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The Rithmatist

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The Rithmatist

Written by: Brandon Sanderson
Narrated by: Michael Kramer
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About this listen

From number-one New York Times best-selling 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.

Best-selling author Brandon Sanderson brings his unique brand of epic storytelling to the teen audience with an engrossing tale of danger and suspense. With his trademark skills in world-building, Sanderson has created a magic system that is so inventive and detailed that listeners who appreciate games of strategy and tactics just may want to bring Rithmatics to life in our world.

Brandon Sanderson was born in Nebraska in 1975. Since his first novel, the acclaimed Elantris, Sanderson has written the Mistborn series, the stand-alone novel Warbreaker and has become a New York Times best-selling author, hailed as the natural successor to Robert Jordan. Indeed, Sanderson was chosen by the Jordan estate to complete the Wheel of Time sequence following Jordan's death.

©2013 Brandon Sanderson (P)2013 Audible Ltd
Science Fiction & Fantasy

What the critics say

"The Rithmatist, while it’s definitely as clear and exciting as a YA novel should be, is every bit as deep and richly invented as the best of Sanderson’s adult novels…. Sanderson at his best, for adults and young readers alike." (Orson Scott Card, New York Times best-selling author of Ender’s Game)
"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 best-selling author of Pendragon and SYLO)
"There are very few authors about whom I can say, without a doubt, that I will read every single book they ever write. Brandon Sanderson is a member of that club. He’s brilliant and has an imagination I’ve only seen in the likes of Stephen King and J. K. Rowling." (James Dashner, New York Times best-selling author of The Maze Runner)

What listeners say about The Rithmatist

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

THIS IS A TRAGEDY!!!!!

There needs to be more books in this series.
This is a book with mystery magic and magsticness with all your usual Brandon charm just in a smaller package.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A Fun and unconventional story

Another book that reminds me why I enjoy Brandon Sanderson books so much. Stories like this are packed with fun, creativity, and adventure.

While dreaming to become a Rithmatist and bring two dimensional creatures to life, young Joel is brought into a mystery when students at his magical academy begin going missing.

Joel is an easy to relate to character who is just trying to do his best. He’s clever and dedicated, yet aware of his limitations. Side characters like Melody and Professor Fitch add to the fun as these three misfits get themselves in and out of trouble.

The world building is immersive and easy to follow along with, though some of the intricate magic does take some time to understand. I enjoyed the plot as it progressed, though it can be a little slow at times.

One thing I did find strange was that this book was clearly written to have a sequel that Sanderson’s schedule likely can’t accommodate. As such, there are times where it feels almost unfinished.

Still, it’s a great book if you’re looking to be entertained by an original urban fantasy mystery!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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AMAZING!!!! Never disappointed!!

AMAZING!!!! Never disappointed!! Can't wait to listen to more! We'll narrated Michael Kramer, keep up the amazing work.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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It's simply not a good book

It's not for adults, it's a kid's book. That's fine, but I had a number of issues. Mainly, the mystery is not good; the solution is kept from the reader until the end, with so much sudden, unexplained material attempting to justify the story

I can't fully explain as I don't want to ruin the book for people who still want to read it, but I honestly caution picking this up; it was written in 2013, is an incomplete story, and there's no sign of a sequel as of end of 2021.

Sanderson does a good job creating the feeling of mystery and suspense, and building a somewhat interesting world, but by the end it's found wanting.

I'll add that the Performer is good, he was excellent in the Mistborn series, but his serious tone is not a good fit for this book (e.g. forgetting to complete a school report does not warrant his most dramatic voice..).

Also, the audible chapters and the book chapters do not line up. Audible splits the 1st book chapter into 3, so it's ahead by 2 for the rest of the book.

I recommend anyone over the age of 12 to avoid this book, there are far better fantasy novels to enjoy.

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2 people found this helpful