The Iron Trial by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare Review!

   

Title : The Iron Trial
Author : Holly Black & Cassandra Clare
Pages : 304
Published : September 9th 2014
Publisher : Doubleday Childrens Books
Source : Netgalley

From NEW YORK TIMES bestselling authors Holly Black and Cassandra Clare comes a riveting new series that defies what you think you know about the world of magic.

From two bestselling superstars, a dazzling and magical middle-grade collaboration centering on the students of the Magisterium, an academy for those with a propensity toward magic. In this first book, a new student comes to the Magisterium against his will -- is it because he is destined to be a powerful magician, or is the truth more twisted than that? It's a journey that will thrill you, surprise you, and make you wonder about the clear-cut distinction usually made between good and evil.

My Thoughts : 

All Call has been told since he was small is that the Magisterium is a horrible place that will kill you and its a place to be feared. When he has to go take the entrance exam (all magical people have to take it), his father tells him that it will be OK because all he needs to do is flunk. Call does his best to fail each test, and while he does is spectacularly, his natural ability still shines through and he is offered a place. He has no choice but to take it but he dreads the idea of going.

Once there Call sees that maybe the Magisterium isn't as bad as he thinks. He is learning cool things and making friends, maybe magic isn't that bad!! That is until Call is drawn into a battle that he knows nothing about. He is a major player in a war that could change the world as we know it. 

The minute I heard that Holly Black was teaming with Cassandra Clare to write a book I added it to my list, then when I saw the cover and read the blurb I was sold! Who wouldn't want to read a book by these great authors!!! 

Anyway, while it was slow to start, I'm glad to say I really enjoyed this. 

I liked Call. He had a strength about him that was captivating. His whole life he was told that if he went to the Magisterium he would be killed, so with a lot of trepidation he goes but it doesn't seem that bad! He tries his best with everything and I loved how magic constantly surprised him. Even though he has his injury, he doesn't want people treating him differently. He was strong, brave and very sarcastic, which was fun ;) 

I think my favourite character was Tamara. She is such a strong girl but also so soft. She is trying to make her parents proud but sometimes feels like she is failing them. She is quick to defend her friends when needed and is always there for them. Her and Aaron are Calls' best friends. 

As I said, it was quite slow to start but once it kicked off, it really kicked off!! Once Call got to the Magisterium the story really drew me in. I loved the atmosphere of the Magisterium and I loved finding out the history of it. It was a fascinating and unique setting. The authors have managed to create a world that is quite dark but one you want to jump into. They have put their own spin on a magical school and created some fantastical creatures like the chaos ridden animals and the souls that get devoured by their element. 

Overall The Iron Trial is a great addition to the Middle Grade Fantasy genre. There are some truly astonishing twists and plenty to keep you on your toes, that when you start the book it will be hard to put down. Its also hard to believe that 2 authors wrote this because the story is seamless. You cant tell where one author started and another stopped. So from the magical story line to the chaos ridden wolves (I so adore the pup) and from its dark setting to its surprising twists, The Iron Trial is a must read for everyone. I for one, cant wait for the next installment!!