The Rithmatist (The Rithmatist, #1) (edició 2014)

Why, why? Do I always manage to listen to audiobooks where the illustrations are integral to the story? I have to say, I don't mind it too much in this case, since the book was so well read, and the Rithmatic diagrams were explained in a fashion that kept the narrative rolling.

here's what you need to know: Rithmatists are basically mathmetician-magicians who can draw lines with chalk and alter their surroundings. Joel is a gifted mathmetician, but not a Rithmatist. Melody is a screw-up Rithmatist who enjoys giving Joel a hard time, and the two of them end up as special assistants to a scholarly minded professor for the summer, helping solve the disappearances of several Rithmatic students. Set in a wealthy boarding school in an alternate united states that is entirely island based(!) and steam-powered, this is a fascinating and inticate mystery-adventure. ( )

Sanderson creates a fun, funny, and scary boarding school tale. Joel attends Armedius Academy in New Britannia in the United Isles of America because his parents both work for the boarding school. His father was a chalkmaker, who created special chalk compounds that the Rithmatists of the school admired but he died under mysterious circumstances that are slowly revealed through the book. His mother works as a cleaning lady at the school. Joel wants nothing more than to be a Rithmatist but his inception at the age of 8 on July fourth failed to anoint him as one of the chosen. Joel sees a chance to learn about Rithmatic theories by becoming the research assistant to Professor Fitch who had been defeated in a duel by a new young tutor, Nalizar, in front of his class. Professor Fitch then must trade his tenured teaching position with Nalizar and become a tutor. Melody, an obnoxious, failing Rithmatics student must also work with Fitch during the summer term. Joel quickly learns that he and Fitch are working on the strange disappearances of Armedius Rithmatics students and events then take off. I listened to this book and therefore missed the fun illustrations by Ben McSweeney. But the narration by Michael Kramer was brilliant and not to be missed. He varies each voice appropriately and injects the humor into the dialogue. ( )

Clever, fun, exciting, and unpredictable. Can't wait for the sequel. ( )

This is another YA book well worth reading. Great setting, great characters, a unique historical milieu and magical system. Recommended! ( )

Brandon Sanderson, once again, has created an exciting world to sink our teeth into, a good story, and slightly more questions than answers. Looking forward to more stories in this universe. ( )