Skyward

The story is set in a distant future where humanity has been forced to live on a planet called Detritus, which is constantly bombarded by debris from a destroyed alien civilization. The planet is also home to a group of sentient beings called Krell, who are hostile towards humans and constantly attack their settlements.

The protagonist of the story is a young girl named Spensa, who dreams of becoming a pilot and fighting against the Krell. However, her father was branded a coward and traitor for abandoning his squadron during a crucial battle against the Krell, and Spensa is constantly ostracized and bullied by her peers because of her family’s reputation.

Despite the odds against her, Spensa is determined to prove herself and become a pilot. She manages to secure a spot in flight school, where she meets a group of other misfits who are also trying to prove themselves. Together, they must navigate the challenges of flight school and prepare for the inevitable battle against the Krell.

One of the strengths of Skyward is its well-developed characters. Spensa is a relatable and likable protagonist who is easy to root for. Her determination and courage in the face of adversity make her a compelling character, and her struggles with her family’s reputation and the prejudices of others add depth to her character.

The supporting characters are also well-written and add to the overall story. Spensa’s flight school classmates each have their own unique personalities and motivations, and their interactions with each other are both entertaining and meaningful. The relationships between the characters are a highlight of the audiobook, and the camaraderie between Spensa and her classmates is heartwarming.

The world-building in Skyward is also impressive. Sanderson has created a detailed and immersive world that feels both familiar and alien. The planet of Detritus is a harsh and unforgiving environment, and the constant threat of the Krell adds tension and danger to the story. The technology in the world is also well thought out and adds to the overall atmosphere of the story.

The audiobook is narrated by Suzy Jackson, who does an excellent job bringing the characters and world of Skyward to life. Her voice acting is engaging and emotive, and she manages to capture the personalities of each character in a unique and memorable way. Her narration adds to the overall enjoyment of the audiobook and makes it a pleasure to listen to.

One of the themes of Skyward is the idea of overcoming prejudice and proving oneself in the face of adversity. Spensa is constantly judged and underestimated because of her family’s reputation, but she refuses to let that define her. Her determination to become a pilot and fight against the Krell is a testament to her strength of character, and her struggles resonate with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider.

Another theme of the audiobook is the idea of sacrifice and the cost of war. The battle against the Krell is a constant presence in the story, and the characters must grapple with the reality of what it means to fight and potentially die for a cause. The audiobook doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of war, and the characters are forced to make difficult choices that have lasting consequences.

Overall, Skyward is an excellent audiobook that is well worth listening to. The engaging storyline, well-developed characters, and immersive world-building make it a standout in the science fiction genre. Suzy Jackson’s narration adds to the overall enjoyment of the audiobook and makes it a must-listen for fans of the genre.