantly surprised as well that Gollancz was offering this arc on Netgalley and quickly grabbed the opportunity. Especially since I won't be able to read it on release date.
Great review, TS! This is my most anticipated read of the rest of the year (outside of Muse of Nightmares which I'm just about to start) so glad to see you loved it and that it lived up to expectations:)
Jody wrote: "Fabulous review, TS! Can't wait to get my hands on this one. :)"
Thanks, Jody! Will look forward to your thoughts then.
Thanks, Jody! Will look forward to your thoughts then.
Gavin wrote: "Great review, TS! This is my most anticipated read of the rest of the year (outside of Muse of Nightmares which I'm just about to start) so glad to see you loved it and that it lived up to expectat..."
Thanks, Gavin! Me too, although I wasn’t sure what to expect as it’s his first full length space opera. Those dogfights though..
Thanks, Gavin! Me too, although I wasn’t sure what to expect as it’s his first full length space opera. Those dogfights though..
TS wrote: "Gavin wrote: "Great review, TS! This is my most anticipated read of the rest of the year (outside of Muse of Nightmares which I'm just about to start) so glad to see you loved it and that it lived ..."
Glad to hear Sanderson aced the space opera bits as we still have that big Mistborn sci-fi era trilogy to come:)
Glad to hear Sanderson aced the space opera bits as we still have that big Mistborn sci-fi era trilogy to come:)
Gavin wrote: "TS wrote: "Gavin wrote: "Great review, TS! This is my most anticipated read of the rest of the year (outside of Muse of Nightmares which I'm just about to start) so glad to see you loved it and tha..."
Yes! I'm glad he is putting in the practice and it's already bearing fruit. :)
Yes! I'm glad he is putting in the practice and it's already bearing fruit. :)
ijeoma Agbaje wrote: "There's a mistborn sci-fi trilogy coming out? i really need to keep up with book news."
Mistborn Era 4 will be sci-fi, but it will be a loooooong way to go. Most likely after the last 5 books of The Stormlight Archive. So we're looking at.. erm.. at least 20yrs?
Mistborn Era 4 will be sci-fi, but it will be a loooooong way to go. Most likely after the last 5 books of The Stormlight Archive. So we're looking at.. erm.. at least 20yrs?
TS wrote: "ijeoma Agbaje wrote: "There's a mistborn sci-fi trilogy coming out? i really need to keep up with book news."
Mistborn Era 4 will be sci-fi, but it will be a loooooong way to go. Most likely after..."
lol whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat??!!!! damn!!!!
Mistborn Era 4 will be sci-fi, but it will be a loooooong way to go. Most likely after..."
lol whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat??!!!! damn!!!!
TS wrote: "Mistborn Era 4 will be sci-fi, but it will be a loooooong way to go. Most likely after the last 5 books of The Stormlight Archive. So we're looking at.. erm.. at least 20yrs?..."
May the Cosmere series never end I say:)
May the Cosmere series never end I say:)
ijeoma Agbaje wrote: "lol whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat??!!!! damn!!!! ..."
Catch you in 20 years to see how you feel like Pushing and Pulling are faring alongside space ships and lightsabers;)
Catch you in 20 years to see how you feel like Pushing and Pulling are faring alongside space ships and lightsabers;)
Gavin wrote: "TS wrote: "Mistborn Era 4 will be sci-fi, but it will be a loooooong way to go. Most likely after the last 5 books of The Stormlight Archive. So we're looking at.. erm.. at least 20yrs?..."
May th..."
Hear, hear!! And cheers to that. 😁
May th..."
Hear, hear!! And cheers to that. 😁
Fantastic review, friend!! Glad this one is working out well for you! Not a surprise though, it's Sanderson :D
Great review! I even get emotional reading it because I love Sanderson's books so much but didn't want to be too hyped with this one. Your review makes me think I definitely should be a millionth time excited!!!
Petrik wrote: "Fantastic review, friend!! Glad this one is working out well for you! Not a surprise though, it's Sanderson :D"
Thank you, my friend. Yes, in Sanderson we trust.
Thank you, my friend. Yes, in Sanderson we trust.
Mercy wrote: "Sorry for the typos. I was too excited writing my comment! 😂"
Hahah no worries.. and thank you! I wasn't sure what to expect but I'm definitely very impressed with his first full-length space opera. Hope you'll find the excitement worth it too.
Hahah no worries.. and thank you! I wasn't sure what to expect but I'm definitely very impressed with his first full-length space opera. Hope you'll find the excitement worth it too.
Christine wrote: "Great review! I'm so excited to read this now."
Thank you! Hope you'll love it too.
Thank you! Hope you'll love it too.
Gavin wrote: "ijeoma Agbaje wrote: "lol whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat??!!!! damn!!!! ..."
Catch you in 20 years to see how you feel like Pushing and Pulling are faring alongside space ships and lightsabers;)"
lol....That'll definitely be something....
Catch you in 20 years to see how you feel like Pushing and Pulling are faring alongside space ships and lightsabers;)"
lol....That'll definitely be something....
Ooooo awesome review TS!! I’m so glad this was a winner for you. I can’t wait to get my hands on it!
Love the review! I just finished it too and I agree with everything you said. Sanderson is just something different altogether.
Mary ~Ravager of Tomes~ wrote: "Ooooo awesome review TS!! I’m so glad this was a winner for you. I can’t wait to get my hands on it!"
Thanks, love! I really hope it’ll win you over as well 😆
Thanks, love! I really hope it’ll win you over as well 😆
✨Skye✨ wrote: "Love the review! I just finished it too and I agree with everything you said. Sanderson is just something different altogether."
Isn’t he just?? And, thank you!
Isn’t he just?? And, thank you!
I love this review so much. And that quote about the importance of stories is beautiful. I definitely need to move this up my list. Great job, love!
Celeste wrote: "I love this review so much. And that quote about the importance of stories is beautiful. I definitely need to move this up my list. Great job, love!"
Thank you, love!! I kinda figured out you’ll love that quote about stories. This was also one of the reviews I was in the mood to write as well. Hurrah for Sanderson! 😘
Thank you, love!! I kinda figured out you’ll love that quote about stories. This was also one of the reviews I was in the mood to write as well. Hurrah for Sanderson! 😘
Eon ♒Windrunner♒ wrote: "Lovely review TS! I enjoyed it just as much!"
Thanks, Eon! I expected it to be good, but even then it exceeded my expectation.
Thanks, Eon! I expected it to be good, but even then it exceeded my expectation.
TS wrote: "Eon ♒Windrunner♒ wrote: "Lovely review TS! I enjoyed it just as much!"
Thanks, Eon! I expected it to be good, but even then it exceeded my expectation."
Same here. Mine was just a wariness of sci-fi though lol.
Thanks, Eon! I expected it to be good, but even then it exceeded my expectation."
Same here. Mine was just a wariness of sci-fi though lol.
Brilliant review TS! I finished it and couldn’t agree more with everything you said here. This is YA at it’s finest and Sanderson really is a freaking genius. I loved this one so much and M-Bot is just everything.
TS wrote: "Justin wrote: "
It's out now - go read it! 😉"
Done. I picked up the audiobook! I'm super excited.
It's out now - go read it! 😉"
Done. I picked up the audiobook! I'm super excited.
Nafeeza wrote: "Brilliant review TS! I finished it and couldn’t agree more with everything you said here. This is YA at it’s finest and Sanderson really is a freaking genius. I loved this one so much and M-Bot is ..."
We should all find him a nice mushroom for being so fantastic
We should all find him a nice mushroom for being so fantastic
Robin wrote: "Nafeeza wrote: "Brilliant review TS! I finished it and couldn’t agree more with everything you said here. This is YA at it’s finest and Sanderson really is a freaking genius. I loved this one so mu...
We should all find him a nice mushroom for being so fantastic "
Should we go with one giant mushroom or several different types? 😅
We should all find him a nice mushroom for being so fantastic "
Should we go with one giant mushroom or several different types? 😅
Nafeeza wrote: "Robin wrote: "Nafeeza wrote: "Brilliant review TS! I finished it and couldn’t agree more with everything you said here. This is YA at it’s finest and Sanderson really is a freaking genius. I loved ..."
Well I think a basket of various fungi would be the best.
Well I think a basket of various fungi would be the best.
Nafeeza wrote: "Brilliant review TS! I finished it and couldn’t agree more with everything you said here. This is YA at it’s finest and Sanderson really is a freaking genius. I loved this one so much and M-Bot is ..."
Thank you, Nafeeza! M-Bot utterly rulz!! And he loves mushrooms as much as I do.
Thank you, Nafeeza! M-Bot utterly rulz!! And he loves mushrooms as much as I do.
Robin wrote: "Nafeeza wrote: "Robin wrote: "Nafeeza wrote: "Brilliant review TS! I finished it and couldn’t agree more with everything you said here. This is YA at it’s finest and Sanderson really is a freaking ..."
A basket of various fungi sounds fantastic 😆
A basket of various fungi sounds fantastic 😆
Justin wrote: "TS wrote: "Justin wrote: "
It's out now - go read it! 😉"
Done. I picked up the audiobook! I'm super excited."
Yay! Hope you're enjoying it.
It's out now - go read it! 😉"
Done. I picked up the audiobook! I'm super excited."
Yay! Hope you're enjoying it.
Was'nt it AMAZING??????
I See The Slow Burn Romance Coming with Jorgensa ;)
I See The Slow Burn Romance Coming with Jorgensa ;)
I'm not big into YA, but can't wait to see what Sanderson does to the so hyped and overwritten genre!