My Journey Through The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices

As an avid fan of Cassandra Clare's The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices series, I have spent countless hours immersed in these fantastical worlds. Over the years, my preferences have shifted, leading me to explore both series and form my own opinions. This journey has been a mix of nostalgia, excitement, and even some disappointment, as I've grown and changed my tastes with age.

Why I Prefer The Mortal Instruments

Why I Prefer The Mortal Instruments is the reason for this article. For a variety of reasons, The Mortal Instruments remains near and dear to my heart. First and foremost, the books are longer, providing more time to escape from the problems of daily life. The complexity of the storyline is matched by the character depth, allowing me to explore relationships that are nuanced and multifaceted. Clary, Jace, Isabelle, Alec, Simon, and Magnus, along with the ever-present mystery of what's next, keep me engrossed.

However, I must acknowledge that I still hold a special place in my heart for The Infernal Devices (TID). It's on my bookshelf, and the series has its own charm. Its love stories and plot twists appeal to me, even though The Mortal Instruments (TMI) offers more depth in character development.

Comparing TID and TMI: A More Extensive Exploration

Now, if I am asked, did I prefer The Infernal Devices (TID), The Mortal Instruments (TMI), or The Dark Artifices (TDA), my answer would be a reflection of my evolving tastes over the years. About three years ago, I was gifted the City of Bones 10th anniversary edition for Christmas. This gift reignited my passion for the Shadowhunters universe. In the months that followed, I eagerly devoured the rest of the TMI series, formed a deep connection with characters like Clary, Jace, Simon, Magnus, and added a new dimension to Isabelle and Alec.

Feeling my passion reignited, I then delved into The Infernal Devices series, which is a continuation of the TMI world through the eyes of Tessa Gray, Will Herondale, and Jem Carstairs. These books brought me a different kind of excitement. The rich historical setting, the intricate plotlines, and the deeply developed characters made The Infernal Devices stand out to me. I was particularly drawn to the love triangle between Tessa, Will, and Jem, which resonated deeply with me. The secondary characters, such as Magnus Bane, offered so much personality and depth, making me laugh, cry, and smile.

Conclusion: My Favourites

While The Infernal Devices was the series that resonated with me the most, I have also found enjoyment in The Dark Artifices. Particularly, The Last Hours (2021) was a thrilling conclusion to the TDA series, satisfying my craving for more of the Shadowhunters' world. At present, the final book, Chain of Iron, is eagerly awaited in anticipation. However, when it comes to The Mortal Instruments, my experience was less positive. Reading through the original series again, I noticed that the writing seemed more juvenile and found the characters annoying, rather than endearing. Furthermore, the incestuous plotline in City of Glass felt weird and disconnected.

Ultimately, I have found that my tastes have evolved, and so has my fandom. I now appreciate the growth and complexity of Cassandra Clare's writings. My final verdict is clear: The Infernal Devices is my favourite series, followed closely by The Dark Artifices. The Mortal Instruments unfortunately falls at the bottom of my affections, but I still hold a special place in my heart for the original series because it was the one that introduced me to the Shadowhunters universe.