Something is rotten in the state of Nebrask. 
 Sanderson has shown his talent in both world-building and developing new magic systems. The Rithmatist takes place in an alternate version of our world where gears and clockwork drive machinery in the early 1900's. Additionally, those humans chosen are able to effect magic through Rithmancy, a chalk-based magic system that requires the practitioner to precisely draw circles and diagrams in chalk that can then be used for attack and defense. Several of the more complex geometric diagrams are lauded as advances equivalent in achievement as the printing press and the internal combustion engine are in our world. Students attend central schools where they train for their future professions. Those who are chosen in an inception ceremony at the age of eight train in parts of these schools to wield this magic as Rithmatists. 
 The United States is actually a loose confederation of island nations, literally. Where the contiguous states exist in our reality, there is a vast archipelago of familiarly-named nation-states connected by spring-rails, commerce, and a common threat at their center. In the state of Nebrask stands a tower where dark things happen and those trained to be Rithmatists are required to spend a 10-yr tour of duty defending the rest of the country against wild chalklings that emanate from the tower. 
 The story focuses around Joel, a teenager who wishes that he had been chosen as a Rithmatist, but instead is without that power and must learn his own profession, and Melody, a Rithmatist who struggles with the most basic forms and accuracy. However he spends his free time trying to learn as much about Rithmancy as possible even to the point of sneaking into Rithmatic classes. When students at his school begin disappearing, Joel and Melody become wrapped up in the investigation of a criminal who appears to be able to easily overcome the defenses of some of the most skilled Rithmatists on the campus. Their journey reveals both inner strength and acceptance of one's limitations despite one's desires. 
 I loved the story, the setting, and especially the Rithmatic drawings given in the interludes between chapters. These are annotated sketches of various aspects of Rithmancy that look as if they were pulled from a textbook. These add a tremendous depth to the story and are further testament to Sanderson's attention to detail when designing his magic systems. Also present is Sanderson's penchant for layers of mystery. There is clearly something deeper going on both in the world and in the genesis of the magic system overall. The points revealed about this history in the story lead to as much speculation as any hints from Hoid or others in Sanderson's cosmere books. While this world does stand alone among his works, I am eager to find out more about where the art of Rithmancy came from in this world. 
 I did not like the end, but I can't say if that is because it feels a bit forced (view spoiler)[ not even trying to reveal Nalizar or just not showing what could have been the discussions after the melee. (hide spoiler)] or if I am just frustrated at there not being more after the final scene. I'm ready for the next book in this series.