The Rithmatist

The Rithmatist
Brandon Sanderson
Rithmatist Series
Historical Fantasy

"Summary"
Joel wants to be a Rithmatist more then anything in the wolrd. He is more skilled at the geometric like magic, then anyone else his age sadly he is not a Rithmatist and he never will be. The Rithmatists are the only defense humanity has against the chalklings who threaten the united american islands.

When young Rithmatists start to disappear from there homes with out a trace. Joel and Melody are assigned to assist a Rithmatist professor to find out what is happening before the threat becomes to much for them to handle. The only problem is who can Joel really trust and can a norm really stand among the magical Rithmatists?

"Review"
Brandon Sanderson has done it again. His new book Rithmatist is a new must read for children and adults alike. The story takes place in an alternate america, where the states are all a collection of islands around the turn of the century. This makes the world really interesting because it is both historical and fantastic.

The magic in this book is just as interesting. Rithmatist magic is a mix of both math and Art. Using chalk the Rithmatist can make lines, circles, and other geometrical shapes to both protect themselves and attack there enemies. Rithmatists can also draw Chaklings, two demenchanal drawings that draw power from the Rithmatists artistic skill and emotional conection to the drawing.

Joel is an amazing character. He is both brilliant but also limited by his lack of Rithmatist power. He is therefore very easy to connect to and I felt that he was able to live the his adventure with him. The writing was a little more basic then most of his other work because this book is for young adults but that does not mean that is it lacking in quality at all.

I loved this book and I can't wait until the next one comes out. If you like his other books or are just looking for an amazing and quick read then check out his book.

I would give this book an 8.9 out of 10.

Uprooted

Uprooted
Naomi Novik
Fairy tale Fantasy

Summary
Once ever ten years the village must sacrifice one of its young maidens to the dragon. The dragon takes them to his home and uses them to clean and cook... The Dragon is the title of the local magician whose job it is to protect the kingdom from the corrupted forest.

Agnieszka is one of the few girls who are born on a pick year. The ten years are up and it is time for the Dragon to pick a new girl to be his maid, but Agnieszka is not worried because everyone one knows he will pick her best friend who is amazing at everything.

But when the Dragon picks her instead, Agnieszka does not know what to do and to make matters worse the Dragon is an insufferable human being. Now with the corrupted woods encroaching on the kingdom and corrupting its people will Agnieszka and the Dragon survive each others long enough to stop the woods?

Review
This book is an amazing and original look at two very well known fair tale ideas. The virgin sacrifice and the evil forest. Naomi Novik does a great job at taking an idea we all know really well and presenting it to her readers in a new light. This book really made me think but also entertained me the who way through.

I was pulled through this book by its powerful narration and compelling characters. I have had the opportunity to read Novik's other book series Temeraire and whether you like it or not you will like "Uprooted". This is a book that is a most read for any young adult or not so young adult.

I would say one thing though, this book is promoted as a young adult novel but it can be a little graphic and upsetting at times i would not recommencement this book for children under the age of 16.

I would give this book a 8.4 out of 10.