The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson | Audiobook Review

This is the not the first version I wrote of my review. The first version was a whole lot of fan girl spoiler action. I can't have any of the spoiler business on my blog so after getting it all out of my system, I scratched it and started anew.

Book Description

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.

Review

I tried explaining what this book is about to my husband, and I bumbled through it rather incoherently. I'm not going to try to recreate that here. I will point you to the book description ^ to learn what The Rithmatist is about.

So, yeah. Basically these kids draw shapes with chalk to defend themselves against chalk creatures who can and will try to kill them.

It's kind of a nerdy book with the math and the unicorns, and I seriously loved it. 

I love when a book's excitement builds and builds for me. I was hooked early on because I like nerdy things, and I really liked Joel's character. Then students started disappearing and we started getting to know Melody and all of the teachers including that one new teacher you just know you can't trust.

Joel and Melody are trying to figure out who has been taking the kids, and a lot of awesome that I won't spoil ensues. I was so hooked to the story I was practically fist pumping for Joel and Melody in the end.

And the bad guy... I'm so excited about the bad guy, and I can't wait for the rest of this series. I mentioned the other day how frustrated I am that series books never give me a whole story anymore, but The Rithmatist gave me a complete story and a big dose of excitement over what's to come.

This is my first Brandon Sanderson book so I had no expectations going in, and I have no reference or comparison to his adult books. My library has two of his other series so I will be checking them out eventually.

If the book description sounds good to you, you should definitely read the book. The only comparison I have is it reminds me of Harry Potter. That's dangerous territory, I know, so take it how you will. As for me, I cannot wait to read the next book.

8/10: Great Read

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I listened to The Rithmatist on audio. The audiobook was narrated by Michael Kramer.