A review by bookcheshirecat
Cytonic by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced

5.0

“All people must accept that we have the potential to do terrible things. It is part of seeing our place in the universe, our heritage, and our natures. But in that acceptance we gain strength, for potential can be refused. Any hero who could have been a monster is more heroic for the choices he or she made to walk another road.” 

➽ It took me a while to get around to reading Cytonic, but I'm so glad I did! The last time, I wasn't really in the mood for it but turns out now was the right time 😊 After being betrayed in the previous book, Spensa escapes into the Nowhere, the dangerous space where the Delvers live. She has the chance to go home, but after realizing how little she knows about her Cytonic powers, Spensa ends up staying and walking the 'Path of Elders' to uncover the past. I wasn't sure about the setting at first, but I found the Nowhere more interesting than anticipated. It's ruled by different pirate factions and also contains the Superiority's mining stations. People who defy them even end up being banished into the Nowhere with no way out. The danger is that this place isn't meant for any species and the longer you stay, the more you forget yourself and your memories. People either stay in groups or very rarely possess a reality icon, a physical memento that tethers you to yourself. Despite the dangers, Spensa is almost excited to embark on an adventure and finally find out where Cytonics came from and what more her powers hold in store!

“Spensa,” M-Bot said, hovering along beside me, “I am not enthused by my first experiments in self-determination. My chronometer details that since my awakening, I’ve spent a frightening amount of my time lost, pouting, or being chased by interdimensional monsters.”

➽ I loved Spensa's adventures in the nowhere and her new companion Chet! She wasn't expecting to meet another Cytonic, but she needs an ally because the Nowhere is a dangerous place. Chet has been here for so long that he's lost most of his memories, but he's still a dedicated explorer who promises to guide Spensa through the Nowhere and unto the Path of Elders. Being together with others helps keep the memories from fading, so he's also in need for a companion. I liked their dynamic, as Spensa's questioning how much she can trust him, as his appearance seems far too convenient. Chet shares her excitement for adventure and appears friendly, but the last time she trusted someone, it backfired horribly.

“See? One step at a time. You can do this. I can do this. Whatever it takes.” He nodded by wobbling his drone up and down. “Okay!” he said. “Whatever it takes. My! That feels good. To at least pretend we’re in control! I like it. Is this how you feel all the time?”

➽ Another highlight was M-Bot as always! He's one of my favorite characters in the series and I love his friendship with Spensa. In this book, he's become more self-aware and started developing feelings outside of his programming. M-Bot discovering human emotions was so funny to watch, as his self-determination is not as easy as he expected 😂 
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