Review of “Evershore” Skyward Flight Novella #3
by Brandon Sanderson and Janci Patterson
Just
like the other two novellas followed a side character, this follows Jorgen’s
journey as he learns to use his cytonic powers. The main plot is that the
Skyward flight crew and Alanik go to a planet called Evershore to rescue Cobb
and Spensa’s grandma. Evershore is the home planet of the Kitsen, and we even
hear them mention Hisho, who disappeared in Book 2.
In
this book, Jorgen pushes against the interim admiral and government to go and
help the Kitsen and find Cobb and Gran Gran. Jorgen takes on more of a
leadership role in terms of commands and responsibilities. FM tries to get
Jorgen to open up about his parents' death after “Sunreach.” It’s a good
character arc for Jorgen to process his parents' death and what they meant to
him.
One of the things I have
enjoyed about these novellas is the exploration of the Tanix slugs. They have
some heartwarming and amusing moments here, such as when Jorgen tries to use
his powers to find more on Detritus. In the beginning, Jorgen loses control and
unleashes mind blades at a council meeting, but by the end of the story, Jorgen
learns to master his powers and command the slugs, a journey that is both
entertaining and endearing.
This story immerses the
reader in the planet Evershore, much like the last novella did with ReDawn. The
Kitsen species, with their endearing qualities, and Juno’s earnest attempts to
assist Jorgen, add depth to the narrative. The series’ strength lies in its
ability to expand the world while addressing our lingering questions from
previous books, creating a rich and immersive reading experience.
FM is a character I
particularly adore, and her relationships with both Jorgen and Rigg are a
delight to explore. The subtle hints of a budding romance between Alanik and
Arturo add another layer of intrigue to the narrative. These novellas
masterfully balance the intricate sci-fi elements, such as cytonic powers and
interplanetary travel, with the delicate nuances of young adult romance,
creating a unique and compelling reading experience. While “Evershore” may not
be my top pick among the novellas, it’s still a joy to delve into the lives of
these characters and the ever-expanding world they inhabit. I eagerly
anticipate the next installment in this captivating series.
