Helen 2.0's Reviews > The Rithmatist

3.5 rounded up.

Imagine a steampunk Hogwarts where Muggles and wizards study side by side. Magicians' power is derived from chalk lines and drawings that obey the maker and affect the real world.
The Rithmatist tells the story of Joel, a normal guy whose greatest wish was to become a Rithmatist, a chalk wizard.

Since Joel was not selected to learn Rithmatism, he dedicates his time to studying as much as he can about the world that's forbidden to him. Then Rithmatist students start disappearing and Joel steps up to find them.

The best part of the Rithmatist is the attention and characterization given to adult characters, something unfortunately rare among YA series. Professor Fitch especially blew me away with his character depth and wisdom. I thought he was more heroic than Joel. Sanderson also devoted much thought to Joel's mother, who struggles with grief, debt, and worry for her son. I like that most if not all adults have meaning in the story.

I had some issues with Joel. The supporting characters, Melody and Fitch, were more likable than Joel if you ask me. At the beginning of the book, Joel is insensitive, obsessive, self-centered at times. He's not even all that smart, he just studies instead of sleeping. I really disliked him for a while, but he does undergo some character development and becomes more social-minded through his contact with Melody. I can handle annoying characters so long as they grow out of it.

The ending + moral of the story was lovely. It stressed the importance of teamwork and the personal effort. Whether or not anyone was a Rithmatist wasn't the point. Props to Sanderson for tying it all together rather well.

By the way - every mention of drawing perfect circles for defense made me think of that internet sensation with the double-jointed teacher who draws perfect circles:

Anyone remember that?