The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson (2014-05-13)

Wonderful youth literature. Read aloud to my Tweens and they loved it. Great plot line no twaddle. Young man finds his place in the world through diligence and passion and staying true to himself and his family. Fantastic messages and wonderful writing all in a mystical scientific setting. Fantastic!

I hadn't read this book by Brandon Sanderson because I thought it was for children (really didn't even read description). I finally picked it up and it was fantastic!

Pros: It's set in an alternate earth, full of fun and "flawed" characters, action and mystery.
Cons: No sequel yet

Borrowed the audio book from my library, then bought the kindle book, 'cause it was more captivating (for me) than I had anticipated!
This is a book about battle strategy and geometric patterns. Go figure. I am a math teacher who is not great at strategy games, so some of the strategies were lost on me, but I still loved it. :)

Yet another fantastic new magic system created by Sanderson. Original, interesting, anchored in math and easy to understand. Interesting backstory which still has Miles (and books) to go before being fully explained. A really fun read.

The thing I love the most about Sanderson is that he can write a stand-alone novel and not leave you feeling wanting when you're finished. This novel is no exception. The magic system is complex but still fully realized with diagrams to draw the reader further into the world of the rithmatists. I have to admit I was scratching my head at some of the mathematics, but this is a fantasy novel so I let it slide.

I discovered Brandon books about 2 months ago and I have read almost all his works so far. The Rithmatist is labeled a book for young adults but can be a pleasant experience for all readers. Sandarson have a natural talent on creating new worlds and magic mechanisms but that's not what makes his books a success. Brandon understands people.
In this book he captures the emotions of a teenager seeking affirmation from their peers, discovering love, and, at the same time, dealing with the death of his father. The result is an enjoyable read, with a great emotional burden, that, in the end, leaves the reader eager to read a second book.

As an avid fan of Brandon Sanderson, I enjoyed this book. It definitely falls into the "young adult" genre, but will be enjoyed by fantasy enthusiasts of all ages. In this novel, Sanderson showcases his flare for imagining alternate realities, where magic weilding characters battle evil in one form or another and eventually learn a positive lesson about morality and teamwork or some such. The truth is, Sandersons seems to rely mostly on descriptions of the magical systems he devises to drive his stories along, rather than strong character and plot development. The goods news is, you barely notice the lack of engaging characters because the magic is so flippin' cool to read about. Unfortunately, as with several of his other novels, Sanderson seems to have absolutely no compunction about ending a seemingly standalone book with a tantalizing cliffhanger and a myriad of unanswered questions.

In conclusion, The Rithmatist is a well imagined and engaging book, but lacks a feeling of closure as a standalone novel.

The characters were likable. The magic system is interesting and detailed, but you can ignore most of the detail if you're not interested. The world building had interesting teasers, but we'll have to wait for the rest of the series to see how well that works. While this story comes to a decent conclusion, I was disappointed to find out that there aren't more books in the series yet.

An excellent story from Brandon Sanderson that finds magic in an alternate earth. Asia has conquered Europe, North America is a series of islands, and deep within an island called Nebrask chalk creatures swarm. Springs, chalk, cogs, and lamplight bring this ninteenth century story to life.

As with many of Brandon Sanderson's novels, this one had a well though out imaginary world with some very intriguing rules that were clearly put forward in the narrative. They allowed me to understand enough of what was happening in this foreign landscape that I was not distracted overly by the complexity and could concentrate on the characters. Recommended.

Unusually for a Brandon Sanderson book, this one took me a good while to get into. The Kindle told me I was at the 20% mark around the time it started getting good. Up to that point, I felt like I was slogging through. After that point, it flew by. I think my main issue was that the main character irritated me.

The Rithmatist is exactly what we have come to expect form Sanderson. Like his other short works Sanderson doesnt tell a story he creates a world and charachters with such depth and clarity that the story just occurs as natural as breathing. Once you accept the reality of the mythos, and learn to fear two-dimensional drawings, the story is less told than lives and takes you along for the ride. Thers is no "you should read this book if" here just read the book. This is one of those works that i expect to see on the big screen in the next few years.

I've read most of Brandon Sanderson books and this is another good one. The problem is the next one in this series is not due until 2017 and that is a long time to wait for an update on Joel. The story has a good plot, lots of action, and some Sanderson twists. If you liked the Reckoners series or Elantris you should read this one also.

I got the book because the cover looked interesting and the book sounded interesting. Good book, I am not sure ifnits connected to other books he writes since there isnt much back story on the countries and how they came to be. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed it and can't wait for the sequel.

An intriguing adventure into a world just slightly off from what you would expect. Some of the plot development seemed rushed but that may be due to the drop in the bucket nature of this story of a much larger world. Obviously, the ending leads to a squeal anyway but even without that, some of the turns the story takes seem like they could have been better detailed. Still a very enjoyable read and one I have enjoyed taking to my summer camp students.

Brandon's YA literature is enthralling and engaging. I found this book to be excellent, but less satisfying than some of his others, but his other books are so good that this one, even inferior to them, still deserves a 5 star rating. I am sure that as the series is fleshed out and we have more revelations into the story I will enjoy it as much as the other books.

The book feels geared towards teenagers, but as an adult I still found it to be an enjoyable read. The setting was excellent and inventive, while the "magic" in the system was unique and interesting. Also, the use of an artist to show different aspects of the setting's magic system was clever and well thought out.

I was surprised to find the book almost over with when the first major plot line was about to be resolved. The book seemed rather short, but the "To be continued.." at the end hopefully means more excellent books from this setting will be coming our way soon.

All in all, this book has lead me to check out the rest of this author's works. Well done!

Although I think this book is geared toward the young adult audience, as a Sanderson fan I just had to read it. It was engaging, kept you guessing, and did not disappoint. Brandon Sanderson likes sampling with "alternate realities" (for lack of a better phrase) and does it so well. I liked the societal backdrop of this book as it was new and interesting. Can't wait for the next one!

Brandon Sanderson is known for his inventive and intricate systems of magic that he develops for his novels. His are sort of the opposite of Terry Brooks and other authors' fantasy settings wherein the magic is inherently unpredictable and unsystematic. Which type of story-telling is preferable is up for debate. I kind of like both types of stories, those with, and those without, orderly and logical systems of magic.

In his new YA novel, The Rithmatist, Sanderson has the incredibly detailed and consistent magic system called "Rithmatics", but with a twist. You see, the main protagonist, who knows the most there is to know about this system is not a Rithmatist. The teenage boy, Joel, is the son of a chalkmaker, who has always shared his late father's fascination for Rithmatics. The essential gist of Rithmatics is that, by the use of intricate drawings with chalk, based in mathematics in part (thus the name of the system), the talented Rithmatist can create defenses and little animals (called "chalklings") that do their bidding.

Of course, there is so much more to this story than what I've said so far, but to say too much more would be to massively spoil the story. Anyone who has read Sanderson's novels knows that he is apt to have one huge revelation after another in the second half to last third of his books. So, in order to not give away huge plot points, I can't say too much, except that Joel is, despite not being a Rithmatist, much more special to whatever otherworldly forces are at work on the side of the good guys.

There really wasn't much to critique here. I think that the set-up is interesting, in that one could argue it is a non-wizard against a group of the most powerful evil magic-users. I suppose that the book's ending could be seen as a let-down. It concludes with a major revelation of defeat and a victory by Joel and his friend/sort-of girlfriend, Melody (who is, unlike Joel, a Rithmatist), and.... that's it. We see some of the results of Joel's victory, but not all. What will happen with the amazing feat Melody and Joel accomplished at the end? We shall see. The ending was one massive sequel hook that felt a little flat. But that is about the only criticism I can think of about this book.

I think that Sanderson handled the burgeoning friendship and potential romance between Joel and Melody quite well. Joel and Melody don't have some passionate love affair, but they are obviously leaning towards developing feelings for each other. It is a teenage crush type of situation that is written in a really sweet way.

Then there is Mr. Fitch, who does a fine job of being a really great character, even while being mild and fearful. His awesomeness at the end (minor spoiler there!) will not be foreseeable given his nervousness and fearfulness for part of the book. I just have to say that the type of informal family made up of Joel, his mom, Fitch, and Melody was really nice and fun to root for and read about.

One quick note for those who read the book is to pay attention to the descriptions of Rithmatic concepts before each chapter, they seem to be applicable to a certain event near the end of the book. At least, that was my interpretation from the use of a certain feminine personal pronoun.

At the beginning, I talked of the difference in style between Sanderson's logical systems of magic, and those of other authors. I really do, as I said, think that both types of plot devices work. The mystery and unpredictability, and thus malleability in terms of plot and characterization, of the more unpredictable systems are nice, but so are the more logical systems, even if they close certain doors to the author, because they make it easier to interact with the plot as you can predict what happens at times.

Once again, Sanderson delivers a master-stroke, this time for the YA market.

Highly Recommended.

This is a wonderful story, told with characters we like or not, but who grab our attention. In the end, it leaves us clamoring for more, as hinted strongly at the end. Don't let its label as "Young Adult" fiction dissuade you from reading it if you are well beyond the young adult stage. It's a story for all, just as stories about Jedis or fearless mice or wonderful lions are.

What a great story. Initially I thought that this book would be relatively simple. However, The plot turned out to be surprisingly intriguing. The world development was rich. I very much hope that Brandon Sanderson chooses to continue this wonderful beginning as a series of novels.
I wholeheartedly recommend this novel to anyone.

The book is intended for young readers. Mature readers, used to Sanderson's other works, may find this book somewhat disappointing. For me the story went too slow and lacked character development. That having been said, it is nonetheless very imaginative, and readable. My guess is that young readers and quite a few veterans will thoroughly enjoy "The Rithmatist".

The Rithmatist is an intriguing read from the start. Brandon Sanderson has proved once again he is a master world builder creating worlds with their own laws on magic. It pulls you in with suspense at first, laying down the foundation of a good mystery story told in a world with it's own fantasy system against a clockwork backdrop. I liked the main character, Joel, have his coming of age moments in this novel and how he still has a long way to go. This is an excellent novel for the Sci-fi/Fantasy enthusiast, a Steampunk aficionado, or someone who likes a great read.

Sanderson is always fantastic about making new types of magic and new worlds that are very interesting and immersive and full of depth and character. I was very surprised how exciting he made the duels when all the people were doing was drawing on the ground. The only disappointment is that it appears to be the first of the series and the rest of the series is not done.

Without a doubt, Brandon Sanderson is a phenomenal talent. This latest release is no deviation from his norm -- engaging characters, steady, building pace, and an innate "put you right there" style of writing. Young adult, middle-aged adult (sigh - that's me), or old adult, you'll enjoy this story.

Mr Sanderson, keep up the great work!

This is definitely a book for kids/young adults, but I don't hesitate to recommend it to fantasy readers of all ages. While its intended audience is plain throughout the book, it became less and less of a bother as the book went on. Now that it's done I've found myself craving another entry in the series. You've done it again Sanderson!!

Not really Sanderson at his best, but reasonably good storytelling. I had a hard time getting past the silly nature of the magic in this reality, which is the premise for the book. Might be better suited for younger readers.

Clearly meant to be a series - I'm not sure if I'll continue with it.

In some ways it felt like reading Harry Potter. At one point I was afraid he was going to go with some of the standard chain yanks that especially plagued Harry Potter, but I think this turned out to mostly be shell shock from reading Harry Potter. In the end it turned out to be more its own thing, and very compelling. My only complaint is that it was too short - there's a reason I love Sanderson's books. ;-)

Only Brandon Sanderson could make math interesting and this exciting!
I love the world building and the variety in the characters. Sanderson is
one of the most imaginative and creative writers around. He keeps coming
up with original ideas!

When will he ever misfire? His ability to creature totally new realities in each of his stories is amazing. In the Rythmatist, Sanderson has created a tale and a world that is both interesting and fun. The characters are solid and the story line unique. While considered a Young Adult novel, fans of all ages are going to love it.

I loved reading this book! The author has created a fascinating steam-punkish world with a touch of magic. It's well-written with good plot twists. But it's not one that you can listen to on audiobook because the illustrations are super important to understanding what's going on.

Once I got past the "Chalk? They're fighting with chalk drawings?" feeling, I loved this book. It's hard to imagine anyone other than Brandon making it work, but after a few chapters I was intrigued, and by the time the mystery was set up and the chase was on, I was enthralled. The end nicely ties in little details that were mentioned throughout the book, which I always appreciate.

I love Brandon Sanderson and wanted something that would be appropriate for my 6th grade daughter also and, boy! did I find it. Sanderson never disappoints. I would love to be a fly on his brains wall and just watch his thought process for creating these worlds.

Very enjoyable book. It seems quite suitable for younger readers. I bought this (I have both the hardcopy and kindle versions) with the intention of reading it before giving it to my 12 year-old grandson. Just wish the author was actively working on the sequel.

I don't usually like Brandon Sanderson's work, but this one really appealed to me. The world building was good and the idea of wielding magic through chalk drawings was very interesting. I'm actually looking forward to the sequel.

This book has it all. The main characters have depth, the magic system is very different from anything else I have ever read and the plot has several great twists. The end game was riveting. One of the best YA fantasies I have ever read.

It was not Sandersons best work. It is also hindered that it is aimed at a younger reading group. It is not a bad book buy Steelheart is a better book aimed at the same age group. I am not saying it is a bad book, but when you look at all his other works this one falls short of the mark.

I dont know how many authors can make chalk interesting, but Sanderson is one of them. At first i thought it was kind of silly, then I found it interesting and at the end I thought the magic system was down right fascinating.
The plot keeps you turning the pages and it is the making of a really cool series.

I recommend this book for those who likes fantasy novels and want to have a bit of easy reading.

On the negative side I thought some of the characters could be fleshed out a bit more, instrad of learning every little bit of the magic system, but all in all a great read :)

Brandon Sanderson is my Favorite author. Ever. If you like the Mistborn chronicles, you will like this. It has zero swearing, zero inappropriate actions, and no death. (Well, it makes you think some people are dead and then they are not.. I would reccomend this book for people ages 10+ such an amazing book! I finished it in 2 days!