Usually, when we start a book series, we don’t really wonder where to start, considering that it is kind of obvious, right? But, the Shadowhunter series has become so broad and complicated that most people don’t understand what the proper or best order to read them in actually is. Here, I’ve compiled different orders in which you can read them. Personally, I don’t think there is a best one, it really depends on what each person prefers. In spite of that, I will make sure to list what I consider are the some of the advantages and disadvantages of each one (chronological order, suggested by the author, and date published) along with my personal recommendation.

Chronological Order

The following order is based on the events of the books and don’t include those that aren’t part of the main series (such as novellas and collections). I think this is a good option because it makes everything simpler to understand, considering that you follow one storyline. However, this is not the order I would choose because it ruins some of the suspense and surprises that come along in the series.

THE INFERNAL DEVICES & THE LAST HOURS

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THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS, Part One & THE ELDEST CURSES, Part One

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THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS, Part Two & THE ELDEST CURSES, Part Two

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THE DARK ARTIFICES

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As Suggested by the Author

This order includes the novellas and other books that aren’t part of the main series. If I had to choose an alternative to what I consider the best order is, it would definitely be this one (which makes sense cause this is the order that Cassandra Clare recommends). I consider that anyone that reads this series should definitely start with the first part of the Mortal Instruments and go from there. I think this helps maintain some mystery on everything that is going on and it really isn’t hard to understand. I mean, it is almost the same order in which the author wrote the books, so they are all cohesive with each other.

THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS, Part One & THE ELDEST CURSES, Part One

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THE INFERNAL DEVICES

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THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS, Part Two & The Bane Chronicles

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Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy & THE ELDEST CURSES, Part Two

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THE DARK ARTIFICES

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Ghosts of the Shadow Market, THE LAST HOURS & The Shadowhunter’s Codex

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Date they were published

The vast majority of the people vouch for this order. All those that have been fans from the very beginning have had no choice but to read the books in the order that they have been released and they insist that this is the option that most enhances the reading experience. I cannot confirm nor deny this cause I did not read them in this way. Personally, I decided against it because I don’t like the idea of not reading a series continually (which would’ve happen with the Infernal Devices). Nonetheless, I consider it’s worth a shot if you’re willing.

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My Suggestion

Even though I didn’t read the books in this order, this is the one I recommend. I believe that the best option is always to begin with the first part of The Mortal Instruments and then read the Infernal Devices. I don’t think it is necessary to read the Eldest Curses before reading the second part of the Mortal Instruments and I consider that if you did, it would kind of ruin part of the story in regards to Magnus and Alec. But, obviously, that depends on each person’s preference. Furthermore, I think that additional stories, such as the Bane Chronicles or Ghosts of the Shadow Market, aren’t necessary while reading the main story. Because of this, I don’t think it matters if you choose to read them after you finished all of the main series. Lastly, I would like to point out that Chain of Gold is last only because it is the most recent release and I still haven’t decided where I think it fits best in this order.

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There are many options on how to read these books. Because of that you have to make sure to choose the one you feel the most comfortable with so that way you will enjoy them as much as possible. However, no matter your decision, this is an amazing story and, from any angle, its brilliance shines through.