Content levels
Hero archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Themes
Synopsis
Joel is fascinated by the magical art of Rithmatics, but unfortunately only a chosen few have the necessary gift and Joel is not one of them. Undaunted, Joel persuades Professor Fitch to teach him Rithmatic theory - and soon finds that his knowledge is put to the test when someone starts murdering the top Rithmatic students at his school. But can Joel work out the identity of the killer and stop them before they realize just what a threat Joel actually is?
Is The Rithmatist appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 12 and up.
Students are murdered (off-page) in a mystery plot involving magical creatures. Violence is present but not graphic, with tension and peril appropriate for upper middle grade readers.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include murder, death, and violence.
Who'll love this
A non-magical student uses his brains to solve murders at a school where magic is real—perfect for puzzle-solvers and underdog fans.