
City of Bones
by Cassandra Clare1 of 6
City of Bones is the thrilling first book in the Mortal Instruments series, perfect for teens who love urban fantasy and supernatural mysteries. When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray witnesses a murder that no one else can see, she is thrust into the hidden world of the Shadowhunters—warriors dedicated to protecting humanity from demons. This fast-paced adventure is ideal for readers interested in secret societies, ancient magic, and high-stakes action set against the backdrop of modern-day New York City.
As Clary searches for her missing mother and discovers the truth about her own heritage, she must navigate a dangerous landscape filled with vampires, werewolves, and warlocks. With its blend of intense romance and dark fantasy, this book is a great choice for fans of series like Twilight or Percy Jackson who are looking for a more mature and complex world. Parents will find it a compelling entry point into a massive, internationally bestselling franchise that explores themes of identity and bravery.
Highlights:
- An immersive urban fantasy world filled with unique supernatural lore.
- A strong female protagonist discovering her hidden powers and past.
- Fast-paced action and suspenseful mystery that keeps readers hooked.
- Complex relationships and a touch of romance for young adult readers.

City of Ashes
by Cassandra Clare2 of 6
Step back into the dark and dangerous streets of New York City in City of Ashes, the gripping second installment of the internationally bestselling Mortal Instruments series. Clary Fray just wants her life to return to normal, but normalcy is impossible when you are a demon-slaying Shadowhunter. With her mother in a magically induced coma and her father, the villainous Valentine, on the loose, Clary is thrust deeper into a world of vampires, werewolves, and faeries. This urban fantasy adventure is perfect for readers who love high-stakes action, complex family dynamics, and supernatural mysteries.
As the Soul-Sword is stolen and a mysterious killer begins targeting Downworlder children, Clary and her friends must race against time to stop Valentine's rise to power. The arrival of the terrifying Inquisitor puts Jace under suspicion, forcing Clary to choose between her heart and her duty. Ideal for fans of The Hunger Games or Twilight, this book offers a sophisticated blend of romance and dark fantasy that keeps readers hooked until the very last page. It is a great choice for teens looking for a series with deep world-building and unforgettable characters.
Highlights:
- Expands the rich lore of the Shadowhunter world and Downworlder politics.
- Features intense emotional stakes and complex romantic subplots.
- A fast-paced supernatural mystery set in a modern urban environment.
- Explores themes of identity, heritage, and the grey areas between good and evil.

City of Glass
by Cassandra Clare3 of 6
City of Glass is the thrilling third installment in Cassandra Clare’s internationally bestselling The Mortal Instruments series. In this high-stakes urban fantasy, Clary Fray must travel to the legendary City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters, to find a way to save her mother’s life. However, entering the city without permission is a death sentence, and Clary soon finds herself caught in a web of ancient laws, family secrets, and a looming war. With the villainous Valentine gathering his forces, the Shadowhunters must do the unthinkable: join forces with their eternal enemies, the Downworlders, to survive.
This book is perfect for readers who love immersive world-building, complex magic systems, and intense romantic tension. It is an ideal choice for fans of supernatural adventures and stories about finding one's true power. As Clary uncovers the truth about her heritage and Jace struggles with his own identity, readers will be captivated by the emotional depth and fast-paced action. Great for teens who enjoy epic battles and intricate plot twists, this novel brings the first major arc of the series to a breathtaking conclusion.
Highlights:
- Epic conclusion to the initial trilogy arc featuring the battle for the Shadowhunter home world.
- Deep exploration of family history, forbidden romance, and personal identity.
- A rich urban fantasy setting filled with vampires, werewolves, and angelic warriors.
- Perfect for fans of high-stakes supernatural fiction and complex character dynamics.

City of Fallen Angels
by Cassandra Clare4 of 6
In the thrilling fourth installment of the Mortal Instruments series, Clary Fray returns to New York City, hoping for a semblance of normalcy. While she trains to become a Shadowhunter and navigates her new relationship with Jace, a dark mystery begins to unfold. Shadowhunters are being murdered, and the fragile peace between the Downworlders and the Nephilim is on the verge of collapse. This urban fantasy novel is perfect for teens who love high-stakes action, complex world-building, and intense supernatural romance.
As Clary delves deeper into the mystery, she discovers that her own past actions have triggered a chain of events that could destroy everything she holds dear. Meanwhile, her best friend Simon struggles with his new life as a vampire, adding layers of emotional depth to the story. Ideal for readers interested in dark fantasy and intricate character dynamics, this book keeps the tension high from start to finish. It is a great choice for fans of the Shadowhunter Chronicles looking for more magic and mystery.
Highlights:
- Explores the consequences of past choices and the weight of responsibility.
- Features a compelling mix of urban fantasy, romance, and supernatural mystery.
- Deepens the lore of the Shadowhunter world with new threats and alliances.
- Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Leigh Bardugo.

City of Lost Souls
by Cassandra Clare5 of 6
In the gripping fifth installment of the Mortal Instruments series, Clary Fray faces her most heart-wrenching challenge yet. Her beloved Jace is bound by a dark spell to her villainous brother, Sebastian, turning him into a servant of evil. As the Clave prepares to destroy Sebastian—knowing it will also kill Jace—Clary must embark on a dangerous mission to save Jace's soul without losing her own. This high-stakes urban fantasy is perfect for readers who love complex magic systems, intense emotional conflicts, and a world where the line between hero and villain is dangerously thin.
Ideal for fans of supernatural adventures and epic romances, City of Lost Souls dives deep into the lore of Shadowhunters, demons, and the Downworld. Parents looking for engaging series for older teens will find this a great choice for readers interested in character-driven narratives and intricate world-building. It is a must-read for those who have followed Clary's journey and are ready for the series' most dramatic twists yet.
Highlights:
- Intense emotional stakes and complex character development.
- Richly detailed urban fantasy setting in modern-day New York and beyond.
- Exploration of themes like loyalty, sacrifice, and the nature of evil.
- A fast-paced plot filled with magic, betrayal, and romance.

City of Heavenly Fire
by Cassandra Clare6 of 6
Darkness has descended on the Shadowhunter world in this spellbinding and seductive conclusion to the #1 New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments series. As chaos and destruction overwhelm the Nephilim, Clary, Jace, Simon, and their friends must band together to fight the greatest evil they have ever faced: Clary’s own brother, Sebastian Morgenstern. With the Infernal Cup in hand, Sebastian is systematically turning Shadowhunter against Shadowhunter, creating a nightmare army that threatens to tear apart families and lovers alike.
This epic finale is perfect for readers who love high-stakes urban fantasy, complex magic systems, and intense, character-driven romance. To defeat Sebastian, the heroes must journey into the heart of the demon realm, where lives will be lost and love will be sacrificed. It is an ideal choice for fans of immersive world-building and those who have followed the journey of these beloved characters from the very beginning. Great for readers interested in stories of redemption, heroism, and the enduring power of friendship.
Highlights:
- The explosive and emotional final installment of the Mortal Instruments series.
- High-stakes action that spans from the streets of New York to the demon realm.
- Deeply developed romantic subplots and long-awaited character resolutions.
- A masterclass in urban fantasy world-building and paranormal lore.
- Perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas, Leigh Bardugo, and Victoria Aveyard.
