49 pages • 1 hour read
The Iron Trial
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Book Brief
295
Novel • Fiction
2014
Scholastic
Middle grade
9-12 years
830L
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.
Mysterious
Adventurous
Suspenseful
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
83,253 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
83,253 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Alastair Hunt
Alastair Hunt
Call's father, who attended the Magisterium in the past, is cautious and fearful regarding the magical world due to his wife Sarah’s death and the events of the Cold Massacre, leading him to try to protect Call from magic's dangers.
Jasper
Jasper
An apprentice who initially antagonizes Call due to feelings of resentment and pressure to restore his family's status, Jasper's character complexity is later revealed through his actions and interactions with other students.
Aaron
Aaron
A kind and sympathetic apprentice who, like Call, joins Master Rufus’s group. His positive outlook and resilience stem from his challenging childhood in foster care, and he views the Magisterium as a life-changing opportunity.
Tamara
Tamara
A dedicated and ambitious apprentice in Master Rufus’s group, Tamara struggles with the expectations placed on her by her family and gradually learns to prioritize doing what she believes is right over adhering strictly to rules.
295
Novel • Fiction
2014
Scholastic
Middle grade
9-12 years
830L
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