Forever Obsession: The Rithmatist

ISBN: 0765320320
Pages: 378

Source: Library
Appearance:

Summary:

More than anything, Joel wants to be a Rithmatist. Rithmatists have the power to infuse life into two-dimensional figures known as Chalklings. Rithmatists are humanity’s only defense against the Wild Chalklings. Having nearly overrun the territory of Nebrask, the Wild Chalklings now threaten all of the American Isles.
As the son of a lowly chalkmaker at Armedius Academy, Joel can only watch as Rithmatist students learn the magical art that he would do anything to practice. Then students start disappearing—kidnapped from their rooms at night, leaving trails of blood. 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.

Oh my freaking goodness guys, I finally read a Brandon Sanderson fantasy novel! And it was freaking fantastic!! I read Steelheart earlier this year, but I couldn't really get into the story so I put it down. But this book, oh gods it was so amazing. (Warning: The word freaking will be used several times due to extreme excitement and feels.)

The Rithmatist follows a boy named Joel who attends a prestigious Academy full of normal students and Rithmatists. A Rithmatist is a person who was chosen by the Master to have the ability to bring life to chalk and is humanity's last defense against the wild chalkings whom are slowly taking over the Isles. Joel himself is not a Rithmatist but since his father was a famous chalkmaker and good friend to the head of the Academy, Joel's allowed to attend the Academy as well. His fascination with Rithmatists leads him to find himself in the middle of a suspicious case where Rithmatist students are being kidnapped from their homes and the only evidence they leave behind are broken chalk lines and broken chalking images.

Brandon Sanderson creates this amazing world where a piece of chalk, when in the hands of a Rithmatist can bring life to drawings. In addition to the story, there are these amazing pictures that show you the specific drawings that are references in the story so you can see the workings behind everything. I have a small confession to make, I might be a bit terrified of chalk now. Reading this right before going to sleep every night is not a great idea, especially when you get to all the creepy parts from the kidnapped Rithmatist students' point of view. That's how surrounded by the world you are.

I honestly loved Joel's fascination with the Rithmatists. If it weren't for his awe and adoration of them, I honestly don't think that l would have been so fascinated with them myself. Growing up around them and missing his choosing day all contribute to his little obsession. He's really nerdy about it which I think is really cute. Throughout the story, he uses that fascination to encourage Melody and help her accept her "great destiny."

The friendship between Joel and Melody is something that I promise will make you smile, at least once. Melody's this amazing character with so much flair. That's really the only word I can think of to describe her. She adores using the word tragic to describe everything and states loudly numerous times that Joel is stalking her when they first meet because he keep showing up where she is. She's just so dramatic compared to Joel that their friendship is funny and keeps you waiting for the next smart remark.

Okay, enough about the characters, let's get onto some of the evil stuff that's going on in this book. After Professor Fitch was defeated by Nalizar, Joel has hated the guy's guts and been dead convinced that he is behind the kidnappings. However, Sanderson throws some curveballs at you along the way. The ending, which I can't talk much about for fear is spoilers, was completely unexpected and amazing. The tournament was awesome and super intense and the last scene left you dying of frustration but also jumping up and down in excitement. That sounds so vague and I'm sorry for that, but you really have to read it to know what I'm talking about.

Overall, I loved this book. I tried not giving it a 4.5 since it's a first book in a series but I couldn't. It was just too good. So highly highly recommend! If you've read this, let me know what you thought of it in the comments below!!