Review: The Iron Trial

Title: The Iron Trial
Author(s):Cassandra Clare and Holly Black
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Rating: 4/5

     The book is centered on 12-year-old outcast, Callum Hunt. Callum knows both his parents were mages who attended a school called the Magisterium. His father has always told him to beware the danger of magic, as it is responsible for his mother's death. Callum knows he must never use his magic, so when it becomes time for him to be tested to go to the Magisterium, (this is quoting the summary-one of my favorite lines) 'he tries his best to do his worst, and fails at failing'. Cal ends up being accepted as an apprentice, and is suddenly thrust into the world of the Magisterium. There he will face many challenges, the greatest of which dealing with his own identity.

     Personally, I am a huge fan of both Holly Black and Cassandra Clare. This book was pretty great. The writing flowed smoothly and kept my attention. Unlike most co-authored books, this did a great job of keeping a clear voice, and the little sarcastic remarks added in kept me smiling. Callum's character is complex, with both many flaws and strengths. He differs from many modern protagonists in the fact that he is actually very rude to the other characters. That being said, he does have endearing little quirks and a soft side that is brought out as the book goes on.
     The plot was perfect, and although there are a few awkward spots and places where you can guess ahead, there are many jaw-dropping plot twists, and the ending is completely unexpected and different from most things I have recently read.
     I loved the quirky side characters, both human and animal. They were creative and complex, and added a cute touch to Callum's adventures. The fantastical imagery also masks some deep lessons learned by the characters.

     My one complaint is the underdevelopment of the side characters. The story goes deeply into Callum's head, and you do even get a bit of back story on his close friends, but most of the other characters are a bit undefined.
     Besides that, this was a beautiful story that any Harry Potter lovers will enjoy. The book is aimed at young people, but teen readers might get a kick out of this too.


     If you are interested in reading this, you can pick it up at a local bookstore or here, at Amazon.com


Thanks for reading!