Skyward By Brandon Sanderson Book Review
Flying among the stars sounds amazing, right? But what if everyone around you thinks you’re just the kid of a coward? That’s exactly the world Brandon Sanderson throws us into with Skyward, a thrilling, heart-pounding sci-fi adventure about a young woman who refuses to be defined by her past.
Skyward is a young adult sci-fi novel that follows Spensa Nightshade, a determined and fearless teenage girl living on a planet constantly under attack by alien forces called the Krell. Labeled the daughter of a coward because of her father’s actions during a war, Spensa fights not just for her dream of becoming a pilot, but to prove her own courage to a society ready to write her off. Along the way, she discovers a mysterious, broken-down spaceship with an AI that’s as sassy as it is secretive. Together, they navigate flight school, uncover conspiracies, and face high-stakes battles that keep you turning the pages.
What makes Skyward stand out, especially among Sanderson’s works, is its fast-paced action mixed with real character growth. The story doesn’t get bogged down in heavy world-building; instead, it gives you just enough sci-fi tech and setting to fuel the plot without overwhelming you. The flight scenes feel so vivid, you can almost picture yourself in the cockpit alongside Spensa. And the cast? Each classmate and antagonist is distinct, layered, and far from cliché, making their relationships and conflicts feel real. Plus, Sanderson isn’t afraid to shake things up with some well-timed losses, adding real emotional weight.
Readers really connect with Spensa. She’s a bit rough around the edges, sometimes over-the-top, but totally relatable, a fighter stumbling through teenage angst, bullying, and high expectations all at once. Some people found her annoying or socially awkward, but many others loved her passion and vulnerability, especially how she struggles with her identity and her father’s legacy. The sentient ship, M-Bot, is another fan favorite, bringing humor and mystery to the story and making this more than your typical space adventure.
Themes of courage, identity, and overcoming prejudice run deep throughout the story. Spensa’s journey isn’t just about flying or fighting aliens, it’s about finding where she belongs, facing complicated truths about family, and learning what real bravery means. There’s also a strong focus on friendship and loyalty, as the ragtag group of flight cadets come together against all odds.
Full disclosure: Skyward leans on some classic YA and sci-fi tropes, the training montages, rivalries, outcast heroine, so if you’re after something wildly original, it might feel a bit familiar. Some plot points might test your suspension of disbelief, and the world-building could leave you wanting a little more depth. Spensa sometimes talks in ways that might make you cringe or roll your eyes. But honestly, that’s part of the book’s charm, it’s a YA story that knows what it is and delivers it with heart and energy.
If you’re into strong female main characters, high-action space battles, and stories about fighting unfair labels and harsh societies, this book will probably hook you. If you’re more about deep, complex world-building or looking for less familiar stories, it might not be your thing.
For me, Skyward was one of the most fun and inspiring reads I’ve had in a while, it made me want to jump into a spaceship and fly for myself! And if you love the idea of a snarky, talking AI ship mixed with kick-butt pilots and high-school drama in space, it’s a total win.
So if that sounds like your kind of story, definitely check it out. And if you’ve read it, I’d love to hear what you thought!