Cassandra Clare author photo
Image via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Cassandra Clare

Born: July 27, 1973 – Tehran, Tehran Province, Iran

Cassandra Clare is an American author of young adult fantasy best known for The Mortal Instruments, The Infernal Devices, and the wider Shadowhunter Chronicles. Her work centers on hidden magical societies, demons, and romance, and her books have been international bestsellers, selling millions of copies and inspiring film and television adaptations.

Biography & Author's Journey

Cassandra Clare was born to American parents in Tehran and spent much of her childhood moving through France, England, and Switzerland before her family settled in Los Angeles for her high school years. Books became her constant, and writing arrived early: as a teenager she produced long stories for classmates, including an epic called The Beautiful Cassandra, borrowed in title from Jane Austen and later echoed in her pen name. She studied English, then worked in journalism and celebrity media in Los Angeles and New York. A major turning point came when Manhattan gave her the setting for City of Bones, which she began in 2004. During her journalism years she also wrote prolifically online, and she has said that posting fiction in serial form and hearing from readers she did not know gave her a practical education in pace, emotion, and audience that pushed her toward original work. ((https://cassandraclare.com/about/))

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Quotes

quote
A small flower of apprehension began to open inside her chest
-City of Bones
quote
They confused beauty with innocence and harmlessness
-City of Ashes
quote
Not all Shadowhunters could hear ghosts, unless the ghosts chose to be heard
-Clockwork Prince
quote
There was a time I thought I was a ferret
-Clockwork Angel
quote
They could pierce the truth of a lie, and see the lie at the heart of a truth
-Lady Midnight
quote
We try to live up to our names, so that those who come after us will bear lighter burdens
-Lord of Shadows
quote
No one ever mentioned things like accidentally kneeling on a dead bird while waiting for a demon to turn up
-Chain of Gold
quote
People see what they expect to see, and they will expect to see the Prince
-Sword Catcher

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Community Voices

"This is Cassandra Clare at her cleverest, twistiest, and most heart-stopping—a triumph of a book"

Holly Black

"Cassandra Clare’s trademark skills are on full display here: epic worlds, wrenching romances, heart-slamming plot twists"

Kelly Link

"Clare plunges us into a thrilling world built with precision and brimming with enchantment"

Leigh Bardugo

"Clare excels at writing ride-or-die friendships powered by unspoken truths"

The Washington Post

"Sword Catcher is Cassandra Clare at her magical best"

Helene Wecker

"An excellent addendum to the complex world Clare has built and meant for the serious fan"

Booklist

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