The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

 The Iron Trial

By: Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

     Summary: Callum Hunt, the boy with a twisted leg, no friends, and only a father to take care of him, has never wanted anything to do with magic.

     At all.

     His father has drilled the idea into him that the Magisterium, the school to learn how to develop and control the elements- air, water, fire, earth, and chaos-for children his age is very bad. Mainly because the Masters don't care about the kids as much as the safety of everyone, or so his father says.

Callum believes him, and tries to fail the exam to get into the school. But even with the lowest score, one master chooses to teach him, over some of the better others.

Why? And why doesn't Callum's father want him at the Magisterium, the divine school, the place that feels like...home?

End Summary.

     I really, really liked this read. Callum is really written as just a normal 12-year-old boy; the authors wrote out his character so well, he thinks just like someone his age, not like someone older. Which is great, because they can develop his character over time.

     I was also enchanted by the Magisterium itself, with its rivers for transportation, all the elements and elementals, the food, idea of apprentice groups, all of it sounds really, well, awesome!

     I think the best part was that Callum isn't really the hero. Basically, there is an enemy, called "The Enemy of Death" that the Masters have worked out a treaty with, but they are still worried that the enemy will break it. Only few, like the enemy, can summon the magic of chaos, and those who can are called "Makars". The Magisterium Masters are looking for a Makar in the  new year (Call's year), so they can be prepared for when the enemy comes, but seem unsuccessful at first. 

     I kept thinking Call would turn out the Makar, but he isn't. It actually is-

     Did you think I was going to spoil it? Better read the book to find out who the real Makar is, and who, in the end, can turn out to be the enemy. 

     The reason why I like that Call isn't the hero is because then the plot is usually typical: there is some quest, some danger, some people die, the hero feels weak at the end of their quest, but usually ends up surviving and beating the enemy anyways.

     However, this plot line was really captivating and mysterious, and not all kids are as innocent as they seem, especially 2 certain boys (for those who've read the book, you know all about C's secret and D's father!). I couldn't even predict much of the story, which is why it was so fun to read!

     Overall, the characters were well written out, the plot was captivating, and the setting was interesting as well, so I give this book 5 stars. Trust me, this isn't your average, typical, hero story, this is a cool, fresh idea, and I can't wait to read on!
For the cover image by amazon: click here