The Iron Trial - Holly Black

Most kids would do anything to pass the Iron Trial. Not Callum Hunt. He wants to fail. All his life, Call has been warned by his father to stay away from magic. If he succeeds at the Iron Trial and is admitted into the Magisterium, he is sure it can only mean bad things for him. So he tries his best to do his worst -- and fails at failing. Now the Magisterium awaits him. It's a place that's both sensational and sinister, with dark ties to his past and a twisty path to his future. The Iron Trial is just the beginning, for the biggest test is still to come . . . From the remarkable imaginations of bestselling authors Holly Black and Cassandra Clare comes a heart-stopping, mind-blowing, pulse-pounding plunge into the magical unknown.

Published: 2014-09-09 (Scholastic Press)

ISBN: 9780545522250

Language: English

Format: Hardcover, 295 pages

Goodreads' rating: -

Genres

Audiobook Urban Fantasy Fiction Middle Grade Magic Adventure Paranormal Young Adult Fantasy Childrens

Reviews

Madel rated it

Callum Hunt does not want to be a magician. All his life, his father has warned him about the dangers of magic, and the sinister ways of the mages who teach youngsters to use their powers in the underground world of the Magisterium. When Callum comes of age and must take his entrance exam for the Magisterium, he tries his hardest to fail. But he fails to fail. He is chosen to train with Master Rufus, the most prestigious mage in the Magisterium. Callum (Call) is ripped away from his normal life in Carolina, separated from his father, and plunged into a subterranean world his father has said would be worse than death. The Iron Trial is a hugely fun, inventive spin on the middle grade fantasy novel. Yes, the parallels to Harry Potter are obvious, but as I see it thats sort of the point. Clare and Black take those patterns and expectations and deliberately turn them upside-down. Callum doesnt want to be a magician. He wants to fail at magic. His experience is not like Hogwarts. Its alternately boring (sorting piles of sand, anyone?) and terrifying (the elementals are awesome creations), and Call cant be sure who to trust even his parents. His mothers dying words: Kill the Child, apparently meaning her own infant son. And his father . . . has he been protecting Call all these years, or lying to him? Is Master Rufus a friend or enemy? Will Callum ever be allowed to leave his new home?I liked Call a lot. His leg was badly broken when he was a baby, and his trouble walking informs his character. Its especially poignant when he wonders if he can learn to fly as a magician, thus making him more mobile. He is mistrustful but empathetic, capable and yet deeply flawed. I also liked the cast of supporting characters. His fellow apprentices are great, especially Tamara. The magic system is inventive and logical. The world-building is fantastic. The Iron Trial sets up the game board for the rest of the series, which promises to be great and after that huge, massive twist at the end (no spoilers, but oh boy!) how can you not want to read on?

Guillemette rated it

How is it even possible I didn't know about this?!!!I mean seriously? A series written by two of my favourite authors? AND I JUST DIDN'T KNOW?!WTH?! There's no way I'm not going to add this to my to-be read pile.Which unfortunately leaves me with 300 books, which also means that the limit I set for myself is thoroughly broken, which means I need to READ the hell out of my to-be read,which means I'm basically screwed! *lol*BUTHolly Black and Cassandra Clare!!! Jeez!!! I'm doomed! <333

Gabriello rated it

You're all thinking it. No one wants to say it, but we're all thinking it. *sigh* Okay fine, i'll say it.J.K Rowling to Cassandra Clare:Well, at least this one isn't about Shadowhunters.