What Order to Read Cassandra Clare Books: A Journey Through the Shadowhunter Chronicles

Cassandra Clare’s Shadowhunter Chronicles is a sprawling, interconnected series of novels that has captivated readers worldwide. With multiple series, novellas, and companion books, it can be daunting to figure out the best order to dive into this richly detailed universe. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned fan looking to revisit the series, understanding the reading order can enhance your experience and ensure you catch all the subtle references and character arcs that span across the books.

The Publication Order: A Traditional Approach

One of the most straightforward ways to approach the Shadowhunter Chronicles is to read the books in the order they were published. This method allows you to experience the series as it unfolded for readers over the years, with each new book building on the foundations laid by its predecessors.

1. The Mortal Instruments Series:

   • 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)

2. The Infernal Devices Series (Prequel to The Mortal Instruments):

   • Clockwork Angel (2010)
   • Clockwork Prince (2011)
   • Clockwork Princess (2013)

3. The Dark Artifices Series:

   • Lady Midnight (2016)
   • Lord of Shadows (2017)
   • Queen of Air and Darkness (2018)

4. The Last Hours Series (Sequel to The Infernal Devices):

   • Chain of Gold (2020)
   • Chain of Iron (2021)
   • Chain of Thorns (2023)

5. The Eldest Curses Series (Co-written with Wesley Chu):

   • The Red Scrolls of Magic (2019)
   • The Lost Book of the White (2020)

6. The Shadowhunter’s Codex (Companion Book):

   • The Shadowhunter’s Codex (2013)

7. Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy (Novella Collection):

   • Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy (2016)

8. Ghosts of the Shadow Market (Novella Collection):

   • Ghosts of the Shadow Market (2019)

Chronological Order: A Historical Perspective

For those who prefer to experience the story in chronological order, starting with the earliest events in the Shadowhunter timeline, this approach can provide a deeper understanding of the world’s history and the origins of key characters.

1. The Infernal Devices Series:

   • Clockwork Angel (Set in 1878)
   • Clockwork Prince
   • Clockwork Princess

2. The Last Hours Series:

   • Chain of Gold (Set in 1903)
   • Chain of Iron
   • Chain of Thorns

3. The Mortal Instruments Series:

   • City of Bones (Set in 2007)
   • City of Ashes
   • City of Glass
   • City of Fallen Angels
   • City of Lost Souls
   • City of Heavenly Fire

4. The Dark Artifices Series:

   • Lady Midnight (Set in 2012)
   • Lord of Shadows
   • Queen of Air and Darkness

5. The Eldest Curses Series:

   • The Red Scrolls of Magic (Set during City of Fallen Angels)
   • The Lost Book of the White (Set after City of Heavenly Fire)

6. Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy:

   • Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy (Set after City of Heavenly Fire)

7. Ghosts of the Shadow Market:

   • Ghosts of the Shadow Market (Spans various time periods)

Thematic Order: A Character-Centric Approach

Another way to approach the series is to follow the thematic arcs of specific characters or groups. This method can be particularly rewarding for readers who are deeply invested in certain characters and want to see their development across different series.

1. The Infernal Devices Series (Focus on Tessa Gray and the Herondale family):

   • Clockwork Angel
   • Clockwork Prince
   • Clockwork Princess

2. The Last Hours Series (Focus on the next generation of Herondales and Carstairs):

   • Chain of Gold
   • Chain of Iron
   • Chain of Thorns

3. The Mortal Instruments Series (Focus on Clary Fray and Jace Herondale):

   • City of Bones
   • City of Ashes
   • City of Glass
   • City of Fallen Angels
   • City of Lost Souls
   • City of Heavenly Fire

4. The Dark Artifices Series (Focus on Emma Carstairs and Julian Blackthorn):

   • Lady Midnight
   • Lord of Shadows
   • Queen of Air and Darkness

5. The Eldest Curses Series (Focus on Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood):

   • The Red Scrolls of Magic
   • The Lost Book of the White

6. Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy (Focus on Simon Lewis):

   • Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy

7. Ghosts of the Shadow Market (Focus on various characters across time):

   • Ghosts of the Shadow Market

Hybrid Order: A Balanced Approach

For those who want a balanced experience that combines elements of publication order, chronological order, and thematic focus, a hybrid approach might be the best option. This method allows you to appreciate the series’ evolution while also following the chronological and thematic threads.

1. The Infernal Devices Series:

   • Clockwork Angel
   • Clockwork Prince
   • Clockwork Princess

2. The Mortal Instruments Series (Books 1-3):

   • City of Bones
   • City of Ashes
   • City of Glass

3. The Mortal Instruments Series (Books 4-6):

   • City of Fallen Angels
   • City of Lost Souls
   • City of Heavenly Fire

4. The Dark Artifices Series:

   • Lady Midnight
   • Lord of Shadows
   • Queen of Air and Darkness

5. The Last Hours Series:

   • Chain of Gold
   • Chain of Iron
   • Chain of Thorns

6. The Eldest Curses Series:

   • The Red Scrolls of Magic
   • The Lost Book of the White

7. Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy:

   • Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy

8. Ghosts of the Shadow Market:

   • Ghosts of the Shadow Market

Related Q&A

Q: Can I read The Infernal Devices before The Mortal Instruments? A: Yes, you can. The Infernal Devices is a prequel series set in the 19th century, and reading it first can provide valuable background information that enriches your understanding of The Mortal Instruments.

Q: Are the novella collections necessary to read? A: While not strictly necessary, the novella collections (Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy and Ghosts of the Shadow Market) offer additional insights into the characters and world-building. They can enhance your overall experience of the series.

Q: How does The Eldest Curses series fit into the overall timeline? A: The Eldest Curses series focuses on Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood and is set during and after the events of The Mortal Instruments. It provides a deeper look into their relationship and adventures.

Q: Is there a recommended age group for these books? A: The Shadowhunter Chronicles is generally aimed at young adults, but the series has a broad appeal and can be enjoyed by readers of all ages who enjoy fantasy, romance, and intricate world-building.

Q: Will there be more books in the Shadowhunter Chronicles? A: Cassandra Clare has hinted at future projects within the Shadowhunter universe, so fans can look forward to more stories and characters in this richly detailed world.