The Rithmatist

The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson is a spellbinding journey into a world where chalk drawings come vividly to life, wielding immense power and danger. This fast-paced adventure is crafted for readers of all ages, by the bestselling author known for iconic series such as the Mistborn trilogy and The Stormlight Archive.

Set in an academy for the magically gifted, the stakes are high and deadly. The story follows Joel, a young student mesmerised by the mysterious art of Rithmatics, a unique form of magic that uses geometrically precise chalk drawings to create powerful defences and creatures. Tragically for Joel, the rare ability to infuse these drawings with magic eludes him, leaving him on the periphery of what he is most passionate about.

Determined to be involved, Joel convinces Professor Fitch, a kind-hearted Rithmatist, to teach him the theoretical underpinnings of this rare magic. Although Joel cannot breathe life into his creations, his grasp of geometrical principles and Rithmatic theory is exceptional. His curiosity and talent, however, will soon thrust him into a high-stakes mystery when Rithmatist students start vanishing from the academy.

Initially, Joel appears safe, as he lacks the magical ability that makes the real Rithmatist students targets. Though confined within the non-magical sphere, his desire to uncover the truth compels him to dive into the investigation. Suddenly, the intrigue escalates as students are found dead, and Joel realises that his keen intellect might be the only way to stop the chaos. But he won't be able to do it alone.

Enter Melody, a Rithmatist apprentice with a flair for the dramatic and a penchant for creative chalk designs. Despite their differences, Joel and Melody form an unlikely partnership, pooling their skills to uncover the malevolent force behind the kidnappings and murders. They must race against time to uncover elusive clues and confront a dark, enigmatic threat. As the peril closes in on them, they must find a way to stay one step ahead of the killer, who might be closer than they suspect.

The Rithmatist is not just a story of magic and mystery; it is a profound tale of friendship, ingenuity, and courage. It has earned a well-deserved place on the New York Times bestseller list and is acclaimed by both young adult and adult readers. The book is beautifully complemented by Ben McSweeney's illustrations, which bring the magical elements to life with striking elegance and insight.

Immerse yourself in this enchanting and perilous world where the lines between reality and magic blur, and discover if Joel and Melody can triumph against the odds in their quest to save their friends and school.