Nothing But Reading Challenges discussion
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Skyward
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Skyward, by Brandon Sanderson October 2026 Theme BOM (the 2010s) Start 2 October 2026
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Date Chapters MPDQs
2 Oct Prologue - Chapter 9 Lexi (Brin)
3 Oct Chapters 10 - 18 Brittany (Eton)
4 Oct Chapters 19–28 +Part3 interl Catherine (Trilos)
5 Oct Chapters 29–37 +Part4 interl Imke (Minna)
6 Oct Chapters 38–46 Rosaline (Suri)
7 Oct Chapter 47 - Epilogue Teddy (Ferrol)
Guidance for DQ setters
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2. Use consecutive numbering of the DQs for your days. So, for example, if Day One is posted as questions 1-4, Day Two should start at number 5 etc.
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Hints and tips:
- Is there a quote that jumped out at you? Use that in a question.
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- What about that plot twist?!
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Lexi - Brin (Nominator)
Catherine - Trilos
Mary - Alurya
Imke - Minna
Franzi - Elan
Brittany - Eton
Teddy - Ferrol
Erin - Turin
Angie - Minna (extra entry)
Rosaline - Suri
Jessica - Mari
Catherine - Trilos (extra entry)
Backups:
Jenny - Minna
Judith - Brin
Angie - Minna
Juliana - Alurya
Sammy - Alurya
Melissa - Turin
Stacey - Ferrol
Karen - Suri
Randomized order (view spoiler)
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Participation Verified
Judith
Rosaline
Karen
Juliana
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You don't need to be particiating in the team challenge to participate in the BOM.
If you are in the team challenge, please note your team name when volunteering.
Where we have more volunteers than DQ days;
>If we have more than one volunteer from the same team, only one team entry will go into the randomiser to be selected to write DQs. (the other volunteers will be 'back ups')
>The nominator of the BOM is automatically assigned a DQ day
DQ volunteers are randomised around 3 days before the start date of the BOM. Please confirm your participation if you are selected. We reserve the right to go to the next person in the list if we don't hear from you
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I just saw this but...there is also a thread open for nominating themed BOM for October. Will there be two?
I wondered if we get both since, they tied. Let's hope there are no ties in October, or maybe we do 🤣I am good for DQ's as I got the Audio in preparation.
(Team Trilos)
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Judith wrote: "Yes, we'll have two themed (so really 3 BOMs) in October because I made two nomination threads out of habit for October completely spacing (<- see what I did there) that we did this for the tie sit..."Spacing! Lol I see you Judith.
I probably won't do this one (generally avoiding rereads) but will come back if I change my mind. Might depend on what the other Oct BOMs end up being... 😄
Volunteering for DQ'sTeam Alurya
Volunteering for DQs Team Minna
Volunteering for DQ's as well!
Volunteering for Team Eton
Volunteering for Team Ferrol
Mod
Volunteering for Team Turin
Back up for Team Minna (Imke)
Mod
Can I also use an extra entry, please?
Judith wrote: "Yes, we'll have two themed (so really 3 BOMs) in October because I made two nomination threads out of habit for October completely spacing (<- see what I did there) that we did this for the tie sit..."Ooh maybe we all need to vote for the shortest book then 🤣🤡
Love this book.Volunteering for Team Turin
Volunteering for DQ'sTeam Alurya
I'll be back-up for Team Alurya
Backup for Team Elan (Charlotte)
Volunteering for Team Suri
Charlotte wrote: "Volunteering for DQ's as well!"Franzi wrote: "Backup for Team Elan (Charlotte)"
Can I withdraw myself from DQs? I've had some stuff happen, and I'm not sure how much I'll be reading or if I'll get around to this book at all, in addition having to write DQs. Franzi signed up from my team (Team Elan), so she can take my place. I'm so sorry, and I hope that's okay!
Charlotte wrote: "Charlotte wrote: "Volunteering for DQ's as well!"Franzi wrote: "Backup for Team Elan (Charlotte)"
Can I withdraw myself from DQs? I've had some stuff happen, and I'm not sure how much I'll be re..."
I am happy to take the DQs for our team.
If room, I can do DQs for team Mari
Mod
Mod
Can I put an extra vote in for me 😍
Mod
I'm good with my day:)
Mod
1. Have you read Brandon Sanderson before? Did you have expectations going into the book based off the author?
2. I feel like I have read quite a few books with a school setting recently. Does the set up for this seem different or stand out to you yet and in what way? Are you interested or tired in school settings?
3. What do you think of Spin so far and her response to her new classmates? Do you think the characters feel like 16-year-olds?
4. What do you think of all the references to old stories so far? What does the selection included tell about Spin and her views of the world?
Bonus: Do you think people know and want to be eating rat?
DQs Day 1: Prologue - Chapter 9 1. Have you read Brandon Sanderson before? Did you have expectations going into the book based off the author?
I have read a few of his including this series. I did know what to expect, but the reread is fun.
2. I feel like I have read quite a few books with a school setting recently. Does the set up for this seem different or stand out to you yet and in what way? Are you interested or tired in school settings?
I tend to like school settings. It is a great set up for people to meet others that they have never encountered before due to how or where they were raised. I must say it did remind me of driving class though. I wish we had simulators for spaceships instead of cars at the time.
3. What do you think of Spin so far and her response to her new classmates? Do you think the characters feel like 16-year-olds?
The age thing didn't stand out to me, so I think they are acting their age enough for it not to seem inappropriate. I like Spin. She has not had it easy, and she has a chip on her shoulder, but those character points aren't the only thing about her, so we are not constantly reminded of her plight.
4. What do you think of all the references to old stories so far? What does the selection included tell about Spin and her views of the world?
I always wonder what books/movies/songs/stories will survive into the future. I think the ones her grandma chose were interesting. Bravery and the like are the right ones for Spensa.
Bonus: Do you think people know and want to be eating rat?I think if my choice was eating rats or not eating, I would come to love rats. Haven't tried it myself...
DQs Day 1: Prologue - Chapter 91. Have you read Brandon Sanderson before? Did you have expectations going into the book based off the author?
I am currently making my way through the Cosmere. I tried to keep an open mind and go in without any expectations because Sci-Fi isn't his usual genre.
2. I feel like I have read quite a few books with a school setting recently. Does the set up for this seem different or stand out to you yet and in what way? Are you interested or tired in school settings?
I don't mind school settings too much. So far the school seems very focused on the practical application and not so much theoretical learning in a class room. I hope the focus stays o the flying.
3. What do you think of Spin so far and her response to her new classmates? Do you think the characters feel like 16-year-olds?
They do feel like 16-year-olds too me. Spensa honestly sometimes annoys me a bit. I think she needs to learn to not let everything get to her so much and how to fly under the radar.
4. What do you think of all the references to old stories so far? What does the selection included tell about Spin and her views of the world?
Her world is very fight/war focused and not very interested in figuring out any kind of peaceful solution/answer to the problem.
Bonus: Do you think people know and want to be eating rat?
I don't know about "want" but I do believe some people are forced to it to not starve. Personally, it sounds disgusting to me but I am curious if you could tell rat meat apart.
Mod
1. Have you read Brandon Sanderson before? Did you have expectations going into the book based off the author?
I have read a few of his books. I didn't really have any expectations going in.
2. I feel like I have read quite a few books with a school setting recently. Does the set up for this seem different or stand out to you yet and in what way? Are you interested or tired in school settings?
I can take or leave school settings. I find that, for me, a school setting can be hit or miss. So far with this one it looks like it will be a hit.
3. What do you think of Spin so far and her response to her new classmates? Do you think the characters feel like 16-year-olds?
I really didn't think much about their ages. They seemed like teenagers, but can't say if they seemed like 16 year olds....at least not all the time. Sometimes they acted older and sometimes a little immature. So, teenagers! I do like Spin. She's been through a lot, but she is determined to not let those things define her.
4. What do you think of all the references to old stories so far? What does the selection included tell about Spin and her views of the world?
The stories were interested. I think that her entire life has been defined by war. So the stories her grandmother told her seemed right, as they were all about bravery and facing adversary head on.
Bonus: Do you think people know and want to be eating rat?
If that is all that is available to eat - survival would overrule "wanting" to eat rats.
DQs Day 1: Prologue - Chapter 91. Have you read Brandon Sanderson before? Did you have expectations going into the book based off the author?
This is my first time reading anything by him so no.
2. I feel like I have read quite a few books with a school setting recently. Does the set up for this seem different or stand out to you yet and in what way? Are you interested or tired in school settings?
I'm really tired of high school books. This one is a bit different so I didn't mind it.
3. What do you think of Spin so far and her response to her new classmates? Do you think the characters feel like 16-year-olds?
I like Spin. She definitely feels like a 16 year old. I'm hoping she starts making some friends and stops trying to start fights every 5 seconds. But it's also understandable given how she had to grow up.
4. What do you think of all the references to old stories so far? What does the selection included tell about Spin and her views of the world?
I feel like growing up with these stories and having these characters as heroes defined her worldview and expectations.
Bonus: Do you think people know and want to be eating rat?
I don't think anybody would want to eat rats. So it really shows the horrible conditions they live in.
DQs Day 1: Prologue - Chapter 91. Have you read Brandon Sanderson before? Did you have expectations going into the book based on the author?
I have read a few, books but haven't been obsessed like others so I am hoping I will like this one more as to continue the series. So far so good. But I am biased and like an FMC over an MMC
2. I feel like I have read quite a few books with a school setting recently. Does the set up for this seem different or stand out to you yet and in what way? Are you interested or tired in school settings?
Definitely different as it is flying ships and not magic.
3. What do you think of Spin so far and her response to her new classmates? Do you think the characters feel like 16-year-olds?
Yes definitely feel 16 years but also so strong as what she has been through as far as prejudice and listening to slander about her father.
4. What do you think of all the references to old stories so far? What does the selection included tell about Spin and her views of the world?
The old stories definitely helped define her determination in becoming a flyer and proving herself.
Bonus: Do you think people know and want to be eating rat?
No but perhaps it is normalish for this society as Spensa never seemed to complain about it and her classmates never sneered about it either.
DQs Day 1: Prologue - Chapter 91. Have you read Brandon Sanderson before? Did you have expectations going into the book based off the author?
I have read books from him before, and expected to be a really good book.
2. I feel like I have read quite a few books with a school setting recently. Does the set up for this seem different or stand out to you yet and in what way? Are you interested or tired in school settings?
The fly simulations gave it a little novelty to the school set up for me. I still find that school settings has some cool possibilities but it has to be more than just the basic setting.
3. What do you think of Spin so far and her response to her new classmates? Do you think the characters feel like 16-year-olds?
She definitely sounds like a 16-year-old so far, for me. With her bravado and extravagance when feeling attacked, and more black and white ideas.
4. What do you think of all the references to old stories so far? What does the selection included tell about Spin and her views of the world?
I was a little surprised by the references, it gave the story a more "realistic" feeling. Like the universe on the story could have been a version of our future, somehow.
Bonus: Do you think people know and want to be eating rat?
In the story? I do think the "lower" classes do know and see as a source of animal protein, without so much of the prejudice we have for it.
1. Have you read Brandon Sanderson before? Did you have expectations going into the book based off the author?I've read most of his books, including this series. this was my third read of this particular book. I wasn't expecting too much the first time around, as I'm not a fan of YA, but these books grew on me...
2. I feel like I have read quite a few books with a school setting recently. Does the set up for this seem different or stand out to you yet and in what way? Are you interested or tired in school settings?
Honestly, they're all much the same in the end really.
3. What do you think of Spin so far and her response to her new classmates? Do you think the characters feel like 16-year-olds?
I didn't like her much the first time I read it, but she grew on me too.
4. What do you think of all the references to old stories so far? What does the selection included tell about Spin and her views of the world?
I found them quite entertaining. those stories went a very long way in shaping who she is.
Bonus: Do you think people know and want to be eating rat?
They know, and don't know any different, I'm guessing.
DQs Day 2: Chapters 10 - 185. With the first air battle with the Krell ship, do you feel like the battle sequence was easy to imagine, or was there a similar scene in a movie that you could use as a reference point? Would you add or change anything about the tone of this battle, or would you have liked more action and visual depictions instead of the dialogue-heavy battle with so many names?
6. If you have read Ready Player One, how would you compare/contrast the way the air battles and training are depicted? Even if you haven't read Ready Player One, how do you feel that you would do in this training school so far?
7. I love gadgets such as the lightline bracelet. What is your favorite gadget so far? IS there anything that you would want to add or use the lightline bracelet for?
8. It's always interesting how easily we as readers accept that a certain side in a battle is the antagonist. I know that I easily accepted the Krell as the "bad guys," but has there been a sufficient reason at this point to really convince us? What would it be like to be on the Krell side and look in on this training school built to destroy your kind?
5. With the first air battle with the Krell ship, do you feel like the battle sequence was easy to imagine, or was there a similar scene in a movie that you could use as a reference point? Would you add or change anything about the tone of this battle, or would you have liked more action and visual depictions instead of the dialogue-heavy battle with so many names?I didn't think the battle was hard to follow. While not the best battle scene I've read, it was still fine.
6. If you have read Ready Player One, how would you compare/contrast the way the air battles and training are depicted? Even if you haven't read Ready Player One, how do you feel that you would do in this training school so far?
I read it, but it was many years ago. Too long to compare!
And I wouldn't stand a chance with my bad eyesight!
7. I love gadgets such as the lightline bracelet. What is your favorite gadget so far? IS there anything that you would want to add or use the lightline bracelet for?
My favourite gadget? Not sure if this section has gotten that far yet, but... (view spoiler)
8. It's always interesting how easily we as readers accept that a certain side in a battle is the antagonist. I know that I easily accepted the Krell as the "bad guys," but has there been a sufficient reason at this point to really convince us? What would it be like to be on the Krell side and look in on this training school built to destroy your kind?
I've read the entire series, so have a lot more insight on that. I'd rather not say anything in case I spoil something 😉
DQs Day 2: Chapters 10 - 18 5. With the first air battle with the Krell ship, do you feel like the battle sequence was easy to imagine, or was there a similar scene in a movie that you could use as a reference point? Would you add or change anything about the tone of this battle, or would you have liked more action and visual depictions instead of the dialogue-heavy battle with so many names?
Sometimes I just go off script with my imagination when reading action scenes, but it really depends on the way the author goes about describing them. This was one of those times haha
6. If you have read Ready Player One, how would you compare/contrast the way the air battles and training are depicted? Even if you haven't read Ready Player One, how do you feel that you would do in this training school so far?
I haven't read Ready Player One. I would do terribly that's for sure! I'd be too distracted. "oh look! Something pretty!" BOOM dead!
7. I love gadgets such as the lightline bracelet. What is your favorite gadget so far? IS there anything that you would want to add or use the lightline bracelet for?
Oooh good question! I don't know what I'd do with a lightline, but they're pretty cool!
8. It's always interesting how easily we as readers accept that a certain side in a battle is the antagonist. I know that I easily accepted the Krell as the "bad guys," but has there been a sufficient reason at this point to really convince us? What would it be like to be on the Krell side and look in on this training school built to destroy your kind?
Yeah, I honestly have been questioning the whole thing since I started this book. I just feel like there's a lot they're hiding and all is not as it seems, obviously, including the Krell.
DQs Day 2: Chapters 10 - 185. With the first air battle with the Krell ship, do you feel like the battle sequence was easy to imagine, or was there a similar scene in a movie that you could use as a reference point? Would you add or change anything about the tone of this battle, or would you have liked more action and visual depictions instead of the dialogue-heavy battle with so many names?
I think it was another good way to get into the different characters, and what they are like. And, who doesn't like how "Jerkface" became an actual thing?
6. If you have read Ready Player One, how would you compare/contrast the way the air battles and training are depicted? Even if you haven't read Ready Player One, how do you feel that you would do in this training school so far?
I didn't get shades of RPOne when reading this, so the simulation battles were different enough in my. head to not compare them.
Plus, in RPOne, everyone is manning a different ship/robot/whatever, so the battles were way more chaotic than these.
7. I love gadgets such as the lightline bracelet. What is your favorite gadget so far? IS there anything that you would want to add or use the lightline bracelet for?
See Sammy's spoiler answer. I agree.
8. It's always interesting how easily we as readers accept that a certain side in a battle is the antagonist. I know that I easily accepted the Krell as the "bad guys," but has there been a sufficient reason at this point to really convince us? What would it be like to be on the Krell side and look in on this training school built to destroy your kind?
I love it when an author can pull off that switch. It is rare that it works well, but when it does, it is amazing.
In a lot of wars, real or fictional, there is no right side, so the one that we are introduced to is the one we root for.
I have to say that on this reread, when I hear the word Krell, my mind goes to the Captain Marvel movie, which had the Kree and the Skrulls. And, there is the plot line of "who is the good guy?"
I keep expecting a Flerken to show up.
Mod
5. With the first air battle with the Krell ship, do you feel like the battle sequence was easy to imagine, or was there a similar scene in a movie that you could use as a reference point? Would you add or change anything about the tone of this battle, or would you have liked more action and visual depictions instead of the dialogue-heavy battle with so many names?
I didn't have any problems following the battle or seeing in my mind.
6. If you have read Ready Player One, how would you compare/contrast the way the air battles and training are depicted? Even if you haven't read Ready Player One, how do you feel that you would do in this training school so far?
I have read RPO, but I didn't compare this book with that one at all while reading. I wouldn't even apply for this flight/fighting training school...I am REALLY terrible at video games so much so that my nieces/nephews like to play with me for the humor. (Their favorite comment - Angie is stuck on the wall again!)
7. I love gadgets such as the lightline bracelet. What is your favorite gadget so far? IS there anything that you would want to add or use the lightline bracelet for?
That was a pretty cool gadget, but it didn't make me thing ... I want one of those.
8. It's always interesting how easily we as readers accept that a certain side in a battle is the antagonist. I know that I easily accepted the Krell as the "bad guys," but has there been a sufficient reason at this point to really convince us? What would it be like to be on the Krell side and look in on this training school built to destroy your kind?
I am skeptical that the Krell are the bad guys. I know everything we have read - from Spensa's POV - leads us in that direction. But, I'm sure there will be a twist of some sort. Also, it's really have to know who really is the "good guy" in fights and/or wars.
DQs Day 2: Chapters 10 - 185. With the first air battle with the Krell ship, do you feel like the battle sequence was easy to imagine, or was there a similar scene in a movie that you could use as a reference point? Would you add or change anything about the tone of this battle, or would you have liked more action and visual depictions instead of the dialogue-heavy battle with so many names?
I enjoyed it, although it is suspicious to have trainees in an actual fight, even if they are holding back.
6. If you have read Ready Player One, how would you compare/contrast the way the air battles and training are depicted? Even if you haven't read Ready Player One, how do you feel that you would do in this training school so far?
I don't feel like they are similiar at all.
7. I love gadgets such as the lightline bracelet. What is your favorite gadget so far? IS there anything that you would want to add or use the lightline bracelet for?
I feel like there may be better gadgets further on in the book, to choose one so soon.
8. It's always interesting how easily we as readers accept that a certain side in a battle is the antagonist. I know that I easily accepted the Krell as the "bad guys," but has there been a sufficient reason at this point to really convince us? What would it be like to be on the Krell side and look in on this training school built to destroy your kind?
So true but with Spin's father being a traitor I kind of wonder if the Krell are really the bad ones.
Chapters 19–28 6.Spin gave Jerkface his nickname and so far it has stuck. Do you think he just chose to embrace it or actually likes it? He also covers her after they fought and spin admits she stole his cars power matrix . Are you surprised he let it go so easily?
7.Spin gets more info about her father from her instructor. Do you agree with her assessment that her father was shot down by friendly fire or do you think it is something else? Are you surprised Spin went along with letting her helmet monitor her head for Judy?
8. There are a lot of flight simulations and real flights happening. They are messing up in the simulations. Why do you think the commander is choosing to put the students in real flights fighting the Krell, causing some of the class to die already?
9. Spins ship-MBot may be a Krell, how do you think that will change the narrative? Will Rig still help recover if he finds out?
Chapters 19–28 9.Spin gave Jerkface his nickname and so far it has stuck. Do you think he just chose to embrace it or actually likes it? He also covers her after they fought and spin admits she stole his cars power matrix. Are you surprised he let it go so easily?
I think he has resigned himself to the fact that that is his new name. It's hard to figure out Jerkface at the beginning. I think he respects Spensa's temerity and talent, so he is willing to see what will happen, and not turn her in.
10.Spin gets more info about her father from her instructor. Do you agree with her assessment that her father was shot down by friendly fire or do you think it is something else? Are you surprised Spin went along with letting her helmet monitor her head for Judy?I think it is hopeful thinking on her part. I also think (or I thought at this point in my first time reading this book) that she has yet to get the full truth from the people that were there.
11. There are a lot of flight simulations and real flights happening. They are messing up in the simulations. Why do you think the commander is choosing to put the students in real flights fighting the Krell, causing some of the class to die already?
The first time they were sent out made some sense in a horrible way, but subsequent flights are just kind off stupid, even if they are necessary for the overall mission to defend the population.
12. Spins ship-MBot may be a Krell, how do you think that will change the narrative? Will Rig still help recover if he finds out?
I don't want to comment on this one in case I get spoiler-y.
Love M-Bot though!!!
Nothing But Reading Challenges
Books mentioned in this topic
Starsight (other topics)Elantris (other topics)
Tender Is the Flesh (other topics)
Aurora Rising (other topics)
Defeated, crushed, and driven almost to extinction, the remnants of the human race are trapped on a planet that is constantly attacked by mysterious alien starfighters. Spensa, a teenage girl living among them, longs to be a pilot. When she discovers the wreckage of an ancient ship, she realizes this dream might be possible—assuming she can repair the ship, navigate flight school, and (perhaps most importantly) persuade the strange machine to help her. Because this ship, uniquely, appears to have a soul.
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Nominator: Lexi (She is on fire 🔥)
Official Page Count: 528