BookPath
Home/Authors/Cassandra Clare/Chronicles of Castellane

Chronicles of Castellane Reading Order.

Expert Guideby Cassandra Clare
1 Entries
Ongoing
Quick Answer

Start Chronicles of Castellane by Cassandra Clare with "Sword Catcher", then follow the publication sequence. This order preserves the intended narrative twists and world-building progression.

The complete reading order for the Chronicles of Castellane series by Cassandra Clare. Below you'll find the authoritative guide on how to read the books in order, including publication dates and chronological timeline placements.

Official Verdict

Short Answer:
Start with "Sword Catcher"

To experience the narrative as intended, read the main sequence in Publication Order.Ignore novellas and side stories until you finish the first 3 core novels. This resolves all timeline confusion and preserves every major twist.

Begin Reading Path →
Audible VersionBest for commuting

Community Consensus

Medium Debate

"The overwhelming consensus recommends reading the series in publication order. The primary argument is that *The Magician's Nephew* (which is chronological #1) reads explicitly as a prequel, and its narrative impact and various details are lost or confusing unless the reader is already familiar with the world established in the first published book, *The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe*."

Key Reddit Advice

Start with *The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe*, which is the first book in publication order.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for Chronicles of Castellane conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Can I skip the short stories?

Technically yes, but we strongly advise against it for Chronicles of Castellane. The shorter volumes often establish the core character motivations and world-building that the main saga assumes you already know.

I watched the show/movie first — where should I start?

Ignore the screen adaptations' timeline. Start with "Sword Catcher" to see the original depth of the world. The books offer a significantly different (and usually more complete) experience than the on-screen versions.

Why do people disagree on the order?

Disagreement usually stems from the conflict between purely chronological order and publication order. Most long-term fans recommend publication order to preserve the emotional arc and mystery reveals.

Curator's Strategy

Recommended Reading Order Strategy

The authoritative way to read the "Chronicles of Castellane" series is in Publication Order. Start with the first published book. It's the way the author intended the world to be revealed.This ensures you experience character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Start with "Sword Catcher"Explore all by Cassandra Clare

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended. Compare →

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for fans. Compare →

Publication Reading Order1 Titles

Why Publication Order?We recommend reading in Publication Order (default). This follows the author's release schedule, ensuring you experience plot twists, character growth, and world-building exactly as intended without spoilers.
Best Start Here
1

Sword Catcher

Pub: 2023★ 3.82

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Two outcasts find themselves caught in a web of dangerous magic and dark secrets that could change the world forever in the start of a riveting epic fantasy series from the author of The Shadowhunter Chronicles.“Everything I look for in fantasy.”—George R. R. MartinA POPSUGAR BEST BOOK OF THE YEARIn the vibrant city-state of Castellane, the richest of nobles and the most debauched of criminals have one thing in common: the constant search for wealth, power, and the next hedonistic thrill.Kel is an orphan, stolen from the life he knew to become the Sword Catcher—the body double of a royal heir, Prince Conor Aurelian. He and Conor are as close as brothers, but his destiny is to die for Conor. No other future is possible.Lin Caster is a physician from a small community whose members still possess magical abilities. But despite her skills, she cannot heal her best friend without access to forbidden knowledge.After a failed assassination attempt brings Lin and Kel together, they are drawn into the web of the mysterious Ragpicker King, the ruler of Castellane’s criminal underworld. But as long-kept secrets begin to unravel and forbidden attractions arise, they must ask themselves: Is knowledge worth the price of betrayal? And will their discoveries plunge their nation into war—and the world into chaos?

Prefer Listening?

Best if you commute

Get the professional narration of "Sword Catcher" free with an Audible trial.

Try Audible →

Own the Physical Copy

Best value option

Add "Sword Catcher" to your library. Curated links ensure you get the correct edition.

View on Amazon →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to skip books in the Chronicles of Castellane series?

We recommend ignoring novellas and short stories until you finish the core sequence. However, main sequence novels should never be skipped as they contain critical character development and plot progression.

What is the best order to read Chronicles of Castellane?

The final answer for the best experience is to start with "Sword Catcher" and proceed in publication order. This sequence preserves character developments and plot reveals exactly as Cassandra Clare intended.

Can I read Chronicles of Castellane books in any order?

No. The main narrative is strictly sequential. Skipping volumes or reading out of order will lead to significant plot spoilers and confusion regarding character arcs.

Are there spin-offs or companion books?

Yes, the Chronicles of Castellane universe includes several companion works. These are marked as 'Optional' in our guide and can be read at any time without disrupting the main storyline.