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Title details for The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson - Available

The Rithmatist

#1 in series

by Brandon Sanderson
Michael Kramer
Audiobook (Includes supplementary content)
1 of 1 copy available
Borrow Listen to a sample Listen to a sample
1 of 1 copy available

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

  • Creators

  • Series

    The Rithmatist

  • Publisher

  • Awards

  • Release date

    May 15, 2013

  • Formats

    • OverDrive Listen audiobook

      • ISBN: 9781427221148
      • File size: 299197 KB
      • Duration: 10:23:19

  • Languages

    • English

  • Levels

    • Lexile® Measure: 680
    • Text Difficulty: 3

  • Reviews

    • Publisher's Weekly

      Starred review from March 25, 2013
      Bestselling author Sanderson’s first YA novel is a delightful fantasy set in an alternate early 20th-century America made up of 60 loosely federated islands protected by Rithmatists, who use powerful chalk-drawing magic to hold at bay the voracious wild chalklings. These mysterious, two-dimensional creatures from the dangerous island of Nebrask would wipe out the nation if they ever broke loose. Sixteen-year-old Joel attends Armedius Academy, a noted school for Rithmatists, as a general student; he has studied the intricate, magical chalk patterns his whole life, but missed his chance to become a Rithmatist. As his more talented schoolmates begin to disappear, apparently killed or kidnapped by wild chalklings, Joel; his new friend Melody, an incompetent young Rithmatist; and Fitch, their recently disgraced professor, become involved in a desperate attempt to avoid more bloodshed and save their schoolmates. Featuring ingenious magic (complete with profuse chalk drawing–style diagrams and illustrations from McSweeney), feisty characters, and a complex plot likely to unwind over several volumes, this high-spirited, exciting story will appeal to readers of all ages. Ages 12–up. Author’s agent: Eddie Schneider, JABberwocky Literary Agency.

    • Library Journal

      September 1, 2013

      Joel, 16, feels isolated at Armedius Academy, since he lacks the talent to join the elite students in their practice of Rithmatics, a form of magic in which geometrical chalk drawings unlock sorcerous power. When Armedius's most talented Rithmatist students begin disappearing, Joel and classmate Melody help a Rithmatics professor and the local police chief investigate and learn more about Joel's family legacy as they come closer to solving the crimes. In this start of Sanderson's (A Memory of Light) new YA fantasy series, the prolific fantasy author creates a detailed and unique magic system. It sometimes seems to come at the expense of character development, as the characters fail to strike more than one note most of the time, but the world-building he invests in this alternate America is fun and interesting. Narrator Michael Kramer creates distinct voices for the cast and brings gravitas to the story. VERDICT Recommended for those seeking an adventure with a "Harry Potter, boy detective" vibe.--Jason Puckett, Georgia State Univ., Atlanta

      Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Formats

  • OverDrive Listen audiobook

subjects

Languages

  • English

Levels

  • Lexile® Measure:680
  • Text Difficulty:3

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