---
title: "Cassandra Clare Reading Order — Shadowhunters Explained"
description: "The Shadowhunters reading order by Cassandra Clare: publication order versus chronological order, which series to read first, and my reviews of each one."
canonical: "https://bellabugsbooks.com/reading-order/cassandra-clare"
url: "https://bellabugsbooks.com/reading-order/cassandra-clare.md"
author: "Amy — Bella Bugs Books"
locale: "en-IE"
type: "reading-order"
date_modified: "2026-09-15"
---

# Cassandra Clare books in order

The Shadowhunter Chronicles is huge, and the two common orders give you very different experiences. Here's both, and which one I'd pick.

## Where to start

Publication order: The Mortal Instruments first, then The Infernal Devices. Chronological order starts with The Infernal Devices in Victorian London — prettier, but it spoils a few Mortal Instruments reveals.

Official site: https://cassandraclare.com/

## Frequently asked questions

### Should I read The Mortal Instruments or The Infernal Devices first?

The Mortal Instruments first. The Infernal Devices is set earlier, but reading it first spoils some late reveals in the main series.

### Do I need to read every Shadowhunters series?

No. The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices together are a complete, satisfying read. The later series are for when you want more of the world.

### Where do the short-story collections fit?

After the main series they relate to. They're companion reading, not required.

---

_Every book recommended here is read in full and reviewed by Amy. No sponsorships, no gifted-book obligations, spoilers always marked._

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- [All reading orders](https://bellabugsbooks.com/reading-order.md)
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