Review: The Iron Trial

The Iron Trial by Holly Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Call has had anything but a sheltered life. His mother died when he was a baby and even after a series of surgeries, he cannot walk correctly. He seems to have an affinity to magic, yet his father continually reminds him that he needs to hide his abilities. Call is now 12 years old and must take the test to attend the Magisterium. It appears that his practice at being ordinary has paid off. He finishes the series of tests in last place (with a negative score), yet he is selected to attend the school anyway. Is it his destiny to become a magician? Call can still flunk out, but does he want to?

The Iron Trial is the first book in a new series by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare. Even though the book is being promoted as a middle school series, I can see many young adults picking it up and enjoying it anyway. There are many characters that are left unexplored and the story has the potential of spinning in a multitude of directions. Readers of these authors’ other works will not be disappointed in this new series and those who are just experiencing them will be looking for their other books. This was a truly enjoyable read without all the sex and teen drama rampant in many books today.


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