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asriram's review against another edition
4.0
Standard Brandon Sanderson - fun, detailed, with a lot of focus on the character and magic system making a decent story quite enjoyable to read through. Now I get to join the fans that are pushing for Brandon to write a sequel to this novel, since it was fantastic.
eesh25's review against another edition
5.0
Rithmatists are people who, in simple terms, can bring their chalk drawing to life. The chalklings still two-dimensional and stay on a flat surface, but they can move around. Though Rithmatists aren't magic-for-fun people. There's a war going on with the wild chalklings (they kill people). Rithmatists work to maintain a chalk barrier by both offense and defense. All Rithmatists are obligated to work on the front-lines for a certain period of time, since so few are bestowed with the ability.
Joel wishes more than anything that he could be a Rithmatist. And though he can't, he still has a chance—thanks to his father, who was a chalk-maker before he died—to study at one of the most prestigious schools, Armedius Academy, that teaches both Rithmatists and others. He uses the opportunity to sneak into Rithmatic classes and learn as much as he can, even if he will never be able to apply it. For the summer, he plans to convince a Rithmatics teacher to take him on as an apprentice. Then Rithmatic students start to go missing and a simple desire to learn becomes a lot more complicated, as Joel gets involved in the investigation.
And no, it's not a case of teenager-meddling-in-things-that-are-none-of-his-business. Joel is really and he knows a lot about Rithmatics. And since the kidnapper is only going after Rithmatists, it's safer for him to be involved in the investigation. And if you're sceptical about how much he can help, don't be, because Joel is fucking awesome. He's so clever and brilliant that you'll completely love him. For me, Joel made the book twice as good as it would have been. His way of thinking, his desire to learn, his ability to solve problems, how hard he works... he was the best. Though I'm not sure if I could choose whether I love him more, or the world building.
Anyone who's familiar with Sanderson knows that he excels at world building. Sometimes he'll create the most intriguing world just for a novella—The Emperor's Soul, seriously, read it—that it's almost like he's showing off and, by the end, you want more. So of course, I knew this would be great. But really, I loved it so much.
I loved how unique the concept of Rithmatics is, not to mention a war that's fought in silence with people sitting on the ground and drawing. I loved the rules of Rithmatics and the way they were all explained with illustration of different Rithmatic defenses. I loved that this is a Steampunk, alternate universe, fantasy novel, a setting that just works, and I loved that all the world building is done in the most interesting way, with no info-dumps. I just loved this book. And knowing that we don't even have a release year for the sequel... yeah, that sucks. But it's not like there's anything else to do, except wait.
Last but not least, there's a character I want to give a shoutout to: Melody. She wasn't someone I immediately loved but she grew on me slowly and steadily. Melody is a Rithmatist but she's not good at it and it's not a choice she would have made for herself, if people actually got a choice. She provides a different perspective. She's also overdramatic in the best way and makes for a very entertaining presence. Her and Joel, with their differing personalities, work very well together. They make a good team, and I can't wait to see more of them.
Overall, one of my favourite reads of the year, and maybe even of all time, and I highly recommend it. It's fast paced, has great characters, a fascinating world, a really well-done mystery, and is just a really good read.
Joel wishes more than anything that he could be a Rithmatist. And though he can't, he still has a chance—thanks to his father, who was a chalk-maker before he died—to study at one of the most prestigious schools, Armedius Academy, that teaches both Rithmatists and others. He uses the opportunity to sneak into Rithmatic classes and learn as much as he can, even if he will never be able to apply it. For the summer, he plans to convince a Rithmatics teacher to take him on as an apprentice. Then Rithmatic students start to go missing and a simple desire to learn becomes a lot more complicated, as Joel gets involved in the investigation.
And no, it's not a case of teenager-meddling-in-things-that-are-none-of-his-business. Joel is really and he knows a lot about Rithmatics. And since the kidnapper is only going after Rithmatists, it's safer for him to be involved in the investigation. And if you're sceptical about how much he can help, don't be, because Joel is fucking awesome. He's so clever and brilliant that you'll completely love him. For me, Joel made the book twice as good as it would have been. His way of thinking, his desire to learn, his ability to solve problems, how hard he works... he was the best. Though I'm not sure if I could choose whether I love him more, or the world building.
Anyone who's familiar with Sanderson knows that he excels at world building. Sometimes he'll create the most intriguing world just for a novella—The Emperor's Soul, seriously, read it—that it's almost like he's showing off and, by the end, you want more. So of course, I knew this would be great. But really, I loved it so much.
I loved how unique the concept of Rithmatics is, not to mention a war that's fought in silence with people sitting on the ground and drawing. I loved the rules of Rithmatics and the way they were all explained with illustration of different Rithmatic defenses. I loved that this is a Steampunk, alternate universe, fantasy novel, a setting that just works, and I loved that all the world building is done in the most interesting way, with no info-dumps. I just loved this book. And knowing that we don't even have a release year for the sequel... yeah, that sucks. But it's not like there's anything else to do, except wait.
Last but not least, there's a character I want to give a shoutout to: Melody. She wasn't someone I immediately loved but she grew on me slowly and steadily. Melody is a Rithmatist but she's not good at it and it's not a choice she would have made for herself, if people actually got a choice. She provides a different perspective. She's also overdramatic in the best way and makes for a very entertaining presence. Her and Joel, with their differing personalities, work very well together. They make a good team, and I can't wait to see more of them.
Overall, one of my favourite reads of the year, and maybe even of all time, and I highly recommend it. It's fast paced, has great characters, a fascinating world, a really well-done mystery, and is just a really good read.
read4coots's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
jaycereadss's review against another edition
4.0
4.5!!
I loved this book! I totally get the Brandon Sanderson hype train!
This book was not part of Sanderson's fantasy world, The Cosmere. Most of his books rely on The Cosmere. I will definitely read more books by Sanderson (inside The Cosmere)
This is a YA book by Sanderson. He also has a few more which are part of a trilogy called The Reckoners which contains Steelheart, Fireflight, and Calamity.
Most people say that you should start with "Mistborn: The Final Empire" but I would like to say that they are wrong.*
This book was super fast-paced. I finished this book in under a day, I listened to the audiobook at 3x speed, but I would think that this book is a quick read. I was super excited to start listening to this audiobook! You should read this; if you are a Sanderson reader or a reader that wants to start reading him!
TW: no major trigger warnings to list
* to quickly note; I have not read Mistborn: The Final Empire as of writing this review. I have a hold on it at the library and I will be reading it shortly. I am sure that Mistborn is a good book to start with Sanderson.
I loved this book! I totally get the Brandon Sanderson hype train!
This book was not part of Sanderson's fantasy world, The Cosmere. Most of his books rely on The Cosmere. I will definitely read more books by Sanderson (inside The Cosmere)
This is a YA book by Sanderson. He also has a few more which are part of a trilogy called The Reckoners which contains Steelheart, Fireflight, and Calamity.
Most people say that you should start with "Mistborn: The Final Empire" but I would like to say that they are wrong.*
This book was super fast-paced. I finished this book in under a day, I listened to the audiobook at 3x speed, but I would think that this book is a quick read. I was super excited to start listening to this audiobook! You should read this; if you are a Sanderson reader or a reader that wants to start reading him!
TW: no major trigger warnings to list
* to quickly note; I have not read Mistborn: The Final Empire as of writing this review. I have a hold on it at the library and I will be reading it shortly. I am sure that Mistborn is a good book to start with Sanderson.
emmasalas_7's review against another edition
4.0
WHY DID IT END THAT WAY
BOOK 2 ISNT EVEN OUT YETT
screaming
it was really good :)
the person who made me read this.....why did you do this to me
BOOK 2 ISNT EVEN OUT YETT
screaming
it was really good :)
the person who made me read this.....why did you do this to me
bear_miya90's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
yukarin's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 Stars
It was a great book although it was sometimes predictable. I loved the world building and the steampunk elements. The characters were quiet naive at first but got a great development.
It was a great book although it was sometimes predictable. I loved the world building and the steampunk elements. The characters were quiet naive at first but got a great development.
lilelelel's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
uutopicaa's review against another edition
5.0
Pongo 5 estrellas pero es 4,5.
Durante años he escuchado el nombre “Brandon Sanderson” en la literatura juvenil, pero nunca me había topado con sus libros. Varias personas me recomendaban al autor y los blogs hablaban maravillas sobre sus textos, así que cuando vi “The Rithmatist” en una librería cerca de mi casa, no dudé en comprarlo. Pero como yo elijo mis lecturas al azar, el libro quedó olvidado entre las estanterías por casi un año y medio.
No puedo creer que no lo haya leído antes. Este libro es espectacular.
Evitaré detenerme en la explicación sobre la trama y sus personajes (que eso lo encuentran en Goodreads) y pasaré directamente a contarles mi opinión.
El libro me sorprendió MUCHÍSIMO.
Es una novela fantástica que transcurre (y a la vez no) en nuestro mundo. Las reglas son extremadamente complejas y creo que incluso para el final del libro solo hemos descubierto la punta del iceberg. PERO eso no es todo; los conceptos mágicos tienen trasfondo matemático-religioso (WOW) con toques artísticos (la importancia de un buen dibujo). A esto se le suman todos los elementos del género policial que hacen al conflicto central en el que debemos ponernos en los zapatos de un detective mágico. Es único.
En cuanto a la trama y el desarrollo de la historia, no tengo palabras. El autor nos sorprende con su originalidad, haciendo que el héroe no se comporte como esperáramos.
No puedo darles muchos detalles porque sería un spoiler, pero imagínense esto (es un ejemplo). Empiezan a leer los Juegos del Hambre. Los primeros capítulos hablan sobre Katniss y su familia hasta el cansancio. Llega el día de elegir a los tributos. OBVIAMENTE supondrán que Katniss o su hermana serán seleccionadas… y…. al final sale el nombre de una persona random que nadie conoce o de la persona con la que Katniss habló por dos renglones en la primera escena.
Bueno, así es esta novela.
Cuando esperamos lo obvio, lo que ya hemos visto tantas veces en otros libros, el autor nos demuestra con realismo que no todo es tan sencillo como parece y que no todas las casualidades de la vida apuntan al héroe. Es como escribir la saga de Harry Potter completa y que a mitad del cuarto libro descubran que Harry no es el elegido de la profecía. ASÍ.
Demás está decir que me encantó el concepto de magia dibujada con tiza siguiendo cálculos matemáticos mezclados con habilidad artística.
La complejidad de este mundo y de la trama central es intrínseca y, a diferencia de en tantas novelas juveniles, es sólida y consistente. No se cae ante pequeñas dudas o nimiedades. Todo está allí, planeado. Cada cosa tiene su función y sus reglas y no quedan cabos sueltos ni plot holes.
Otro “plus” que esta historia ha tenido conmigo es que AMO tanto el género fantástico como el policial, son dos de mis temáticas preferidas y es la primera vez que las veo BIEN combinadas en una misma historia. Me voló la cabeza.
Me encantó. Hace mucho tiempo que no me enganchaba con una saga juvenil y ahora no puedo esperar a que salga el segundo libro (el año que viene). Mientras espero, iré a comprar otros títulos del autor jajaja.
Si tuviera que decir algo negrativo es que los primeros capítulos me resultaron aburridos y confusos. Me costó engancharme. En las primeras páginas nos introducen a dos o tres personajes de los que nunca oímos nada más y que me pareció una pérdida de tiempo. Son solo un par de páginas que no me gustaron, pero al ser las primeras, me parece que ha sido una falencia del autor porque el comienzo de una saga es, posiblemente, la parte más importante y debería estar mejor armada.
Salvo por eso, el libro es impecable y se los recomiendo muchísimo. Es un título de gran calidad narrativa, original y atrapante.
Si quieren leer una reseña mucho más completa, los invito a pasar por mi blog http://pardonmispanglish.blogspot.com/2016/09/resena-el-rithmatista-barndon-sanderson.html#more
Durante años he escuchado el nombre “Brandon Sanderson” en la literatura juvenil, pero nunca me había topado con sus libros. Varias personas me recomendaban al autor y los blogs hablaban maravillas sobre sus textos, así que cuando vi “The Rithmatist” en una librería cerca de mi casa, no dudé en comprarlo. Pero como yo elijo mis lecturas al azar, el libro quedó olvidado entre las estanterías por casi un año y medio.
No puedo creer que no lo haya leído antes. Este libro es espectacular.
Evitaré detenerme en la explicación sobre la trama y sus personajes (que eso lo encuentran en Goodreads) y pasaré directamente a contarles mi opinión.
El libro me sorprendió MUCHÍSIMO.
Es una novela fantástica que transcurre (y a la vez no) en nuestro mundo. Las reglas son extremadamente complejas y creo que incluso para el final del libro solo hemos descubierto la punta del iceberg. PERO eso no es todo; los conceptos mágicos tienen trasfondo matemático-religioso (WOW) con toques artísticos (la importancia de un buen dibujo). A esto se le suman todos los elementos del género policial que hacen al conflicto central en el que debemos ponernos en los zapatos de un detective mágico. Es único.
En cuanto a la trama y el desarrollo de la historia, no tengo palabras. El autor nos sorprende con su originalidad, haciendo que el héroe no se comporte como esperáramos.
No puedo darles muchos detalles porque sería un spoiler, pero imagínense esto (es un ejemplo). Empiezan a leer los Juegos del Hambre. Los primeros capítulos hablan sobre Katniss y su familia hasta el cansancio. Llega el día de elegir a los tributos. OBVIAMENTE supondrán que Katniss o su hermana serán seleccionadas… y…. al final sale el nombre de una persona random que nadie conoce o de la persona con la que Katniss habló por dos renglones en la primera escena.
Bueno, así es esta novela.
Cuando esperamos lo obvio, lo que ya hemos visto tantas veces en otros libros, el autor nos demuestra con realismo que no todo es tan sencillo como parece y que no todas las casualidades de la vida apuntan al héroe. Es como escribir la saga de Harry Potter completa y que a mitad del cuarto libro descubran que Harry no es el elegido de la profecía. ASÍ.
Demás está decir que me encantó el concepto de magia dibujada con tiza siguiendo cálculos matemáticos mezclados con habilidad artística.
La complejidad de este mundo y de la trama central es intrínseca y, a diferencia de en tantas novelas juveniles, es sólida y consistente. No se cae ante pequeñas dudas o nimiedades. Todo está allí, planeado. Cada cosa tiene su función y sus reglas y no quedan cabos sueltos ni plot holes.
Otro “plus” que esta historia ha tenido conmigo es que AMO tanto el género fantástico como el policial, son dos de mis temáticas preferidas y es la primera vez que las veo BIEN combinadas en una misma historia. Me voló la cabeza.
Me encantó. Hace mucho tiempo que no me enganchaba con una saga juvenil y ahora no puedo esperar a que salga el segundo libro (el año que viene). Mientras espero, iré a comprar otros títulos del autor jajaja.
Si tuviera que decir algo negrativo es que los primeros capítulos me resultaron aburridos y confusos. Me costó engancharme. En las primeras páginas nos introducen a dos o tres personajes de los que nunca oímos nada más y que me pareció una pérdida de tiempo. Son solo un par de páginas que no me gustaron, pero al ser las primeras, me parece que ha sido una falencia del autor porque el comienzo de una saga es, posiblemente, la parte más importante y debería estar mejor armada.
Salvo por eso, el libro es impecable y se los recomiendo muchísimo. Es un título de gran calidad narrativa, original y atrapante.
Si quieren leer una reseña mucho más completa, los invito a pasar por mi blog http://pardonmispanglish.blogspot.com/2016/09/resena-el-rithmatista-barndon-sanderson.html#more
raiju01's review against another edition
3.0
The world Brandon created here is very interesting, just wish he chose a different set of characters.
The main character is annoying with no redeeming qualities. Need some sequels with this one.
The main character is annoying with no redeeming qualities. Need some sequels with this one.