Blightfall
Skyward Legacy 1
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- $19.99
Publisher Description
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.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Set in Sanderson's Skyward universe and spun off from his and coauthor Patterson's Skyward Flight series, this spirited trilogy launch sees a peaceful mission to a remote human space colony go sideways. After defeating "oppressive galactic empire" the Superiority, the human and alien inhabitants of planet Detritus start contacting other worlds. When communication attempts with far-flung Blightfall prove unsuccessful, flight-leader Arturo Mendez, pilot Sadie Chay, and other teen members of military unit Skyward Flight accompany diplomats on an in-person visit. Evidence indicates that Blightfall's humans don't have spaceships, but when Detritus's delegation arrives, armed drones destroy the diplomats' vessel, forcing Arturo and company to crash-land. Blightfall's inhibitor field prevents them from hyper-jumping home, summoning reinforcements, or warning would-be rescuers, so while it's clear they've "drastically misunderstood" the situation on this planet, the crew has little choice but to head for Blightfall's lone city and find a way to save themselves. Breezy first-person narration alternates between cautious Arturo and ebullient Sadie, interspersed with interludes from amiable alien slugs. 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. Ages 12–up. Agents: (for Sanderson) Joshua Bilmes, JABberwocky Literary; (for Patterson) Eddie Schneider, JABerwocky Literary.
