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Books in the series Magisterium

5 books in this series

The Iron Trial by Holly Black

The Iron Trial

by Holly Black1 of 5

The Iron Trial, the first book in the Magisterium series by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare, introduces readers to Callum Hunt, a boy who has been warned his whole life that magic is a death sentence. When he is forced to take the Iron Trial to enter the Magisterium, a secret underground school for mages, Call tries his hardest to fail. However, his natural talent shines through, and he is drawn into a world of elemental magic, dangerous secrets, and a dark legacy that he never expected. This gripping tale subverts traditional 'chosen one' tropes, offering a fresh and slightly darker take on the magic school genre.

Perfect for children who love Harry Potter or Percy Jackson, this book is an ideal choice for readers interested in complex characters and high-stakes adventure. The story explores the nuances of friendship and the choices that define who we are, making it a great choice for middle-grade readers looking for a series they can sink their teeth into. With its fast-paced plot and intriguing world-building, it keeps young readers engaged from the first page to the last.

Highlights:

  • A unique twist on the magic school setting with elemental-based powers.
  • Compelling themes of identity and choosing your own path despite your past.
  • Strong character dynamics and a loyal trio of friends at the center of the story.
  • Perfect for fans of fast-paced fantasy and mysterious plot twists.
Ages 10-11Middle Grade
Middle Grade FictionFantasy+2 more
The Copper Gauntlet by Holly Black

The Copper Gauntlet

by Holly Black2 of 5

Callum Hunt is back for his second year at the Magisterium, but things are far from normal. After discovering a dark secret about his own identity at the end of his first year, Call must now navigate the treacherous waters of magical education while wondering if he is destined for evil. When he suspects his father might be trying to destroy him and his friends, Call flees to the school of magic, only to find that danger follows him everywhere. The Copper Gauntlet is a thrilling sequel that deepens the mystery of the 'Enemy of Death' and tests the bonds of friendship between Call, Aaron, and Tamara.

This book is perfect for children who love stories about magic schools, hidden destinies, and complex characters. Ideal for readers interested in the Harry Potter or Percy Jackson series, Holly Black and Cassandra Clare deliver a fast-paced adventure filled with elemental magic, mechanical monsters, and shocking twists. It’s a great choice for middle-grade readers who enjoy a slightly darker edge to their fantasy adventures and stories where the line between hero and villain is blurred.

Highlights:

  • A unique take on the magic school trope with elemental magic and alchemy.
  • Compelling character development as Call struggles with his dark heritage.
  • High-stakes action and suspenseful mysteries that keep readers guessing.
  • Strong themes of loyalty and choosing your own path despite your past.
Ages 10-11Middle Grade
Middle Grade FictionFantasy+2 more
The Bronze Key by Holly Black

The Bronze Key

by Holly Black3 of 5

The Bronze Key is the gripping third installment in the Magisterium series, where the stakes for Callum Hunt and his friends reach a dangerous new high. After a fellow student is found dead, the school is thrown into chaos, and it becomes clear that there is a spy hidden within the ranks of the mages. This book is perfect for children who love magical school settings but are looking for a story with a darker, more mysterious edge. Readers will be kept on the edge of their seats as Call, Tamara, and Aaron race to uncover the traitor before they strike again.

Ideal for readers interested in complex characters and moral dilemmas, this novel explores what it means to be a hero when you are afraid of your own potential. It is a great choice for fans of the Percy Jackson series or Harry Potter who enjoy fast-paced adventures filled with elemental magic and deep-seated secrets. The bond between the trio of protagonists remains the heart of the story, making it a compelling read for those who value loyalty and friendship in the face of overwhelming odds.

Highlights:

  • A thrilling 'whodunit' mystery set in a unique underground magical academy.
  • Deep exploration of identity and the struggle between good and evil.
  • High-stakes action and shocking plot twists that keep readers guessing.
  • Strong focus on the evolving dynamics of a core group of friends.
Ages 10-11Middle Grade
Middle Grade FictionFantasy+2 more
The Silver Mask by Holly Black

The Silver Mask

by Holly Black4 of 5

The Silver Mask is the gripping fourth installment in the Magisterium series by bestselling authors Holly Black and Cassandra Clare. In this high-stakes adventure, Callum Hunt finds himself in his most precarious position yet. Imprisoned and feared by the magical community, Call must grapple with the dark legacy of Constantine Madden that lives within him. This book is perfect for children who love stories about magical schools, complex heroes, and the thin line between good and evil.

As Call is broken out of prison, he is faced with a choice that could change the world of magic forever. With the potential to bring back the dead in his hands, he must decide what kind of person he truly wants to be. Ideal for readers interested in dark fantasy and deep character development, this novel explores the weight of expectations and the power of friendship in the face of overwhelming odds. It is a great choice for fans of Harry Potter or Percy Jackson who are looking for a slightly edgier magical journey.

Highlights:

  • A dark and twisty exploration of a magical world where the hero might also be the villain.
  • Strong themes of loyalty and the bonds of friendship between Call, Tamara, and Aaron.
  • Fast-paced action that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very last page.
Ages 10-11Middle Grade
Middle Grade FictionFantasy+1 more
The Golden Tower by Holly Black

The Golden Tower

by Holly Black5 of 5

The Golden Tower brings the epic Magisterium series to a thrilling and monumental conclusion. In this final installment, Callum Hunt faces his most dangerous year yet at the magical school. Having spent years struggling with his identity as both a hero and a potential villain, Call must now confront a furtive darkness that continues to hound him. With his place at the school less certain than ever and his friends estranged, the stakes have never been higher as he faces the greatest challenge of his life.

This book is perfect for children who love stories about magic schools, hidden destinies, and the power of choice. Authors Holly Black and Cassandra Clare masterfully blend action-packed sequences with deep emotional stakes, making it an ideal choice for readers interested in complex characters and high-stakes fantasy. It is a great choice for fans of series that explore the grey areas between good and evil, showing how magic has the ability to both save and doom.

Highlights:

  • The dramatic conclusion to the bestselling Magisterium series.
  • Explores deep themes of identity, choice, and the nature of heroism.
  • Perfect for fans of Harry Potter and Percy Jackson who enjoy magic school settings.
  • Fast-paced action combined with meaningful character growth and resolution.
Ages 10-11Middle Grade
Middle Grade FictionFantasy+1 more