The Last Hours books are the most recently published by Cassandra Clare which take place within the larger Shadowhunter world. It is another prequel of sorts that dives into the ancestors of characters Clare has already written.
The Last Hours Books in Order of Publication
The first book, Chains of Gold, begins in 1903 and follows the ancestors of characters in The Dark Artifices trilogy. It is not necessary to read that trilogy first to understand the story in Last Hours, but it is recommended.
That is because there will be subtle references that will make more sense and take on deeper meaning if you have read the books that Clare published before this series. It will offer a better reading experience if you understand more of this world.
- Chain of Gold (2020)
- Chain of Iron (2021)
- Chain of Thorns (2023)
Cassandra Clare’s Recommendation for Shadowhunter Books
If you follow Cassandra Clare’s recommendation for how to read the world she created, that will have you read The Last Hours books last after you’ve read the rest of the Shadowhunter universe. This is the best reading order because it will not spoil anything from the other books.
The Mortal Instruments
The Infernal Devices
The Mortal Instruments, Continued
The Bane Chronicles
The Shadowhunter’s Codex
Tales from the Shadowhunter Academy
The Dark Artifices
The Eldest Curses
- The Red Scrolls of Magic
- The Lost Book of the White
- The Black Volume of the Dead (TBA)
The Last Hours
If you want to learn more about the world that Clare has created before, you can read our article about all the Cassandra Clare Books in Order.