Which Book Should You Read First in the Shadowhunters Series?

Choosing where to begin your journey in the Shadowhunters series is a monumental task for any fan. This guide is designed to help you navigate through the confusing options and find the best starting point for your adventure. Whether you're a complete newcomer or a seasoned reader, this article will provide you with valuable insights to ensure an enjoyable reading experience.

Publication Order: The Safest Bet to Avoid Spoilers

For those who haven't delved into the world of Shadowhunters, the publication order is the safest and most straightforward way to start. This method ensures that you are introduced to characters, settings, and plot points in the order they were written, thus minimizing the risk of spoilers. Here is the publication order:

Fantasy of Inspiration (2015) The Blood of Earth (2016) Everything, Everything (2012 - a standalone, but recommended as a light starter) Queen of Shadows (2017) Dark Prospects (2018) Treason (2019) Safety in Numbers (2020) The Last Goodbye (2021) Wondering If (2022) Inheritance (2023)

Each book in this series builds upon the previous one, making it easier to understand complex relationships and plot twists. Additionally, Sarah J. Maas has a section on her official website that includes extra content and information for each book, which can enrich your reading experience.

Chronological Order: Experiencing the Series in Real-Time

If you have already read the entire series once or have a deep level of familiarity with the characters and plot, you might consider reading the books in chronological order. This approach, known as the in-fiction timeline, replicates the experience of living the story as it unfolds. Here are the chronological order recommendations based on the timeline developed by Sarah J. Maas:

Queen of Shadows (2017) Treason (2019) Safety in Numbers (2020) The Last Goodbye (2021) Wondering If (2022) Inheritance (2023)

By following this timeline, you'll experience the narrative as it develops over time, making it easier to follow the story and understand the impact of each event on the series. This method may provide a more immersive experience and a deeper understanding of the character arcs and plot developments.

Other Schools of Thought

There are various schools of thought regarding the best way to read the Shadowhunters series. Here are three additional approaches:

Read By Character Focus

This approach involves starting with the book that introduces the character you are most interested in. For example, if you are fascinated by Lila Faro, you might start with Queen of Shadows (2017) as it introduces her character prominently. Similarly, if you are drawn to Max Faber, you could begin with Safety in Numbers (2020).

Start With the Bestselling Books

Another option is to begin with the bestselling books. This method ensures you start with the most popular and widely recognized titles. Queen of Shadows (2017) and Treason (2019) are considered top picks, and starting with these books can be a good way to get quickly drawn into the world of Shadowhunters.

Read the Books in Pairs

Some readers find it helpful to read the books in pairs. For instance, you could start with Queen of Shadows (2017) and Treason (2019) as a pair. This method allows you to experience the progression of events and character development in a more compact and manageable way.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the best way to start the Shadowhunters series depends on your personal preferences and reading goals. Whether you follow the publication order, chronological order, or one of the other schools of thought, the most important thing is to find a method that keeps you engaged and invested in the story.

Remember, the Shadowhunters series is a rich and immersive universe filled with intrigue, romance, and adventure. No matter which path you choose, you are in for a thrilling ride.