Book Watch: THE RITHMATIST by Brandon Sanderson

The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson is expected to release on May 14, 2013.

Sanderson is a bestselling and award-winning author for an impressive list of fantasy adult fiction books.  The Rithmatist will be his first book geared towards a younger audience.

The jacket flap reads:

More than anything, Joel wants to be a Rithmatist. Chosen by the Master in a mysterious inception ceremony, Rithmatists have the power to infuse life into two-dimensional figures known as Chalklings. Rithmatists are humanity's only defense against the Wild Chalklings—merciless creatures that leave mangled corpses in their wake. 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.

Bestselling author Brandon Sanderson brings his unique brand of epic storytelling to the teen audience with an engrossing tale of danger and suspense—the first of a series. With his trademark skills in worldbuilding, Sanderson has created a magic system that is so inventive and detailed that readers who appreciate games of strategy and tactics just may want to bring Rithmatics to life in our world.

As a fan of The Hobbit and The Wizard of Earthsea,  I am really looking forward to reading this book.  A inner part of me is gleaming with joy.  I can already tell that once I begin to read this book, I will fly through the pages.  To me, this book is on the same category as Harry Potter, good versus evil with a pyramid plot line.  It does sound like it is a bit more Middle Grade that Young Adult because it is action-based instead of focusing on internal struggles.  I still want my eyes on it.

Is it May yet?

-Mariela

The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson
384 pages
Expected publication: May 14th 2013 by Tor Teen