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The Rithmatist

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The Rithmatist

Written by: Brandon Sanderson, Ben McSweeney
Narrated by: Michael Kramer
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About this listen

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

©2013 Dragonsteel Entertainment, LLC (P)2013 Macmillan Audio Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Science Fiction & Fantasy Steampunk Magic Student Mathematics

What the critics say

“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.
All stars
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It is a familiar type of story in terms of being about an unlikely young person studying at an Academy that teaches "magic" but it does a lot of things differently and is very much it's own story.
The magic system is creative and awesome. Somehow drawing with chalk convincingly becomes this epic scary thing.
The hints about the broader world are very cool and suggest a great alternate earth history. There is no "info-dump" style worldbuilding, it is all woven in pretty well.
The character dynamics give you a great sense of who people are and let you empathize with their struggles. Things play out in an unpredictable way. It is less epic than other Brandon Sanderson books but does not suffer for it. There is just as much action and intrigue as you could hope for.

there should be a sequel

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Brandon Sanderson has such a great imagination, this story is completely original, I loved the characters and looking forward to the next one.

Unexpectedly a great read

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I'm a big fan of Brandon Sanderson's works. they tend to have everything I'm looking for in easy listening.
I wasn't expecting much from this book as the concept sounded cheesy and it seemed like kind of a one off side job rather than something special.
However I was surprised and delighted to find a wonderful story that I was immediately absorbed in.
I hope the series continues some day as this story truly was a delight.
#audible1

Unexpectedly Overjoyed

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The mystery component of the story was a welcome (albeit unexpected) component. Although Rithmatics is discussed in depth, you are left waiting until the final moments to see the main protagonists use it to its full potential (to good effect). I gave the story a rating of four stars simply because of a few unnecessary comments relating to staring at body parts. The comments really didn’t add anything to the story, as the plot and characters are strong enough without needing to draw the reader’s mind in a sexual direction.

An unexpected mystery

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I was looking for something light and easy to follow, without all the complicated politics of some other fantasy series. This delivered in a big way. The story was simple enough to listen while doing chores, but not so simple as to bore or become predictable. The narrator blended well into the background without being monotone. Best I've listened to in a while.

Loved it

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