The Rithmatist [With Spoilers]

Zashara Sho'am

The Dark One
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I'm surprised there isn't a thread for this book already. I powered through it in a couple days since it was an easy and engaging read.

I've got a theory that I wanted to share/discuss with other people as soon as I finished, but no one I knew had read it yet. :p

I think Joel is a legit Rithmatist. It's specifically stated that you have to believe your lines work for them to actually work. When Joel came out of the Church and he drew the line, he already "knew" it wasn't going to work.
 

Megana Vallentin

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I bought it last week but haven't started reading it yet....saving this topic so I can come back later! :pleased-1:
 

Eluial Aldaran

A real gaydin
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Finally got this from the library and read it. Pretty cool book, though I found the world kind of odd, like, how it's like ours but not. Anyway.

I'm surprised there isn't a thread for this book already. I powered through it in a couple days since it was an easy and engaging read.

I've got a theory that I wanted to share/discuss with other people as soon as I finished, but no one I knew had read it yet. :p

I think Joel is a legit Rithmatist. It's specifically stated that you have to believe your lines work for them to actually work. When Joel came out of the Church and he drew the line, he already "knew" it wasn't going to work.

Interesting. Did not occur to me.

I wouldn't be surprised if Brandon pulled something like that, since he's obviously going to write sequels. However, I wouldn't hold my breath, either. It was weird because part of me got really attached to Joel and I was really sad for him when he didn't get to become a Rithmatist. But the analytical side of me was actually very happy that didn't happen, because the rest of the book was so faery-tale-y (well, except for the twist at the end, but even that was somewhat expected). I know it's a kids book, but kids need to learn that just because you really, really want something, doesn't mean it will happen, too.

Also, unrelated to the above, but the descriptions of chalklings attacking people were legit creepy.
 

Megana Vallentin

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Soooo I think I read this a day or two after my last post and then forgot to come back. :look:

I really enjoyed it, it was one of those I stayed up super late to finish. Then I nagged my husband (also a Sanderson fan, so it didn't take much) to read it too. :laugh:

I also got a kick out of 'Nebrask' being the center of everything, since I'm from Nebraska. It's fun when the author is from your home state. :D (Or maybe it's just that it's at the center of the country, whatev.)

I agree with Elu. While I was sad that Joel didn't get to be a Rithmatist when he was so perfectly suited to it, I also think it would have been too 'perfect' a story if it had happened and would have disappointed me as an adult reader. I love his method of working with Melody to fix both of their weaknesses. I wonder if everyone will be dismissive of it (as they seem to be of Joel) or if they'll realize what a powerful thing he's done.
 
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