Summary
The Magisterium (by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare) series is an adventure story that, at first glance, may seem like Harry Potter but there are MANY differences. The basic dynamic of the story, two boys and a girl, find their place in the magical world, is similar to Harry Potter but the story and characters themselves are different and exciting. The first installment of the series is called The Iron Trial and is about Callum Hunt who has no desire to go to the magical school know as the Magisterium. Him and his father have a plan for him to fail the test and go on with their own lives. Being raised to fear and hate magic, Callum completely agreed to this.
Once the test comes, though, the plan to fail doesn't really work... now Callum must go and learn at the Magisterium with his fellow apprentices Tamara and Aaron. Callum is learning many things but the greatest discoveries will be the discoveries about himself and his friends and what it means for their future.
Opinion
Scale of 1-10:
9
When I first read this book (and yes I've read it multiple times) I just got absolutely hooked. While I did find that with this particular re-read, there are many elements that are VERY Harry Potter-like. That is honestly the only reason I didn't give the book a ten. It's been a while since I've read the second book in the series, so I can't really remember whether or not the similarities between this series and Harry Potter start to diverge. I've noticed that it's the reason not many people like the book is because of the similarities but I think that the authors have both added their own flair to it when it comes to the tone and mood of the story.
One thing that I absolutely love about this book is the main character, Callum Hunt, has SUCH a sarcastic, and cynical sense of humor. The comments that are made by him are just so hilarious and it's easy to chuckle out loud at them. This book is honestly just such an interesting take on magic and I just thoroughly enjoyed it!
Age Rating
Age Range:
10+
This book is a very appropriate book in almost every sense. There is some violence and in the beginning of the book that is a little descriptive but it's not too bad. Throughout the book there is fighting scenes and especially at the end, it's a little dark and there is a character that seems very vengeful and likes to make that point clear. Other than a little violence and dark ambiance, this book is VERY appropriate. Not many Cassandra Clare novels are meant for this age range, so I find this a pleasant change of pace from her usual teen/young adult books.
Language in this book is absolutely zero so no need to worry on that front. There is light flirting between the Callum and another student, Celia, but other than a couple comments from his friends, nothing else is really said about the small romance.
Here's a link to the book on Goodreads:
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