The immersive world of Shadowhunters has become a cultural phenomenon, thanks to the brilliant mind of author Cassandra Clare. This series of books transports readers into a captivating universe filled with angelic warriors, magical beings, and eternal battles between good and evil.
The vast and complex structure of Clare’s universe is often best enjoyed when read in a particular order. This post is here to guide you through that very journey. Whether you’re a newcomer or a dedicated fan wanting to revisit the series, we’ll outline the proper sequence of Cassandra Clare’s books in both order of publication and by series.
Cassandra Clare Books in Order of Publication (quick list)
- City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1) (2007)
- City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments #2) (2008)
- City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments #3) (2009)
- Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1) (2010)
- City of Fallen Angels (The Mortal Instruments #4) (2011)
- Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices #2) (2011)
- City of Lost Souls (The Mortal Instruments #5) (2012)
- Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices #3) (2013)
- City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments #6) (2014)
- The Bane Chronicles (2014)
- Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy (2015)
- Lady Midnight (The Dark Artifices #1) (2016)
- Lord of Shadows (The Dark Artifices #2) (2017)
- Queen of Air and Darkness (The Dark Artifices #3) (2018)
- Ghosts of the Shadow Market (2019)
- Chain of Gold (The Last Hours #1) (2020)
- Chain of Iron (The Last Hours #2) (2021)
- Chain Of Thorns (The Last Hours #3) (2023)
- Sword Catch (Sword Catcher #1) (2023)
Cassandra Clare Books in Order by Series (quick list):
The Mortal Instruments Series:
- City of Bones
- City of Ashes
- City of Glass
- City of Fallen Angels
- City of Lost Souls
- City of Heavenly Fire
The Infernal Devices Series:
- Clockwork Angel
- Clockwork Prince
- Clockwork Princess
The Dark Artifices Series:
- Lady Midnight
- Lord of Shadows
- Queen of Air and Darkness
The Last Hours Series:
- Chain of Gold
- Chain of Iron
Additional Stories:
- The Bane Chronicles (2014)
- Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy (2015)
- Ghosts of the Shadow Market (2019)
- Sword Catcher (2023)
Expert Tip: Remember, everyone’s journey into this magical world may differ slightly. Choose the path that feels right to you, sit back, and enjoy the ride!
summary of every book:
1. City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1) (2007)
In “City of Bones,” we’re introduced to Clary Fray, an ordinary teenager living in New York City. One night, Clary witnesses a murder in a nightclub that only she seems to be able to see. The murderers are Shadowhunters, a secretive group of warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons.
After the encounter, Clary’s mother goes missing, and Clary herself begins to see the Shadow World full of demons, vampires, warlocks, and werewolves. As Clary delves deeper into the Shadowhunter’s world, she learns shocking truths about her family’s past and finds herself falling for the enigmatic Shadowhunter Jace.
2. City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments #2) (2008)
“City of Ashes” picks up from the shocking revelation that Clary and Jace are siblings. Clary struggles with her newfound identity as a Shadowhunter, while Jace faces the wrath of the Clave for his father’s actions. Clary’s best friend Simon also undergoes his transformation, turning into a vampire.
The villainous Valentine Morgenstern continues to raise his demon army using the Mortal Cup, plotting to create a new Shadowhunter army and overthrow the Clave.
3. City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments #3) (2009)
In “City of Glass,” Clary travels to the Shadowhunter’s homeland, the city of Alicante, in the hopes of finding a cure for her mother’s curse. Meanwhile, Valentine is planning to attack the city, aiming to gather all Mortal Instruments for himself. Jace, still struggling with his identity, tries to distance himself from Clary to protect her.
Amidst the chaos and impending war, secrets unravel, and Clary learns that Jace isn’t her brother, and they confess their love for each other.
4. Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices #1) (2010)
“Clockwork Angel” is the first book in the prequel trilogy “The Infernal Devices,” set in Victorian England. Tessa Gray travels to London to meet her brother but ends up captured by the Dark Sisters, who reveal her ability to shape-shift. She is rescued by Will Herondale, a charming but mysterious Shadowhunter.
As Tessa seeks her brother and tries to understand her new powers, she gets embroiled in the London Shadowhunters’ fight against the Pandemonium Club, a group of humans led by a mysterious Magister, who is building an army of automatons.
5. City of Fallen Angels (The Mortal Instruments #4) (2011)
“City of Fallen Angels” sees a return to Clary’s narrative. Clary is now a full-fledged Shadowhunter, training to fight alongside her boyfriend, Jace. But when Jace starts pulling away from her, Clary is left confused and hurt.
Simultaneously, someone is murdering Shadowhunters who used to be in Valentine’s Circle, leading to unrest and tension amongst the Clave. Simon, now a vampire with the Mark of Cain, is juggling his relationships with Maia and Isabelle while trying to evade a vampire clan that wants the protection his mark offers.
The book ends with a cliffhanger as Jace becomes bound to Clary’s brother, Jonathan.
6. Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices #2) (2011)
In the second installment of “The Infernal Devices,” Tessa Gray is now safe with the London Shadowhunters, but her heart is torn between the enigmatic Jem and the reckless Will. Their search for the Pandemonium Club and the Magister, who wishes to use Tessa’s power for his own dark ends, continues.
Amidst all of this, a revelation about Tessa’s parentage shakes up her world, and secrets from Will’s past explain his self-destructive behavior. The book ends with a surprising twist – a betrothal between Jem and Tessa.
7. City of Lost Souls (The Mortal Instruments #5) (2012)
“City of Lost Souls” sees Clary desperate to find a way to free Jace from her evil brother Jonathan (previously thought to be Sebastian). When the Clave proves useless, Clary embarks on a dangerous journey, leading her into the dark world of Jonathan, who has created a dark alliance with Jace.
Meanwhile, the Lightwoods, Simon, and Magnus Bane scramble to find a way to sever the bond between Jace and Jonathan. Clary, in a final bid, uses a rune of her own creation, managing to save Jace, but leaving Jonathan stronger than ever.
8. Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices #3) (2013)
The “Clockwork Princess” concludes the “Infernal Devices” trilogy. Tessa is betrothed to Jem, who is dying from his addiction to a demon drug. In the meantime, the Shadowhunters’ Institute is under attack, and the Magister is still on the loose. As Tessa battles her confusion over her feelings for Jem and Will, the group faces betrayal and a devastating loss.
The truth about Tessa’s origin is finally revealed, and it’s more astonishing than anyone could have guessed. The book ends with an epic showdown, leading to a surprising yet bittersweet conclusion.
9. City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments #6) (2014)
“City of Heavenly Fire” is the finale of “The Mortal Instruments” series. Clary, Jace, and their friends face the ultimate showdown against Clary’s brother, Jonathan, who now commands a powerful demonic army. The Shadowhunter world teeters on the brink of a civil war, and relationships are tested as secrets unravel.
Meanwhile, a deadly and unknown threat lurks in the Shadowhunter’s paradise, Alicante. This installment sees significant loss, heartbreaking farewells, and surprising introductions that lead to the next series in Clare’s universe, “The Dark Artifices.”
10. The Bane Chronicles (2014)
“The Bane Chronicles” is a compilation of 11 short stories that center around the immensely popular character, Magnus Bane. The stories span several centuries, beginning in the 1700s and ending in contemporary times, providing a broader look into Magnus’s life before “The Mortal Instruments.”
We see Magnus’s adventures around the world and learn about his relationships, including his romantic escapades, and his role in significant events in Shadowhunter history. It’s a fascinating insight into a fan-favorite character, providing depth to Magnus and his part in the Shadowhunter world.
11. Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy (2015)
“Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy” is a collection of 10 short stories that follow Simon Lewis, Clary’s best friend, after the events of “City of Heavenly Fire”. Simon has lost his memories due to the demon Asmodeus and decides to join the Shadowhunter Academy to rediscover his past.
Throughout the stories, Simon learns about Shadowhunter’s history, undergoes rigorous training, and deals with the consequences of his past as a Daylighter vampire. The stories set the stage for the next series, “The Dark Artifices”.
12. Lady Midnight (The Dark Artifices #1) (2016)
“Lady Midnight” starts the “The Dark Artifices” series and takes place five years after “City of Heavenly Fire”. The story focuses on Emma Carstairs and Julian Blackthorn, parabasal living at the Los Angeles Institute. Emma is determined to find out who killed her parents, and Julian has been quietly managing the Institute and his younger siblings since his parent’s deaths.
When the bodies of humans and faeries turn up, mimicking the strange deaths of Emma’s parents, the two become embroiled in a dark mystery while also grappling with their forbidden feelings for each other.
13. Lord of Shadows (The Dark Artifices #2) (2017)
“Lord of Shadows” continues Emma and Julian’s story as they navigate through the Black Volume of the Dead to save Julian’s brother, Mark, who has been a captive of the faeries for years. Simultaneously, a civil war is threatening to break out in the Shadow World, putting them at odds with the rest of the Clave.
Emma and Julian’s forbidden love grows stronger, threatening to break their parabatai bond and unleash devastating consequences. The book ends on a shocking note, leaving the Shadowhunter world in great peril.
14. Queen of Air and Darkness (The Dark Artifices #3) (2018)
“Queen of Air and Darkness” wraps up “The Dark Artifices” series. After a tragic loss, the Blackthorn family and Emma Carstairs seek revenge on the perpetrators while also trying to prevent a destructive war in the Shadow World. As they journey to Faerie, secrets unravel, relationships are tested, and shocking alliances are formed.
In the wake of a sweeping, deadly curse, Emma and Julian must choose between their love and the survival of the Shadowhunter world. The ending paves the way for the next series, “The Last Hours.
15. Ghosts of the Shadow Market (2019)
“Ghosts of the Shadow Market” is an anthology of eight short stories centered around Brother Zachariah, who was previously Jem Carstairs in “The Infernal Devices”. The stories take place in the mysterious Shadow Market, a meeting point for faeries, werewolves, warlocks, and vampires.
Each story explores Brother Zachariah’s encounters with different characters from the Shadowhunter world across different timelines, filling in gaps and providing more context to the events in the series.
16. Chain of Gold (The Last Hours #1) (2020)
“Chain of Gold” begins “The Last Hours” series, set in 1903 and focusing on the children of the characters from “The Infernal Devices”. Cordelia Carstairs, a Shadowhunter warrior, moves to London just as a mysterious and devastating demon plague begins to sweep through the city.
Cordelia, her brother Alastair, and their friends James and Lucie Herondale must navigate through love, loss, and countless dangers to save their world from destruction.
17. Chain of Iron (The Last Hours #2) (2021)
“Chain of Iron” continues the narrative from “Chain of Gold”. The demon plague continues to ravage London, and Cordelia Carstairs and James Herondale are engaged in a fake betrothal. As they delve deeper into the mystery of the plague, they unearth secrets that could shatter their world.
Love triangles, hidden identities, and dangerous battles fill the pages, ending with a startling revelation that sets the stage for the next installment in the series.
How many books are in Cassandra Clare’s series?
Cassandra Clare has authored numerous books within the overarching Shadowhunters universe. The Shadowhunters series is spread across multiple trilogies and collections, which are:
- The Mortal Instruments: This series consists of six books.
- The Infernal Devices: This prequel series to The Mortal Instruments consists of three books.
- The Dark Artifices: This sequel series to The Mortal Instruments consists of three books.
- The Last Hours: Two of the three books in this series, which is a sequel to The Infernal Devices, have been published.
- The Eldest Curses: Two out of the three books in this series, co-written with Wesley Chu, have been published. This series follows Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood’s adventures.
- The Wicked Powers: This series is planned to be the sequel to The Dark Artifices and will contain three books.
Quick Fact: The Bane Chronicles, Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy, and Ghosts of the Shadow Market are collections of novellas that also form part of the Shadowhunters universe.
How many books are in Cassandra Clare’s series?
There are 16 full-length novels, 3 novella collections, and several additional novellas, companion books, and graphic novels within the Shadowhunters universe. However, the series is not yet finished.
Cassandra Clare has plans to continue writing within this universe, and several upcoming books have been announced, including the rest of The Last Hours series and The Wicked Powers series.
What is the premise of the Shadowhunters universe?
The Shadowhunters universe, created by Cassandra Clare, is a richly imagined world centered around a group of Nephilim, or human-angel hybrids, known as Shadowhunters. They have a sacred duty to protect the human world from demons and keep the peace between Downworlders, who are werewolves, vampires, warlocks, and faeries.
This universe is multifaceted, with the timeline spanning centuries and locations shifting from New York to London to Los Angeles. Each series within this universe explores different facets of this world, introducing a diverse cast of characters, intriguing mysteries, complex relationships, and epic battles between good and evil.
How does Cassandra Clare maintain continuity and connection between the different series in the Shadowhunters universe?
Cassandra Clare has intricately woven the various series in the Shadowhunters universe. Characters and plot points from one series often appear or are referenced in others, providing a sense of continuity and connection.
For instance, “The Infernal Devices” is a prequel to “The Mortal Instruments” and introduces the ancestors of the characters in the latter series. Similarly, “The Dark Artifices” builds upon the aftermath of events from “The Mortal Instruments”.
Additionally, Clare uses novellas and short story collections, like “The Bane Chronicles” and “Ghosts of the Shadow Market,” to fill in gaps, offer new perspectives, and flesh out the backstories of the characters, further enriching the world and the narrative arc.
Can each series in the Shadowhunters universe be read independently, or should they be read in a specific order?
While each series in the Shadowhunters universe does focus on a different set of characters and narratives, reading them in a specific order can enhance the reader’s understanding and enjoyment. This is due to the interconnected nature of the world Clare has created, where events and characters overlap and build upon each other.
The suggested reading order is typically by publication date, starting with “The Mortal Instruments”, followed by “The Infernal Devices”, “The Dark Artifices”, and “The Last Hours”. The novella collections can be read anytime after “The Mortal Instruments” but are best enjoyed when read in the order of their publication as well.
How does Cassandra Clare balance the fantasy elements with the realistic aspects in the Shadowhunters series?
Clare has skillfully balanced the fantastical elements of the Shadowhunters universe with more grounded, real-world aspects. While the books are filled with otherworldly beings, epic battles, and magical artifacts, they are anchored in real, relatable themes such as friendship, love, loss, identity, and the struggle between good and evil.
The characters, despite their supernatural abilities or origins, are well-rounded in their emotions, motivations, and personal growth. Additionally, the use of familiar, real-world settings like New York City or London helps provide a relatable backdrop against which the fantasy elements unfold.
How do the short story collections contribute to the overall narrative of the Shadowhunters universe?
The short story collections, including “The Bane Chronicles”, “Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy”, and “Ghosts of the Shadow Market”, play a crucial role in expanding the Shadowhunters universe. They delve deeper into the backgrounds and perspectives of various characters, many of whom play key roles in the main series.
For example, “The Bane Chronicles” focuses on the life of Magnus Bane, providing a greater understanding of this fan-favorite character’s backstory. These collections fill in narrative gaps, reveal important information, and add additional layers to the overarching story, enriching the reader’s experience of the universe.
How does the theme of love manifest in the Shadowhunters series?
Love, in its many forms, is a recurring theme across the Shadowhunters series. There’s romantic love, as seen in the relationships between characters like Clary and Jace or Emma and Julian. These relationships often face obstacles and complexities, which make them all the more engaging.
Familial love is also prominent, illustrated in the tight-knit Lightwood and Blackthorn families. Friendship is another form of love highlighted, especially in bonds like the parabatai, a sacred and deep bond between two Shadowhunters. The exploration of forbidden love, unrequited love, and love triangles also add to the emotional depth and intrigue of the series.
How has the Shadowhunters universe evolved over the various series?
The Shadowhunters universe has evolved significantly over the course of the various series. Initially focused on a group of teenage Shadowhunters in New York City in “The Mortal Instruments”, it expanded to a historical London setting with “The Infernal Devices”, explored a more politically complex landscape in “The Dark Artifices”, and delved into the lives of subsequent generations in “The Last Hours”.
Each series has added depth to the world-building, introduced new characters, and presented more intricate plotlines. The thematic exploration has also matured, dealing with increasingly complex and darker issues, reflecting Clare’s growth as a writer and the evolving expectations of her readers.
What is the concept of ‘parabatai’ in the Shadowhunters universe?
Parabatai is a term used in the Shadowhunters universe that refers to a pair of Nephilim warriors who fight together as lifelong partners, bound by oath, regardless of their gender. Their bond is not romantic but platonic, forming a connection that is incredibly profound and powerful.
Parabatai shares their strength in battle and can call on more power in their rune markings than single Shadowhunters. However, there are strict rules surrounding the parabatai bond, one of them being that parabatai is forbidden to fall in love with each other, a rule that leads to significant conflict and emotional turmoil in series like “The Dark Artifices”.
What roles do the Downworlders play in the Shadowhunters series?
Downworlders, the supernatural beings that comprise vampires, werewolves, warlocks, and faeries, play crucial roles in the Shadowhunters series. They often provide help to the Shadowhunters, although relationships between the two groups are complex and sometimes strained due to historical prejudices.
Downworlders also serve as important characters and allies, like Magnus Bane, a powerful warlock, or Luke Garroway, a werewolf.
Quick Fact: The exploration of Downworlders’ cultures and societies adds richness to the world-building, and their interactions with the Shadowhunters add layers of complexity to the themes of prejudice, acceptance, and coexistence.
How has Cassandra Clare incorporated diversity and representation in her Shadowhunters series?
Cassandra Clare has made a deliberate effort to include diverse characters in the Shadowhunters series, representing various ethnicities, sexual orientations, and backgrounds. Characters like Magnus Bane, who is of Asian descent and openly bisexual, or Alec Lightwood, who is gay, have been praised for their representation.
Clare also addresses issues of discrimination and prejudice through the societal norms and biases within the Shadowhunter world, such as the treatment of Downworlders or the Clave’s restrictive laws, adding depth to the societal commentary in her works.
How does the Shadowhunters series address the theme of identity?
Identity is a key theme in the Shadowhunters series. Many characters grapple with their sense of self, influenced by their familial expectations, societal norms, personal desires, and hidden truths. For example, Clary Fray’s journey throughout “The Mortal Instruments” is largely about self-discovery, as she learns about her Shadowhunter heritage and navigates her newfound powers.
Similarly, characters like Simon Lewis and Alec Lightwood also undergo significant personal journeys, coming to terms with their vampire identity and sexual orientation, respectively. These explorations of identity add depth to the characters and make them more relatable to readers.
How does the Shadowhunters series handle the conflict between good and evil?
The Shadowhunters series presents the conflict between good and evil in a nuanced manner. While Shadowhunters are tasked with protecting the world from demons, they are not always portrayed as purely ‘good’. The Clave, the governing body of the Shadowhunters, is often shown enforcing oppressive laws and maintaining prejudiced views against Downworlders.
On the other hand, Downworlders and demons, who could be seen as ‘evil’ at first glance, are given complex characterizations and sometimes have justified grievances. This complex portrayal encourages readers to question the binary notion of good and evil.
How does Cassandra Clare use historical and real-world settings in the Shadowhunters universe?
Cassandra Clare masterfully incorporates real-world settings into her Shadowhunter universe, grounding the fantastical elements in reality. “The Mortal Instruments” is set in contemporary New York City, with landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and Central Park serving as backdrops for supernatural battles.
In contrast, “The Infernal Devices” and “The Last Hours” are set in Victorian London, with the historical setting adding a distinct flavor to the narrative. Clare’s detailed descriptions of these settings bring a sense of authenticity and familiarity to the otherworldly events unfolding in the books.
What narrative techniques does Cassandra Clare use to keep readers engaged across multiple series in the Shadowhunters universe?
Clare employs a number of narrative techniques to maintain reader interest across the multiple series. She often uses cliffhanger endings and unexpected plot twists to keep readers on their toes. The use of multiple points of view provides diverse perspectives and allows for a deeper exploration of character motivations and internal conflicts.
Additionally, the interconnectedness of the series, with characters and plot points overlapping, encourages readers to continue reading to see how the different threads weave together.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Shadowhunters universe, created by Cassandra Clare, is a brilliantly constructed world that captivates readers with its intricate plotlines, complex characters, and richly detailed settings.
It seamlessly weaves together themes of love, identity, prejudice, and the struggle between good and evil, across a series of interconnected books that span generations. While it might seem daunting to new readers due to the sheer number of books, each series builds upon the last, with a rewarding narrative that deepens and expands with every installment.