The world is in constant danger from wild chalklings, 2D magical beings that look like cave drawings, but can attack and kill. Only Rithmatists can protect humanity by bringing their own drawings to life. Joel wants to become one of them, but he doesn’t possess their magic. Now the wild chalklings are attacking Rithmatist students, far away from the war zone. Joel must find a way to stop the attacks without magic.
Book Review (spoilers)
This book achieved what should be impossible. It made cave drawings scary. Imagining small, 2D drawings coming at me doesn’t seem scary, but I was pulled in by the characters’ fear. After I started the book, I never questioned the danger of wild chalklings.
The world building seemed thorough in some areas and missing in others. The magic system and the school were well thought out, but life outside the school, and the society in general remained a question mark. I realize that this is partly because the main character telling the story has only ever known life at the academy. However, I’m hoping future books will flesh out society and the world in general.
My favorite part of the book was the dynamic between Melody and Joel. Together they could create defenses and creatures better than anyone, but alone they couldn’t do much. I’m hoping that what they’re capable of as a team is even greater in future books.
Overall, this book is a fun read, but it may be a decent wait before we get the rest of the series. Sanderson writes fast, but he has several other projects.
