Where to Start: The Recommended Reading Path
For readers diving into the Shadowhunter Chronicles, The Infernal Devices occupies a unique space. Set in 1878, it is chronologically the earliest main series, yet it was published after the first three books of The Mortal Instruments. This leads to two main schools of thought on where to start: the standalone prequel path and the publication-order hybrid path.
If you prefer a self-contained, high-stakes story with steampunk aesthetics and Victorian gothic romance, you can start directly with Clockwork Angel. It requires zero prior knowledge of the Shadowhunter world. However, if you plan to read the entire Shadowhunter Chronicles, the most widely recommended path is the hybrid order suggested by fans and the author alike:
- The Mortal Instruments: Books 1–3 (City of Bones, City of Ashes, City of Glass)
- The Infernal Devices: Trilogy (Clockwork Angel, Clockwork Prince, Clockwork Princess)
- The Mortal Instruments: Books 4–6 (City of Fallen Angels, City of Lost Souls, City of Heavenly Fire)
Reading in this hybrid sequence maximizes the emotional impact of the references, ancestral family trees (specifically the Herondale, Lightwood, and Carstairs lineages), and world-building details shared between the Victorian and modern-day eras.
The Core Trilogy in Order
The core narrative of The Infernal Devices follows Tessa Gray, a teenage girl who arrives in London only to discover she possesses a rare shapeshifting ability. Sheltered by the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, she becomes central to a battle against demonic clockwork automatons. The trilogy consists of:
- Clockwork Angel (2010): Tessa Gray enters Victorian London's supernatural underworld and seeks refuge at the London Institute after being rescued by Shadowhunters Will Herondale and Jem Carstairs.
- Clockwork Prince (2011): The threat of the Magister and his clockwork army intensifies as the Shadowhunters race to uncover his past, while the emotional bond between Tessa, Will, and Jem deepens.
- Clockwork Princess (2013): The dramatic conclusion to the trilogy, resolving the battle for the fate of the Shadowhunter world and delivering a legendary epilogue that spans generations.
Essential Side Stories and Tie-Ins
To fully experience the trilogy, readers should not overlook the key companion pieces and short stories that expand on the characters' fates:
After the Bridge (2013)
This official short story is a critical epilogue extension that takes place immediately after the final events on Blackfriars Bridge in the Clockwork Princess epilogue. It provides vital closure for Tessa Gray and Jem Carstairs and is available for free on Cassandra Clare's official website and social channels.
The Last Hours Trilogy
Set in Edwardian London (1903), The Last Hours (consisting of Chain of Gold, Chain of Iron, and Chain of Thorns) serves as the direct sequel series to The Infernal Devices. It centers on the children of the characters from the original trilogy—including James and Lucie Herondale and Cordelia Carstairs. Reading The Infernal Devices first is highly recommended before starting this sequel series.
Short Story Collections
Key moments and backstories for characters from The Infernal Devices are woven into larger anthology works. Ghosts of the Shadow Market contains several stories focusing on Jem Carstairs' journey through the decades, while The Bane Chronicles explores the immortal warlock Magnus Bane's experiences in Victorian London.
What to Know Before You Start
Before stepping into Cassandra Clare's historical fantasy, keep these helpful tips in mind:
- Tone and Setting: Unlike the modern urban fantasy of The Mortal Instruments, this series blends gaslit Victorian gothic romance with steampunk details, featuring mechanical automatons and historical London landmarks like Blackfriars Bridge.
- Standalone Viability: You do not need to read any other Shadowhunter series to fully understand and enjoy this trilogy. It stands completely on its own as a self-contained story.
- Emotional Continuity: The epilogue of Clockwork Princess contains massive spoilers for the end of the original Mortal Instruments series. If you wish to remain completely unspoiled for both series, stick to the hybrid publication order.