Skyward

YA science fiction series (non-Cosmere) following Spensa, a determined young woman on a planet under alien siege who dreams of becoming a starfighter pilot despite her father's disgrace. The series evolves from Top Gun-style flight school into something much bigger involving alien politics, interdimensional travel, and the nature of intelligence.

The Skyward Flight novellas (Sunreach, ReDawn, Evershore) follow supporting characters between the main novels and add important context.

Start here if you like: sci-fi, fighter pilot stories, fast pacing, YA fiction, or you want Sanderson without the fantasy setting.