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3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
The Iron Trial is the first book the in Magisterium Series written by Holly Black (The Folk of Air Series) and Cassandra Clare (The Mortal Instruments). The series follows a young boy called Call, on his journey to becoming a mage whilst studying at the secret school of mages 'The Magisterium'. I first read this book for day 2 of the 2020 Reading Rush. It was a very easy book to read and a quick one.
Let's break it down....
~Plot~
Our story follows Callum Hunt, a young boy with a very serious leg injury which has held him back for most of his life. He's been raised with the knowledge of magic but has always been taught by his father to stay away from it, and mages and the Magisterium school as a whole. However one day his entire life is turned upside down when he attends the mandatory test for all those who are potential mages, The Iron Trial. He naturally fails the whole thing but still gets accepted into the school because the top master "sensed" something in him - I've seen this trope so many times that it's starting to get old now, like seriously? Couldn't of thought of something different? Anyway.
Callum goes to this magic school where he starts to learn about his power and how to control it, I think, to be honest we don't really get much "magic training" in this book or actual magic. There are a few very brief descriptions once in a while that are oversaturated with magic, but they upset the overall pacing of this plot by coming across as attempts to 'fill this world with magic'. So not off to a good start there.
After spending a few weeks at this magic school, Callum eventually decides to actually take it seriously, and get better at using magic. I got the sense very early on that there was going to be something special/ revealed about Callum eventually, my expectations however were subverted and the classic "chosen one" trope was given to a character which I had previously viewed as a supporting role, Aaron. I enjoyed that little twist, it was unexpected and an interesting play on this trope. After the big reveal Aaron ends up getting kidnapped and Callum along with his other team mate, Tamara, go to save the day. And then we get the truth about Callum, and honestly I'm not to sure how I feel about it.
Clare and Black are diving into magic concerning the soul in this series, and for their main character Callum, they have written that he's actually the bad guy that started the last mage war but when he was injured and dying his soul left his body and jumped into the body of a new born baby... this "soul jump" caused him to lose all his memories and he grew up in this baby's body as Callum Hunt. But his soul is just in this body until he can get his old one back. I'm so glad I've watched all the seasons of Supernatural (2005-2020) otherwise it would of taken me a hot second just to wrap my mind around that. It's a very interesting concept and I'm curious to see how Black and Clare are going to develop this and utilise it throughout the rest of the series.
~Characters~
By the end of the book it's been a whole year and I'm just suppose to believe that Callum and the other two main characters have advanced to the next level, just because they destroyed an abandoned bowling alley. Cool. And I could of over looked that IF Callum and all the other main characters weren't 12 years old.... Because I can't believe half the stuff they get up to. Most of the crazy action these kids go through, is action that I would expect to find in something like Throne of Glass (2012) or Eragon (2002) or even Assassination Classroom (2012).
Now understand that this is a book about mages and epic magic, but they're 12 and newbies and I haven't read anything to suggest that they would have the physical and mental strength to pull off the final act. Which brings me to my next point, there is a massive lack of character development in this book but I did overlook that because it's the first in a 5 book series. However, just a touch more development especially in our 3 main leads would of been nice.
~World Building~
Ah my fave.
When it's done right!
Oh my oh my, I was so disappointed! I expected great things from this world considering who the authors are and the fact that, on most of the book covers this quote is written:
"Dare you enter the Magisterium..."
And I read that thinking, "hell yeah I am, what you got?"
The answer to my question was *drum roll* A school in a cave underground, which is actually set in these times (as in earth 2020 right now as you're reading this). I have absolutely no problem with fantasy novels and films being set in modern times, again if its done right. This book actually reminded me of that really bad M. Night Shyamalan movie, The Village (2004) where we're lead to believe that these characters live in a time before technology but they actually don't they just forgot to evolve with the rest of the world.
If you're going to blend and 'old time magic vibe' with the modern, actually blend them, don't separate them to the point where I think I'm watching an M. Night Shyamalan movie.
The way Clare blended magic and mystery with the modern world in Shadowhunters was perfect, so what happened here?
The school itself is really cool and I did enjoy learning about it, even if what I learnt was very VERY little, but after spending so much time in this school it began to feel like this story was set in Viking times when the pagan religion was at its strongest. And then suddenly we'd be reminded that the outside world is in fact modern. I found this is be slightly annoying and I was a bit confused at the start of the novel. I feel that if more time was put into our characters learning how to use their magic and if the magic system was explained the way its explained in Naruto (2002-2007) then I would of been a bit more invested in this world.
~Writing~
It's a bit childish really, which is understandable considering its about 12 year olds playing with magic. I'm unfamiliar with Holly Black's writing style so I can't really comment on that, but the writing style is similar to any book in the Shadowhunters Chronicles.
~Final Thoughts~
This book was fun. It's a nice little story about children and magic and does draw some serious "inspiration" from the Harry Potter novels. I found it be a relaxing read and not something that requires much concentration. The magic system definitely intrigues me and I'm looking forward to hopefully seeing these characters develop and I do think this first novel has potential.
Will I continue this series? Absolutely, never start something you can't finish.
The Iron Trial gets a 3/5 from me.
Thanks for reading
Silver x
Let's break it down....
~Plot~
Our story follows Callum Hunt, a young boy with a very serious leg injury which has held him back for most of his life. He's been raised with the knowledge of magic but has always been taught by his father to stay away from it, and mages and the Magisterium school as a whole. However one day his entire life is turned upside down when he attends the mandatory test for all those who are potential mages, The Iron Trial. He naturally fails the whole thing but still gets accepted into the school because the top master "sensed" something in him - I've seen this trope so many times that it's starting to get old now, like seriously? Couldn't of thought of something different? Anyway.
Callum goes to this magic school where he starts to learn about his power and how to control it, I think, to be honest we don't really get much "magic training" in this book or actual magic. There are a few very brief descriptions once in a while that are oversaturated with magic, but they upset the overall pacing of this plot by coming across as attempts to 'fill this world with magic'. So not off to a good start there.
After spending a few weeks at this magic school, Callum eventually decides to actually take it seriously, and get better at using magic. I got the sense very early on that there was going to be something special/ revealed about Callum eventually, my expectations however were subverted and the classic "chosen one" trope was given to a character which I had previously viewed as a supporting role, Aaron. I enjoyed that little twist, it was unexpected and an interesting play on this trope. After the big reveal Aaron ends up getting kidnapped and Callum along with his other team mate, Tamara, go to save the day. And then we get the truth about Callum, and honestly I'm not to sure how I feel about it.
Clare and Black are diving into magic concerning the soul in this series, and for their main character Callum, they have written that he's actually the bad guy that started the last mage war but when he was injured and dying his soul left his body and jumped into the body of a new born baby... this "soul jump" caused him to lose all his memories and he grew up in this baby's body as Callum Hunt. But his soul is just in this body until he can get his old one back. I'm so glad I've watched all the seasons of Supernatural (2005-2020) otherwise it would of taken me a hot second just to wrap my mind around that. It's a very interesting concept and I'm curious to see how Black and Clare are going to develop this and utilise it throughout the rest of the series.
~Characters~
By the end of the book it's been a whole year and I'm just suppose to believe that Callum and the other two main characters have advanced to the next level, just because they destroyed an abandoned bowling alley. Cool. And I could of over looked that IF Callum and all the other main characters weren't 12 years old.... Because I can't believe half the stuff they get up to. Most of the crazy action these kids go through, is action that I would expect to find in something like Throne of Glass (2012) or Eragon (2002) or even Assassination Classroom (2012).
Now understand that this is a book about mages and epic magic, but they're 12 and newbies and I haven't read anything to suggest that they would have the physical and mental strength to pull off the final act. Which brings me to my next point, there is a massive lack of character development in this book but I did overlook that because it's the first in a 5 book series. However, just a touch more development especially in our 3 main leads would of been nice.
~World Building~
Ah my fave.
When it's done right!
Oh my oh my, I was so disappointed! I expected great things from this world considering who the authors are and the fact that, on most of the book covers this quote is written:
"Dare you enter the Magisterium..."
And I read that thinking, "hell yeah I am, what you got?"
The answer to my question was *drum roll* A school in a cave underground, which is actually set in these times (as in earth 2020 right now as you're reading this). I have absolutely no problem with fantasy novels and films being set in modern times, again if its done right. This book actually reminded me of that really bad M. Night Shyamalan movie, The Village (2004) where we're lead to believe that these characters live in a time before technology but they actually don't they just forgot to evolve with the rest of the world.
If you're going to blend and 'old time magic vibe' with the modern, actually blend them, don't separate them to the point where I think I'm watching an M. Night Shyamalan movie.
The way Clare blended magic and mystery with the modern world in Shadowhunters was perfect, so what happened here?
The school itself is really cool and I did enjoy learning about it, even if what I learnt was very VERY little, but after spending so much time in this school it began to feel like this story was set in Viking times when the pagan religion was at its strongest. And then suddenly we'd be reminded that the outside world is in fact modern. I found this is be slightly annoying and I was a bit confused at the start of the novel. I feel that if more time was put into our characters learning how to use their magic and if the magic system was explained the way its explained in Naruto (2002-2007) then I would of been a bit more invested in this world.
~Writing~
It's a bit childish really, which is understandable considering its about 12 year olds playing with magic. I'm unfamiliar with Holly Black's writing style so I can't really comment on that, but the writing style is similar to any book in the Shadowhunters Chronicles.
~Final Thoughts~
This book was fun. It's a nice little story about children and magic and does draw some serious "inspiration" from the Harry Potter novels. I found it be a relaxing read and not something that requires much concentration. The magic system definitely intrigues me and I'm looking forward to hopefully seeing these characters develop and I do think this first novel has potential.
Will I continue this series? Absolutely, never start something you can't finish.
The Iron Trial gets a 3/5 from me.
Thanks for reading
Silver x
Callum Hunt wurde von seinem Vater schon immer dazu erzogen, dem Magisterium, der Schule für Zauberei, zu misstrauen. Zu sehr nagt der Tod seiner Frau im letzten Magierkrieg noch immer an Callums Vater.
Leider wird Callum trotzdem „eingezogen“ und findet sich fortan eingeschlossen in der unterirdischen Schule vor. Ein geheimnisvoller Ort, wo er nach und nach lernt, seine magischen Fähigkeiten zu kontrollieren.
Und irgendwie sind seine Mitschüler Tamara und Aaron auch ganz nett und setzen sich für ihn ein, wenn er z.B. wegen seines lahmen Beins gehänselt wird. Gemeinsam erleben sie so einige Abenteuer, und vielleicht ist Call etwas ganz Besonderes, ein magisch Begabter, der im Kampf gegen den bösen Chaos-Magier XY das Zünglein an der Waage für die Guten sein könnte.
Ziemlich 08/15 für mich als erfahrene Fantasy-Leserin… Aber trotzdem gut geschrieben und Harry Potter in einigen Punkten ähnlich (z.B. drei Freunde, tödliche Abenteuer, eine Gefährdung durch einen bösen Magier, eine Halbwaise, die ein neues Zuhause in einer Zauberschule findet, jeder Band ein neues Schuljahr, …). Die weiteren 4 Bände werde ich vielleicht 2022 lesen.
Leider wird Callum trotzdem „eingezogen“ und findet sich fortan eingeschlossen in der unterirdischen Schule vor. Ein geheimnisvoller Ort, wo er nach und nach lernt, seine magischen Fähigkeiten zu kontrollieren.
Und irgendwie sind seine Mitschüler Tamara und Aaron auch ganz nett und setzen sich für ihn ein, wenn er z.B. wegen seines lahmen Beins gehänselt wird. Gemeinsam erleben sie so einige Abenteuer, und vielleicht ist Call etwas ganz Besonderes, ein magisch Begabter, der im Kampf gegen den bösen Chaos-Magier XY das Zünglein an der Waage für die Guten sein könnte.
Ziemlich 08/15 für mich als erfahrene Fantasy-Leserin… Aber trotzdem gut geschrieben und Harry Potter in einigen Punkten ähnlich (z.B. drei Freunde, tödliche Abenteuer, eine Gefährdung durch einen bösen Magier, eine Halbwaise, die ein neues Zuhause in einer Zauberschule findet, jeder Band ein neues Schuljahr, …). Die weiteren 4 Bände werde ich vielleicht 2022 lesen.
2.5 stars. The Iron Trial was smack in the middle of "meh" for me. Inoffensive--not great, not terrible.
At a recent YA Literature conference I heard Holly Black and Cassie Clare speak about fantasy worldbuilding during a panel. I was really drawn in by the way Holly Black talked about lovingly and LOGICALLY crafting her fantasy worlds and magic--specifically the world of The Iron Trial--so I was disappointed by how much I just... Did not end up caring to learn about this world, in the end. It read like mediocre fan-fiction, just similar enough to the Harry Potter series to cause me to think "been there, done that." Of course, I liked "that," so the fact that the feel of the world was the same didn't turn me off completely... I just wasn't as excited to learn about the little details of the world like I might have been if the world felt wholly original (recent examples of this for me were new adult/YA crossover titles Red Rising by Pierce Brown and The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon, both of which had me clamoring for more details about the worlds the characters inhabited).
However, I did enjoy the three main characters, and I will likely read the sequel. I hope it will go somewhere more interesting in future books despite the fumbling start.
At a recent YA Literature conference I heard Holly Black and Cassie Clare speak about fantasy worldbuilding during a panel. I was really drawn in by the way Holly Black talked about lovingly and LOGICALLY crafting her fantasy worlds and magic--specifically the world of The Iron Trial--so I was disappointed by how much I just... Did not end up caring to learn about this world, in the end. It read like mediocre fan-fiction, just similar enough to the Harry Potter series to cause me to think "been there, done that." Of course, I liked "that," so the fact that the feel of the world was the same didn't turn me off completely... I just wasn't as excited to learn about the little details of the world like I might have been if the world felt wholly original (recent examples of this for me were new adult/YA crossover titles Red Rising by Pierce Brown and The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon, both of which had me clamoring for more details about the worlds the characters inhabited).
However, I did enjoy the three main characters, and I will likely read the sequel. I hope it will go somewhere more interesting in future books despite the fumbling start.
adventurous
medium-paced
It was amazing the wait for the next book will kill me
adventurous
challenging
dark
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Plot & Pacing (4.5/5):
The book starts with a gripping premise, the plot unfolds with a blend of mystery, magic, and unexpected twists that keep readers on their toes. The pacing is generally well-balanced, though it may feel a bit slow in the beginning as the world-building is established. However, once the story picks up, it maintains a steady rhythm that keeps readers engaged.
World-Building & Magic System (5/5):
The world of the Magisterium is richly detailed, with a unique and intricate magic system that stands out from other fantasy series. The authors have created a setting that feels both familiar and fresh, blending traditional fantasy elements with new ideas. The descriptions of the Magisterium itself, with its underground tunnels and mysterious atmosphere, add to the immersive experience.
Characters (5/5):
The characters are well-developed, with Callum Hunt being a standout protagonist. His internal conflicts, stemming from a disability and his fear of magic, add depth to his character. The supporting cast, including Tamara and Aaron, are also well-rounded, each with their own distinct personalities and backstories.
Writing Style (4.5/5):
The writing in "The Iron Trial" is accessible and engaging, making it an excellent read for its target middle-grade audience. The authors strike a good balance between descriptive passages and dialogue, creating a vivid picture of the world and characters.
With its blend of mystery, magic, and strong character development, "The Iron Trial" earns a well-deserved 4.75 stars. It's a must-read for fans of fantasy, especially those who enjoy stories about magical schools with a dark twist.
This was an...odd book.
I don’t really know how to feel about this book, to be honest. After watching a video of Cassie and Holly talking about it, I’m starting to understand it a little better. I went into this completely blind, all I knew was that it was about a magic school and it was compared to Harry Potter. This kind of helped get across what the authors plan on doing with the fact that Call is possibly The Enemy of Death, which I don’t completely believe because this is Cassandra Clare. So, we’ll see but if Call is who is he is then I think this will be for a pretty interesting series and what the authors said in the video, about the Good vs Evil aspect.
With that said, I do have some problems with this book. Particularly Call, I know he’s 12 but god he was annoying and so stupid at times. Like what really bothered me was when he brought a fucking chaos-ridden wolf into the school. Like are you crazy? And then Aaron and Tamara were like, “Cool! Let’s keep this thing here” Yeah, they’re 12 but still that’s really stupid.
I really like Aaron at the beginning, my favorite line was when Rufus told them that they were going be taking their first magic test:
"They all yelled in excitement. Tamara yelled because she was happy, Aaron yelled because he liked it when other people were happy, and Call yelled because he was sure they were going to die." (pg 120)
Like, Aaron you shit I love you. I don’t know how I feel about him being the Makar, I don’t want this power to go to his head like it’s starting to. I want him to be adorable and happy for everyone. Like there was a line where apparently he convinced the Assembly to let them keep the wolf because he’s the lord and savior.
Then Tamara, she sometimes is annoying like she’s kind of a brat but when she broke down about her sister. That was a really touching scene and that’s about the time I started getting INVESTED IN the book.
The writing was a bit of a problem, since I have read some of the Mortal Instruments books, I know some of these plot points that Clare used. So I could kind of tell who wrote what…well I haven’t read any Holly Black stories but I can tell what’s Cassandra’s so I can kind of assume Holly wrote the other stuff. The more middle grade elements are probably Holly’s and then the darker is probably Cassandra’s. Call being The Enemy has Cassandra’s finger prints all over, she’s paritcually the M Night Shyamalan of YA…expect y’know not terrible. So that bothered me a little.
Also I found the idea if you eat an element you’re more connected to it pretty stupid. Like Jasper pricking his finger to be more connected to air or the trio eating sand. I don’t know why, it just seemed stupid. I’m sure it’ll come back.
I can’t think of much else to say, this was an okay book. It was odd and I guess I’ll be CONTINUING the series.
I don’t really know how to feel about this book, to be honest. After watching a video of Cassie and Holly talking about it, I’m starting to understand it a little better. I went into this completely blind, all I knew was that it was about a magic school and it was compared to Harry Potter. This kind of helped get across what the authors plan on doing with the fact that Call is possibly The Enemy of Death, which I don’t completely believe because this is Cassandra Clare. So, we’ll see but if Call is who is he is then I think this will be for a pretty interesting series and what the authors said in the video, about the Good vs Evil aspect.
With that said, I do have some problems with this book. Particularly Call, I know he’s 12 but god he was annoying and so stupid at times. Like what really bothered me was when he brought a fucking chaos-ridden wolf into the school. Like are you crazy? And then Aaron and Tamara were like, “Cool! Let’s keep this thing here” Yeah, they’re 12 but still that’s really stupid.
I really like Aaron at the beginning, my favorite line was when Rufus told them that they were going be taking their first magic test:
"They all yelled in excitement. Tamara yelled because she was happy, Aaron yelled because he liked it when other people were happy, and Call yelled because he was sure they were going to die." (pg 120)
Like, Aaron you shit I love you. I don’t know how I feel about him being the Makar, I don’t want this power to go to his head like it’s starting to. I want him to be adorable and happy for everyone. Like there was a line where apparently he convinced the Assembly to let them keep the wolf because he’s the lord and savior.
Then Tamara, she sometimes is annoying like she’s kind of a brat but when she broke down about her sister. That was a really touching scene and that’s about the time I started getting INVESTED IN the book.
The writing was a bit of a problem, since I have read some of the Mortal Instruments books, I know some of these plot points that Clare used. So I could kind of tell who wrote what…well I haven’t read any Holly Black stories but I can tell what’s Cassandra’s so I can kind of assume Holly wrote the other stuff. The more middle grade elements are probably Holly’s and then the darker is probably Cassandra’s. Call being The Enemy has Cassandra’s finger prints all over, she’s paritcually the M Night Shyamalan of YA…expect y’know not terrible. So that bothered me a little.
Also I found the idea if you eat an element you’re more connected to it pretty stupid. Like Jasper pricking his finger to be more connected to air or the trio eating sand. I don’t know why, it just seemed stupid. I’m sure it’ll come back.
I can’t think of much else to say, this was an okay book. It was odd and I guess I’ll be CONTINUING the series.
adventurous
medium-paced
Fantasy middle grade. Like keeper of the lost cities and Amari and the Night Brothers.
Coles dad hates the magisterium but he can’t get cole out of taking the test, the iron trials.
So he is going to fail.
But when things don’t go his way, he realizes maybe the school is different than his dad said.
Coles dad hates the magisterium but he can’t get cole out of taking the test, the iron trials.
So he is going to fail.
But when things don’t go his way, he realizes maybe the school is different than his dad said.
I absolutely loved this book. It's the perfect middle-grade book to start with. I know this has been compared to Harry Potter because of the whole "magic school" thing but it really isn't like it at all. Yes, I see the similarities but it's also unique and different. This book really made me not want to put it down at all, it was great from start to finish.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes