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.

Where Does Brandon Come up With These Ideas?!!

Brandon Sanderson is truly one of the greatest authors.. So far every single book he released was amazing and The Rithmatist is a good example.

When I read the summary of this book before, i'll be honest I didn't understand what was the book about, but I bought the book anyway just because of the author, and I don't regret it at all.

I am going to be basic here, The Rithmatists are people who can defend and attack by drawing things and bringing them to life. (This is to clear what is going on exactly)

One of the things that I liked about this book was the world itself, this book's world is our world with some changes, but still this world, and actually liked that (didn't have to understand and remember different countries and so on)

Another good thing is that the plot. It doesn't go as you would have expected, there are few things that go the other way, which is always appreciated.

Brandon Sanderson gave us another great book, gave a fantastic ending which could lead to so many possibilities in the future... I'm sure there will be future books after this one.

If you are wondering wether to buy this book or not, then i would say go and BUY IT NOW!!!! If you liked Brandon Sanderson's books before, you will like this one too. and if you never heard of Brandon Sanderson, then just buy it anyway, you will love his work.

Interesting book. More to come.......?

If you have read Brandon Sanderson books in the past you won't be disappointed. This book is a little different in that it has more of a YA feel to it. However don't let this keep you from checking it out. It has some interesting concepts and the people in this book have some unique powers over chalk. This could be a standalone book but it is left wide open for the possibility of sequels to follow if the author chooses. So overall this is a light fun book that can be enjoyed by young adults and those of us young at heart.

great book. Open ended with no sequel though

this book was really great. Sanderson's books are hit or miss for me. I loved the Steelheart series and Skyward, but the Stormlight and Mistborn series are too long and drawn out for me. this book is closer to the former in the storytelling style. it's great, and I really hope the sequel appears someday.

Fun Story

Very good story and fast paced! I have recommended this book to multiple different people and they have all enjoyed it!

I hope there will be a sequel!

I didn't know what to expect with this story. I have other Brandon Sanderson novels so gave it a try. I was so surprised in a positive way. The three main characters are strong and develop during the story. An aging academic and two teenage students Joel & Melody. There are good supporting characters. This alternate world has North America as a series of islands. Nebrask is a place where wild Chalklings are kept isolated. These creatures are chalk and 2 dimensions. They can slide under doors, cracks to attack people. People under go a procedure at age 8. There is a religion based upon this. At a chathedral the child goes into a room. When they come out they are given a piece of chalk and told to draw. If it comes to life they are a Rithmatist. They receive special schooling, training and sent to the wilds of Nebrask for a mandatory 10 years. After that they recieve a stipend for life. This naturally causes envy and hostility among the general population. Part of this is because the wilds are so far away. Another part is the superior attitude most Rithmatists have. Joel was not chosen and wants to be. Melody is chosen and hates it. The two have to find each other and work through and their limitations. Joel also has a complex family history to work through. In the meantime something starts attacking and causing students of Rithmatic to disappear. They are presumed dead. The attacker appears to be a Rithmatist. The aging academic is chosen to try figure out what the cause is. Joel forces himself into the investigation. Melody is placed with the academic for special tutoring. She works her way into the investigation out of curiosity then interest and a growing friendship with Joel. I love the part where Melody says....thank you for not ignoring me....thank you for not thinking me weird. Joel responds...we're all weird,,,you're a little weirder then most. A typical teenage boy response. Each chapter starts with a description or explanation of some fact of Rithmatic. Fortunately there is an extra PDF file with pictures of these descriptions. This is a novel for the young and old, The ending is open. I hope there is a sequel. I hope it is as good or better then book 1.

Great, but that ending....

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes. It is a fun and sadly short listen. Seems like it would be a great book to introduce people to Sanderson's style.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Rithmatist?

The ending will be quite memorable as I start wishing everyday for a book 2 while knowing how busy Sanderson's schedule is.

Have you listened to any of Michael Kramer’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes. As good as the others.

Any additional comments?

I wasn't expecting that much from this. I do like Sanderson but this is not in cosmere and I heard in was YA which generally I would not be that interested in. However, I really enjoyed this book with the only downside for me being my 'end of Halo 2' like reaction to the ending. It is not really a cliffhanger......but I want to (in Master Chiefs words) finish the fight. Sanderson did a great job building the world that I want to know even more about it and I want to see what the future holds for it. I hope he can come back at some point and write more for this world.

More clean entertainment from Brandon Sanderson

I loved this book! It was another great, clean book by my favorite author and narrated by my favorite narrator. Brandon Sanderson is the master at creating new forms of magic. Even more important, he always has lovable characters. The camaraderie between Joel and Melody is entertaining as is her love of unicorns.

Amazing unique story

What made the experience of listening to The Rithmatist the most enjoyable?

Sanderson has an amazing imagination. Loved this very unique book!

What did you like best about this story?

The fact that it is so unique

Have you listened to any of Michael Kramer’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

Brandon Sanderson is the best

Seems like whenever I need to be sure my next book is going to be good, especially after a disappointing one like Girl on a Train, I come back to one of Brandon's books and I am never disappointed.

Great story, kept you wanting more.

Unique idea. Expertly narrated. You really routes for Joel and wanted him to become a rithmatist. The ending left you wanting more!