Cassandra Clare’s six-book series The Mortal Instruments captured the imagination of all who dwelled within its pages. Mythical monsters, secret worlds, romance, high-stakes adventure – what’s not to love?
If you couldn’t get enough of this imaginative, edgy fantasy and romance book series, fear not. We’ve hand-picked 20 books like The Mortal Instruments to satisfy your desire for more.
20 Books Like The Mortal Instruments
Blood Like Magic by Liselle Sambury
What do you do when you’re tasked with killing your first love to protect your family? Teen witch Voya Thomas is about to find out. After failing her trial for obtaining her powers, she’s gifted a second chance by an ancestor: kill her first love. And if she fails?
The whole Thomas witch clan will lose their magic. The problem is that Voya has never been in love, and it seems like it will not happen with Luc, the guy she’s paired with through a match-making program.
These Violent Delights (These Violent Delights #1) by Chloe Gong
Move over William Shakespeare: New York Times bestselling author Chloe Gong has a new twist on your old classic. These Violent Delights is a monster-filled revamp of the most famous love story in English Literature – Romeo and Juliet – in fair 1920s Shanghai, where we lay our scene. Juliette Cai of the Scarlet Gang has returned from her banishment for falling in love with Roma, the son of her family’s rival gang, the White Flowers. But when they suspect a mysterious plague killing their family is caused by a monster in the river, the gangs must come together to stop it.
If you love The Mortal Instruments, you will devour this intriguing and delightful fantasy and romance book. Buy a copy here.
Sorcery of Thorns (Sorcery of Thorns #1) by Margaret Rogerson
Austermeer Great Library foundling Elisabeth is in trouble – the most dangerous grimoire in the library was released. Unfortunately, Elisabeth’s attempt to fix the problem made her seem at fault, and she must go to the capital to face her punishment. She has no choice but to ally with her adversary, the sorcerer Nathaniel. But this partnership has her questioning everything she was raised to believe.
Shatter the Sky (Shatter the Sky #1) by Rebecca Kim Wells
When Kaia is taken by and forced to join the Aruati, her 17-year-old girlfriend, Maren, decides to get her back. Her plan? Steal a dragon from the emperor and attack the Aruati keep. The first step is to gain an apprenticeship as a dragon trainer for the emperor. But she soon discovers dark secrets that threaten the whole empire, plus she’s been dreaming of a giant beast underground.
It’s hard to be a magic-wielding girl secretly in love with one of your magic-wielding best friends, especially when the two of you and your other magically inclined besties are trying to fix your accidental murder-by-magic the night of senior prom. So it goes for Alexis, who can always rely on her friends and magic. Every attempt they make to fix what Alexis did is failing, but they are in this together, just like always.
Fans of The Mortal Instruments will adore this character-driven fantasy about love, friendship, and mayhem. Buy your copy here.
Six of Crows (Six of Crows #1) by Leigh Bardugo
Conman Kaz “Dirtyhands” Brekker has been tasked with a seemingly-impossible heist: breaking into Fjerda’s Ice Court for a particular package. If he pulls it off, it means riches beyond his wildest dream. It’s a good thing he can put together a stellar team to help him: Jesper, the sharpshooter with a mouth to match, Inej the Wraith and Kaz’s assassin, Nina the witch, Matthias the witch hunter, and Wylan, the demolition expert. Told from the varying perspectives of each of these characters, this YA fantasy romance book features an enemies-to-lovers romance, sassy banter, and a fantastical adventure sure to please any fan of The Mortal Instruments.
The Iron Fey series by Julia Kawaga is a must-read for readers who loved The Mortal Instruments series. The first book, The Iron King, will have you binge-reading the rest of the series as fast as possible. Sixteen-year-old Meghan Chase has always felt like she didn’t quite belong, but she never imagined it was because her father is a Faery King and her best friend is really Robin Goodfellow (a.ka. Puck. You gotta love a nod to William Shakespeare in a fantasy novel!). When she enters the magical world Nevernever, Meghan must bravely face an unspeakable evil to save her brother and maybe even win the love of a young prince.
Get your hands on this fantastic and imaginative fantasy romance book here.
Marked (House of Night #1) by PC Cast & Kristin Cast
Sixteen-year-old Zoey Redbird has just received her Mark to start training as a fledgling vampyre at the House of Night, and lucky her: the vampyre Goddess Nyx has chosen her as special. But she’s not the only one with special powers. Now she has to find the courage to fight back against the leader of Dark Daughters, who misuses her Goddess gifts.
Perfect for The Mortal Instruments fans, this fantasy romance is a fascinating, sexy, and engaging story steeped in vampire mythology. Pick up a copy here.
Evermore (The Immortals #1) by Alyson Noel
Following a tragic accident, Ever Bloom discovers she has psychic abilities: hearing people’s thoughts, knowing their secrets through touch, and reading their auras. Labeled an outcast at school, she shuns connecting with others…that is until Damen Auguste comes along. And even though it seems like the more she gets to know him, the less she does, Ever can’t help falling madly in love with him.
You can purchase this sweet young adult fantasy romance book here.
Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles #1) by Marissa Meyer
In her debut novel, New York Times bestselling author Marissa Meyer takes you on a fantastic dystopian journey with Cinder, a cyborg mechanic with a secretive past. After becoming mixed up with Prince Kai and beginning to fall in love with him, it is her past she must discover to save the future of humanity.
Fans of The Mortal Instruments will enjoy this engaging, unique, modern fairy tale. Get a copy here.
Shiver (The Wolves of Mercy Falls #1) by Maggie Stiefvater
The wolf pack in Mercy Falls has killed a boy, so Grace should be afraid of them like everyone else. But instead, she looks forward to seeing the wolves every winter, especially the one with yellow eyes. Then, one day, Grace saves a boy named Sam, and there is something so familiar – almost wolf-like – about him. Of course, it could be a coincidence, but Grace feels there’s more to Sam than she thinks.
This lyrical and heart-wrenching teen romance fantasy will stay with you long after you finish reading it. You can purchase your copy here.
Beautiful Creatures (Caster Chronicles #1) by Kami Garcia & Margaret Stohl
Keeping secrets in small towns is nearly impossible, especially when those secrets happen to be supernatural. When Lena moves to the small town of Gaitlin, she tries to keep her powers and her family’s curse hidden. Then Ethan Wate comes along, drawn towards Lena for reasons he can’t explain.
This YA fantasy and romance is an explosive journey of self-discovery and the perfect read for anyone who enjoyed The Mortal Instruments. Buy it here.
Matched by Ally Condie
Feminism meets dystopian romance in the first book of this young adult fantasy romance series from Ally Condie. Seventeen-year-old Cassia Reyes lives in a world where everything is controlled and uncluttered, including who you marry. Cassia trusts the process until a glitch gives her two matches: her best friend, Xander Carrow, and Kay Markham, who Cassia knows isn’t eligible to be matched. Of course, Cassia couldn’t be happier with being matched with Xander. But everything starts to fall apart when she develops feelings for Ky.
Fifteen-year-old June and Day live in the Republic but have very different lives. While June is being groomed in her elite life with the Republic’s highest military leagues, Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. Their lives collide when Day is accused of murdering June’s brother. And when the two of them discover the truth, the sinister secrets the Republic keeps hidden may change everything.
The Inheritance Games (The Inheritance Games #1) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Inheriting a billionaire’s fortune seems like a dream come true, but for Avery Grambs, it’s a mystery. She has no idea who Tobias Hawthorne is or why she’s up to inherit his fortune, especially when his four grandsons expected to get it. But claiming the inheritance comes with a catch: Avery must move into the Hawthorne House with the rest of the Hawthorne family. Soon after, Avery finds herself piecing together clues to figure out why she was chosen.
Fans of The Mortal Instruments won’t be able to put down this fast-paced, puzzle-filled fantasy romance mystery. Get a copy here.
Shatter Me (Shatter Me #1) by Tahereh Mafi
If you thought six books were not enough for the world of The Mortal Instruments, get your hands on Shatter Me, a thrilling 11-book series you won’t be able to put down. For seventeen-year-old Juliette, the diseases plaguing the world are nothing compared to her curse: her touch is fatal. The last time she touched someone, she was locked up for murder by the Reestablishment. But when the Reestablishment is on the brink of war, Juliette is faced with a choice: she can fight for the Reestablishment or stop them from turning her into a weapon.
Start your journey with this enthralling and intense dystopian series here.
A Touch of Darkness (Hades x Persephone #1) by Scarlett St. Clair
Although she holds the title Goddess of Spring, Persephone is anything but: as long as she’s lived, her touch has killed flowers. She wants to live a normal life in New Athens and enters into a contract with Hades, God of the dead and head of the mortal world’s gambling empire. The problem? Persephone has been tasked with the impossible: create life in the Underworld. As she sets out to secure her freedom, she discovers she wants something as impossible as her task: Hades.
Opposites attract in this unique spin on a mythological classic, perfect for anyone who enjoys a good fantasy romance. You can purchase it here.
Fallen (Fallen #1) by Lauren Kate
For reasons unknown to her, Luce Price has been sent to the reform school Sword and Cross, where life is heavily regimented, and the cameras are always watching. Luce finds herself drawn to fellow student Daniel Grigori, even though he is less than interested in Luce. But Luce is determined to uncover Daniel’s secret, and it might mean she dies doing it.
This young adult romance is a beautifully written fantasy romance you don’t want to miss. Get it here.
A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses #1) by Sarah J. Maas
New York Times and internationally bestselling author Sarah J. Mass takes you on a magical journey in the world of the Fae in this YA fantasy romance perfect for readers of The Mortal Instruments. Follow the journey of nineteen-year-old Feyre after she’s abducted by a faerie, Tamlin, to a magical land to pay for killing a wolf in the woods. But soon, her hatred for Tamlin becomes desire, and she learns that everything she knows about his world is a lie. Now, something wicked threatens the faerie world, and Feyre is determined to stop it.
This stunning, adventure-packed novel will absorb you into its pages. Buy your copy here.
The Red Scrolls of Magic (The Eldest Curses #1) by Cassandra Clare & Wesley Chu
The author of your beloved The Mortal Instruments series teamed up with #1 New York Times bestselling author Wesley Chu to bring you a new story in the Shadowhunters world. The Red Scrolls of Magic is the first book in their series, The Eldest Curses. Boyfriends High Warlock Magnus Bane and Alec Lightwood have finally settled on a vacation destination: Paris. Too bad an old friend delivers some bad news: The Crimson Hand, a demon-worshiping cult Magnus started as a joke, is wreaking worldwide havoc. Guess it’s Magnus and Alec to the rescue.
Dive back into the world of the Shadowhunters with this epic fantasy romance – we guarantee you’ll want to read the whole series. Buy your copy here.
Final Thoughts
Finishing a fantastic fantasy and romance series like The Mortal Instruments can leave you yearning for a new book or series to ignite your imagination and whisk you away on to adventure. Thankfully, there are plenty of fantasy and romance books to rise to the challenge. These 20 books like The Mortal Instruments are ready to get you started!
FAQs
Is The Mortal Instruments book series over?
While we would argue that a series is never truly over – one can always relive the magic with subsequent readings, after all – alas, there are six and only six books in The Mortal Instruments series: City of Bones, City of Ashes, City of Glass, City of Fallen Angels, City of Lost Souls, and City of Heavenly Fire.
Lucky for us, though, the overarching universe, The Shadowhunter Chronicles, has a plethora of other series, books, and short stories, including some with our beloved Mortal Instruments gang.
Can I read Infernal Devices before Mortal Instruments?
Technically, yes. However, you might enjoy these series best if you follow the order Cassandra Clare suggests, with Infernal Devices following City of Glass.
What age level is The Mortal Instruments series?
The Mortal Instruments is a young adult series, a genre typically geared for 12-18-year-olds. The Mortal Instruments is usually recommended for ages 13+.
What is Cassandra Clare’s longest book?
Cassandra Clarke is well known for her world-building, and she doesn’t hold back from giving readers more of what they love. Her longest novel is most likely Queen of Air and Darkness.
Why was The Mortal Instruments movie canceled?
For those of you who saw the 2013 movie version of The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones, you may remember hearing the second movie in the franchise was canceled. While initially planned for three films, the first film did not gross what was expected at the box office, resulting in the rest of the series being canceled.
Maile Allen discovered her love for books as a young child browsing the shelves at bookstores and libraries. Reading and writing are how she makes sense of the world, and she cannot remember a time when she was not absorbing stories and making up her own. Maile holds her Bachelor of Arts in Film and currently works in marketing. Find her at maileallen.com, and follow her on Twitter on Instagram @mailewrites
