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.

Fantastic read, certified banger

I really liked this book. The story was fantastic, a certified banger! I really found the characters relatable, and it was just a fun light read.

Amazing!

Amazing Sanderson as usual. Hoping a sequel comes out soon. It’s been a decade but I hear that there is some hope since his son recently read the book and really likes it.

I loved it!

This book was a fun story to listen to and often left me awe of how nicely it was written. I am definitely going to read the second when it comes out. I recommend this book to anyone who likes Brandon’s work and like a nice murder mystery.

Great listen for a road trip.

I finihed this book in two days on a road trip. The narrator was good as usual, and the story kept me going. A great listen.

YA novel for everyone

I don't know why, but I didn't expect great things from this book. The magic system seemed, quite frankly, a little silly. And it was a YA novel. Granted, I really like YA sf, but Brandon Sanderson doing it? It just seemed odd. But he does a phenomenal job with it. Great, quick paced, page-turning story. Michael Kramer narrates beautifully. You can tell it is written for young adults, but that doesn't mean he dumbed down his writing or over-simplified anything. It is still excellent fantasy. I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes sf, or just good writing in general.

Reasonable Story, Good Characters Master Narrated

I've enjoyed Brandon Sanderson other works and as an adult I would not place this in his gems but it's enjoyable. None of the major characters are flat; the motive of the "enemy" forces aren't clearly explain by the end they are hinted at being more complex than this book could hold.

The rules of the Magic are if a little hard to imaged without a geometry textbook;they clearly explained in the PDF that comes with the Audiobook. (There appears to be one page in the PDF per chapter.) - I would suggest at least flipping though the pdf before the starting.

If you have not heard Michael Kramer read a book then you are truly in for a treat. I personally believe he is one of the best. He's voices never seem to strain his voice or my ears.

There is very little gore and the actual death count is very reasonable at the end of the book (you must however reach the end before you'll see.)

While the 2 main student characters are set at 16; really though I felt they were a little younger. There is no overt love or girlfriend boyfriend theme that I remember from my own high school days. The book and story would appeal to a younger crowd.

There is a "god" in this book but it seems to be more closely linked to the magic in the world than with morality.

good

is there ever going to be a second book I would love to know pls

My 11 year old loved this story.

my 11 son was completely captivated by this story. We stayed up past bedtime just to finish it. There first thing he asked was "Is there a sequel ?". Unfortunately I only see talk of one but none listed in Audible or Kindle.

Amazing book

This is my first Brandon Sanderson oil and I totally understand why so many people love Brandon Sanderson books! If you love fantasy than you will love this and all Brandon Sanderson books!

Well Crafted

This is a particularly well crafted world and story. I will admit it took a bit to grow on me, but I did eventually enjoy the magic system that was reminiscent of certain board/card games as well as the subtle steampunk atmosphere.