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.

Inventively exciting

Great book. Hope to see a series from this. Can’t wait for more of the story.

I loved the action and picture in my head!

this book was outstanding! I loved the way the characters connect with the reader and at the end of each chapter, explains the rithmetic stuff! I so badly want another rithmatist book to listen too/read to see what happens next!

Decent start.

Not sure what the plans for this series are, but this is a pretty good start. Should point out right away that this is another "young adult" book, but one I enjoyed. In the beginning of the story (it's only 10 hours, btw) I was skeptical - story seemed full of holes, and it also...odd that it centered so much around chalk and the two-dimensional battles...but as I'd expect from Brandon Sanderson, it kept me interested throughout, and some of "holes", turned out to be deliberate (part of the story). I know this is the kind of book my kids will LOVE - adding it to the list of books I'll be buying for them when they're old enough! And, while I think Sanderson should stay focused on his "Way of Kings" series, if a second one in this series comes out, I'll get it. Michael Kramer is awesome, as usual.

Another Gem

Loved The Rithmatist, start to finish. I started getting sad about 2 hrs before the end because I knew that was it. Not exactly the ending I was expecting, but still really good. And really, once you've read it, would you have been happy if Sanderson did anything typical?? If you haven't read any of his books yet and are thinking about starting here, I'd say it's not a bad idea, but I'd recommend Elantris instead. If you are not new to Brandon and/or the Cosmere, why are you even bothering to read this?? Just buy this book and read it already!!

omg! can't wait for the next book!

beautifully crafted and original. when is the next book coming???

took about 2 chapters to get in but hooked.

Looking forward to more books by this author.

Get that second book gone already, Sanderson!

Please...Sir! This is the fourth time I'm listening to this book and I CAN'T WAIT for the next one! The Atzlanian is going to be so awesome!

man I love this book

I cannot say enough words to praise his book The world is endlessly interesting the magic comprehensible with concrete rules the characters are Relatable and the Mystery is thrilling till the very end

Another Sanderson hit

This book far surpassed my expectations but I should've known better. Any book from the master was going to be great. Still I was wary when I saw that it was targeted at the YA demo.

Sanderson has refined his story telling to a precise art form. Like a good artist he has painted a wonderfully rich steam punk world with well developed characters. The magic system fits perfectly in the steam punk world and as always is fully fleshed out with well defined rules.

The only negative I have to the story is that it starts with what seems like 10 minutes of dry textbook like writing defining some of the rules of rithmatists that I am sure will initially turn off some readers/listeners. If you can push through that you are rewarded with a wonderful novel.

At this point I wish Sanderson had commissioned either a board or video game version of his magic dueling system. I yearn to wield the power of the rythmatists in a game!

Loved it

Loved the story. I only wish it was longer or sequel. Love Michael Kramer.

Just encapsulating!

Very very good, original and fun adventure. Sanderson still amazes me with each book. Enjoy!