Written by Holly Black & Cassandra Clare
Callum has been raised by his father (a “reformed” mage) who continually warns him that magic is bad and to be avoided at all costs. So when the time comes for Callum to be tested for the magical ability required to attend the Magisterium they plan on him failing on purpose. But of course he doesn’t and is sent off to learn to control his magic along with a group of other 12 year old boys and girls. He learns that magic isn’t the evil he was brought up to believe and begins to develop relationships with his classmates and his teacher, Master Rufus. There are interesting creatures, creepy caverns, magical action, and a surprise twist at the end.
There were some gaps in the story for me, but I liked the magic element, and think it is a good book to recommend to students who like fantasy and Harry Potter-type books.
Review by Christine Fotheringham, Rolling Meadows Elem Media Center
Rating: ★★★½✩ (3.5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 3-7
See Also: The Copper Gauntlet (Magisterium, #2)
Magisterium, Book 1
The Iron Trial
Written by Holly Black & Cassandra Clare
Publisher
294 pages
Release Date: September 9, 2014
I was interested in this book because of the cover and Cassandra Clare being involved. I’ll definitely recommend it to the students. Thanks for the well-written review.