Begin with The Iron Trial
Read all five books in order and avoid later summaries, which can reveal the central identity twist.
Book Series · 5 Books
Magisterium Books
In order from The Iron Trial to The Golden Tower.
Callum Hunt expects magic school to be dangerous—and wants no part of it. Five connected fantasy novels follow his training, friendships, and discovery that the enemy he fears may be tied to his own identity.
Reviewed by the Bookroo Editors Updated
Reading order
How to Read the Magisterium Books
Read the five novels in numbered order, from The Iron Trial through The Golden Tower. Each school year advances one continuous mystery, and later books reveal major secrets from earlier volumes.
For parents
What Parents Should Know
The series includes magical battles, monsters, possession, imprisonment, betrayal, severe injuries, and deaths of children and adults. Grief and fear of becoming evil are recurring themes, and the identity revelations become darker after the first book.
Friendship and personal choice ultimately matter more than destiny, but the suspense and moral uncertainty are stronger than the school setting may suggest. Sensitive middle-grade readers may benefit from knowing that beloved characters can be hurt or killed.
Where to start
Where Should My Child Start?
The mystery is designed to unfold from the first school year.
Where the story begins
First Book in the Series
Sale price
$1697
Book #1 · Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2014
The Iron Trial
A boy tries to fail a magical trial but is drawn into a world of secrets and danger.
295 pages· 83,311 words· Est. 11.5 hour read
$17.99Save 6%
Hardcover
Summary: Callum Hunt has been warned to avoid magic, but when he tries to fail the Iron Trial, he inadvertently succeeds. Now, the mysterious Magisterium awaits, with dark secrets tied to his past. As Callum navigates this new world, he must confront hidden dangers and unravel the truth about his destiny. Will he uncover the sinister forces at play, or will the Magisterium's secrets consume him? The Iron Trial is just the beginning of a journey filled with unexpected twists and challenges that will test Callum in ways he never imagined.
In reading order
Magisterium Series
5 books · Published 2014–2018
#1
Sale price
$1697
The Iron Trial
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2014
A boy tries to fail a magical trial but is drawn into a world of secrets and danger.
#2
Sale price
$858
The Copper Gauntlet
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2015
A boy's escape to a magical school uncovers a stolen artifact and dangerous truths.
#3
Sale price
$858
The Bronze Key
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2016
A student is murdered, and Call must find the killer while hiding his dark secret.
#4
Sale price
$858
The Silver Mask
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2017
A young magician holds the key to a dead sorcerer's plan. Will he wield the power or destroy it?
#5
Sale price
$858
The Golden Tower
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018
A young magician faces his greatest challenge as darkness threatens to consume him and his world.
Good to know
Common Questions
How many books are in the Magisterium series?
There are 5 books in the Magisterium series. It began with The Iron Trial in 2014, and the newest book, The Golden Tower, was published in 2018.
What order should you read the Magisterium books in?
Start with The Iron Trial and follow the series order — the books above are numbered #1 through #5.
What ages are the Magisterium books best for?
The series is best for ages 8–12, based on the age ranges of the individual books.
The people
The Creatives Behind the Books
The people who bring Magisterium to life.
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