Can we please talk about the race issues in this book? Are the wild chalklings a stand in for Native Americans? If so, how do we feel about the narrative of them being demonic and evil? Can Sanderson recover this story to make the books less racist?
I enjoyed the story and the action. The sidekick came off incredibly annoying in the audio version, but otherwise I liked the characters and the magical chalk. Yet, I have some problems with the world set up.
How come people are having religious experiences at age 8 where they have some visions and conversations with celestial beings, but are not really into Church afterward. If it is a religious structure, you would think the Rithmatisits would be more invested in the religious part of their magic.
Also, why are these people clearly Victorians, but the girls are all wearing sundresses and showing some leg?

Well, what can you say? It's Brandon Sanderson, and Sanderson doesn't write bad books. This one is clearly YA, but enjoyable. The rithmatistseems to have a little less depth to the story (not the magic system, of course, but the story line) than Sanderson's other books. The characters are well fleshed-out though, and the magic system is very original. I like how the two main characters complement each other in skills and it's nice that one of them is not magical. Joel saves the day by being smart, brave and by having studied his subject. I hope the next book won't take too long, because there is clearly more to this story... ( )

Of all of Sanderson's magic systems, this one was the least interesting to me. There's a reason I gave up on my architect aspirations quickly—I'm just not that interested in lines and circles. And I'd have to agree with Joel's friend at the beginning (can't remember the name—David, maybe?); watching a Rithmatist duel would be pretty lame.

However, this book has good characters, an extremely well-built world, and a plot that keeps you guessing. I had the bad guy wrong at least three times. And the magic system is genius, really, just not my cup of tea. This was exactly the book I needed right now, and I'm looking forward to the next one. ( )

Sanderson really has a knack for creating interesting worlds with crazy fun magic. I loved this book. It also didn't exatly end like I thought it would. It is rare a book surproses me anymore but this one did several times. I am looking forward to seeing where it goes next. ( )

While I didn't find the main character particularly compelling the world and side characters made this one of my favorite Sanderson books. With one of the most unique magic systems I've read about and a dynamic plot of magic and intrigue I recommend with alacrity. ( )