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“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
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“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
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“The Rithmatist contains some very good
surprises on the way to a pleasingly nifty conclusion.”
— New York Times Book Review
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“[With]
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)
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“Sanderson
has crafted an action-packed mystery that will keep readers hooked, especially
toward the end…Part fantasy, part alternate history, part steampunk, this story
succeeds nicely despite some flaws (logical inconsistencies and an annoying
female lead foremost among them). An exciting ending and skillful setup for a
sequel will have readers hungry for the next volume.”
— School Library Journal
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“With an
intriguing premise and captivating characters in Joel, his friend Melody, and
their teacher Professor Fitch, Sanderson’s first YA novel is a fast-paced
mash-up of fantasy and adventure that will grab readers’ attention at the first
page and hold it until the inconclusive end, which promises a sequel. An
auspicious YA debut that will leave readers hungry for further adventures of
the aspiring Rithmatist and his friends.”
— Booklist
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“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 Reviews (starred review)
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“Narrator
Michael Kramer follows the intensity of the plot, building suspense as needed.
He creates definitive contrast between the characters, especially between the
rithmatist academics and the soldier who leads the investigation and between
Joel and the female rithmatist student he befriends. Although not mentioned in
the audiobook, the illustrations from the book are available on the author’s
Web site.”
— AudioFile
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“A fascinating, fun introduction…Intriguing…Compelling.”
— RT Book Reviews (4 stars)
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“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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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The Rithmatist contains some very good surprises on the way to a pleasingly nifty conclusion.
— New York Times Book Review