The Rithmatist

By: Brandon Sanderson, Ben McSweeney

Narrated by: Michael Kramer

Length: 10 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

Audie Award Finalist, Fantasy, 2014

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson: his debut novel for the young adult audience

More than anything, Joel wants to be a Rithmatist. Chosen by the Master in a mysterious inception ceremony, Rithmatists have the power to infuse life into two-dimensional figures known as Chalklings. Rithmatists are humanity's only defense against the Wild Chalklings—merciless creatures that leave mangled corpses in their wake. Having nearly overrun the territory of Nebrask, the Wild Chalklings now threaten all of the American Isles.

As the son of a lowly chalkmaker at Armedius Academy, Joel can only watch as Rithmatist students study the magical art that he would do anything to practice. Then students start disappearing—kidnapped from their rooms at night, leaving trails of blood. Assigned to help the professor who is investigating the crimes, Joel and his friend Melody find themselves on the trail of an unexpected discovery—one that will change Rithmatics—and their world—forever.

Bestselling author Brandon Sanderson brings his unique brand of epic storytelling to the teen audience with an engrossing tale of danger and suspense—the first of a series. With his trademark skills in world-building, Sanderson has created a magic system that is so inventive and detailed that that readers who appreciate games of strategy and tactics just may want to bring Rithmatics to life in our world.

A Kirkus Reviews Best Book of 2013 A New York Times Book Review Notable Children's Book of 2013

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2013 Dragonsteel Entertainment, LLC (P)2013 Macmillan Audio

Critic reviews

“Illustrations from McSweeney, fiesty characters, and a complex plot likely to unwind over several volumes, this high-spirited, exciting story will appeal to readers of all ages.” —Publishers Weekly starred review

“The Rithmatist contains some very good surprises on the way to a pleasingly nifty conclusion.” —New York Times Book Review

“Brandon Sanderson has created an ingenious new martial art where the chalk is mightier than the sword. In his alternative, dangerous version of the world, brave young soldiers must battle back dark forces armed with the nerves of a warrior and the skills of an artist. It's a fun read with a unique take on fighting where if you can't draw…you die.” —D.J. MacHale, New York Times bestselling author of Pendragon and SYLO.

Excellent book

Wonderful new world masterfully created by Sanderson.never failing to both amaze and entertain in the most beautifully written manner! DP

Great story

sanderson needs to write the next book in the series. this is one of my favorites and there are too many loose ends.

hmmmmmm

ended to soon. really like the author. the book was great. what to read next?

Unique plot, fun and entertaining

I bought and read it when this title was first released. Enjoyed it very much then. Now I listen to it and it is even more enjoyable and entertaining. It was so good I did not put it down until the end. Humor is good, the main characters are believable. Reading is clear and good pace. Good quality novel. Highly recommend. 👍Can’t wait for next release 📚

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

I am positive the illustrated version would be more interesting for children, but it was a fantastic audio book. I enjoyed it!

WOW!

I am thankful for getting beyond the first half of chapter one! This book was facinating and full of intrigue, on many levels. The characters are fleshed out well for a first of, hopefully, a series. I highly recommend this book!

Fascinating world building

Any additional comments?

It's not a novel that will change your life, but a rollicking good tale, particularly notable for the vividly imagined world of the "rithmatists" I may have been irritated at the teenage protagonists choices ( I bet you too will yell at your iPhone or computer, "What do you mean, "no one will believe you"!), but you will be riveted until the end. It pulled a fair number of elements from Harry Potter, which made it all the more amusing that one villain seemed to be read as a dead on Snapes imitation.

Original Idea

I loved this book, I wish it was 3 times longer. It took me forever to get into it because it is such a weird idea, but once I got the hang of it I loved it. Sanderson has a way of constructing and explaining the worlds he creates without you realizing that is what he is doing, or rather, while continuing to move the story along.

A little stretched

Overall it's an interesting exciting read but it's not the best of Sanderson's work. The core concept are just too whimsical for me.

Complete effort - home run

I don't know how many books I have purchased. I think the exec's at Audible are pretty excited about my spending trend.
Anyway, this represents my first review. I have enjoyed other "books" although I had to sound-off about this story. It was really solid. Good mystery (scotland yard feel), good characters and a really cool concept.