The Rithmatist
Books | Young Adult Fiction / Fantasy / Epic
4.5
(824)
Brandon Sanderson
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Brandon Sanderson: his debut novel for the young adult audienceMore 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 2013At the Publisher's request, this title is being sold without Digital Rights Management Software (DRM) applied.
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More Details:
Author
Brandon Sanderson
Pages
384
Publisher
Tor Publishing Group
Published Date
2013-05-14
ISBN
1429953160 9781429953160
Ratings
Google: 5
Community ReviewsSee all
"Brandon Sanderson does it again, a fascinating world that draws the reader in and doesn’t let them out until their done reading. This book is geared towards younger teens I would say, hopefully Sanderson will find the time to write the sequel because the ending of the first book is just the beginning. 25/30 "
"Fast involving read with one of the best worked out systems of magic I’ve ever encountered."
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Harold Goldfus
"Pretty much anything by Sanderson."
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Amy Dickson
"Only Brandon Sanderson can make chalk drawings terrifying and a battle involving drawing circles and lines enticing. While The Rithmatist is an easier read, it contains within it complex ideas that enrich the story and give it so much more depth than expected. I'm sure some may not enjoy the history and mechanics of Rithmatics but I love it as they make the world so <i>real</i>.<br/><br/>And as always, not everything is as it seems. Brandon leads you on in one direction, and then BAM things happen that you don't expect. The only thing I wish could happen with this book is that I could actually see a Rithmatist fight with my own eyes, to better understand the different defences and fighting styles. So basically I want to be a Rithmatist. Of course. Sigh."
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Shannon
"Brandon Sanderson is an amazing writer and those that have read The Mistborn series will not be disappointed. Once again, Mr. Sanderson has created a world similar to our own and a magic system that has never been seen in the pages of fantasy or science fiction. Michael Cramer does a fantastic job of narrating this phenomenal new book in what is expected to be a debut for Sanderson in the young adult arena. 16 year-old Joel is the son of a Chalkmaker and a maid who has received a full ride to Armedius Academy ordinary studies. The school is primarily a school to train Rhithmatist, people with the ability to draw defensive and offensive circles and lines and creatures that are used to fight the wild Chalkings. Joel understands many Rhithmatic concepts from studying with his father before his untimely death in an accident. Joel is expected to take a summer elective to keep busy and becomes the research assistant of Professor Fitch, a historian of Rhithmatics, and befriends his remedial student Melody, a below average Rhithmatist student with an affinity for drawing Chalkings. Joel, Professor Fitch, Melody and many others work frantically to solve the mysterious disappearances of Rhithmatic students, find out who or what is behind the disappearances and decipher the meaning behind new and unfamiliar lines found at the crime scenes. In a staple Brandon Sanderson fashion, the action continues right down to the very last page. Young adults, boys and girls alike, will love the excitement, entertainment and the development of some very interesting new characters. Highly recommended. Ages 14+"
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Allison Freeman
"I had a hard time visualizing how 2d monsters drawn in chalk could be so feared as to govern the motions of nations. There were also not enough characters introduced to really make the mystery one where you could guess who did it. Nonetheless, Sanderson draws an interesting universe once again, and somehow makes a lead character out of a kid who intentionally is not empowered with a gift."
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Owen Winkler