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.

Chalk magic!

Another creative, interesting and engaging magic system by Brandon Sanderson.
Even tho the book feels tailored for a younger audience, it's done masterfully, it had me thinking about how I would create my own defense circles.
Excited for more!

Interesting Story

Good idea, though a bit of a stretch of imagination. Will be interesting to see where he goes with the story if he continues it.

Waiting for II

We Loved it. Hope they get around to the next one...narration fantastic as always. Sanderson always entertaining.

Great first book!

Awesome idea, really interesting to think about and visual picture the fight scenes. PLEASE MAKE ANOTHER ONE!!!! I loved this book!!!

It was great

From my kids “It was great and it was super cool and all the surprises at the end were super cool. “

This is awesome!

This Book was so funny and fun.
I really enjoyed this story hope to read the next one soon. Be careful what you put out into the world it may come back to attack, study hard you may not get where you want but with the learning something better may come and with good friends. So many life lessons to be read and learn.

Need Book Two

I hope book 2 gets written and released. Perhaps Audible this is Book 1 and the story is definitely not finished. Fun Story the will keep 6our interest.

Needs a sequel

Please Brandon!! This books is sooo good. This was one of the last works of Brandon’s I read cause I wasn’t sure if it was for me, but I read it in a day. What an excellent world and I absolutely need more!

I want some more.

Fun book! The magic system is really cool and the characters are unique. The story was very engaging. The who-done-it aspect of the plot was entertaining. It is too bad that we may never see another book in this word. The narration was really well on.

Stuf

Needs another book. Feels like there should be more. Staring into the eye of the bad guy makes it feel like there will be an another book. Pleas make another.