If you enjoyed the world of urban fantasy, young romance and supernatural adventures of ‘The Mortal Instruments,’ you’re in for a treat. This article presents a handpicked selection of novels that share the same exciting vibes. These stories delve into realms filled with magic, extraordinary creatures, and heart-pounding quests. So, if you’re ready to embark on new otherworldly adventures, let’s explore these books like The Mortal Instruments that will keep you hooked from the very first page.
Books like The Mortal Instruments
Six of Crows (2016)
(2015) by Leigh Bardugo
This gripping fantasy heist novel is set in the same universe as her Grisha Trilogy. The story is centered in the bustling city of Ketterdam, known for its criminal underworld. The novel follows a diverse group of six outcasts and skilled criminals as they undertake an ambitious and dangerous mission.
Kaz Brekker, a cunning and ruthless thief, is offered a massive sum to rescue a scientist who holds the key to a powerful drug’s creation from a highly secure prison. Kaz assembles a team of fellow misfits, including Inej, a stealthy acrobat; Jesper, a sharpshooter with a gambling problem; Nina, a Grisha with the ability to manipulate emotions; Matthias, a former soldier with a grudge against Nina; and Wylan, a talented demolitions expert.
As the group navigates the treacherous streets of Ketterdam and battles their personal demons, they must infiltrate the Ice Court, a seemingly impenetrable fortress in the frozen north. The plot is a whirlwind of intricate schemes, betrayals, and unexpected alliances, all while delving into the characters’ backgrounds and motivations.
Total Pages– 1040 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.68
Amazon Rating– 4.8
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 34 hours and 40 minutes to finish The Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo.
Harry Potter series (1997)
by J. K. Rowling
If you still haven’t read this all-time favourite perfect-for-all-ages series, trust me, you’re missing out, especially if you loved ‘The Mortal Instruments.’
The first book in the series introduces readers to Harry Potter, an orphaned boy who discovers he is a wizard on his eleventh birthday. He is invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he learns about his magical heritage and makes friends like Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger.
Upon arrival at Hogwarts, Harry learns about his past, including his parents’ death at the hands of the dark wizard Voldemort, who was unable to kill Harry as a baby. This event left Harry with a lightning-shaped scar on his forehead. As Harry navigates his first year at Hogwarts, he discovers that the Philosopher’s Stone, an object with the power to grant immortality, is hidden within the school. Harry and his friends uncover a plot to steal the stone and must confront challenges that test their bravery, intellect, and friendship.
The novel culminates in a climactic confrontation where Harry faces Voldemort with the help of his friends and the guidance of wise mentors like Professor Dumbledore.
Total Pages– 4100 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.74
Amazon Rating– 4.9
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 136 hours and 40 minutes to finish Harry Potter series.
Legendborn (2020)
by Tracy Deonn
Bree Matthews is a young Black girl who is dealing with the recent death of her mother. She enrolls in an early college program at the University of North Carolina, seeking a fresh start. However, her plans are upended when she witnesses a magical attack and discovers the existence of the Legendborn – individuals who hunt demons and harness magic. As she investigates her mother’s mysterious death, Bree becomes entwined in a hidden world of magic, secrets, and a society known as the Order of the Round Table.
Drawn into this ancient battle, Bree confronts racism, power struggles, and her own lineage as she navigates a world where she doesn’t initially belong. She forms an uneasy alliance with Nick, a fellow Legendborn with his own secrets, and uncovers the hidden truths about her heritage and the role she must play in the ongoing conflict.
‘Legendborn’ masterfully weaves Arthurian legend with modern-day issues, highlighting themes of identity, grief, and resilience. It is a captivating tale of magic, mystery, and self-discovery, blending fantasy elements with contemporary social commentary, just like ‘The Mortal Instruments.’
Total Pages– 501 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.38
Amazon Rating– 4.7
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 16 hours and 42 minutes to finish Legendborn by Tracy Deonn.
The Cruel Prince (2018)
by Holly Black
‘The Cruel Prince’ by Holly Black follows the story of Jude Duarte, a mortal girl who, along with her twin sister Taryn, is taken to the High Court of Faerie after their parents are brutally murdered. In the treacherous world of the fae, humans are considered lesser beings, and Jude faces constant danger and discrimination.
Jude’s ambition and desire for power lead her to defy expectations and seek a place of influence in the Faerie Court. She becomes embroiled in the complex politics and rivalries among the fae, caught between the beautiful and dangerous Prince Cardan and the intrigue of the royal court.
As Jude navigates the intricacies of fae society, she discovers dark secrets and faces moral dilemmas. She must outwit not only her fae adversaries but also the limitations of her mortal status. The story unfolds with a mix of political intrigue, forbidden romance, and the struggle for personal agency.
Total Pages– 370 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.06
Amazon Rating– 4.4
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 12 hours and 20 minutes to finish The Cruel Prince by Holly Black.
Daughter of Smoke and Bone (2011)
by Laini Taylor
Karou, an art student in Prague who leads a mysterious double life. On one hand, she’s a talented artist, but secretly, she’s involved in a world of angels and chimaera, mythical creatures locked in an ancient war. Raised by chimaera, Karou collects teeth for her surrogate father, Brimstone, who uses them for magical purposes.
When black handprints appear on doorways around the world, marking the scorched aftermath of angelic attacks, Karou finds her life intertwining with Akiva, an angel whose world has been defined by war. As their paths cross, they discover a connection that bridges the gap between their two worlds and holds the key to ending the conflict.
“The Mortal Instruments” by Cassandra Clare and “Daughter of Smoke and Bone” by Laini Taylor share several striking similarities. Both series are rooted in the urban fantasy genre, with modern-day settings that conceal hidden supernatural realms. Both series delve into intricate family dynamics, where the protagonists, Clary and Karou, grapple with mysterious pasts and questions of identity. Love, the complexities of good and evil, and action-packed sequences are central themes in both narratives.
Total Pages– 1584 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.48
Amazon Rating– 4.8
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 52 hours and 48 minutes to finish The Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor.
A Court of Thorns and Roses (2015)
by Sarah J Maas
Warning: This book may contain scenes intended for a mature audience. Reader discretion is advised.
This novel follows Feyre Archeron, a skilled hunter, as she ventures into a magical forest to provide for her struggling family. However, her hunt takes an unexpected turn when she kills a wolf, only to discover it was a faerie in disguise. As punishment, Feyre is taken captive to the faerie realm of Prythian by Tamlin, a powerful High Fae.
In Prythian, Feyre uncovers a world of magic, danger, and political intrigue. She learns that a wicked curse plagues the land and threatens to tear apart the faerie realm. As Feyre spends time with Tamlin and his court, she begins to unravel mysteries and forge unexpected bonds.
The story gradually evolves into a romantic and action-packed tale as Feyre navigates the treacherous courts of Prythian. She faces trials, confronts ancient enemies, and finds herself drawn to Tamlin. Amidst blossoming love, Feyre discovers her own untapped powers and faces a choice that could determine the fate of both the human and faerie realms.
Total Pages– 419 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.20
Amazon Rating– 4.8
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 13 hours and 58 minutes to finish A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas.
Carry On (2015)
by Rainbow Rowell
‘Carry On’ by Rainbow Rowell is a young adult fantasy novel that playfully subverts and celebrates the tropes of the “Chosen One” and magical school genres. The story revolves around Simon Snow, a powerful magician prophesied to defeat the Insidious Humdrum, a malevolent force threatening the magical world. Simon attends Watford School of Magicks, where he navigates friendship, rivalry, and romance. His roommate, Baz, has a complicated history with Simon, but they must work together to unravel the mysteries surrounding the Humdrum.
The novel explores themes of identity, love, and the blurred lines between heroes and villains. Rowell skillfully blends humor, romance, and adventure, creating a unique narrative that acknowledges and humorously disrupts the conventions of fantasy literature.
‘Carry On’ serves as both a standalone novel and a spin-off from Rowell’s previous work ‘Fangirl,’ in which the characters and world were introduced. Much like ‘The Mortal Instruments,’ the engaging storytelling and diverse characters in ‘Carry On’ have made it a beloved addition to the world of young adult fantasy fiction.
Total Pages– 522 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.18
Amazon Rating– 4.6
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 17 hours and 24 minutes to finish Carry On by Rainbow Rowell.
A Discovery of Witches (2011)
by Deborah Harkness
Our journey begins in archives of Oxford’s Bodleian Library, where a young scholar Diana Bishop, unbeknownst to her, stumbles upon an ancient and bewitched alchemical manuscript during her research. Though Diana hails from a long line of accomplished witches, she’s chosen to distance herself from the world of sorcery. So, after stealing a furtive glimpse and jotting down a few notes, she hastily returns the book to its place on the shelves. Little does she realize that her simple act will set in motion a fantastical underground world.
This discovery triggers a series of events that thrust her, like in ‘The Mortal Instruments,’ into the world of supernatural creatures—witches, vampires, and daemons—who are drawn to the manuscript’s secrets.
The book intricately weaves together historical elements, alchemical mysteries, and a burgeoning love story against the backdrop of a supernatural society marked by ancient conflicts.
Harkness crafts a rich tapestry of magic, science, and romance, exploring themes of identity, loyalty, and the tension between personal desires and societal obligations.
Total Pages– 579 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.02
Amazon Rating– 4.5
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 19 hours and 18 minutes to finish A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness.
A Darker Shade of Magic (2015)
by V.E. Schwab
This fantasy novel is set in a universe with parallel worlds: Grey London, a dull and magic-less city; Red London, a world rich in magic and harmony; White London, a place of power struggles and darkness; and Black London, a realm consumed by magic and now sealed off. Kell, a powerful magician known as an Antari, has the rare ability to travel between these worlds. As an official ambassador of Red London, he secretly smuggles magical artifacts between the worlds, until he inadvertently becomes involved in a dangerous conspiracy.
During a smuggling job, Kell encounters Delilah Bard, a skilled thief from Grey London, and their fates become intertwined as they navigate treacherous plots, sinister magic, and the threat of Black London’s return. As they race against time to stop a malevolent force, Kell and Lila forge an unlikely partnership and confront their own secrets and vulnerabilities.
Both books “The Mortal Instruments” by Cassandra Clare and “A Darker Shade of Magic” by V.E. Schwab explore urban fantasy settings, although in different ways. “The Mortal Instruments” unveils a hidden world within modern-day New York City, while “A Darker Shade of Magic” introduces a multiverse of Londons with distinct magical properties. In both stories, complex magic systems play a pivotal role, and the characters are multi-dimensional and have intricate relationships. Themes of power, morality, and the consequences of one’s actions are prevalent in both series, as characters navigate secrets, conspiracies, and moral choices.
Total Pages– 400 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.06
Amazon Rating– 4.3
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 13 hours and 20 minutes to finish A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab.
The Throne of Glass Series (2012)
by Sarah J Maas
‘The Throne of Glass’ series by Sarah J. Maas follows the journey of Celaena Sardothien, a young assassin, as she navigates a complex world of magic, politics, and danger. The story unfolds in a land where a tyrant king’s rule has led to oppression and rebellion. Celaena is offered a chance at freedom by participating in a deadly competition to become the king’s champion, a position that promises her eventual freedom but also loyalty to the very ruler she despises.
As the series progresses, Celaena’s skills, alliances, and loyalties are put to the test. She uncovers dark secrets, faces powerful adversaries, and becomes entangled in the destiny of her world. Romance, friendship, and epic battles shape her journey as she fights against tyranny and discovers her true identity.
Throughout the series, the focus expands beyond Celaena’s personal struggles to encompass a broader battle for the fate of the realm. Magic, ancient beings, and intricate political machinations further enrich the narrative. The series masterfully brings together themes of empowerment, sacrifice, and the complexities of good and evil.
Total Pages– 432 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.19
Amazon Rating– 4.5
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 14 hours and 24 minutes to finish Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas.
The Raven Boys (2012)
by Maggie Stiefvater
Set in the fictional town of Henrietta, Virginia, the story follows Blue Sargent, a non-psychic girl born into a family of clairvoyants. Blue has always been told that if she kisses her true love, he will die. This prophecy has kept her cautious of romance.
Blue becomes entwined with a group of boys from the prestigious Aglionby Academy: Gansey, Adam, Ronan, and Noah. Gansey is on a quest to find the legendary Welsh king Glendower, who is said to grant a favor to whoever awakens him. The boys seek Glendower for different reasons, and their paths cross with Blue’s when they discover her unique ability to amplify psychic energy.
As the characters delve deeper into their search for Glendower, they uncover the town’s hidden magic, facing challenges and personal struggles. The book weaves themes of friendship, ambition, destiny, and the supernatural, creating a compelling blend of mystery and emotion.
Total Pages– 409 pages
Language- English
Goodreads Rating– 4.05
Amazon Rating– 4.5
If you read at a standard rate, say 30 pages per hour, it will take you 13 hours and 38 minutes to finish The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater.
Conclusion to Books like The Mortal Instruments
And that concludes the list for books like The Mortal Instruments!
For those who found enchantment within the pages of ‘The Mortal Instruments,’ a realm of kindred tales beckons. Echoing the allure of shadowy adventures and otherworldly characters, these literary gems offer a symphony of escapades akin to the original. So, if you yearn for more supernatural narratives with a hint of amour, set forth on a journey through these handpicked selections for books like The Mortal Instruments . Embrace the voyage, for each book is a chapter into the extraordinary. Happy reading!