Sunreach

Skyward Flight: Novella 1

By: Brandon Sanderson, Janci Patterson

Narrated by: Suzy Jackson

Length: 5 hrs and 21 mins

Publisher's summary

From number one best-selling author Brandon Sanderson and Janci Patterson comes the first of three Skyward series novellas, each told from the perspective of a different member of the team back on Detritus. Listen to FM's story between Starsight and Cytonic.

When a planet-destroying Delver suddenly appears in the sky of Detritus and vanishes just as suddenly, FM knows that the last free human society got lucky. Her Skyward Flight companion, Spensa, figured out how to draw this Delver away, but it won’t be so easy next time.

The forces of the Galactic Superiority will be back - and if the Defiant Defense Force can’t figure out a way to escape the planet, humanity’s destruction is only a matter of time. Spensa’s mission to infiltrate the Superiority unveiled the secret to their hyperdrives - a cytonic slug species called the Taynix. Now FM’s flightleader, Jorgen, has found a large group of Taynix hiding in the caverns far below Detritus’s surface.

FM and Jorgen must work together with the engineer Rig to awaken the mysterious alien Alanik and unlock the powers of the Taynix, or humanity will be trapped. With Spensa’s friend Minister Cuna of the Superiority stranded at the outpost of Sunreach, they need to figure out how to rescue them - or the Superiority government will be in the sole clutches of those who want to wipe out Detritus once and for all.

Praise for Skyward

An Instant New York Times Best Seller

A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of the Year

©2021 Dragonsteel Entertainment, LLC (P)2021 Mainframe, LLC

Critic reviews

"Startling revelations and stakes-raising implications...Sanderson plainly had a ball with this nonstop, highflying opener, and readers will too." (Kirkus Reviews, starred review)

"With this action-packed trilogy opener, Sanderson offers up a resourceful, fearless heroine and a memorable cast." (Publishers Weekly, starred review)

"It is impossible to turn the pages fast enough." (Booklist)

A real pleasure!

The story was great and it was fun to have a perspective from FM. The performance, as always, was top notch and engaging. If you're considering listening to this, you already like Skyward and this doesn't disappoint, so don't think twice.

I think releasing multiple novellas around the release of a main book is a really fun experience and a great way to spread the excitement over months. I look forward to the next novellas and hope this release method continues to be used.

Good but too expensive

Good quality, but too expensive. Both novellas should be bundled together (Not sure how to package the 3rd novella) . I understand Brandon is insanley busy (the scope of the cosmere is so big that even with Brandon's unmatched wriiting speed, he wont finish it for 25+ years) and i am very glad to get these extra stories that he doesnt have time to fully write himself and help other authors similarly to how the WoT helped him. However, the price point is way off and as a huge fan i have been resistant to paying for this.

Enjoy the world buidling

A great appetizer while waiting for the release of the third book. Very nice to have more stories set in the same universe, and nice to get a different perspective. A worthy addition to the Skyward series.

Not really my cup of tea for sci fi but decent

The plot was fantastic, I loved going to Sunreach and the exploration with the different slugs but the romance sub plot was... not my cup of tea. One of my favorite parts of a Brandon Sanderson book is the lack of emphasis on romance so when it does show up its cute rather than annoying.


It was hard to get behind it because all the standard boy crushing on girl body language signs were there but FM misinterpreting it, especially after emphasizing her witnessing Spensa and Jorgans crush, felt... out of place. Especially the WAY she misinterpreted despite knowing the guy was awkward. It felt very contrived rather than natural.

Outside of this, I found the writing style and voice to be delightful. Janci did a wonderful job taking this character and bringing them to life.

My only continuity nit pick was Kimmalyn who felt as if someone had copied and pasted her past dialog in the book. No new original dialog, only old recycled sayings.

Ned, Jorgan, Ontario. These ones all felt well rounded and real. I also found the battle scenes exceptionally well written. Clear.

All in all, not one of my favorite novellas, but any lover of romance will heavily enjoy the work. Strong writing and a powerful flare for character and adorable slugs. FM feels as if she's been brought to life.

enjoyable listening!

I loved the story! the slugs are my favorite. can't wait for next novella!

good filler

I thought they did a good job with this. wish it was longer but writing and narration was not lacking.

Top notch space opera.

As a Sanderson fan, let me say; I like the collaborative effort, and Suzy Jackson is a delight.

Well done and a great continuation

This is a great continuation of the story and I very much enjoyed it. It went by really fast. Susie Jackson and the narrator did a wonderful job as she always does. It does a great job of having a fulfilling story and adding to the major storyline. Strongly recommend

Keep them coming!

I'm ready for the next adventure! This is a fun favorite sci-fi series! Very imaginative!

enjoyable

felt like this was helping to complete the story. I'm excited to read the other two novellas