If you’re a fan of urban fantasy, heart-pounding adventures, and intricate world-building, Cassandra Clare’s books are likely on your radar. Known for her bestselling Shadowhunters series, Clare has crafted a sprawling universe filled with Shadowhunters, Downworlders, and epic battles between good and evil. But with multiple series, companion novels, and short stories, figuring out the best reading order can feel like navigating the labyrinthine streets of Alicante. Fear not! This guide breaks down Cassandra Clare’s books in order, ensuring you dive into her magical worlds seamlessly while keeping spoilers to a minimum.
Whether you’re a new reader or a seasoned Shadowhunter looking to revisit the series, this SEO-optimized and reader-engaging guide will help you explore Clare’s works in the best possible way. Let’s jump into the world of runes, demons, and forbidden love!
Why Read Cassandra Clare’s Books?
Cassandra Clare’s books are a cornerstone of modern young adult fantasy. Her Shadowhunters universe, starting with The Mortal Instruments, blends romance, action, and intricate lore inspired by mythology and folklore. With over 36 million copies sold worldwide and adaptations like the Shadowhunters TV series and City of Bones film, her stories have captivated readers globally. Clare’s ability to craft relatable characters—like the fierce Clary Fray or the enigmatic Jace Herondale—makes her books unputdownable.
But with multiple interconnected series, the question is: where do you start? Below, we’ll cover the chronological reading order, the publication order, and tips for new readers, ensuring you get the most out of your Shadowhunters journey.
List Of Cassandra Clare Books In Order
| Series | Title | Publication Year |
|---|---|---|
| The Mortal Instruments | City of Bones | 2007 |
| City of Ashes | 2008 | |
| City of Glass | 2009 | |
| City of Fallen Angels | 2011 | |
| City of Lost Souls | 2012 | |
| City of Heavenly Fire | 2014 | |
| A Long Conversation (Short Story) | 2017 | |
| Mortal Instruments Collections/Non-Fiction | Shadowhunters and Downworlders | 2013 |
| City of Bones: The Little Book of Quotes | 2013 | |
| The Shadowhunter’s Codex | 2013 | |
| An Illustrated History of Notable Shadowhunters and Denizens of Downworld | 2016 | |
| The Infernal Devices | Clockwork Angel | 2010 |
| Clockwork Prince | 2011 | |
| Clockwork Princess | 2013 | |
| After the Bridge (Short Story) | 2013 | |
| The Infernal Devices: Manga | Clockwork Angel | 2012 |
| The Infernal Devices (Complete Collection) | 2022 | |
| The Bane Chronicles | What Really Happened in Peru | 2013 |
| The Runaway Queen | 2013 | |
| The Vampires, Scones, and Edmund Herondale | 2013 | |
| The Midnight Heir | 2013 | |
| Saving Raphael Santiago | 2013 | |
| The Rise of the Hotel Dumort | 2013 | |
| Fall of the Hotel Dumort | 2013 | |
| What to Buy the Shadowhunter Who Has Everything | 2013 | |
| The Last Stand of the New York Institute | 2013 | |
| The Course of True Love | 2014 | |
| The Voicemail of Magnus Bane | 2014 | |
| The Bane Chronicles Complete Collection | 2014 | |
| Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy | Welcome to Shadowhunter Academy | 2015 |
| The Lost Herondale | 2015 | |
| The Whitechapel Fiend | 2015 | |
| Nothing but Shadows | 2015 | |
| The Evil We Love | 2015 | |
| Pale Kings and Princes | 2015 | |
| Bitter of Tongue | 2015 | |
| The Fiery Trial | 2015 | |
| Born to Endless Night | 2015 | |
| Angels Twice Descending | 2015 | |
| Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy (Complete Collection) | 2016 | |
| The Dark Artifices | Lady Midnight | 2016 |
| Lord of Shadows | 2017 | |
| Queen of Air and Darkness | 2018 | |
| Ghosts of the Shadow Market | Son of the Dawn | 2018 |
| Cast Long Shadows | 2018 | |
| Every Exquisite Thing | 2018 | |
| Learn About Loss | 2018 | |
| A Deeper Love | 2018 | |
| The Wicked Ones | 2018 | |
| The Land I Lost | 2018 | |
| Through Blood, Through Fire | 2018 | |
| Ghosts of the Shadow Market (Complete Collection) | 2019 | |
| The Eldest Curses | The Red Scrolls of Magic | 2019 |
| The Lost Book of the White | 2020 | |
| The Black Volume of the Dead | TBA | |
| The Last Hours | Chain of Gold | 2019 |
| Chain of Iron | 2021 | |
| Chain of Thorns | 2023 | |
| Secrets of Blackthorn Hall | Secrets of Blackthorn Hall | 2021 |
| The Wicked Powers | The Last King of Faerie | 2026 (Expected) |
| Mortal Instruments Graphic Novels | The Mortal Instruments: The Graphic Novel, Vol. 1 | 2017 |
| The Mortal Instruments: The Graphic Novel, Vol. 2 | 2018 | |
| The Mortal Instruments: The Graphic Novel, Vol. 3 | 2019 | |
| The Mortal Instruments: The Graphic Novel, Vol. 4 | 2020 | |
| The Mortal Instruments: The Graphic Novel, Vol. 5 | 2022 | |
| The Mortal Instruments: The Graphic Novel, Vol. 6 | 2022 | |
| The Mortal Instruments: The Graphic Novel, Vol. 7 | 2023 | |
| The Mortal Instruments: The Graphic Novel, Vol. 8 | 2024 | |
| Magisterium (with Holly Black) | The Iron Trial | 2014 |
| The Copper Gauntlet | 2015 | |
| The Bronze Key | 2016 | |
| The Silver Mask | 2017 | |
| The Golden Tower | 2018 | |
| The Chronicles of Castellane | Sword Catcher | 2023 |
| The Ragpicker King | 2025 (Expected) | |
| Short Stories/Novellas | Jocelyn’s Story | 2011 |
| Not for Humans (with Holly Black) | 2015 | |
| Fairy Tale of London | 2020 | |
| We Jace You a Clary Xmas | 2020 | |
| Short Story Collections | Better in Black | 2025 |
The Shadowhunters Universe: An Overview
Cassandra Clare’s books primarily revolve around the Shadowhunters universe, a world where half-angel warriors (Shadowhunters) battle demons and navigate complex relationships with Downworlders (vampires, werewolves, warlocks, and faeries). The universe spans several series, companion novels, and short story collections, each set in different time periods or focusing on different characters.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the main series:
- The Mortal Instruments: The flagship series, following Clary Fray as she discovers her Shadowhunter heritage.
- The Infernal Devices: A prequel set in Victorian London, focusing on Tessa Gray and the origins of the Shadowhunters.
- The Dark Artifices: A sequel series exploring new characters in a post-Mortal Instruments world.
- The Last Hours: A sequel to The Infernal Devices, set in Edwardian London.
- The Wicked Powers: An upcoming series that will conclude the Shadowhunters saga (not yet published as of August 2025).
- Companion Works: Short stories, novellas, and guides like The Bane Chronicles and The Shadowhunter’s Codex.
To make things easy, we’ll provide two reading orders: publication order (recommended for first-time readers) and chronological order (ideal for re-readers or those who prefer a timeline-based approach).
Cassandra Clare Books in Publication Order
For new readers, the publication order is the best way to experience Clare’s books. This order follows how the books were released, allowing you to enjoy the story as fans did, with reveals and connections unfolding naturally. Here’s the complete list of novels and major companion works in publication order:
- City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments, Book 1) – 2007
Clary Fray’s life changes when she discovers she’s a Shadowhunter, plunging into a world of demons and danger in modern-day New York. - City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments, Book 2) – 2008
Clary navigates her new reality while facing threats from the villainous Valentine. - City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments, Book 3) – 2009
The stakes rise as Clary travels to the Shadowhunter city of Alicante to save her mother. - Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices, Book 1) – 2010
Set in 1878 London, Tessa Gray uncovers her mysterious powers and meets the enigmatic Will Herondale. - City of Fallen Angels (The Mortal Instruments, Book 4) – 2011
The story continues with new threats and deeper exploration of the Shadowhunter world. - Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices, Book 2) – 2011
Tessa’s quest intensifies as secrets about her origins unravel. - City of Lost Souls (The Mortal Instruments, Book 5) – 2012
Clary and her friends face dark forces and personal sacrifices. - Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices, Book 3) – 2013
The epic conclusion to Tessa’s story, with ties to The Mortal Instruments. - The Shadowhunter’s Codex (Companion Book) – 2013
A guide to the Shadowhunter world, filled with lore and illustrations (optional but fun). - City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments, Book 6) – 2014
The thrilling finale of The Mortal Instruments, tying up major story arcs. - The Bane Chronicles (Short Story Collection) – 2014
A collection of stories about the fan-favorite warlock Magnus Bane. - Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy (Short Story Collection) – 2015
Novellas following Simon Lewis and other Academy recruits. - Lady Midnight (The Dark Artifices, Book 1) – 2016
Set five years after City of Heavenly Fire, Emma Carstairs investigates a series of murders in Los Angeles. - Lord of Shadows (The Dark Artifices, Book 2) – 2017
Emma and the Blackthorn family face new dangers and forbidden love. - Queen of Air and Darkness (The Dark Artifices, Book 3) – 2018
The explosive conclusion to The Dark Artifices. - The Red Scrolls of Magic (The Eldest Curses, Book 1) – 2019
A spin-off featuring Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood on a romantic yet dangerous adventure. - Chain of Gold (The Last Hours, Book 1) – 2020
Set in 1903, this series follows the children of The Infernal Devices characters. - Chain of Iron (The Last Hours, Book 2) – 2021
The mysteries deepen in Edwardian London. - Chain of Thorns (The Last Hours, Book 3) – 2023
The conclusion to The Last Hours, tying together past and present. - The Lost Book of the White (The Eldest Curses, Book 2) – 2020
Another Magnus and Alec adventure, filled with demonic chaos. - The Black Volume of the Dead (The Eldest Curses, Book 3) – Expected 2025
The final Eldest Curses book (publication pending as of August 2025).
Notes for Publication Order
- Start with The Mortal Instruments (Books 1–6) for the core story.
- Alternate between The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices for a balanced experience.
- Companion books like The Bane Chronicles and Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy are optional but add depth to fan-favorite characters.
- The Dark Artifices and The Last Hours are best read after completing The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices to avoid spoilers.
Cassandra Clare Books in Chronological Order
For readers who prefer a timeline-based approach or are re-reading the series, the chronological order follows the in-universe timeline. This order starts with the earliest events and progresses to the present day.
- Clockwork Angel (The Infernal Devices, Book 1) – 1878
- Clockwork Prince (The Infernal Devices, Book 2) – 1878
- Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices, Book 3) – 1878
- Chain of Gold (The Last Hours, Book 1) – 1903
- Chain of Iron (The Last Hours, Book 2) – 1903
- Chain of Thorns (The Last Hours, Book 3) – 1903
- The Bane Chronicles – Various timelines, primarily pre-2007
- Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy – Mostly pre-2007, with some overlap
- City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments, Book 1) – 2007
- City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments, Book 2) – 2007
- City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments, Book 3) – 2007
- City of Fallen Angels (The Mortal Instruments, Book 4) – 2007
- City of Lost Souls (The Mortal Instruments, Book 5) – 2007
- City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments, Book 6) – 2007
- The Red Scrolls of Magic (The Eldest Curses, Book 1) – 2007
- The Lost Book of the White (The Eldest Curses, Book 2) – 2008
- The Black Volume of the Dead (The Eldest Curses, Book 3) – Expected 2025
- Lady Midnight (The Dark Artifices, Book 1) – 2012
- Lord of Shadows (The Dark Artifices, Book 2) – 2012
- Queen of Air and Darkness (The Dark Artifices, Book 3) – 2012
Notes for Chronological Order
- This order prioritizes the in-universe timeline, starting with The Infernal Devices in 1878.
- The Bane Chronicles and Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy span multiple time periods, so their placement is approximate.
- Chronological order may spoil major reveals from The Mortal Instruments if read first.
Which Reading Order Should You Choose?
- New Readers: Stick with the publication order to experience the story as Clare intended. It builds suspense and introduces characters gradually.
- Returning Readers: Try the chronological order for a fresh perspective, especially if you want to follow the historical timeline.
- Short on Time? Start with The Mortal Instruments (Books 1–6) for the core story, then explore The Infernal Devices and The Dark Artifices if you’re hooked.
Tips for Enjoying Cassandra Clare’s Books
- Embrace the World-Building: Clare’s universe is rich with lore. Keep The Shadowhunter’s Codex handy for reference if you want to dive deeper.
- Don’t Skip the Companion Stories: The Bane Chronicles and Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy add humor and depth to characters like Magnus and Simon.
- Expect Emotional Rollercoasters: Clare’s books are known for their intense romance, betrayals, and cliffhangers—keep tissues ready!
- Join the Fandom: Engage with the Shadowhunters community on platforms like X for fan theories, art, and discussions.
- Watch the Adaptations: After reading, check out the Shadowhunters TV series or City of Bones movie for a visual take on the story.
What’s Next for the Shadowhunters Universe?
As of August 2025, fans are eagerly awaiting The Black Volume of the Dead (The Eldest Curses, Book 3), expected to release soon. Clare is also working on The Wicked Powers, the final Shadowhunters series, which will focus on new characters like Kit Herondale and Ty Blackthorn. While no official release date has been confirmed, posts on X suggest excitement is high for this concluding chapter.
Conclusion
Cassandra Clare’s Shadowhunters universe is a thrilling blend of magic, romance, and adventure. Whether you start with City of Bones or dive into the Victorian era with Clockwork Angel, her books offer something for every fantasy lover. By following the publication order for your first read or the chronological order for a timeline-based journey, you’ll uncover the full depth of Clare’s world.
Ready to wield a seraph blade and join the Shadowhunters? Grab City of Bones and start your adventure today! Have questions about the series or want to share your favorite Clare book? Drop a comment below or join the conversation on X!
