Ryze keeping a Book in his visual update makes no sense with his physical and tribal character
is basically the more intellectual and reasoned version of 
and 
. He uses primal, untouched and unfiltered magic in an obscene and ancient way except he uses it to save the world rather than to destroy it. HIs rival is listed as for obvious reasons, and he is no doubt heavily afraid of what bad could do to the world. I don't think he would take 
very seriously, but he would no doubt show a lot of distrust for her.
Why would someone like Ryze use a book? Seriously.
I always thought the runic tribal sorceror on the run with a scroll was what Ryze is and should be, and the book just feels played out, cliche and overall really cheesy and lame.
I like that Riot is basically focusing on movement and martial artist esque moves and punches for his spells according to their champion update update, but the Book still being a large part of Ryze according to them feels wrong.
Imagine him having both arms/hands to punch and maneuver spells at you rather than only one while he holds a book? Why is he holding a book when he can just recite the spells from muscle memory and rely on the scroll for power? **Why does he need the book? **
Karthus having the Book makes sense. He is more methodical and ancient in his ways. Ryze keeping his book would be like Xerath, Brand or Syndra holding one. It just feels wrong for their style of combat and their general approaches to life.
From his current background:
The halls of traditional study were never for Ryze, however, who felt a more raw and primal connection to the magic of Runeterra than those who tried to teach him. He struck out on his own as a young man to discover what already called to him. Ryze traveled the world, seeking the wisdom of powerful hermits, witches, and shamans - anyone who had something to share beyond what was taught in the city-states of Valoran.* When he had learned all he could from these fonts of wisdom, Ryze turned to seek the lost, forgotten, and forbidden knowledge in the world, delving into mystical worlds where others feared to tread.***
Why would a more primal, visceral and raw user of magic hold onto a book?
Does Lee hold a book? NO. Lee understands magic on a raw and martial level, probably less than Ryze by far, and he doesn't carry around a book. Granted his knowledge of magic compared to Ryze is by far less than his, why does Ryze need a book?
Other part of his current background:
Ryze's tireless searching for magical knowledge led him to an ancient form of spellcraft known as thorn magic.* This art required Ryze to tattoo spells on his body, permanently infusing his being with vast arcane power and finally fulfilling his need to bond with the mystical energies of Runeterra.** His travels also led him to uncover the giant indestructible scroll he now carries on his back - the purpose of the inscribed spell remains a secret only Ryze knows. He claims it is an abomination - something that he must safeguard from the world. This has piqued the curiosity of many, though no one is sure how to separate the scroll from Ryze, or if it is possible to overcome the rogue mage to do so. Since then, Ryze has joined the League of Legends to study the magical creatures and powerful will-workers that fight there, in order to complete his exploration of mystical Runeterra.*
He has literally inscribed the magical incantations onto his body. ** WHY DOES HE NEED A BOOK TO CAST THE VERY SPELLS THAT ARE PLACED ONTO HIS SKIN AND BODY AS TATTOOS!?**
** tl;dr:
- Ryze is a scholar of magic that believes in more physical attributes to magic, rejecting traditional magical values such as books and tomes
- Ryze holds a scroll on his back, and several others, to protect them from the world and mostly relies on his tatoos for the source of his power rather than the scrolls themselves
- Ryze practices a more martial artist esque way of fighting with spells and magic, so holding a book not only seems limiting but overly impractical**
