The Recommended Reading Path: The Hybrid Order
For readers diving into the Nephilim universe for the first time, the most widely recommended path is not a straight read-through of all six Mortal Instruments books. Instead, most fans, publishers, and Cassandra Clare herself suggest a "hybrid" reading order. This method aligns with the original publication history and ensures that major plot points, lore reveals, and character crossovers unfold with the maximum emotional impact.
The recommended hybrid reading order is as follows:
- The Mortal Instruments, Part One: Read the first three books: City of Bones (2007), City of Ashes (2008), and City of Glass (2009). These introduce you to Clary Fray, Jace Herondale, and the foundational lore of the Shadowhunters.
- The Infernal Devices: Step back in time to Victorian London with the prequel trilogy: Clockwork Angel (2010), Clockwork Prince (2011), and Clockwork Princess (2013). Reading this trilogy here is crucial because elements of its ending directly impact the later books of the main series.
- The Mortal Instruments, Part Two: Complete the main sequence with books four through six: City of Fallen Angels (2011), City of Lost Souls (2012), and City of Heavenly Fire (2014). The final book, in particular, rewards readers who are already familiar with the characters from the prequel trilogy.
The Core Mortal Instruments Series in Publication Order
If you prefer to stick strictly to the flagship series before branching out into prequels or sequels, you can read the six core books in their order of release. This sequence follows Clary Fray's journey from a regular Brooklyn teenager to a powerful demon hunter:
- City of Bones (2007): Clary Fray's life changes forever when she witnesses a murder at a New York club committed by teenagers visible only to her, leading her into the hidden world of the Shadowhunters.
- City of Ashes (2008): Clary wishes for her life to return to normal, but as a rogue Shadowhunter threatens the peace, she is pulled back into battle alongside her new supernatural allies.
- City of Glass (2009): To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to Idris, the ancestral homeland of the Shadowhunters, even though entering without permission violates the Law.
- City of Fallen Angels (2011): Set after the events of the Mortal War, Clary is training to become a Shadowhunter, but a mysterious murderer targeting her people threatens the fragile peace.
- City of Lost Souls (2012): When Jace becomes bound to the villainous Sebastian, Clary is forced to play a dangerous game to save the boy she loves without harming him in the process.
- City of Heavenly Fire (2014): The epic conclusion to the series sees the Shadowhunters facing darkness and betrayal as they retreat to Idris for one final, desperate stand against Sebastian's army.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
While reading the entire Shadowhunter Chronicles chronologically might seem logical—starting with The Infernal Devices in 1878, proceeding to The Last Hours in 1903, then to The Mortal Instruments in 2007, and onward—most experienced readers advise against this for beginners. Prequels like The Infernal Devices were written with the assumption that the reader is already familiar with basic terms, the function of runes, and the structure of the Clave. Beginning chronologically can make the early lore dump feel overwhelming and will spoil several twists in the modern-day series.
Spin-offs, Co-authored Books, and Companion Material
The world of the Shadowhunters extends far beyond the main six novels. Clare has written numerous companion books, short stories, and sequel series that flesh out the universe:
The Short Story Collections
Several collections bridge the gaps between the major series. These are often co-authored with other notable young adult writers:
- The Shadowhunter's Codex (2013): Co-authored with Joshua Lewis, this is an in-universe guide designed to teach new recruits the history, demonology, and laws of the Nephilim. It is best read alongside or after the first three books of The Mortal Instruments.
- Shadowhunters and Downworlders (2013): A collection of essays edited by Cassandra Clare, featuring perspectives from various young adult authors on the themes, relationships, and world-building of the series.
- A Long Conversation (2017): A novella that serves as a bridge for key characters like Clary, Jace, Simon, and Isabelle. It takes place during the events of The Dark Artifices and was originally published as a bonus feature in special editions of Lady Midnight.
The Graphic Novels
For readers who appreciate visual storytelling, illustrator Cassandra Jean has adapted the core series into a multi-volume graphic novel run. Published by Yen Press, these adaptations break down the books into visually detailed volumes (such as Volume 8, which adapts the events of City of Fallen Angels), providing a fresh way to experience Clary's adventures.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into Clare's universe, keep in mind that the books feature an interconnected web of families (Herondales, Lightwoods, Carstairs, and Blackthorns) whose lineages span generations. While you can read The Mortal Instruments as a standalone six-book story, the universe is built to be read as an ongoing saga. If you plan to read the sequel trilogies (like The Dark Artifices or The Last Hours), following the hybrid order becomes highly beneficial for tracking family trees and running references. Lastly, while the 2013 film adaptation and the Shadowhunters television series offer alternative visual takes on the story, they diverge significantly from the book continuity, so the novels remain the definitive source for the canon lore.