The third book in
the Magisterium series sees Call, Aaron and Tamara return for another year at
the titular school of magic, along with further developments in the growing
influence of the remaining minions of deceased warmonger and master of chaos
magic the Enemy of Death.
Call
is still attempting to come to grips with the knowledge that he is effectively the
reincarnation of the Enemy, and while he regularly convinces himself he is his
own person, he also can’t deny certain similarities between them that begin to
arise, growing ever more concerned that he might actually become the villain
without even realising it. Even though the events of The Copper Gauntlet convinced
the adult mages that the Enemy was truly dead, Call’s perpetual fear that
someone might discover his secret still eats way at him.
The
themes of loyalty that have so far driven the series continue to hold
prominence, with the central trio’s steadfast belief in one another remaining a
core aspect of their bond. Although each has their own mind and ambitions
independent of the others, together they operate in constant harmony as a
single unit. They also deal with more typical problems of high school students,
such as jealously amongst peers, the pressure to succeed, and the emotional
tribulations of first crushes. Now in their third year of their education at
the Magisterium, their growth has reached a point where its gradual portrayal can
be properly appreciated when they are compared to the nervous children they
were when the series began. All children – and teenagers in particular – change
a lot from one year to the next, both physically and psychologically, and it’s
a testament to the writing that it sufficiently portrays the necessary shifts
in character without being blatant about it.
The
magical set pieces are as inventive as ever and showcase a wide range of
practical applications for elemental manipulation, allowing you some idea of
what exactly one might to with such powers after completing their education of
them. There is also a big jump in the development of the overarching plot;
although the book ends things at a point that feels unfinished and that it should
have continued further to draw things to a more natural conclusion. However, it
also leaves the reader with no doubts that the series is playing for keeps.
THE
BRONZE KEY / AUTHORS: HOLLY BLACK, CASSANDRA CLARE / PUBLISHER: CORGI / RELEASE
DATE: OUT NOW
