Series Reading Order · YA Fantasy

The Infernal Devices
Reading Order

The complete guide to Cassandra Clare's Victorian-set Shadowhunter trilogy — reading order, where to start, and how it connects to The Mortal Instruments.

By Ruben Montané · Updated June 2026 · 3 main novels + companion novellas

The Infernal Devices is a prequel trilogy by Cassandra Clare, set in Victorian London decades before The Mortal Instruments. It follows Tessa Gray, a young American with mysterious powers, who is drawn into the world of Shadowhunters — warriors who hunt demons — and falls into a love triangle that is one of YA fantasy's most agonised and beloved.

Many readers prefer The Infernal Devices to The Mortal Instruments — the Victorian setting gives the series a gothic atmosphere that suits Clare's world perfectly, and Will Herondale is a more nuanced and compelling love interest than Jace. You don't need to read The Mortal Instruments first, though some context helps.

Main Novels

1878

Setting: London

NYT

#1 Bestseller

Main Trilogy — Reading Order

#	Title	Year	Notes
01	Clockwork Angel	2010	Tessa Gray arrives in London, is kidnapped by the Dark Sisters, and discovers she has a rare power. She meets the Shadowhunters of the London Institute — including the brooding Will Herondale. The slowest start, but essential groundwork.
02	Clockwork Prince	2011	The Clave threatens to dissolve the London Institute. Tessa, Will, and Jem must uncover the identity of the Magister while the love triangle reaches excruciating tension. The best book in the series.
03	Clockwork Princess	2013	The devastating conclusion. Clare delivers one of YA fantasy's most discussed endings — polarising, audacious, and genuinely moving. Bring tissues.

Companion Content

Title	Year	Notes
Clockwork Magician (Novella)	2013	Jem's short companion story — optional but rewarding.
The Bane Chronicles	2014	Magnus Bane stories including Victorian London content — recommended for fans.
Chain of Gold (TLH #1)	2020	The sequel series The Last Hours begins here, set in the same era.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to read The Mortal Instruments before The Infernal Devices?

No — The Infernal Devices is set decades before The Mortal Instruments and can be read completely independently. Some readers actually prefer to start here. That said, a few references will land harder if you've read TMI first. Either order works.

Is the Infernal Devices love triangle resolved?

Yes — Clockwork Princess resolves the triangle in a way that's become one of YA's most debated endings. We won't spoil it, but it's audacious. Most readers find it satisfying on re-read even if their first reaction is devastating.

What's the reading order for all Shadowhunter Chronicles?

There's no single canonical order — Clare publishes multiple interconnected series. A common approach: The Mortal Instruments (books 1-3) → The Infernal Devices → City of Heavenly Fire (TMI #6) → The Dark Artifices. Or just start with The Infernal Devices and follow your interest.

Is Clockwork Prince the best Infernal Devices book?

Most fans agree — Clockwork Prince is where the series peaks. The tension between Will and Tessa reaches its highest point, the mystery deepens, and Clare's plotting is at its tightest. Many readers consider it one of the best YA fantasy novels ever written.