Read Mortal Instruments Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on March 25, 2026

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The Mortal Instruments series, written by Cassandra Clare, has captivated readers worldwide since its debut. With its intricate world-building, diverse characters, and an ever-unfolding web of secrets, the books immerse readers into a world where magic, demons, and shadowhunters – warriors tasked with protecting humanity from the dark forces – are not only real, but ever-present. The series blends urban fantasy, romance, and adventure, weaving together both epic stakes and personal struggles. But what makes The Mortal Instruments stand out among the sea of young adult fantasy novels?

In this exploration, we’ll delve deep into the Mortal Instruments series, explain the reading order, discuss what makes this world so compelling, and help you decide if these books are the right choice for your next literary journey.

List Of Mortal Instruments Books In Order

More On Mortal Instruments Books In Chronological Order

1. City of Bones (2007)

This is where it all begins. Clary Fray, a regular teenager from New York City, is suddenly thrown into the hidden world of Shadowhunters, Nephilim who protect the world from demons. When her mother goes missing and Clary’s life is turned upside down, she meets Jace Wayland, an arrogant yet captivating Shadowhunter. As she discovers her own latent powers and unravels the mysteries of her mother’s past, Clary learns that nothing in her life has been as normal as she thought. Full of twists, romance, and high-stakes battles, ’City of Bones’ kicks off the epic saga.

2. City of Ashes (2008)

After the shocking revelations in ’City of Bones,’ things aren’t getting any easier for Clary. She’s trying to figure out her place in the world of Shadowhunters, and meanwhile, her relationship with Jace is getting complicated in more ways than one. Clary, Jace, and the rest of the gang are on a mission to stop a new, deadly threat-Valentine, Clary’s villainous father, who wants to destroy the Shadowhunters and bring about a demon apocalypse. There’s betrayal, dark secrets, and deepening emotions, and Clary is forced to make some tough decisions about where her loyalties lie.

3. City of Glass (2009)

This one’s a game-changer. Clary and Jace head to the magical city of Alicante to stop Valentine and finally end the threat he poses to the entire world. But everything Clary thought she knew about her family, Jace, and herself is called into question. ’City of Glass’ is filled with action, mystery, and revelations that will knock you on your feet. New alliances are formed, old ones are tested, and Clary is faced with the possibility of losing everything she loves.

4. City of Fallen Angels (2011)

The battle against Valentine might be over, but the war is far from finished. In ’City of Fallen Angels,’ Clary and Jace are trying to navigate their relationship while new enemies rise, and the consequences of the past are still looming. With the return of some characters from earlier books, and a mysterious new villain causing chaos, Clary and her friends find themselves in even deeper trouble. There’s drama, mystery, and a constant sense of unease as Clary tries to keep her life and the world of Shadowhunters in balance.

5. City of Lost Souls (2012)

Things get even darker in this installment. Jace is acting strange, and it’s clear something isn’t right. As the gang digs deeper into what’s going on, they realize that Jace’s life-and the entire Shadowhunter world-could be in danger. With old and new enemies coming after them, the stakes are higher than ever. ’City of Lost Souls’ is packed with emotional turmoil, thrilling action, and intense moments that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

6. City of Heavenly Fire (2014)

The final book of the original *Mortal Instruments* series, and it goes out with a bang. The Shadowhunters are facing their greatest challenge yet, with the forces of evil pushing them to the brink of destruction. As the battle against Valentine’s allies heats up, Clary and her friends must make difficult choices, face their darkest fears, and fight for the future of the world. Expect heartbreak, redemption, and an epic finale that ties up all the loose ends of this rollercoaster journey.

Background On Mortal Instruments Books

At the heart of the Mortal Instruments is a vibrant, magical universe filled with Shadowhunters, warlocks, werewolves, vampires, and other fantastical creatures. The series is set in the contemporary world, primarily in New York City, and introduces a secret society known as the Shadowhunters. These are individuals who are half-human and half-angel, tasked with protecting humanity from the forces of evil. Their primary adversaries are demons and other dark creatures that lurk just beyond the veil of the mundane world.

The first book in the series, City of Bones, introduces us to Clary Fray, a seemingly ordinary teenage girl who is thrust into this hidden world after witnessing a murder committed by a group of teenagers who are not quite human. What follows is a whirlwind of revelations, betrayal, and alliances, with Clary discovering not only her own hidden connection to the Shadowhunter world but also the depths of her lineage and abilities.

Clare’s world-building shines as she mixes traditional fantasy elements with modern-day urban landscapes. This world, though rich in lore and history, is brought to life through the eyes of Clary and her companions. Themes of love, family, loyalty, identity, and sacrifice run deep in the series, making it resonate on both an emotional and intellectual level. The Mortal Instruments series spans six books, with additional stories set in the same universe, contributing to the Shadowhunter Chronicles-an expanded universe that includes various spinoffs.

The six main books in the series are:

1. City of Bones (2007)
2. City of Ashes (2008)
3. City of Glass (2009)
4. City of Fallen Angels (2011)
5. City of Lost Souls (2012)
6. City of Heavenly Fire (2014)

Beyond the main series, the world of The Mortal Instruments continues through additional trilogies and novellas, further enriching the universe that Clare created.

Reading Order Explained

When considering how to read the Mortal Instruments series, there’s an important question that often arises: should you read the books in the order they were published or should you follow a chronological order of events in the Shadowhunter universe? Here’s a breakdown of how the books and related series fit together.

The Mortal Instruments (Main Series)

• City of Bones (2007)
• City of Ashes (2008)
• City of Glass (2009)
• City of Fallen Angels (2011)
• City of Lost Souls (2012)
• City of Heavenly Fire (2014)

This is the primary series and follows the journey of Clary Fray and her friends as they battle demons, unravel family secrets, and face the impending threat of the dark forces gathering against them. The Mortal Instruments series is best enjoyed in the order of publication, as the events in each book build upon the last, with each installment adding layers to the narrative and expanding the world.

The Infernal Devices (Prequel Series)

• Clockwork Angel (2010)
• Clockwork Prince (2011)
• Clockwork Princess (2013)

While The Infernal Devices is technically a prequel trilogy, it is set in the 1800s and focuses on a different set of characters, including Tessa Gray, Will Herondale, and Jem Carstairs. These books take place in the same universe as The Mortal Instruments but are set several generations earlier. They offer insight into the history of the Shadowhunters, their internal conflicts, and the origins of the magic that plays such a critical role in the Mortal Instruments series. It’s generally recommended to read The Mortal Instruments first, followed by The Infernal Devices as a fun way to explore the past and gain more context for the present-day events.

The Dark Artifices (Sequel Series)

• Lady Midnight (2016)
• Lord of Shadows (2017)
• Queen of Air and Darkness (2018)

Set five years after the events of City of Heavenly Fire, The Dark Artifices series follows the lives of Emma Carstairs and Julian Blackthorn, who must face dangerous enemies while navigating the consequences of the events from The Mortal Instruments. These books are deeply intertwined with the world of The Mortal Instruments and would be best read after completing the main series.

The Last Hours (A Further Sequel Series)

• Chain of Gold (2020)
• Chain of Iron (2021)
• Chain of Thorns (2023)

This trilogy, set in the same world as The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices, follows the children of characters from The Infernal Devices. The reading order for this series is best after reading The Infernal Devices.

Other Works And Novellas

The Shadowhunter Chronicles include a range of novellas and short stories that provide extra details, character development, and spin-off plots. Among these are collections like The Bane Chronicles, Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy, and The Shadowhunter’s Codex.

Chronological Order Vs. Publication Order

If you’re interested in reading the books in chronological order, this is how the timeline looks:

1. The Infernal Devices trilogy
2. The Mortal Instruments series
3. The Dark Artifices
4. The Last Hours

However, reading them in publication order is likely the best route, as it maintains the flow of the world as Cassandra Clare developed it, gradually revealing key plot points and relationships.

What I Like About The Series?

Several elements make The Mortal Instruments an engaging and memorable series.

1. Strong Character Development: One of the greatest strengths of the series lies in its multifaceted characters. The protagonist, Clary Fray, is relatable yet strong, and her emotional journey is incredibly compelling. But it’s not just Clary; every character has layers. From the morally complex Jace Wayland to the loyal and compassionate Simon Lewis, every person in this world feels real. Readers will find themselves deeply invested in their lives, relationships, and struggles.
2. Diverse Representation: The series does a fantastic job of including a wide range of characters from different backgrounds, races, and sexual orientations. Representation is key, and Clare’s inclusion of LGBTQIA+ characters like Alec Lightwood and Magnus Bane provides a sense of belonging for many readers who may have not seen themselves reflected in other works of fantasy.
3. Rich World-Building: Clare’s world is vast and rich, filled with ancient lore, intricate politics, and fascinating magical systems. The idea of the Shadowhunters and their hidden society provides a fresh twist on familiar supernatural creatures like vampires, werewolves, and faeries. The “downworld” is an entire realm of different magical beings, and the culture and history of the Shadowhunters themselves is woven with both grandeur and tragedy.
4. Complex Relationships: The relationships within the series – whether romantic, familial, or platonic – are never straightforward. Love is messy, often tested by betrayals, secrets, and misunderstandings. The emotional depth that Clare brings to these interactions is what makes the stakes of the story feel so real and immediate.
5. Action and Adventure: The books are packed with thrilling action sequences that are exciting and well-paced. Clary and her friends constantly face dangers and larger-than-life battles, yet these moments never overshadow the emotional depth and character development.

Should You Read Mortal Instruments Books In Order?

Yes, you should absolutely read The Mortal Instruments books in order – both in terms of publication and internal chronology. Reading them in order ensures you experience the characters’ growth and the unfolding of the story at the intended pace. While some spin-off series can be enjoyed independently, the core emotional journey and overarching narrative are best experienced in the order Clare intended.

If you’re new to the Mortal Instruments universe, starting with City of Bones will allow you to gradually immerse yourself in this rich world, and you’ll find it hard to put the books down as the stakes rise. The interconnected plots and evolving character arcs will leave you eagerly anticipating each new book in the series.