Skyward by Brandon Sanderson

Even though I am an avid reader for some reason I have only ever managed to read one of Brandon Sanderson’s books, and even though I really enjoyed that book I never continued with the rest of the series. But when I got the opportunity to read and review Skyward I jumped at the chance because it sounded really interesting and something completely different to what I normally read. I am so happy I was able to read this early because I absolutely loved it! I couldn’t put the book down once I started it.

Skyward is about Spensa who is the daughter of a one of the best star-fighter pilots and dreams of one day becoming a pilot just like her father to defend the planet from the evil aliens called Krell. But on the night of one of the biggest battles her father flees the battle and is shot down by his own team. Spensa devotes all her time studying so she can pass flight school to be enrolled in the training program. But all the studying and training could be for nothing because people think that she will turn out just like her father, a coward.

I immediately connected with Spensa as soon as I started reading Skyward. She is the sort of the character that you can quickly become friends with and want to go on this journey with her. The more you read the more you learn about her and it makes you feel even more connected with her. I think she is one the best main characters I’ve read about this year. But it’s not just Spensa who has some great character development, the whole Skyward fleet is a dream team and a pleasure to read.

I am not a massive sci-fi reader and sometimes I struggle to get into these sorts of books because it goes a bit too technical and becomes a bore to read. But I could not put this book down once I started, I loved everything about it. I managed to read this book in just a few days and normally with a book this size it would at least take a week. But I flew through the pages and before I knew it I was already at the end.

The writing was superb and surprisingly funny, and even though there were parts that became a little technical I managed to read and understand it because of the way it was written. I thought the pacing was spot on because everything flowed really well and it had the right balance of action and character development. I am so glad that it didn’t just save all the action scenes for the last part of the book because they are littered about and it does making reading it a bit more exciting because you never know when an action scene will appear next.

This is the first book in a new series and I cannot wait to read the next instalment. I will also be reading more Brandon Sanderson books in the mean time because I have to fill the long gap in between books with some of his past works. I would recommend Skyward to anyone who loves a good sci-fi/space themed book and even for readers who love a book about a really great main character. I can honestly say that Skyward is one of my favourite reads of this year.

I rate this book 5/5 stars

***I was sent a copy of this book for review. Everything in this review is my own honest opinions.***

I am also part of a blog tour for Skyward, so please check below for the other stops on this tour.