Shadowhunter Chronicles Reading Order: Complete Cassandra Clare Guide
The Shadowhunter Chronicles by Cassandra Clare is one of the most expansive young adult fantasy universes ever created — 20+ novels spanning multiple series, all set in the same world of Shadowhunters (humans with angel blood who hunt demons), Downworlders (vampires, werewolves, warlocks, and faeries), and the complex politics between them. Here is every series in reading order.
Updated April 16, 2026
Featured Series
The Shadowhunter Reading Order Overview
The Shadowhunter Chronicles consists of multiple interconnected series. You can start with any of the first-book entry points, but the recommended order is: 1. The Mortal Instruments (2007–2014, 6 books) — The original series. Clary Fray discovers she is a Shadowhunter. Start here if you're new to the universe. 2. The Infernal Devices (2010–2013, 3 books) — A prequel trilogy set in Victorian London. Many fans consider this the best series in the Chronicles. Read after Mortal Instruments Book 1 or 3. 3. The Dark Artifices (2016–2018, 3 books) — Set five years after The Mortal Instruments. New protagonist, new city (Los Angeles), same world. 4. The Last Hours (2020–2023, 3 books) — Set in 1903 London, between The Infernal Devices and The Mortal Instruments. 5. The Wicked Powers (2024–ongoing) — The current ongoing series.
The Mortal Instruments Reading Order
1. City of Bones — Clary Fray witnesses a murder at a New York nightclub and discovers the hidden world of Shadowhunters. The entry point to the universe. 2. City of Ashes — Clary and Jace uncover a devastating secret about their relationship while Valentine plans a return. 3. City of Glass — The conclusion to the original trilogy (Books 4–6 were added later). 4. City of Fallen Angels — Opens the second arc with a new threat. 5. City of Lost Souls — The stakes reach their peak as Clary fights to save Jace. 6. City of Heavenly Fire — The epic conclusion to the original series. Leads directly into The Dark Artifices.
When to Read The Infernal Devices
The Infernal Devices (Clockwork Angel, Clockwork Prince, Clockwork Princess) is a Victorian-era prequel. Most fans recommend reading it after the original Mortal Instruments trilogy (Books 1–3) but before Books 4–6. This way you know the universe before starting TID, and TID's emotional payoffs are fresh in your mind as you continue with Books 4–6 of TMI. The Infernal Devices is frequently rated the best series in the Chronicles — don't skip it.
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Companion Books and Short Stories
The Bane Chronicles (2014) — Novellas following Magnus Bane across centuries. Can be read at any time after City of Glass. Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy (2015–2016) — Short stories about Simon Lewis. The Red Scrolls of Magic (2019) — Full novel featuring Magnus and Alec. Ghosts of the Shadow Market (2019) — Novella collection. Best read after completing The Infernal Devices.
The TV Adaptations
The Mortal Instruments was first adapted as a 2013 film (City of Bones) that underperformed critically and commercially. The story was then rebooted as the Shadowhunters TV series on Freeform (2016–2019), which ran three seasons and built a devoted fandom before cancellation. The series adapts the first three Mortal Instruments books before going in its own direction. Both adaptations are different enough from the books that book readers can enjoy them separately.
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