This is a review for books 1, 2 and 3 of the series (Skyward, Starsight and Cytonic). For some reason I was under the impression that this was a trilogy, and was frustrated when the third book did not provide closure. It turns out that I was wrong: it's a tetralogy and the last book is coming out later this year (2023), so I'm not holding that against the series.

This is a SF YA series, so if you don't enjoy YA stories this might not be for you.

What I liked:

* The characters, particularly the main character, Spensa, a teenage girl with the heart of a warrior. She has been raised with stories of ancient heroes, and she wants to fight and protect her people, even though she is not treated very well since she is the daughter of a pilot who ran away in the middle of a fight. I like that beyond her tough persona, she has flaws and vulnerabilities, and that she learns and grows as the story progressed. She is a likable protagonist.

* The plot/worldbuilding was rather interesting. As the story begins, what remains of humanity live underground in a planet called Detritus, subject to constant bombardments and attacks from mysterious alien starfighters. As the story goes on, we learn a lot more about what's going on in the galaxy and about the mysterious power called cytonics.

What I didn't like so much:

* Occasionally I felt that the execution was a bit disappointing. For example, the main character is an ace pilot, and air or space battles play a big role in the series, but that whole element feels simplistic and unrealistic. Lets say that new pilot candidates are accepted by the military, and on their first day of training, when they have only a few hours with a simulator and no real flying at all, they are called to take part in a real aerial battle. True, they are not asked to do much in the battle, but still it's difficult to maintain suspension of disbelief when trainees are given a plane and are ordered into a battle with a total of zero hours of actual flying, and only a few hours in a simulator.

Other thoughts:

* Each of the three books takes place in a very different setting and with a mostly different cast of characters (excepting our main character and her AI). That allows for more worldbuilding, but made the whole story a bit less cohesive. I'm hoping that book 4 will close the circle.

* Of the three books I read, I liked book 3 the least. I got a bit tired of that whole setting. ( )

Spensa, squadriglia astrocaccia
M-Bot astronave AI ( )

Dudaba entre 4,5 o 5, porque aunque lo he devorado y me ha encantado no me ha dejado con la sensación carnal que me han dejado otros libros con 5 estrellas. Pero es que aún así, es jodidamente bueno.
Spensa es un gran personaje, con una mejor evolución de lo que te esperas en sus primeras interacciones. El mundo que te crea va creciendo ante tus ojos, poco a poco vas descubriendo la información oculta que te esta guardando Sanderson.
Pero es que además el ritmo que tiene, la capacidad para describir batallas aereas. Delicioso nivel Estrella Michelin. En serio. Las últimas 50 páginas son puro disfrute. Hay películas de éxito con peor ritmo que este libro.

Sanderson es bueno y no puedo esperar a leerme Cosmere, pero es que no esperaba ni de lejos esto. Quien me va a suplir mi mono ahora? Y el hype que tengo por la continuación? Por suerte Sanderson es una maquina de escribir y “pronto” habrá segunda parte. Mientras a seguir soñando con las estrellas. ( )

How refreshing to find a book that can be standalone or is the first 'chapter' of a series. In Skyward, we get both and I'm happy with whichever path Sanderson takes. As always, we got a great book with excellent worldbuilding, writing and the emotional pull to keep you engaged. It's a YA (right?) without the obligatory, but boring, instalove. I can appreciate a teen who has more to worry about than some boy (lol).

I can honestly say that to date, I haven't met a Sanderson tale that I didn't enjoy. If this turns out to be a series, I'm in. ( )

Our family loves this series. It has great world building, characters, & humor.