Brandon Sanderson's Fantasy Firsts : (the Way of Kings, Mistborn: the Final Empire, Rithmatist, Alcatraz vs. the Evil Librarians)

This outing of Brandon Sanderson is YA fiction that comes with the default trademark of any new Sanderson series: an interesting new magic system + world building.

The setting for this novel is an alternate history 'gearpunk' version of our world. Apparently Asia conquered all of Europe and the territory of the United States is actually an archipelago. Our protagonist Joel is a 16-year old poor student in an academy called Armedius. His dream is to be a Rithmatist. Rithmatists are able to draw chalk lines and creatures that come to life, and are the only ones capable of fighting the wild chalklings on the island of Nebrask. However, Rithmatists are selected at 8 year old, and so he tries his best to still be allowed near Rithmatists. When a series of Rithmatist student disappearances occurs, Joel helps his Professor Fitch with investigations.

The magic system and the illustrations are fun! The drawn chalklings are really adorable. I would have loved to see way more worldbuilding. You just get glimpses, not enough of a clear picture.

The story is a mix of fantasy + murder mystery, and especially the last quarter is fast-paced and fun. I also adore that Sanderson does not use the standard YA trope of love triangle. Joel has a girl companion, Melody, who is a bit irritating at times.

The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger, as a major villain is established, but alas, now he keeps us hanging for the sequel. The life of a Sanderson fan.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

Dug it. It's definitely a young adult, there's very little here for a more mature audience, but very entertaining. The descriptions made with regard to the chalk drawings make for a very vivid image in your mind.