The Iron Trial by Cassandra Clare & Holly Black (Robyn's)

(Banner made by Ellie)

Book: The Iron Trial

Author(s): Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

Rating: ☆☆☆☆

Summary: The Iron Trial on goodreads 

Review: 

At first hearing about this series, I thought it would be similar to Harry Potter, but I was interested in seeing what Holly Black and Cassandra Clare writing was like together. I admit, I have never read a Holly Black book, but while reading it I was able to pick up where Cassandra's voice was coming through. 

At times this book did feel like a Harry Potter- The Mortal Instruments crossover, but I wasn't complaining. However, as I slowly got more into the book these thoughts disappeared and the book became it's own. The world of the Magisterium is creepy with the school being underground, but somewhat amazing. I loved the elements they have that's their magic and how their school runs, with the small groups of three with a master. 

Call is our main character and I loved how he wasn't the hero of the book, I loved how Aaron was seen as it. It just felt like a different change, one I had never seen an author really took before. Then also the limp of his leg gave him that weakness, making him different from the stereotypes. He then doesn't want to go to magic school, which is shocking as why wouldn't you? I understand why he didn't want to, though, making it more of an interesting storyline to read from the start. Then we have Tamara, who was annoying to start with, but soon grew on me. At the start she seemed to be one of those snobby kind of girls, but in the end she had that witty quick temper kind of personality, a bit like Hermione. Then Aaron, the one who is seen as the hero is this book, the guy that everyone likes. We also had Jasper, a guy who was similar to Draco, but seems to be acting out as he is under pressure. 

At first this book was hard to get into with the world and character building, but after a while I started to get into it. It seemed to have the middle grade vibe to it. Perhaps the ending could be debated that it's to advanced for middle grade, but it was still shockingly amazing. Plot twists after plot twist, that I had no idea was coming. It created the storyline for the rest of the series and showed the conflict. I have no idea how this is all going to be resolved and I can't wait to find out!