Book Review: "Cytonic" by Brandon Sanderson
Why am I like this? I get the latest Brandon Sanderson book, read it super fast, and then realize there's gonna be a bit of a wait for the next one. But, one does not merely put down such a book, like one doesn't merely walk into Mordor.
As usual, Sanderson has pulled off another amazing story, this one the third entry in the "Skyward" series. Cytonic focuses on Spensa's journey through the Nowhere (another dimension outside of our reality, where time flows differently). Out in the Somewhere, her friends battle the Superiority, a galactic empire taken over by a veritable dictator. Let's just say events in the Somewhere forced Spensa into the Nowhere, the realm of the Delvers, planet-sized entities that have consumed entire planetary systems.
The Nowhere is their turf, and Spensa has walked right into the metaphorical mouth of the dragon, as Spensa does.
Yet, she is driven by her need to learn more about her cytonic abilities, and cytonics in general. Thus ensues the classic hero's quest, but Sanderson-style. A hero's quest involving a quirky mustachioed explorer, a friendly drone inherited by a sapient AI, and pirates. Yes, pirates.
They're traveling the Path of Elders, (which honestly sounded like something belonging in a Lord of the Rings-style novel) a series of defunct portals, back into the Somewhere. It turns out that these portal sites, sites figured out by cytonics, human and alien alike over the years are embedded with the memories of cytonics that have passed through. Like a Horcrux, but without murder involved.
Through her quest, Spensa learns that those like her were created by living in proximity to places with portals to the Nowhere, places where the Nowhere and Somewhere intermix. Cytonics aren't "defects," as her society has termed those with abilities like Spensa's, but a product of interdimensional evolution.
"'Evolution doesn't 'try' to do anything," M-bot said. "But like it or not, you are the pinnacle of its work. All evolutionary pressures throughout all the ages among your species have resulted in you.'
'Bet it feels embarassed,' I said."
And the Delvers aren't who they seem to be. [Not gonna spoil this one, but it is brilliant.]
Suddenly, it becomes all the more urgent for Spensa and crew to finish their quest on the Path of the Elders, so Spensa can deliver the knowledge that may help humanity defeat the Delvers once and for all. But the Delvers have other plans, and are willing to kill to stop Spensa & company from leaving the Nowhere with this knowledge.
This may technically be a YA series, but do yourself a favor and read the "Skyward" books, starting with Skyward. What an amazing ride! You can thank me later.
"I could be afraid, then become courageous.
I could be small-minded, then come to understand.
I could be selfish. Then move beyond it.
I could start as human, then allow myself to become something more.
I was everything they feared. Because they refused to ever let themselves change, but I embraced change. It was the essence and nature of my strength."
Happy reading!
--BookOwl
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