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.

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.

Another Sanderson jewel

More than meet expectations

Just wish there were some way of seeing some of the drawings. Perhaps each chapter could display a different drawing or picture with a caption instead of the book cover.

Looking forward to the next book in the series.

Really liked the interaction between Joel and melody.

Entertaining but never as good as his best series

Easy to get into the story and easy to understand the plot, but sadly I never found this book really captivating.

The book experiments with an interresting magic system, but it feels very hard to accept and play along with it's nature... at least for me.

The story is narrated by Kramer, one of the best there is, making for a very nice listening experience.

The plot is a bit shallow and filled stock cookiecutterlike characters.

This is, by my reasoning, a story best fit for young teens, not the seasoned adult fantasy reader.

brilliant

I am continously impressed by the duo Brandon Sanderson and Michael Kramer make! loved this!

fun book

fun book, original ideas. good read. Sanderson does not disappoint again. hopefully there will be others in the series.

Great book

Would you listen to The Rithmatist again? Why?

Yes, because it was a really good story.

What about Michael Kramer’s performance did you like?

Michael Kramer is simply a great "story teller". There are people with more voices and such but he is very solid. I enjoy his reading.

Any additional comments?

This is a four start only because I cannot rate any stand alone book as a 5 star. There just isn't enough time to get me addicted. If you like stand alone books then this is probably a 5 start to you.

This book is a winner for all ages!

This book isn't just for the younger crowd. I loved it, and will count it among my very favorite books.

SANDERSON DID IT AGAIN.

Obviously, him being one of my favorite authors, I HAD high expectations ( yeah, I've bought the book for being a Brandon Sanderson's book and not because I was particularly interested in the story). And you know what? BANG. There goes my expectations. Crashed--- For better :D.
First of The magic system. It's amazing how original and appealing it is.... And for me it even have some RPG feeling to it ( and I also love RPGs so...) .
Then we have the characters so very themselves, growing with you through the story. And then we have the plot. Addictive, full of plot twists and all that world building... Just WOW.
( Well... I just had a hard time getting used to the narrator's voice but after a few chapters I was okay with it :)

More YA than I usualy go

A magical mathematical steam punk Harry Potter, one school year down and I can't wait to read the next. Sanderson has a wonderful way of world building and forming power structures.

Great story, narration

Classic Sanderson. Interesting concept. Kramer never ceases to amaze with his narration. Ready for a second book in this series.