Blightfall

By: Brandon Sanderson, Janci Patterson

Narrated by: Eddie Lopez, Suzy Jackson

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson and Janci Patterson comes the first book in a new, high-flying trilogy featuring the legendary Skyward Flight as they undertake a deadly intergalactic mission to explore a mysterious alien world.

After decades of war against alien oppressors, the humans of the Defiant Defense Force are finally free. Yet for Arturo Mendez, leader of Skyward Flight, freedom isn’t what he thought it would be.

His first postwar assignment seems simple: The DDF has found evidence of other settlements of humans who were isolated during their long war against the aliens, and Arturo and his flight of pilots are to escort a team of diplomats as they attempt to make contact. It’s an easy mission—get in, guard the diplomats, and get out.

But no element of this mission turns out to be simple. Blightfall is inhospitable, surrounded by mysterious debris and covered in giant, invasive forests that have swallowed most of the planet. Upon arrival, Arturo’s team is attacked, and it quickly becomes clear that this human settlement isn’t what it appears to be.

Now trapped in an unfamiliar world and unsure who to trust, Arturo and his team must find allies and uncover long-buried secrets if they hope to escape and return home.

*Includes a downloadable PDF of illustrations from the book

Critic reviews

★ "Themes of oppression, prejudice, and war are well balanced with those of romance, exploration, and triumph, and give this book something for everyone....A wonderful sci-fi novel that will teleport off shelves faster than the speed of light." —School Library Journal, starred review

"Thrilling action, chaste romance, and gentle humor maintain the zippy pace and lighthearted tone, while introspective depictions of intersectionally diverse characters add substance. It’s a blast." —Publishers Weekly

"Readers ought to be in turn dazzled by the cuteness, adrenalized by the fighting, and charmed....A lightweight, action-packed space adventure." —Kirkus Reviews

"Blightfall opens up a new, high-flying tale, fantastic for fans familiar with the lore while simultaneously existing as its own solid entry point for new readers." —Booklist