Rithmatist series

The Rithmatist series is a young adult fantasy series written by American author Brandon Sanderson. At least two books are planned in the series: The Rithmatist (2013) and a second volume titled The Aztlanian^[1] is planned.

Setting

The world in which The Rithmatist is set is similar to the recent past of our own. At 8 years old, children undergo a religious ceremony known as Inception, during which the child's fate is decided: fewer than 1 in 1000 are chosen to become Rithmatists.

Rithmatists are warriors. They use geometric patterns of chalk (Lines) to perform magic with physical effects. Lines may shield a user, attack an opponent or animate a creature known as a Chalkling which will do the Rithmatist's bidding.

Rithmatists are humanity's primary defence against the mysterious Wild Chalklings. After graduating, a Rithmatist is expected to spend time in Nebrask actively using their gift and training to wage war, protecting the United American Isles from the threat of Wild Chalklings escaping The Tower.

The story mainly takes place at Armedius Academy, one of 8 schools that trains and teaches Rithmatists, alongside non-Rithmatists with rich or important families.

Plot

The Rithmatist follows the story of Joel, a teenage boy who is enrolled at and lives on campus of Armedius Academy. He isn't a Rithmatist, yet is interested in the study of Rithmatist power. Joel, eager to know more about Rithmatics, helps a professor at Armedius Academy when students of the school start disappearing - kidnapped and presumed dead.

Characters

• Joel Saxon, the son of a cleaning lady and a chalk-maker, whose father was killed. He wants to become a Rithmatist, but possesses no Rithmatic powers.
• Melody Muns, a red headed Rithmatist, who is a friend of Joel's, and claims that her life is a tragedy. Despite the odds, all members of the Muns Family are Rithmatists.
• Professor Fitch, a teacher at Armedius Academy who investigates the kidnappings of several students. He has an untidy study, but is very smart.
• Principal Thomas York, Principal of Armedius Academy. He was a good friend of Joel's father before he died
• Professor Andrew Nalizar, a professor who fought at Nebrask and is now teaching at Armedius.
• Inspector Harding, a federal inspector brought in to investigate the disappearances at the school.
• Exton Pratt, Administrator at Armedius Academy
• Florence, Administrator at Armedius Academy
• Lilly, Missing presumed dead student who was the first attacked. Attended Armedius Academy, previous training with Fitch.

Sequel

According to Sanderson, at least one other novel will be published in the Rithmatist series. In 2014, while on tour for Words of Radiance, Sanderson said he would start working on a sequel after the final draft of Firefight, the second book in the Reckoners series, was finished. The sequel is tentatively titled The Aztlanian. It was originally planned to be released in 2017, but this is uncertain as of December 2016.^[1]

Reception

Patrick Ness wrote in The New York Times that "the world of the novel is nicely fleshed out", but "there is almost no action until the climax".^[2] The book was named one of the "Notable Children's Books of 2013" by the New York Times.^[3]

Awards and nominations

• BFYA Awards - Best Fiction for YA (nominated) for The Rithmatist (2013)^[4]
• Audie Award - Fantasy Category (nominated) for The Rithmatist^[5]

Honorable Mentions

• New York Times Book Review: Notable Children's Books of the Year (2013) for The Rithmatist^[6]
• Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the Year (2013) for The Rithmatist^[7]

References

External links

• "Official The Rithmatist webpage". BrandonSanderson.com.