book

STARSIGHT

Name: STARSIGHT
Author: Brandon Sanderson

Brandon Sanderson

In this sequel to “Skyward,” Spensa slips into a Krell pilot training program disguised as an alien. (Ages 12 to 17)

Ages 13+Source checked

Why this age? YA reading complexity combines sustained space-war action, peril, frightening planet-destroying creatures, political violence, betrayal, and a notable death, without sexual content or graphic gore. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age13+

Strongest cautions

Frightening scenes4/5
Violence4/5
Death of a character3/5

Strongest positives

Courage & resilience5/5
Creativity & curiosity4/5
Good role models4/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5

Why this rating?

Hesho is killed in a dogfight, while past planetary destruction and multiple murders are important threats and plot elements.

Graphic injury1/5

Why this rating?

Combat injuries are mentioned but not described with graphic detail.

Strong language1/5

Why this rating?

Language is mild, consistent with young adult literature.

LGBTQIA characters1/5

Why this rating?

The alien culture includes concepts of gender that are non-binary or fluid, though it is handled through a sci-fi lens.

Romance1/5

Why this rating?

There are minor, background hints of attraction, but it is not a focal point.

Frightening scenes4/5

Why this rating?

Monstrous delvers destroy inhabitants and planets, while characters face battles, pursuit, imprisonment, and possible annihilation. The danger is intense, though this is science-fiction adventure rather than sustained horror.

Violence4/5

Why this rating?

Frequent space battles, military conflict, sabotage, pursuit, and threatened planetary destruction; violence is adventurous but consequences are serious.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience5/5

Why this rating?

Characters repeatedly confront war, betrayal, powerful monsters, political danger, and possible planetary destruction to protect others.

Creativity & curiosity4/5

Why this rating?

The novel strongly stimulates imagination through cytonic powers, alien cultures, spaceflight, inventive technology, and unconventional team problem-solving.

Diverse representation3/5

Why this rating?

The cast includes humans and many distinct alien peoples, with conflicts about species integration, prejudice, and political inclusion.

Educational value1/5

Why this rating?

Explores concepts of xenobiology, government, and ethics in a fictional context.

Kindness & empathy3/5

Why this rating?

Spensa befriends and protects varied companions, helps Cuna, cooperates across species, and works to prevent mass destruction.

Positive messages4/5

Why this rating?

The story supports empathy across species, cooperation, peace-building, resisting propaganda, and challenging prejudice and authoritarian power.

Good role models4/5

Why this rating?

Spensa and her allies show loyalty, ingenuity, courage, and willingness to pursue peace, though they also make risky and imperfect choices.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
Which choice in STARSIGHT would you have made differently, and why?
Who changed the most in STARSIGHT, and what caused that change?

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