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Reading Order

Shadowhunters

The Shadowhunter Chronicles Reading Order

Cassandra Clare's Shadowhunter Chronicles is one of the most expansive YA fantasy universes ever created — spanning six interconnected series and dozens of books. This guide covers where to start and the best reading order to experience the full Shadowhunter world.

Where to start

Start with The Mortal Instruments (City of Bones). It's the original series and the intended entry point to the Shadowhunter world. The Infernal Devices can be read after or alongside it.

Complete Shadowhunters Book List

  1. 1

    City of Bones

    Cassandra Clare·2007·The Mortal Instruments Book 1 — start here
    Buy
  2. 2

    City of Ashes

    Cassandra Clare·2008·The Mortal Instruments Book 2
    Buy
  3. 3

    City of Glass

    Cassandra Clare·2009·The Mortal Instruments Book 3
    Buy
  4. 4

    Clockwork Angel

    Cassandra Clare·2010·The Infernal Devices Book 1 — Victorian-era prequel
    Buy
  5. 5

    Clockwork Prince

    Cassandra Clare·2011·The Infernal Devices Book 2
    Buy
  6. 6

    Clockwork Princess

    Cassandra Clare·2013·The Infernal Devices Book 3
    Buy
  7. 7

    City of Fallen Angels

    Cassandra Clare·2011·The Mortal Instruments Book 4
    Buy
  8. 8

    City of Lost Souls

    Cassandra Clare·2012·The Mortal Instruments Book 5
    Buy
  9. 9

    City of Heavenly Fire

    Cassandra Clare·2014·The Mortal Instruments Book 6 — series finale
    Buy
  10. 10

    Lady Midnight

    Cassandra Clare·2016·The Dark Artifices Book 1 — set 5 years later
    Buy
  11. 11

    Lord of Shadows

    Cassandra Clare·2017·The Dark Artifices Book 2
    Buy
  12. 12

    Queen of Air and Darkness

    Cassandra Clare·2018·The Dark Artifices Book 3
    Buy
  13. 13

    Chain of Gold

    Cassandra Clare·2020·The Last Hours Book 1 — 1903 London
    Buy
  14. 14

    Chain of Iron

    Cassandra Clare·2021·The Last Hours Book 2
    Buy
  15. 15

    Chain of Thorns

    Cassandra Clare·2023·The Last Hours Book 3
    Buy

  16. The Last King of Faerie

    Upcoming
    Cassandra Clare·2026·The Wicked Powers Book 1 — November 2026
    November 2026

Shadowhunters — Frequently Asked Questions

How many Shadowhunter books are there?

There are 6 main series in the Shadowhunter Chronicles with 3–6 books each, plus novellas and companion volumes. The main reading list covers 15+ novels. New series continue to be released.

Do I need to read all the series?

No — each series has its own protagonist group and can be appreciated on its own. The Mortal Instruments + Infernal Devices are the most popular pairing. You can stop after any complete series.

What order should I read The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices?

Read City of Bones first, then Clockwork Angel. Many fans alternate: TMI Book 1, TID Book 1, TMI Book 2, TID Book 2, etc. — the books reward this reading style. At minimum, read TID before TMI Books 4–6.

What is The Wicked Powers?

"The Wicked Powers" is the concluding trilogy of the Shadowhunter Chronicles, following The Dark Artifices. The first book, "The Last King of Faerie," publishes November 3, 2026. It features Drusilla Blackthorn and Kit Herondale.

When does The Last King of Faerie come out?

"The Last King of Faerie" by Cassandra Clare releases November 3, 2026. It is the first book of The Wicked Powers trilogy.

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