Read City Of Bones Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on March 30, 2026

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The City of Bones series, more formally known as The Mortal Instruments, stands as one of the most iconic young adult fantasy book series of the 21st century. Penned by Cassandra Clare, the first book in the series, City of Bones, thrust readers into an immersive, darkly magical world where angels, demons, vampires, werewolves, and other mythical creatures battle for control in a secret, parallel society hidden within the human world. It’s a story of love, betrayal, friendship, self-discovery, and a relentless pursuit of identity-all set against a backdrop of fast-paced, action-packed intrigue. For those unfamiliar with the series or those new to the world of Shadowhunters, this comprehensive guide provides an insightful exploration into the series’ evolution, its reading order, and a deep dive into its themes, characters, and more.

List Of City Of Bones Books In Order

More On City Of Bones Books In Chronological Order

1. City of Bones (2007)

So, *City of Bones* kicks off the whole series with Clary Fray discovering that she’s not just your average New York City teenager-she’s a Shadowhunter, a human-angel hybrid warrior trained to hunt demons! It all starts when Clary’s mom gets kidnapped, and she’s thrust into this hidden world of vampires, werewolves, faeries, and, of course, Shadowhunters. Along with a mysterious guy named Jace Wayland, Clary dives deep into a dark, dangerous world, trying to save her mom, all while uncovering some pretty shocking family secrets. And trust me, if you like twists, this one’s got plenty to keep you on your toes!

2. City of Ashes (2008)

In *City of Ashes*, things get even crazier. Clary’s world is turned upside down as she tries to deal with the aftermath of everything that happened in *City of Bones*. Now that she knows who she really is, she’s trying to figure out how to use her new powers. Meanwhile, the Clary-Jace romance gets even more complicated, especially when big revelations about their family tree come to light. This book is darker, with more action, more drama, and definitely more emotional rollercoasters. Plus, there’s a sinister new villain, Valentine, who just won’t go away!

3. City of Glass (2009)

*City of Glass* takes Clary and her friends all the way to Idris, the Shadowhunter homeland. Clary’s hoping to find a way to save her mom, but there’s a lot more at stake now. Secrets are revealed, old alliances are tested, and Clary learns even more about her mysterious past and her true place in the Shadowhunter world. There’s plenty of action, some tense family drama, and, as always, the romance between Clary and Jace is as complicated as ever. It’s an epic journey filled with betrayal, battles, and some seriously powerful moments!

4. City of Fallen Angels (2011)

Now that Clary’s life has gotten more or less back to normal, *City of Fallen Angels* hits us with a punch of drama once again. Clary’s relationship with Jace is still going strong, but there’s this dark cloud hanging over everything. A mysterious new enemy is stalking the streets, and new tensions between Shadowhunters and Downworlders are emerging. This book really ramps up the stakes and introduces a lot of new characters, while also diving deeper into the consequences of the previous books’ events. And trust me, the ending will leave you asking for more!

5. City of Lost Souls (2012)

In *City of Lost Souls*, the stakes have never been higher. Clary and Jace’s love story takes a super dark turn when Jace gets… well, let’s just say he’s not exactly himself. There’s a lot of tension between Clary and Jace as he’s manipulated by an evil force, and she has to make some hard choices. This book throws you right into a high-stakes chase to save Jace, and the emotional intensity is off the charts. Also, there’s this ongoing battle between good and evil that seems to get more complicated the further we go.

6. City of Heavenly Fire (2014)

*City of Heavenly Fire* brings the final showdown of the *Mortal Instruments* series to an epic conclusion. Clary, Jace, Simon, and the whole crew face their biggest battle yet against the dark forces led by Valentine’s twisted offspring. It’s a battle of life and death, and all the loose threads from the previous books finally get tied up. There are heartbreaks, victories, sacrifices, and honestly, by the time you finish this, you might just need a moment to recover. But it wraps up everything in a way that feels super satisfying and emotional!

Background On City Of Bones Books

The City of Bones series is the cornerstone of Cassandra Clare’s Shadowhunter Chronicles, a vast and intricate world that spans multiple spin-off series and companion books. The first book, City of Bones, was published in 2007 and quickly gained a fervent following among fans of urban fantasy, especially those with an affinity for stories steeped in mythology, supernatural creatures, and complex world-building. Clare’s writing style blends familiar fantasy tropes with fresh, modern twists, delivering an enthralling narrative filled with intricate relationships and compelling plotlines.

At its heart, The Mortal Instruments follows the story of Clary Fray, a seemingly ordinary teenage girl who is thrust into the hidden world of Shadowhunters-humans born with angelic blood, tasked with defending the world from dark forces. Clary’s journey is far from ordinary, as she discovers shocking secrets about her lineage, her connection to a powerful family of Shadowhunters, and her own hidden potential. Along the way, she forms deep friendships, engages in forbidden love, and faces unimaginable dangers in a world where loyalty and betrayal walk a thin line.

The world-building in The Mortal Instruments is both expansive and richly layered. The Shadowhunter society is organized into various Institutes around the globe, and the magical elements-runes, warlocks, demons, fae, and vampires-create a tapestry of myth and lore that is both familiar and unique. These elements are woven into the story with a careful balance of action and emotion, making the series accessible to readers of all backgrounds.

The City of Bones books were well-received for their gripping plotlines, relatable characters, and their blending of traditional fantasy with contemporary elements. Over time, the series has expanded into a multi-layered universe, sparking an enduring franchise with spinoff books, a movie adaptation, and a television series.

Reading Order Explained

For those looking to dive into the Shadowhunter Chronicles, the reading order is crucial for understanding the series’ broader mythology and character development. While the City of Bones books can be read on their own, there are several companion novels, prequels, and spin-offs that build on the main plot. Here’s a breakdown of the reading order, including both primary and secondary works:

1. The Mortal Instruments series (Main Series)

   • City of Bones (Book 1)
   • City of Ashes (Book 2)
   • City of Glass (Book 3)
   • City of Fallen Angels (Book 4)
   • City of Lost Souls (Book 5)
   • City of Heavenly Fire (Book 6)

2. The Infernal Devices (Prequel Trilogy set in the 19th century, set before The Mortal Instruments)

   • Clockwork Angel (Book 1)
   • Clockwork Prince (Book 2)
   • Clockwork Princess (Book 3)

3. The Dark Artifices (Sequel Series set after The Mortal Instruments)

   • Lady Midnight (Book 1)
   • Lord of Shadows (Book 2)
   • Queen of Air and Darkness (Book 3)

4. The Last Hours (Sequel Series set after The Infernal Devices)

   • Chain of Gold (Book 1)
   • Chain of Iron (Book 2)
   • Chain of Thorns (Book 3)

5. The Shadowhunter Chronicles Companion Works

   • The Bane Chronicles (Short stories about Magnus Bane)
   • Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy (Short stories about Simon Lewis)
   • Ghosts of the Shadow Market (Short stories tying together characters and events across various series)
6. The Wicked Powers (Upcoming trilogy set after The Dark Artifices)

What I Like About The Series?

There are countless reasons why The Mortal Instruments and the larger Shadowhunter Chronicles are captivating, but here are a few key aspects that stand out:

1. Complex, Relatable Characters: At the heart of this series are its characters-each one distinct, layered, and growing throughout the books. Whether it’s Clary’s bravery in the face of her uncertain identity, Jace’s struggle with his past and his complicated relationship with Clary, or Magnus Bane’s charismatic yet vulnerable nature, every character is multidimensional. Even side characters, like Simon, Isabelle, and Alec, evolve in meaningful ways, making readers care about them deeply.
2. Themes of Identity and Belonging: The Mortal Instruments is not just about battles and monsters; it’s also about self-discovery, family, and the search for one’s place in the world. Clary, as an outsider thrust into this hidden world, represents many of the readers’ own questions about identity. The theme of belonging resonates throughout, particularly as Clary learns the truth about her parentage and what it means to be part of a family-both biological and chosen.
3. World-Building and Magic: Cassandra Clare’s talent for world-building is truly a highlight of the series. The Shadowhunter world is full of magical systems-such as runes, warlocks, and Nephilim (half-angel warriors)-all of which are intricately detailed and lend themselves to exciting, action-packed scenes. The contrast between the hidden magical world and the mundane human world creates an engaging dynamic, especially when characters must balance their duties to both.
4. Romance and Relationships: Clare is adept at exploring romantic relationships, often blending forbidden love, personal struggles, and emotional growth. The evolving relationship between Clary and Jace is central to the plot, but the dynamics between other characters-such as Simon and Isabelle, Alec and Magnus-are just as compelling. Love in the Shadowhunter world is rarely simple, making for unpredictable and satisfying story arcs.
5. Darker Themes and Moral Ambiguities: The books dive into some pretty complex moral dilemmas. While the Shadowhunters are heroes, they are not without flaws, and not all villains are purely evil. This nuanced portrayal of good versus evil allows readers to connect with the series on a deeper emotional level, questioning what it means to be righteous, and where the line between right and wrong truly lies.

Should You Read City Of Bones Books In Order?

Yes, reading the City of Bones books in order is essential for understanding the overarching plot, character development, and the intricate web of relationships that form the foundation of the entire Shadowhunter Chronicles. The series is carefully structured, and each book builds on the events of the previous one, with characters growing and evolving throughout.

Starting with City of Bones allows readers to experience the story from the beginning, exploring the discovery of the hidden Shadowhunter world through the eyes of Clary, the protagonist. While many of the themes in the first book are revisited and expanded upon in subsequent installments, they do so in ways that provide new revelations and twists. For example, relationships between characters change, and new enemies and alliances emerge as the stakes grow higher.

Additionally, the spin-off books, like The Infernal Devices and The Dark Artifices, are set in the same universe but follow different generations of Shadowhunters. Reading in order gives a sense of how each series connects to the others, providing context and enhancing the overall experience of the Shadowhunter world.