The Mortal Instruments | FAQ & 13 Books Like It

The Mortal Instruments | FAQ & 13 Books Like It

March 26, 2024
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Written by: the NextBook team
Hey there! Are you ready to dive into the thrilling world of The Mortal Instruments series? If you're a fan of urban fantasy, action-packed adventures, and a healthy dose of romance, then get ready to be swept off your feet by Clary Fray and the gang of Shadowhunters. In this series, you'll follow Clary as she discovers a hidden world populated by demons, warlocks, and other supernatural beings, and embarks on a quest to uncover the secrets of her own heritage. Along the way, you'll meet a colorful cast of characters, from the brooding and charming Jace to the fierce and fashionable Isabelle, each with their own unique powers and personalities. And if you find yourself craving more after you've devoured The Mortal Instruments, fear not! I'll be sharing some book recommendations that will satisfy your hunger for more supernatural adventures, twists and turns, and heart-pounding romance. So buckle up, grab your stele, and get ready for a wild ride through the Shadow World and beyond!
The Book Cover Image for The Mortal Instruments
The Book Cover Image for The Mortal Instruments
Fiction
Young Adult
Paranormal

Vampire Academy

Vampire Academy follows Rose Hathaway, a Dhampir guardian in training, as she navigates the challenges of protecting her best friend, the Moroi princess Lissa Dragomir. The book explores the complexities of friendship, love, and the dangerous world of vampire politics.
Author
Richelle Mead
Year Written
2007
Read Time
4h23m
Vampire Academy
Fantasy
Urban
Mystery

City of Bones

In City of Bones, Clary Fray discovers a secret realm of demon hunters lurking in the shadows of New York, as she uncovers her own mysterious past and the dangers that come with it. With thrilling adventures and unexpected twists, it's a gripping urban fantasy that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
Author
Cassandra Clare
Year Written
2007
Read Time
6h15m
City of Bones
Fantasy
Young Adult
Vatican

The Infernal Devices

The Infernal Devices is a young adult fantasy trilogy set in Victorian England that follows the adventures of Tessa Gray as she navigates the shadow world of demons, warlocks, and supernatural creatures. Filled with romance, betrayal, and intrigue, the series delves into the complexities of love and loyalty amidst a backdrop of danger and magic.
Author
Cassandra Clare
Year Written
2009
Read Time
14h36m
The Infernal Devices
Dystopian
Young Adult
Rebellion

Hush

In "Hush," a young adult discovers the dark truth behind the seemingly perfect society she lives in, leading her to challenge the oppressive forces governing her world. As she unravels secrets about her past and fights for a better future, she grapples with loyalty, betrayal, and the power of her own voice.
Author
Dylan Farrow
Year Written
2020
Read Time
6h17m
Hush
Fantasy
Young Adult
Action

Throne of Glass

Throne of Glass follows the journey of an assassin named Celaena Sardothien as she is offered a chance at freedom by competing in a deadly tournament. As she faces formidable opponents and uncovers dark secrets, Celaena must navigate a world filled with magic, intrigue, and romance to ultimately claim her destiny.
Author
Sarah J. Maas
Year Written
2012
Read Time
7h12m
Throne of Glass
Dystopian
Romance
Superpowers

Shatter Me

"Shatter Me" is a thrilling dystopian novel where the protagonist, Juliette, possesses a deadly touch that has isolated her from society. When she is given a chance to use her power as a weapon for a corrupt government, she must decide whether to comply or rebel and embrace her own strength.
Author
Tahereh Mafi
Year Written
2011
Read Time
Shatter Me
Fantasy
Heist
Young Adult

Six of Crows

Six of Crows is a thrilling fantasy heist novel set in a richly crafted world, following a gang of young, diverse characters as they embark on a dangerous mission full of twists, turns, and betrayals. This fast-paced book is filled with complex relationships, morally gray characters, and high-stakes action that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Author
Leigh Bardugo
Year Written
2015
Read Time
5h20m
Six of Crows
Fantasy
Dystopian
Young Adult

Red Queen

"Red Queen" is a captivating fantasy novel set in a dystopian world divided by blood, where the color of your blood determines your social standing and superhuman abilities. The story follows Mare, a young woman who discovers she possesses a unique power that threatens to disrupt the balance of power and ignite a revolution.
Author
Victoria Aveyard
Year Written
2015
Read Time
Red Queen
Fantasy
Adventure
Magic

The Grisha Trilogy

The Grisha Trilogy is a fantasy series that follows Alina Starkov, a young soldier who discovers she has extraordinary powers in a war-torn kingdom. As she navigates politics, power, and love, she becomes entangled in a battle between light and darkness that will change her world forever.
Author
Leigh Bardugo
Year Written
2012
Read Time
11h34m
The Grisha Trilogy
Fantasy
Romance
Adventure

A Court of Thorns and Roses

A young huntress is dragged into the faerie lands after killing a wolf, where she must navigate a dangerous court full of secrets and intrigues to save herself and those she loves. As she unravels dark truths and faces powerful adversaries, she discovers her own strength and resilience in the face of overwhelming challenges.
Author
Sarah J. Maas
Year Written
2015
Read Time
8h15m
A Court of Thorns and Roses
Fantasy
Adventure
Young Adult

His Dark Materials

His Dark Materials is an enthralling and sweeping epic that follows the young protagonist, Lyra Belacqua, on a thrilling adventure through parallel universes as she uncovers dark secrets and challenges the established norms. Blending fantasy, science fiction, and philosophical undertones, this masterfully crafted series explores complex themes of destiny, morality, and the power of human connection.
Author
Philip Pullman
Year Written
1995
Read Time
21h35m
His Dark Materials
Fantasy
Revenge

Nevernight

Nevernight is an enthralling and dark fantasy novel that delves into the life of Mia Corvere, a young assassin with a thirst for vengeance. With its intricate world-building and gripping plot, this book is sure to keep readers hooked from start to finish.
Author
Jay Kristoff
Year Written
2016
Read Time
19h32m
Nevernight
Fantasy
Mystery
Friendship

The Raven Cycle

The Raven Cycle is a captivating series that follows a group of friends as they uncover the mysteries of the ley lines and search for the elusive Welsh king. Rich in atmosphere and filled with complex characters, this fantastical story will keep you turning the pages until the very end.
Author
Maggie Stiefvater
Year Written
2012
Read Time
7h28m
The Raven Cycle

FAQ

Overview

In Cassandra Clare's The Mortal Instruments series, readers are transported into a world where ancient myths and modern-day New York collide. The story kicks off with Clary Fray, a seemingly ordinary teenager who discovers she comes from a long line of Shadowhunters - warriors who protect humanity from demons. As Clary delves deeper into this hidden world, she teams up with the brooding Jace, the fierce Isabelle, and their allies to unravel mysteries, battle malevolent forces, and navigate complex relationships. Throughout the series, readers are treated to a thrilling blend of action, magic, and romance, as secrets from the past intertwine with present dangers. With a mix of supernatural creatures, forbidden love, and high-stakes battles, The Mortal Instruments offers a captivating and immersive reading experience that keeps fans eagerly turning pages to uncover the next twist in the saga.

Length of Read

11h43m

Main Characters

- Clary Fray: A fierce and determined young woman who discovers her hidden powers as a Shadowhunter, propelling her into a world of danger and adventure. - Jace Herondale: A sarcastic and skilled Shadowhunter with a troubled past, who struggles to balance his feelings for Clary with his duty to his family. - Simon Lewis: Clary's best friend turned vampire, whose loyalty and bravery make him an integral part of the group's fight against evil. - Isabelle Lightwood: A fearless and stylish Shadowhunter known for her skills in combat and her unwavering loyalty to her family and friends. - Alec Lightwood: Isabelle's older brother and a skilled archer, who navigates his feelings for Magnus Bane while dealing with the pressures of being a Shadowhunter. - Magnus Bane: A powerful warlock with a flamboyant personality and a mysterious past, who provides invaluable knowledge and assistance to the group in their battles.

Ending & Meaning

In the epic conclusion of The Mortal Instruments series, Clary and her friends face their greatest challenge yet as they battle against the forces of darkness to save the world. Through sacrifice, love, and bravery, they ultimately emerge victorious, but not without enduring heartbreak and loss along the way. The final moments of the series bring closure to many of the characters' story arcs, leaving readers with a sense of hope and the knowledge that even in the darkest of times, light can prevail. One of the key themes that readers can take away from the ending of The Mortal Instruments is the power of unity and friendship in overcoming adversity. The bonds between Clary, Jace, Simon, and the rest of the group prove to be essential in their fight against evil, highlighting the importance of standing together in times of crisis. Additionally, the series underscores the idea that true strength comes from within, as the characters discover their own courage and resilience in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.
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