It was exciting and scary at times, and rich in history, too. It was so fun to imagine all these Rithmastists drawing their Warding lines and Chalkings and such! The magic Sanderson created is strongly visual, which is also helped by the illustrated instructions preceding every chapter.

Two : A unique magic system (and consequently, a unique worldbuilding). Maybe it will come, but for now, being witness to their new friendship was heartwarming and entertaining, and it felt natural rather than forced. Here, Sanderson focuses on the friendship between Joel and Melody, and other than Joel observing that Melody can be sort of pretty, there’s really no hint of some romantic interest between the two.

One : Adventure, not romance! How incredibly refreshing is that? I have a hard time thinking of many fantasy/paranormal YA novels that don’t include romance as a main ingredient. 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.Īs always when reading a favorite author, I went into The Rithmatist with a bit of trepidation would I discover a new fantastic world or be sourly disappointed? With such an original premise and Sanderson’s talent for complex worldbuilding, I was hoping for some magical reading candy – but I did not expect to find so many things to love! There were three things that really stood out for me in The Rithmatist, and would have me recommend it: Then students start disappearing - kidnapped from their rooms at night, leaving trails of blood. Having nearly overrun the territory of Nebrask, the Wild Chalklings now threaten all of the American Isles.Īs 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. Rithmatists are humanity’s only defense against the Wild Chalklings - merciless creatures that leave mangled corpses in their wake. Chosen by the Master in a mysterious inception ceremony, Rithmatists have the power to infuse life into two-dimensional figures known as Chalklings.

More than anything, Joel wants to be a Rithmatist.

The rithmatist book 2