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49 pages 1 hour read

Holly Black, Cassandra Clare

The Iron Trial

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2014

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare follows 12-year-old Callum "Call" Hunt, who earns a place at the Magisterium—a school for young mages. Despite his initial reluctance and a warning from his father, Call befriends fellow students Aaron and Tamara. Throughout their training, they uncover startling truths about Call's identity and abilities, leading to life-altering decisions and dangerous encounters. This book involves themes of death, loss, and war.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare offers a fresh take on the magical school trope, boasting engaging characters and a well-paced plot. While some readers find it derivative of other fantasy series, others praise its unique twists and strong friendships. The book's world-building is generally well-received, though a few inconsistencies are noted.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Iron Trial?

Readers who enjoy magical adventures and coming-of-age stories akin to Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling or Percy Jackson & the Olympians by Rick Riordan will find The Iron Trial captivating. This book appeals to middle grade and young adult readers who relish intricate world-building, friendship dynamics, and training at an academy for young mages.

Book Details
Pages

295

Format

Novel • Fiction

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

9-12 years

Lexile Level

830L

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