#1 in Magisterium Series
The Iron Trial
2014 by
on Goodreads (78,339)
What’s inside...
The Iron Trial is the first book of the Magisterium series, a five-book series of fantasy novels. It revolves around the life of the protagonist, 12-year-old Callum Hunt, who tries to fail the admission tests for the Magisterium, a school of magic, but gets admitted and goes on a thrilling adventure filled with mystery and danger.
Why read this book
- Engaging, magical adventure fosters creativity and imagination.
- Features teamwork, friendship, and bravery themes.
- Enhances problem-solving and cognitive skills.
- Ideal for interactive parent-child reading sessions.
The Big Picture
- Emphasizes importance of choices and consequences.
- Highlights resilience and bravery in adversity.
- Shows value of friendships and collaboration.
- Encourages confronting fears and insecurities.
Diversity & Representation
- Features a diverse cast of characters and ethnicities.
- Promotes inclusivity through varied cultural backgrounds.
- Showcases a range of magical abilities and talents.
Book in series
#1
Age
9-12
Length
295 pages
Text complexity
proficient
Character Compass
Discussion points
What do you think about Callum's decision to hide his abilities during the Iron Trial? How would you handle a similar situation?
How do friendships in the story, like the bond between Callum, Aaron, and Tamara, influence their journey? Have you ever experienced something similar?
The mages in the story have different magical abilities. If you could choose, what power would you want and why?
What lessons do you think Callum learns about trust and betrayal throughout the book?
How do the challenges in the trials shape the characters? Can you relate any of their experiences to challenges you face in your life?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to put themselves in the protagonist's shoes, fostering empathy and deeper understanding of the character's decisions and feelings.
Discuss the moral dilemmas presented in the book and ask your child how they might act in similar circumstances, aiding in the development of ethical reasoning.
Explore the theme of friendship and teamwork in the story, relating it to your child's experiences with friends or in school.
Highlight the growth of characters through adversity, prompting a conversation about resilience and perseverance in real-life situations.
What parents love
Captivating plot that keeps children intrigued.
Handles sensitive topics with appropriate care.
Encourages critical thinking through engaging narrative.
Promotes values like friendship and courage.
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of teamwork
Explanation: Throughout 'The Iron Trial', the protagonist, Callum, learns to collaborate with his peers to tackle various magical challenges. This cooperative effort is pivotal in overcoming obstacles within the story.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by working together on group projects at school or in team sports, learning that collective effort can lead to greater achievements than working alone.
Example Lesson: The value of perseverance
Explanation: Callum faces numerous difficulties in his magical education, but he consistently shows determination and doesn't give up, eventually succeeding in spite of the odds.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of persisting through personal challenges, whether they relate to academics, learning a new skill, or building relationships.
Example Lesson: Understanding and accepting differences
Explanation: The story showcases a variety of characters from diverse backgrounds with different magical abilities, highlighting how these differences contribute positively to the group's dynamic.
Real-World Application: Children learn to appreciate and embrace individual differences within their classmates and community, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: The consequences of deceit
Explanation: As the plot unfolds, characters who engage in deceitful behavior face consequences that affect their relationships and positions within the magical community.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that honesty is fundamental in building trust and maintaining healthy relationships.