“Skyward” doesn’t have a strictly upward trajectory — it has brilliantly fleshed-out action scenes balanced with relatively shallow supporting characters.

"Skyward" begins with young Spensa Nightshade saying goodbye to her father as he prepares to launch his fighter to defend against an attack of the Krell, an alien force that seems determined to ...

Spensa’s adventures continue in Starsight, which hits shelves next week. And the description makes it sound just as thrilling as Skyward : All her life, Spensa has dreamed of becoming a pilot.