What order to read Cassandra Clare books: A journey through the Shadowhunter Chronicles and beyond

What order to read Cassandra Clare books: A journey through the Shadowhunter Chronicles and beyond

The Shadowhunter Chronicles by Cassandra Clare is a sprawling, interconnected universe of fantasy novels that can be both thrilling and overwhelming for new readers. With multiple series, standalone novels, and short story collections, determining the best reading order is a topic of much debate among fans. Let’s explore the various approaches to navigating this magical world.

Publication Order: The Traditional Path

The most straightforward approach is to read the books in the order they were published:

  1. The Mortal Instruments series (2007-2014)
  2. The Infernal Devices trilogy (2010-2013)
  3. The Bane Chronicles (2014)
  4. Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy (2015)
  5. The Dark Artifices trilogy (2016-2018)
  6. Ghosts of the Shadow Market (2018)
  7. The Last Hours trilogy (2019-present)
  8. The Eldest Curses series (2019-present)

This method allows readers to experience the story as it unfolded for longtime fans, with each new series building upon the established lore.

Chronological Order: A Historical Perspective

For those who prefer to follow the timeline of events within the Shadowhunter universe:

  1. The Last Hours (1901-1903)
  2. The Infernal Devices (1878)
  3. Ghosts of the Shadow Market (various time periods)
  4. The Mortal Instruments (2007)
  5. The Dark Artifices (2012)
  6. The Eldest Curses (2012 onwards)

This approach provides a historical context to the Shadowhunter world but may lead to spoilers for later-published works.

Thematic Reading: Focusing on Character Arcs

Another approach is to follow specific character arcs across different series:

  • Magnus Bane’s journey: Start with The Infernal Devices, then The Bane Chronicles, followed by The Mortal Instruments and The Eldest Curses.
  • The Herondale family saga: Begin with The Infernal Devices, move to The Last Hours, then The Mortal Instruments, and finish with The Dark Artifices.
  • Shadowhunter Academy stories: Read Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy after The Mortal Instruments and before The Dark Artifices.

Hybrid Approach: Balancing Chronology and Publication

Many fans recommend a hybrid approach that balances chronology with publication order:

  1. The Infernal Devices
  2. The Mortal Instruments (Books 1-3)
  3. The Bane Chronicles
  4. The Mortal Instruments (Books 4-6)
  5. Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy
  6. The Dark Artifices
  7. Ghosts of the Shadow Market
  8. The Last Hours
  9. The Eldest Curses

Standalone Novels and Short Story Collections

Don’t forget about the standalone works and short story collections:

  • The Shadowhunter’s Codex (2013)
  • The Red Scrolls of Magic (2019)
  • The Lost Book of the White (2020)
  • Chain of Iron (2021)
  • Chain of Gold (2020)
  • Chain of Thorns (2023)

These can be read alongside the main series or saved for later, depending on your preferred reading order.

Tips for New Readers

  1. Start with The Mortal Instruments if you prefer a modern setting.
  2. Begin with The Infernal Devices if you enjoy historical fiction.
  3. Consider reading the short story collections after completing the main series they’re associated with.
  4. Don’t be afraid to consult the Shadowhunter wiki for clarification, but beware of spoilers.
  5. Remember that each series can be enjoyed independently, though connections between them enhance the overall experience.

Ultimately, the best reading order depends on your personal preferences. Whether you choose to follow publication order, chronological order, or a thematic approach, the Shadowhunter Chronicles offers a rich, immersive world that rewards multiple readings and interpretations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I start with The Dark Artifices? A: While possible, it’s not recommended as it contains spoilers for earlier series.

Q: Are the short story collections necessary to read? A: They’re not essential but provide valuable backstory and character development.

Q: How many books are in the Shadowhunter Chronicles? A: As of 2023, there are over 20 books, with more planned.

Q: Is there a recommended age group for these books? A: The series is generally aimed at young adults but can be enjoyed by readers of all ages.

Q: Are there any plans for movie or TV adaptations? A: Some books have been adapted, and more adaptations are in development.