Cassandra Clare is preparing to conclude the Shadowhunters universe with The Wicked Powers, a trilogy that will bring together storylines and revelations developed across the fantasy series. The first book, The Last King of Faerie, is being released in Brazil on November 3.
In an interview with g1, Clare revealed that the trilogy introduces Thais, the first Brazilian character in the Shadowhunters universe. She described Thais as tough and fun, and said she hopes Brazilian readers enjoy meeting her.
Clare began the world with City of Bones, the first book in The Mortal Instruments, in 2007. She said she had always imagined an endpoint for the broader story and has spent years building toward the events that will converge in The Wicked Powers. She wants the series to end with a conclusion that feels meaningful to her and to readers, rather than continuing simply because she could.
The final trilogy follows Kit, Ty, Dru and Ash, characters Clare said she had intended to develop further after introducing them in The Dark Artifices. Their stories explore how family histories shape their identities and whether they can forge paths of their own. In the opening book, Dru and Ash become involved in the dangers and politics of the faerie world, while Kit and Ty investigate a disappearance. Clare said the two storylines gradually connect.
The author said readers can expect familiar characters from earlier books, but that she avoids bringing them back solely for nostalgia. Past protagonists may instead appear as mentors, parents, friends or enemies in the newer characters’ stories.
Clare also spoke about the difficulty of ending a series after spending years with its characters. She said she can recognize when a story has reached its natural conclusion, even if being emotionally ready to leave the characters is a separate matter. She expects it will be especially difficult to say goodbye to figures including Magnus, Clary, Will, Jem and Tessa, though she does not think the farewell will stop her imagining what happens to them.
The author thanked Brazilian readers for their long-standing support and said she would love to return to Brazil for the trilogy’s launch tour. Clare has sold more than 50 million books worldwide, including 3 million in Brazil. The franchise has also been adapted into a film and the three-season television series Shadowhunters.
Clare is already working on other fantasy projects. The adult series The Chronicles of Castellane is set in a new world, and she said she also has plans for a young adult fantasy saga combining high fantasy with the real world.
Sources: G1.