Rithmatist series
The Rithmatist series is an alternate world fantasy steampunk 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] tentatively to be released in 2017.
World
In the world of the Rithmatist, which is an alternate version of our own, some people, selected as children and trained, are capable of magic that involves using chalk to draw shapes which can be used to defend against or fight two-dimensional figures known as Chalklings. Rithmatists can also create Chalklings. Rithmatists are the main defense humanity has against the Wild Chalklings and the Tower, a mysterious threat centered in Nebrask, which threaten all of the United Isles, the alternate world's version of the United States of America.
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
Book Two
According to Sanderson, at least one other novel will be published in The Rithmatist series.[1] While on tour for Words of Radiance(2014), Sanderson said he would start working on a sequel after the final draft of Firefight (2015), the second book in The Reckoners series, is finished. The Rithmatist series sequel is tentatively titled The Aztlanian.
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]
Awards and nominations
- BFYA Awards - Best Fiction for YA (nominated) for The Rithmatist (2013)[3]
- Audie Award - Fantasy Category (nominated) for The Rithmatist[4]
Honorable Mentions
- New York Times Book Review: Notable Children's Books of the Year (2013) for The Rithmatist[5]
- Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the Year (2013) for The Rithmatist[6]
References
- 1 2 "State of the Sanderson". BrandonSanderson.com. December 2014.
- ↑ Ness, Patrick (2013-05-10). "'The Rithmatist,' by Brandon Sanderson". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2016-10-05.
- ↑ "BFYA Nominations". ALA.org.
- ↑ "Storybundle Updates". BrandonSanderson.com.
- ↑ "Book Review: Notable Children's Books of the Year". The New York Times. December 8, 2013.
- ↑ "Best Books of the Year". Kirkus Reviews. 2013.
External links
- "Official The Rithmatist webpage". BrandonSanderson.com.