*Skyward*

*Skyward*
Title	Skyward
Author	Brandon Sanderson
Cover artist	Charlie Bowater
Country	United States
Language	English
Series	Skyward series
Genre	Science fiction, Young adult literature
Publisher	Delacorte Press
Release date	November 6, 2018
Pages	528
Isbn	978-0-399-55579-6

*Skyward*. It is a science fiction young adult novel by American author Brandon Sanderson, first published on November 6, 2018, by Delacorte Press. The story follows Spensa Nightshade, a young woman living on the besieged planet Detritus, who dreams of becoming a pilot to fight against the mysterious alien force known as the Krell and clear her family's name. The novel is the first in the Skyward series and blends elements of military science fiction and coming-of-age narratives within a expansive fictional universe.

Plot summary

On the planet Detritus, humanity lives under constant attack from the Krell. The protagonist, Spensa Nightshade, is the daughter of a famed pilot who was branded a coward after allegedly fleeing a pivotal battle. Determined to restore her family's honor, Spensa enrolls in the Defiant Defense Force flight school, facing prejudice from instructors like Commander Ironsides and rivalry from fellow cadets. Her journey is aided by an ancient, sentient starship named M-Bot, which she discovers in a cavern. As Spensa and her flight, including Jorgen Weight and FM, undergo rigorous training, they uncover secrets about the true nature of the Krell, the history of Detritus, and a conspiracy within the Defiant Defense Force that challenges everything they have been taught.

Characters

The central character is Spensa Nightshade, a determined cadet with a unique psychic ability to perceive the Krell. Key allies include her flight leader Jorgen Weight, the diplomatic FM, and the cheerful Arturo Mendez. Antagonists and authority figures encompass the stern flight instructor Commander Ironsides and the political officer Cobb. The artificial intelligence M-Bot serves as a major supporting character and source of comic relief. Other significant figures are Spensa's father, Ze'en Nightshade, whose legacy haunts her, and the enigmatic admiral Judy Ivans, who holds secrets about the war. The collective alien threat of the Krell functions as a primary antagonistic force.

Development and publication

Brandon Sanderson conceived the project as a departure from his epic fantasy works like The Stormlight Archive, aiming to write a faster-paced story focused on a single viewpoint. The novel was announced in 2017 as part of a new young adult trilogy. Sanderson drew inspiration from classic military science fiction and stories of fighter pilots. The cover art was created by illustrator Charlie Bowater. Published by Delacorte Press, an imprint of Random House, the first edition was released on November 6, 2018. The audiobook version is narrated by Suzie Yeung. Subsequent volumes in the series include Starsight and Cytonic.

Reception

The novel received generally positive reviews, with praise directed at its fast-paced plot, relatable protagonist, and imaginative world-building. Critics from Kirkus Reviews and Publishers Weekly highlighted its engaging blend of action and character development. It was a finalist for the 2019 Lodestar Award for Best Young Adult Book. Fan response was strong, with many appreciating the accessible entry point to Sanderson's work. Some criticism focused on perceived similarities to other young adult narratives and a slower middle section. The book appeared on The New York Times Best Seller list for Young Adult Hardcover books.

Adaptations

In 2020, Brandon Sanderson announced that Legendary Entertainment had optioned the rights for a potential film or television adaptation. As of publication, no further production details have been finalized. The Skyward series has also been expanded through novellas like Sunreach and ReDawn, co-written with Janci Patterson. The narrative has been adapted into other media formats, including the aforementioned audiobook narrated by Suzie Yeung and various international translations published by companies like Heyne Verlag in Germany and Mondadori in Italy.

Themes and analysis

Primary themes explored include the subjective nature of heroism and cowardice, as examined through Spensa's quest to redefine her father's legacy. The narrative delves into prejudice and societal ostracization, with Spensa facing discrimination due to her family name. Themes of free will versus determinism are explored through the characters' struggles against their assigned roles and the revelations about the Krell. The relationship between human and artificial intelligence, exemplified by Spensa and M-Bot, interrogates concepts of personhood and friendship. The novel also functions as a classic coming-of-age story, tracking Spensa's growth from a vengeful outsider to a responsible leader within the Defiant Defense Force.

Category:2018 American novels Category:American young adult novels Category:American science fiction novels