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.

Too Much Fun!

Great story! what a ride. I can't wait to see if there is a follow-up to this story.

Simple, short and a lot of fun

Sanderson tells the same story over and over in hist books... Mistborn, Way of Kings, Steelheart... they all have the same basic plot arc, protagonist and antagonist. But, Sanderson tells this story well, and the plot twists are always just different enough, and the magical mechanics are unique enough that I still find myself interest and engaged.

I will absolutely read any follow-up novels in this series. I am very eager to find out what happens to our characters, and to learn more about the world.

One note to listeners: do a google image search for "rithmatist diagram" so that you can find all the illustrations mentioned in the book. It isn't totally necessary, but it does add an extra dimension to the story.

I'm giving this story a 4 out of 5 because it lacked the complexity that Sanderson is capable of, the ending was unsatisfying, and the final showdown with the antagonist was really, really, really stupid. It felt like something J.K. Rowling would have written. Our protagonist finally KNOWS who the evil-doer is, but decides to take no further action because he won't be believed... it doesn't make sense, and it was just a lazy on Sanderson's part.

Solid story with a great narrator

I got this book because it was written by Brandon Sanderson and I was not disappointed. While it may have been written for YA it was still very entertaining and with Michael Kramer narrating it was a solid book.

Great story!

Fun story about Joel, who wants to be an "arithmitist", essentially a warrior who uses magic chalk drawings to fight with, mor than anything. His determination and amazing aptitude for math, make him extremely useful to the staff at the school he goes to when children start missing

WOW

I really love this book it has made me so excited to read! I highly recommend this book to people who love drama, exiting things and humor. This book has really made me laugh!



I hope you enjoy!

Another amazing selection!

Tried to predict what would happen, and kept being pleasantly surprised. Another great book from Brandon Sanderson!!

ANYTHING BRANDON SANDERSON IS 6 STARS AND MORE

Any additional comments?

I even got my A.D.D. boyfriend to listen to this book and he loved it....

Excellent - Give us a sequel!!

Great story. Compelling for all ages. But we need another book!! Good as is, but definitely leaves you wanting more.

Absolutely amazing

Absolutely amazing. A must read by far and away. Brandon Sanderson just kills it. I am hooked and there better be another book coming.

Mind bending and well written

Fascinating and completely novel ideas well worked through by the best author out there. Written for preteens and adults alike. This is a very unique book, with a magic system unlike any other. The characters are relatable and entertaining. This world begs for more books to be written about it. You will enjoy it!!!