If you’re a fan of fantasy, romance, and steampunk adventure, The Infernal Devices by Cassandra Clare is a must-read series. This trilogy, set in a richly imagined Victorian London, blends supernatural intrigue with heart-pounding action and unforgettable characters. Whether you’re new to the Shadowhunter universe or a seasoned reader looking to revisit this beloved series, this guide will walk you through The Infernal Devices books in order, ensuring you dive into the story the right way. Let’s explore the series, its reading order, and why it continues to captivate readers worldwide.
What Is The Infernal Devices Series?
The Infernal Devices is a prequel trilogy to Cassandra Clare’s wildly popular The Mortal Instruments series, set in the same Shadowhunter world. This young adult fantasy series follows Tessa Gray, a young woman with mysterious powers, as she navigates a world of demons, warlocks, vampires, and Shadowhunters—elite warriors tasked with protecting humanity. Set in 1878 London, the series weaves together historical settings, steampunk aesthetics, and a gripping love triangle that keeps readers hooked.
The trilogy is known for its compelling characters, intricate world-building, and emotional depth, making it a favorite among fans of fantasy and romance. If you’re wondering how to read The Infernal Devices books in order, we’ve got you covered with the complete sequence below.
List Of The Infernal Devices Books In Order
Discover the complete list of The Infernal Devices books in order, a captivating trilogy from Cassandra Clare’s books. Follow Tessa Gray’s journey through Clockwork Angel (2010), Clockwork Prince (2011), and Clockwork Princess (2013) in this steampunk fantasy series set in Victorian London. Perfect for fans of romance, adventure, and Shadowhunter lore, these Cassandra Clare books weave a thrilling tale of magic and mystery.
| Book Title | Release Date | Order in Series |
|---|---|---|
| Clockwork Angel | August 31, 2010 | 1 |
| Clockwork Prince | December 6, 2011 | 2 |
| Clockwork Princess | March 19, 2013 | 3 |
The Infernal Devices Books In Order
To fully immerse yourself in Tessa’s journey and the Shadowhunter world, read the books in publication order, as this follows the narrative arc and character development. Here’s the complete list of The Infernal Devices books in order:
1. Clockwork Angel (2010)
The first book introduces Tessa Gray, a young American who arrives in London to find her brother, only to be thrust into a dangerous supernatural world. Kidnapped by the sinister Dark Sisters, Tessa discovers she has the rare ability to shape-shift, making her a target in a brewing war. Rescued by Shadowhunters Will Herondale and Jem Carstairs, Tessa joins the London Institute, where she unravels secrets about her identity and battles a mysterious foe known as the Magister. Clockwork Angel sets the stage with its lush Victorian setting, intense action, and the beginnings of a heart-wrenching love triangle.
Why read it? This book is a perfect blend of mystery, romance, and fantasy, with a strong female lead and a vividly crafted world.
2. Clockwork Prince (2011)
The second installment deepens the stakes as Tessa and her Shadowhunter allies search for the Magister, who’s plotting to destroy the Shadowhunters. As secrets about the Institute’s leadership and Tessa’s origins come to light, tensions rise within the group. The love triangle between Tessa, Will, and Jem takes center stage, with emotional moments that will leave you torn. Clockwork Prince balances political intrigue, betrayals, and character growth, making it a fan favorite for its emotional depth.
Why read it? The character development shines here, especially for Will and Jem, and the plot twists keep you guessing.
3. Clockwork Princess (2013)
The epic conclusion brings Tessa’s journey to a climactic end as the Shadowhunters face their greatest threat yet. The Magister’s mechanical army looms, and Tessa must harness her powers to save her friends and uncover the truth about her heritage. With heart-stopping battles, devastating sacrifices, and resolutions to the love triangle, Clockwork Princess delivers a satisfying finale that ties the trilogy together while setting up connections to The Mortal Instruments.
Why read it? This book offers a thrilling and emotional payoff, with answers to lingering questions and a bittersweet ending.
Companion Stories and Extras
While the main trilogy consists of three books, Cassandra Clare has enriched The Infernal Devices world with additional content. These companion stories provide extra context and character backstories, though they’re optional for the main narrative:
- The Shadowhunter’s Codex (2013): Co-authored with Joshua Lewis, this guidebook dives into the lore of the Shadowhunter world, including history, magic, and creatures. It’s a great companion for fans wanting to explore the universe beyond the trilogy.
- Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy (2016): This anthology, co-written with Sarah Rees Brennan, Maureen Johnson, and Robin Wasserman, includes stories set after The Infernal Devices and connects to the broader Shadowhunter saga. Some stories reference characters from the trilogy.
- The Bane Chronicles (2014): Co-authored with Sarah Rees Brennan and Maureen Johnson, this collection of short stories focuses on Magnus Bane, a fan-favorite warlock who appears in The Infernal Devices. It offers fun insights into his adventures.
For the best experience, read the main trilogy first (Clockwork Angel, Clockwork Prince, Clockwork Princess) before diving into these extras.
Why Read The Infernal Devices?
The Infernal Devices stands out for several reasons, making it a must-read for fantasy and YA fans:
- Rich World-Building: The steampunk Victorian setting, complete with automatons and magical runes, creates an immersive backdrop.
- Complex Characters: Tessa, Will, and Jem are flawed, relatable, and unforgettable, with their relationships driving the emotional core of the series.
- Emotional Depth: The love triangle is handled with nuance, avoiding clichés and delivering heartfelt moments.
- Connections to The Mortal Instruments: Fans of Clare’s other series will love spotting Easter eggs and ancestral ties to The Mortal Instruments characters.
How Does The Infernal Devices Fit Into the Shadowhunter Universe?
The Infernal Devices is part of Cassandra Clare’s larger Shadowhunter Chronicles, which spans multiple series and time periods. While it’s a prequel to The Mortal Instruments, you can read The Infernal Devices as a standalone trilogy without prior knowledge of the other series. However, reading it before or after The Mortal Instruments enhances the experience, as characters and families connect across the centuries.
If you’re new to the Shadowhunter world, starting with The Infernal Devices is a great choice due to its self-contained story and earlier timeline. Alternatively, you can follow the chronological order of the Shadowhunter Chronicles, which begins with The Infernal Devices and continues with The Mortal Instruments, The Dark Artifices, and more.
Tips for Reading The Infernal Devices
- Read in Publication Order: Stick to Clockwork Angel, Clockwork Prince, and Clockwork Princess for the best narrative flow.
- Savor the Romance: The love triangle is a highlight, so let yourself get invested in Tessa’s relationships with Will and Jem.
- Explore the Extras Later: Save companion books like The Shadowhunter’s Codex or The Bane Chronicles for after the trilogy to avoid spoilers.
- Connect with Fandom: Join online communities on platforms like X or Goodreads to discuss theories and favorite moments with other fans.
Where to Start Reading The Infernal Devices
Ready to dive in? You can find The Infernal Devices books at major retailers like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your local bookstore. They’re available in paperback, hardcover, eBook, and audiobook formats. Libraries often carry the series, and you can check platforms like Libby or OverDrive for digital borrowing. For the latest discussions and fan content, search for The Infernal Devices on X to connect with the Shadowhunter community.
Final Thoughts
The Infernal Devices is a captivating blend of fantasy, romance, and adventure that will keep you turning pages late into the night. By reading the books in order—Clockwork Angel, Clockwork Prince, and Clockwork Princess—you’ll experience Tessa’s journey in the intended sequence, with all its emotional highs and lows. Whether you’re drawn to the steampunk aesthetic, the intricate Shadowhunter lore, or the unforgettable characters, this trilogy is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Have you read The Infernal Devices yet, or are you planning to start? Share your thoughts or favorite moments in the comments below, or join the conversation on X! Happy reading!
