Shadowhunters Books In Order (2026): Full Collection Guide

The Shadowhunters universe, conceived by Cassandra Clare, has captivated readers worldwide with its intricate world-building, relatable characters, and thrilling plots. The series, set in a universe where angels, demons, and mystical creatures coexist alongside humans, explores themes of love, friendship, identity, and destiny. But the series is not simply a collection of stand-alone books-it’s a sprawling narrative woven together across multiple interconnected trilogies, spin-offs, and novellas. For readers who want to immerse themselves fully in Clare’s world, navigating the order in which to read the books becomes a crucial consideration. In this comprehensive exploration, we will delve into the Shadowhunters series, its recommended reading sequence, and why the order can affect your reading experience.

Shadowhunters Books In Chronological Order

The Infernal Devices: Clockwork Angel (2010)	Details
The Infernal Devices: Clockwork Prince (2011)	Details
The Infernal Devices: Clockwork Princess (2013)	Details
The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (2007)	Details
The Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes (2008)	Details
The Mortal Instruments: City of Glass (2009)	Details
The Mortal Instruments: City of Fallen Angels (2011)	Details
The Mortal Instruments: City of Lost Souls (2012)	Details
The Mortal Instruments: City of Heavenly Fire (2014)	Details
The Dark Artifices: Lady Midnight (2016)	Details
The Dark Artifices: Lord of Shadows (2017)	Details
The Dark Artifices: Queen of Air and Darkness (2018)	Details
The Last Hours: Chain of Gold (2020)	Details
The Last Hours: Chain of Iron (2021)	Details
The Last Hours: Chain of Thorns (2023)	Details

List Of Shadowhunters Books In Order

1. The Infernal Devices: Clockwork Angel (2010)

This is where it all begins in the 1800s London, following Tessa Gray, who discovers she has the ability to transform into other people. She’s caught between two mysterious groups-the Shadowhunters, a secret group of warriors fighting demons, and the dark forces hunting her. Along the way, she forms complicated relationships with Will Herondale, a charismatic but tortured boy, and Jem Carstairs, his kind-hearted, sickly parabatai. It’s a mix of love, betrayal, and secrets, with plenty of action and danger.

2. The Infernal Devices: Clockwork Prince (2011)

The drama continues in this second book where Tessa is forced to choose between the two boys who have completely captured her heart-Will, the enigmatic one, and Jem, the one who makes her feel safe. But there’s more than just romance brewing as the Shadowhunters battle the mechanical monstrosities and dark forces threatening their world. This book deepens the world-building and emotional stakes as Tessa’s true identity slowly unravels.

3. The Infernal Devices: Clockwork Princess (2013)

The final book in The Infernal Devices trilogy wraps up Tessa’s journey in the most heart-wrenching way possible. Secrets are revealed, and a battle between the Shadowhunters and the evil forces from the Shadow World reaches its climax. With Will and Jem’s fates hanging in the balance, Tessa must make a choice that will impact not only her life but the lives of those she loves. It’s a tear-jerker, full of love, sacrifice, and unforgettable moments.

4. The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones (2007)

We enter the modern world with Clary Fray, a seemingly ordinary teenager, whose life is turned upside down when she discovers a hidden world of demons, Shadowhunters, and a whole lot of magic. After her mother is kidnapped, Clary is thrust into this dangerous world and begins to uncover secrets about her family, her past, and her connection to the Shadowhunter world. It’s action-packed, filled with mystery, and sets the stage for everything that follows.

5. The Mortal Instruments: City of Ashes (2008)

Clary’s world is spiraling further out of control as she learns more about her powers and her family’s dark legacy. Not only is she dealing with her complicated feelings toward Jace, but there’s a dangerous new threat lurking in the shadows-Valentine, a man determined to destroy everything Shadowhunters stand for. Romance, betrayal, and epic battles take center stage in this action-packed second book.

6. The Mortal Instruments: City of Glass (2009)

This book is intense-Clary travels to the city of Alicante, the heart of the Shadowhunter world, to find a way to save her mother and stop Valentine from causing irreversible damage. It’s a game-changer for relationships, family secrets, and even Jace’s true identity. The stakes are higher than ever as battles unfold, and old loyalties are tested. It’s the book where a lot of the long-standing mysteries start to come together.

7. The Mortal Instruments: City of Fallen Angels (2011)

The aftermath of the battle with Valentine takes a toll on Clary, Jace, and their friends. New enemies emerge, and old wounds are reopened. Clary struggles with her new life and her relationship with Jace, while unexpected forces begin to interfere. There’s a sinister new plot unfolding, and it all starts with a mysterious death. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions, new threats, and shocking twists.

8. The Mortal Instruments: City of Lost Souls (2012)

In the fifth book, Clary and Jace are fighting against the bond created between them when Jace’s soul is corrupted by a dark force. With the clock ticking, they have to figure out a way to save him from an abyss that’s consuming his mind and heart. All the while, tensions are rising between the Shadowhunters and their enemies. It’s full of pulse-pounding action, heartache, and a race against time to stop a war that could destroy everything.

9. The Mortal Instruments: City of Heavenly Fire (2014)

The epic conclusion to The Mortal Instruments series, where all the various plotlines and character arcs come to a head. Clary, Jace, Simon, and the rest of the gang must face the greatest enemy they’ve ever known in an all-out war against evil forces that threaten not only their world but the entire universe. This one is packed with epic battles, revelations, and closure that fans of the series have been waiting for.

10. The Dark Artifices: Lady Midnight (2016)

Set five years after the events of The Mortal Instruments, this first book in The Dark Artifices series introduces us to Emma Carstairs, a young Shadowhunter who’s dealing with the grief of losing her parents in a brutal attack. Emma and her parabatai, Julian, have a complicated relationship and are drawn into a mystery that links back to the events of the previous series. It’s a story of love, family, and revenge, with the fate of the Shadowhunters hanging in the balance.

11. The Dark Artifices: Lord of Shadows (2017)

Emma and Julian’s struggle with their bond becomes even more intense as the stakes rise. There’s an ancient curse threatening the Shadowhunters, and Emma must face some hard truths about the people she loves. It’s an intense, emotional journey that delves into themes of love, loyalty, and destiny. Plus, there’s a lot of action and the introduction of new, fascinating characters, making it impossible to put down.

12. The Dark Artifices: Queen of Air and Darkness (2018)

The final book in The Dark Artifices trilogy is a rollercoaster of emotions and action. With the threat of war looming, Emma and Julian face unimaginable choices that could tear them apart. The Clave is divided, new alliances are formed, and betrayal lurks around every corner. The book explores identity, the consequences of choices, and the price of love, culminating in an epic showdown with the fate of the Shadowhunter world at stake.

13. The Last Hours: Chain of Gold (2020)

Set in the 1900s, this series introduces the next generation of Shadowhunters-James and Lucie Herondale, along with their friends, who are trying to live up to their family’s legacy while dealing with their own problems. But dark forces are never far behind, and they must battle their own demons (literal and figurative) to protect their world. It’s a charming mix of family drama, romance, and the kind of dark magic that makes Shadowhunters so irresistible.

14. The Last Hours: Chain of Iron (2021)

The second book in The Last Hours series, where tensions between the characters run high as romance, betrayal, and danger lurk at every corner. James and Lucie’s journey becomes even more complex as they battle enemies and grapple with their feelings for one another. This book digs deeper into the family ties, past trauma, and heartache that shapes the next generation of Shadowhunters. It’s full of heart-pounding moments and emotional growth.

15. The Last Hours: Chain of Thorns (2023)

The final chapter in The Last Hours series concludes with explosive action and emotional resolution. As dark forces continue to threaten the Shadowhunters, James, Lucie, and their friends face their toughest challenges yet. Love, loss, and sacrifice are at the forefront as they work to protect their world from destruction. This book ties up long-running plot threads and gives fans the epic ending they’ve been waiting for.

Overview Of Shadowhunters Books

The Shadowhunters series began with The Mortal Instruments, which introduced readers to Clary Fray, a seemingly ordinary teenager who discovers that she is part of the Shadowhunter world. Shadowhunters are human-angel hybrids tasked with protecting the mortal realm from demons, monsters, and dark forces that lurk in the shadows. The series spans six main novels, starting with City of Bones and culminating with City of Heavenly Fire.

But The Mortal Instruments is only the beginning. Cassandra Clare’s universe is far more expansive than just Clary’s story. The Infernal Devices trilogy, set in the late 19th century, follows the lives of a different generation of Shadowhunters. The Dark Artifices trilogy continues in a more modern setting, focusing on the lives of Julian Blackthorn and his parabatai, Emma Carstairs, as they face new challenges and enemies.

In addition to these trilogies, Clare has penned several short story collections, including The Bane Chronicles, Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy, and Ghosts of the Shadow Market. These novellas offer deeper insights into the lives of beloved characters, such as Magnus Bane and Jace Wayland, and expand on the rich history and mythology of the Shadowhunter world.

The series also continues with The Last Hours trilogy, a sequel to The Infernal Devices, which introduces the next generation of Shadowhunters and their own battles with love, betrayal, and dark magic.

The Shadowhunters books are united by the theme of good versus evil, but they also delve deeply into the complexities of personal identity, the power of family and friendship, and the cost of fighting for a greater cause. Each book reveals new facets of this fantastical world, inviting readers to immerse themselves in its wonders and challenges.

Understanding The Recommended Reading Sequence

With such an expansive universe, the question of which book to read first becomes essential for new readers and even for those trying to follow the complete story. The books can be read in two primary sequences: the publication order and the chronological order. Both approaches offer distinct experiences, each with its own set of rewards and challenges.

1. Publication Order

   Reading the books in the order they were published is perhaps the most straightforward approach. The journey starts with The Mortal Instruments series, followed by the Infernal Devices, and then continues with the Dark Artifices series. For those who prefer to follow the development of the series as it unfolded for readers, the publication order is the way to go.

   Publication Order

   • The Mortal Instruments (6 books)
   • The Infernal Devices (3 books)
   • The Dark Artifices (3 books)
   • The Last Hours (ongoing trilogy)
   • Novels and Novellas: The Bane Chronicles, Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy, Ghosts of the Shadow Market.

   This order allows you to experience the story as it evolved over time, and you’ll feel the shift in tone, plot complexity, and character development.

2. Chronological Order

   If you prefer to experience the Shadowhunters universe as a linear narrative, the chronological order places the books in the timeline of events within the fictional world. Starting with the Infernal Devices allows you to experience the beginning of the Shadowhunter legacy, tracing the origins of key characters and events that lead into the world of The Mortal Instruments. The Dark Artifices and The Last Hours fit neatly into the timeline, continuing the story of the next generation of Shadowhunters.

   Chronological Order

   • The Infernal Devices (prequel trilogy)
   • The Mortal Instruments (main series)
   • The Dark Artifices (sequel trilogy)
   • The Last Hours (ongoing series)
   • Novels and Novellas: The Bane Chronicles, Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy, Ghosts of the Shadow Market.

   This approach presents a more seamless experience of Clare’s world, as you explore the origins and legacies of various characters and their fates.

What I Enjoy About The Series

There are numerous reasons why the Shadowhunters books have become a literary phenomenon, but here are some of the most compelling aspects that keep readers returning for more:

1. Complex Characters

   One of the most remarkable aspects of Cassandra Clare’s writing is her ability to craft deeply nuanced characters. From the tortured hero Jace Wayland to the resourceful and brave Clary Fray, the series is filled with multi-dimensional characters whose motivations, fears, and strengths evolve with every book. The characters’ relationships are equally rich, whether it’s the loyalty between parabatai (a bond between two Shadowhunters that is akin to brotherhood), the complicated love triangles, or the evolving dynamics of family. These relationships are a driving force behind the emotional depth of the series.

2. World-Building

   Clare’s world-building is another standout feature. The Shadowhunter universe is filled with diverse supernatural beings, including vampires, werewolves, warlocks, faeries, and demons. Each species has its own rules, politics, and conflicts, creating a layered world where danger lurks at every corner. The incorporation of angelic mythology, historical references, and magical customs all come together to create a universe that feels both immersive and fantastical.

3. Themes Of Identity And Belonging

   Throughout the Shadowhunters series, characters grapple with questions of identity, belonging, and destiny. Many characters feel torn between their love for others and their loyalty to the Shadowhunter cause, between their human side and their supernatural side. These inner conflicts are particularly evident in Clary and Jace’s storylines, where the search for identity and understanding plays a pivotal role. The exploration of these themes resonates deeply with readers, especially those dealing with issues of self-discovery and acceptance.

4. Action And Suspense

   The Shadowhunters books are packed with action, from epic battles with demons to high-stakes chase sequences. The stakes feel constantly raised, and Clare knows how to keep readers on the edge of their seats. The fight scenes are tense, well-choreographed, and full of suspense, making each book impossible to put down once you’ve started.

Is It Important To Read Shadowhunters Books In Order?

The short answer is: yes, it is important to read the Shadowhunters books in order, especially for those who are new to the series. While the books can be enjoyed independently to some extent, reading them in sequence provides a more cohesive understanding of the overarching plot and character development.

For instance, major plot twists and character revelations in The Mortal Instruments are often foreshadowed in the earlier Infernal Devices series, and events from the Dark Artifices trilogy build upon the emotional arcs set in the previous books. If you’re planning to read the books in chronological order, you’ll also get to see how the Shadowhunter world evolves over time, which adds layers of depth to the experience.

For long-time fans, reading the books in publication order may offer a sense of nostalgia and allow you to track how Clare’s writing and the series itself have matured.