The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare

Set in the atmospheric, gothic streets of Victorian London, Cassandra Clare’s The Infernal Devices trilogy—comprising Clockwork Angel, Clockwork Prince, and Clockwork Princess—is a captivating prequel to her bestselling The Mortal Instruments series.

The story follows sixteen-year-old American orphan Tessa Gray, who travels to England in search of her missing brother. Instead of a warm reunion, she is kidnapped by the sinister Dark Sisters, who force her to exploit a rare, terrifying ability she never knew she had: the power to shape-shift into other people. Rescued by the Shadowhunters of the London Institute, Tessa is thrust into a dangerous hidden world of vampires, warlocks, and demons.

As Tessa seeks to understand her mysterious identity, she finds herself caught in a heartbreaking love triangle with two parabatai—warrior partners bound by a sacred oath. There is Will Herondale, a witty but self-destructive boy hiding a tragic secret, and Jem Carstairs, a gentle, violin-playing Shadowhunter slowly dying from a demonic drug addiction.

Together, the trio must stop Axel Mortmain, a vengeful inventor known as the Magister. Mortmain plans to annihilate the Shadowhunters using the “Infernal Devices”—an unstoppable army of clockwork automatons powered by bound spirits. Combining rich historical detail, thrilling supernatural action, and an unforgettable romance centered on loyalty and deep devotion, the trilogy explores the enduring power of love and friendship against seemingly impossible odds.