About the Book
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
About the Author :
BRANDON SANDERSON grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska. He lives in Utah with his wife and children and teaches creative writing at Brigham Young University. In addition to completing Robert Jordan's The Wheel of Time(R), he is the author of such bestsellers as the Mistborn trilogy, "Warbreaker," "The""Alloy of Law," "The Way of Kings," "Rithmatist," and "Steelheart." He won the 2013 Hugo Award for "The Emperor's Soul," a novella set in the world of his acclaimed first novel, "Elantris."
Michael Kramer has narrated over 100 audiobooks for many bestselling authors. He read all of Robert Jordan's epic "Wheel of Time" fantasy-adventure series as well as Brandon Sanderson's "The Stormlight Archive "series. He received "AudioFile" magazine's Earphones Award for the "Kent Family" series by John Jakes and for Alan Fulsom's "The Day After Tomorrow." Known for his "spot-on character portraits and accents, and his resonant, well-tempered voice" ("AudioFile"), his work includes recording books for the Library of Congress's Talking Books program for the blind and physically handicapped.
Review :
A "New York Times" Editors' Choice Selection
Summer 2013 Kids' Indie Next List Top Ten Selection (#6)
YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults and Teens' Top Ten selection 2014
"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"
"Fantasy readers should devour this well-crafted mix of action and setup, enriched by thoroughly detailed cultural and historical background and capped by a distinctly unsettling twist." - "Kirkus starred review"
"The Rithmatist" contains some very good surprises on the way to a pleasingly nifty conclusion." -" New York Times Book Review"
""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
"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."
"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 "bestselling author of "The Maze Runner"
"Brimming with wit, mystery, and enough ideas to make ten other books jealous, "The Rithmatist "is boldly entertaining and wildly original. Armedius Academy is the first magic school that really teaches magic--the chalk-based Rithmatics, both a mystic science and a delightful visual art--and I have never had more fun learning anything. The creepy climax had me on the edge of my seat, and the slam-bang finish made me stand up and cheer."--Dan Wells, author of "I Am Not a Serial Killer "and "Partials"
""""
A "New York Times" Editors' Choice Selection
"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"
"Fantasy readers should devour this well-crafted mix of action and setup, enriched by thoroughly detailed cultural and historical background and capped by a distinctly unsettling twist." - "Kirkus starred review"
"The Rithmatist" contains some very good surprises on the way to a pleasingly nifty conclusion." -" New York Times Book Review"
""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
"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."
"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 "bestselling author of "The Maze Runner"
"Brimming with wit, mystery, and enough ideas to make ten other books jealous, "The Rithmatist "is boldly entertaining and wildly original. Armedius Academy is the first magic school that really teaches magic--the chalk-based Rithmatics, both a mystic science and a delightful visual art--and I have never had more fun learning anything. The creepy climax had me on the edge of my seat, and the slam-bang finish made me stand up and cheer."--Dan Wells, author of "I Am Not a Serial Killer "and "Partials"
""""
"Narrator Michael Kramer follows the intensity of the plot, building suspense as needed." - "AudioFile "Magazine
"Narrator Michael Kramer creates distinct voices for the cast and brings gravitas to the story. Recommended for those seeking an adventure with a 'Harry Potter, boy detective' vibe." - "Library Journal"
"Narrator Michael Kramer follows the intensity of the plot, building suspense as needed." - "AudioFile "Magazine
""""
""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 "bestselling 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" bestselling 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 "bestselling author of "The Maze Runner"
"Brimming with wit, mystery, and enough ideas to make ten other books jealous, "The Rithmatist "is boldly entertaining and wildly original. Armedius Academy is the first magic school that really teaches magic--the chalk-based Rithmatics, both a mystic science and a delightful visual art--and I have never had more fun learning anything. The creepy climax had me on the edge of my seat, and the slam-bang finish made me stand up and cheer."--Dan Wells, author of "I Am Not a Serial Killer "and "Partials"
"["The Hero of Ages"] brings the Mistborn epic fantasy trilogy to a dramatic and surprising climax.... Sanderson's saga of consequences offers complex characters and a compelling plot, asking hard questions about loyalty, faith, and responsibility."
"--Publishers Weekly
""Sanderson continues to show that he is one of the best authors in the genre."
"--Library Journal, " starreda