The Rithmatist is one of Brandon Sanderson’s debut novels for the young-adult audience. Sanderson’s no stranger to experimentation with genres. In the past couple of years he has done traditional, epic, urban, children’s, and spinoffs of game franchises. The amazing thing is: every single one of them has been fantastic. In fact, Sanderson is yet to receive less than 4/5 stars or above for almost all of his recent entries – no matter what the genre. So, if you like YA novels, this is really one to look out for. Here’s the low-down:
“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.”
Sounds great, right? Well, when Brandon’s UK publishers Indigo & Gollancz approached us and asked if we’d be interested in revealing the cover – how could we decline? Now, as opposed to Brandon’s adult novels, this has a more young adult feel to it, as you might expect, but doesn’t fall into that same-old-same-old trap. To me, it kind of merges between Harry Potter and Harry Dresden covers – which is pretty cool. Certainly, if I was in the bookstore and saw that glorious blue and strange looking Chalklings, I’d pick up the book and see what it’s all about. Anyway, without further ado, here it is, let us know what you think!
The Rithmatist is due to be released on May 16, 2013, but in the mean time be sure to visit Brandon’s site to read more about it.
Richard Marpole
Jennie Ivins
It’s not terrible, but I much prefer the US cover. Which is usually the case with Sanderson’s covers for me.
Much better than the US cover.
Eesh that looks pretty cool. I like his really inventive Magic systems. Up to now, really only read Warbreaker, but I liked that enough to make me take notice of the rest of his writing.
Even as an YA title, looking forward to it.
It’s pretty damn fine, but it’s still lacking something, I just can’t put my finger on what it is…