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Skyward series Reading Order.

Expert Guideby Brandon Sanderson
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Quick Answer

Start Skyward series by Brandon Sanderson with "Skyward", then follow the publication sequence. This order preserves the intended narrative twists and world-building progression.

The Skylark series, a classic science fiction/space opera, begins when a scientist accidentally invents a space-drive and sets off to encounter alien civilizations and fight a larger-than-life villain. The subsequent narrative describes the intensifying conflicts between protagonists Seaton and Crane, their rival DuQuesne, and a succession of non-human entities bent on universal conquest.

Reader's Guide

This series spans 4 main titles released between 2019 and 2017. For the best experience, we recommend following the Publication Order below to preserve key plot reveals.

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Official Verdict

Short Answer:
Start with "Skyward"

To experience the narrative as intended, read the main sequence in Publication Order.Ignore novellas and side stories until you finish the first 3 core novels. This resolves all timeline confusion and preserves every major twist.

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Community Consensus

Low Debate

"The provided Reddit comments do not contain any discussion, consensus, or specific advice regarding the 'Skyward series' reading order. The comments focus primarily on reading habits, high book volume, rating systems, and recommendations for other fantasy series (such as Cradle, Malazan, and Riyria)."

Key Reddit Advice

No advice regarding the Skyward series reading order can be derived from these comments, as the series is not mentioned or discussed.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Skyward series conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Can I skip the short stories?

Technically yes, but we strongly advise against it for Skyward series. The shorter volumes often establish the core character motivations and world-building that the main saga assumes you already know.

I watched the show/movie first — where should I start?

Ignore the screen adaptations' timeline. Start with "Skyward" to see the original depth of the world. The books offer a significantly different (and usually more complete) experience than the on-screen versions.

Why do people disagree on the order?

Disagreement usually stems from the conflict between purely chronological order and publication order. Most long-term fans recommend publication order to preserve the emotional arc and mystery reveals.

Curator's Strategy

Recommended Reading Order Strategy

The authoritative way to read the "Skyward series" series is in Publication Order. Start with the first published book. It's the way the author intended the world to be revealed.This ensures you experience character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Start with "Skyward"Explore all by Brandon Sanderson

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended. Compare →

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for fans. Compare →

Publication Reading Order3 Titles

Why Publication Order?We recommend reading in Publication Order (default). This follows the author's release schedule, ensuring you experience plot twists, character growth, and world-building exactly as intended without spoilers.
Best Start Here
1

Skyward

Pub: 2019

**SPENSA'S WORLD HAS BEEN UNDER ATTACK FOR DECADES.** Now pilots are the heroes of what's left of the human race, and becoming one has always been Spensa's dream. Since she was a little girl, she has imagined soaring skyward and proving her bravery. But her fate is intertwined with her father's--a pilot himself who was killed years ago when he abruptly deserted his team, leaving Spensa the daughter of a coward, her chances of attending Flight School slim to none. No one will let Spensa forget what her father did, yet fate works in mysterious ways. Flight school might be a long shot, but she is determined to fly. And an accidental discovery in a long-forgotten cavern might just provide her with a way to claim the stars. This description comes from the publisher.

2

Starsight

Pub: 2019

Plot details hidden until you finish "Skyward".

**ALL HER LIFE, SPENSA'S DREAMED** of becoming a pilot. Of proving she's a hero like her father. She made it to the sky, but the truths she learned about her father were crushing. The rumors of his cowardice are true--he deserted his flight during battle against the Krell. Worse, though, he turned against his team and attacked them. Spensa is sure that there's more to the story. And she's sure that whatever happened to her father in his starship could happen to her. When she made it outside the protective shell of her planet, she heard the stars--and it was terrifying. Everything Spensa has been taught about her world is a lie. But Spensa also discovered a few other things about herself--and she'll travel to the end of the galaxy to save humankind if she needs to. This description comes from the publisher. *Starsight* is the second book in the Skyward series, the first of which is *Skyward*.

3

Defiant

Pub: 2017★ 5

Plot details hidden until you finish "Starsight".

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson comes the final book in an epic series about a girl who will travel beyond the stars to save the world she loves from destruction. Spensa made it out of the Nowhere, but what she saw in the space between the stars has changed her forever. She came face to face with the Delvers, and finally got answers to the questions she's had about her own strange Cytonic gifts. The Superiority didn't stop in it's fight for galactic dominance while she was gone, though. Spensa's team, Skyward Flight, was able to hold Winzik off, and even collect allies to help with the cause, but it's only a matter of time until humanity--and the rest of the galaxy--falls. Defeating them will require all the knowledge Spensa gathered while in the Nowhere. But being Cytonic is more complicated than she ever could have imagined. Now, Spensa must ask herself: how far is she willing to go for victory, if it means losing herself--and her friends--in the process.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to skip books in the Skyward series series?

We recommend ignoring novellas and short stories until you finish the core sequence. However, main sequence novels should never be skipped as they contain critical character development and plot progression.

What is the best order to read Skyward series?

The final answer for the best experience is to start with "Skyward" and proceed in publication order. This sequence preserves character developments and plot reveals exactly as Brandon Sanderson intended.

Can I read Skyward series books in any order?

No. The main narrative is strictly sequential. Skipping volumes or reading out of order will lead to significant plot spoilers and confusion regarding character arcs.

Are there spin-offs or companion books?

Yes, the Skyward series universe includes several companion works. These are marked as 'Optional' in our guide and can be read at any time without disrupting the main storyline.