9 Shadowhunter Theories I Hope The Wicked Powers Confirms

This article contains major spoilers for The Shadowhunter Chronicles, especially character fates.

The Shadowhunter Chronicles will officially conclude with its final series, The Wicked Powers, and many theories have been tossed around about how this iconic franchise will end. Cassandra Clare's website clarifies that the final trilogy in The Shadowhunter Chronicles will follow "Kit Herondale, Ty Blackthorn, and Drusilla Blackthorn... as they are drawn into the final massive conflict between the side of demons and the side of angels." The first installment, titled The Last King of Faerie, is set to be released in early 2026, followed by The Last Prince of Hell in 2027.

The final book in The Wicked Powers, The Last Shadowhunter, does not have a confirmed release year. The last book in The Eldest Curses, The Black Volume of the Dead, has also yet to be released, and considering that it takes place during The Wicked Powers' timeline, it will probably be published before The Last Shadowhunter. With the final Shadowhunter books to look forward to in anticipation of the last Shadowhunters book series, many theories have floated around about what might happen. After thinking about the possibilities, I have several Shadowhunter theories that I hope The Wicked Powers will confirm.

9 Jaime Rosales Will Have Been Living In Faerie

Jaime Rosales Will Be An Important Character In The Wicked Powers

Cassandra Clare confirmed through Tumblr that Jaime Rosales will play a significant role in The Wicked Powers. She has also suggested that Jaime will be one of Dru Blackthorn's love interests. Unless Jaime somehow de-ages, Jaime and Dru cannot be together because Dru will be 16 and Jaime will be 21; they also met when Dru was 13 and Jaime was 18. The only way a romance between Jaime and Dru could work is if Jaime lived in Faerie because time works differently there, allowing Jaime to remain 18 while Dru would be 16 when they meet again.

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Ash will be Dru's other love interest, and he is 10 years younger than Dru—but in Ghosts of the Shadow Market, Dru and Ash are both 13 because of Faerie's time system. This factor further contributes to the idea that Jaime could be in Faerie until he meets Dru again. Furthermore, the Rosales family history also supports the Jaime in Faerie theory. In Lord of Shadows, the second installment of The Dark Artifices, Jaime hides a Rosales heirloom that connects them to faeries.

Dru accidentally travels to Faerie for a few moments upon touching the heirloom. Therefore, Jaime might have used his family's heirloom to live in Faerie for some time. This theory would also allow an excellent opportunity to explore the Rosales further, one of the few Shadowhunter families with no significant storylines other than the heirloom in The Dark Artifices.

8 A Lightwood Family Member Will Die

A Lightwood Family Member Has Died In Each Shadowhunter Series

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Of course, I do not want Cassandra Clare to kill beloved characters, especially any of the Lightwoods, who are my favorite family. However, there has never been a Shadowhunter book series without at least one dead Lightwood. In The Mortal Instruments, Sebastian killed Max—Alec and Isabelle's younger brother—while their father, Robert, died at Annabelle's hands at the end of Lord of Shadows. Most recently, Christopher Lightwood perished during a demon battle in Chain of Thorns, the final installment of The Last Hours. Even Benedict Lightwood, one of the worst people, died in The Infernal Devices.

The odds are terrible for the Lightwoods, so we should consider the possibilities for The Wicked Powers. Realistically, only two Lightwoods are safe—Alec, one of the most beloved Shadowhunter characters, and Jace. Jace is a Herondale, but the Lightwoods adopted and renamed him. Regardless, Cassandra Clare would never kill Clary or Jace, the two who started it all. Magnus will also most likely make it. He married a Lightwood, which makes him vulnerable. Nevertheless, Cassandra Clare spoke about the importance of Alec and Magnus as individuals and as a couple at BookCon 2019, which I attended.

During Cassandra Clare's panel at BookCon 2019, she spoke about how one of her gay friends had told her that he had never seen himself represented in literature, which was a motivation for writing LGBTQ+ characters such as Alec and Magnus. I find it hard to believe, after how respectful Clare was regarding this topic, that she would kill either of them, eliminating Magnus as a possibility. However, Alec and Magnus' kids are very much not safe. Neither are Maryse, Isabelle, and Simon. Like Magnus, Simon also counts as a Lightwood because he is Isabelle's partner.

Isabelle is most likely safe because, like Alec, she is one of the most beloved characters, and I cannot imagine Clare being that bold. Furthermore, Clare has already killed a Lightwood sibling in The Mortal Instruments' City of Glass, so she will not likely do it again. As much as I hate to admit it (because he is my favorite character in The Shadowhunter Chronicles), the odds point to Simon. There is one vital reason Simon is a contender more than any of the other Lightwoods. Simon's Thule counterpart—the alternate universe where Sebastian won the Dark War—has not appeared yet.

If Thule Simon is similar to Simon Lovelace, then Simon will likely be the Lightwood to die in The Wicked Powers to make room for Thule Simon.

Cassandra Clare confirmed that The Wicked Powers will reveal what happened to Thule Simon. Many living characters in our world have died in Thule, while Simon is one of the only people with two living counterparts. If our Simon dies, Thule Simon can enter the picture; Isabelle and Simon can still live happily ever after. Yes, Thule Simon will be different, but Simon and Isabelle fell in love when he was a vampire. If Thule Simon is similar to Simon Lovelace, then Simon will likely be the Lightwood to die in The Wicked Powers to make room for Thule Simon.

7 Will Herondale Will Reappear In Some Form

Cassandra Clare Has Confirmed Will Herondale Will Encounter Tessa & Jem

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According to TMISource on X, Cassandra Clare confirmed during her book tour for Sword Catcher that Will Herondale will encounter Jem Carstairs and Tessa Gray in The Wicked Powers. Will died in 1937, while Tessa and Jem lived on because Tessa was a Shadowhunter-warlock while Jem was a Silent Brother. Although Jem is no longer a Silent Brother, the two are still alive. We already know Will is not a ghost, but he might have one foot in the afterlife and one foot out, according to Magnus Bane. This detail could be the key to Will reappearing in some form.

It is unknown how Will Herondale will encounter Tessa and Jem. As much as we would love for Will to come back to life so that he, Tessa, and Jem can be happy and together simultaneously, it is unlikely since Ty has already tried to revive Livia—however, she only became a ghost. If Will has not fully entered the afterlife, he might have the power to return briefly, even if he cannot be revived. This would be the base case scenario without breaking any of the world-building rules unless Cassandra Clare introduces an entirely new possibility in The Wicked Powers.

6 Jace Herondale & Janus Will Face Each Other

Jace & His Thule Counterpart Janus Have Not Met Yet

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Janus is set to be a villain in The Wicked Powers, but his level of significance has yet to be determined. He had already faced several of Jace's friends and acquaintances in our world while they thought he was Jace. However, Janus and Jace have not met yet, although Janus knows of Jace's existence. Since the events of the short story "Forever Fallen," Janus has been working on a plan to get rid of Jace and win back Clary. Therefore, The Wicked Powers might have a storyline that involves Janus and Jace coming face-to-face for the first time.

5 Ghost Livia Blackthorn Will Become A Villain

Livia's Ghost Has Been Tempted By Darkness

Livia's ghost is set to return in The Wicked Powers, along with the aftermath of Ty's experiment attempting to revive Livia. The Wicked Powers will pay off the warning of resurrecting Livia in The Dark Artifices, and it is certainly up for debate how that might happen. A popular theory involves Ghost Livvy becoming a villain. Cassandra Clare has peppered some hints regarding this theory in "The Lost World," a short story in Ghosts of the Shadow Market. Livia almost takes over Tessa and Jem's new baby's body to live a new life, which would have effectively ended Wilhelmina's soul.

Ghosts of the Shadow Market by Cassandra Clare & Co-Writers Short Story Co-Writers Publication Date Primary Characters Location & Timeline "Son of the Dawn" Sarah Rees Brennan April 10, 2018 Jace Herondale, The Lightwoods, Brother Zachariah New York, 2000 "Cast Long Shadows" Sarah Rees Brennan May 8, 2018 Matthew Fairchild, Brother Zachariah, The Fairchilds Shadowhunter Academy 1899, London 1901 "Every Exquisite Thing" Maureen Johnson June 12, 2018 Anna Lightwood, Ari Bridgestock London, Early 1900s (Before 1903) "Learn About Loss" Kelly Link July 10, 2018 Brother Zachariah, Sister Emilia Chattanooga, 1936 "A Deeper Love" Maureen Johnson August 14, 2018 Brother Zachariah, Tessa Gray, Catarina Loss London, December 1940 "The Wicked Ones" Robin Wasserman September 11, 2018 Celine Montclaire, Brother Zachariah, Rosemary Herondale, Valentine Morgenstern Paris, August 1989 "The Land I Lost" Sarah Rees Brennan October 9, 2018 Alec Lightwood, Jem Carstairs, Tessa Gray, Lily Chen New York Ciry/Buenos Aires, 2012 "Through Blood, Through Fire" Robin Wasserman November 13, 2018 Jem Carstairs, Tessa Gray Los Angeles, Late 2012 "The Lost World" Kelly Link June 4, 2019 Livia Blackthorn, Ty Blackthorn, Magnus Bane, Kit Herondale Various Locations, March 2013 "Forever Fallen" Sarah Rees Brennan June 4, 2019 Janus, Jem Carstairs, Kit Herondale, Wilhelmina Carstairs, Tessa Gray Devon/New York, 2013

Although Livvy changed her mind and was repulsed by her actions, the temptation to give in to darkness was there. Furthermore, Livvy might begin to resent her ghost form while watching Ty and his peers live normally. The foreshadowing of Livia's downfall and her potential resentment set up the possibility of Livvy becoming a villain in The Wicked Powers.

4 The Seelie Queen Will Perish Or Be Overthrown

The Seelie Queen's Downfall Is Inevitable

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Let us face the facts: the Seelie Queen's empire has long overstayed its welcome. The Queen herself is constantly scheming to ensure she retains her throne. Most recently, she teamed up with Janus, encouraging his villainous plans. The Seelie Queen somehow manages to escape her downfall time and again, but Kit Herondale's existence still threatens her reign. As long as the line of the First Heir exists, the Seelie Queen's throne is vulnerable. While she initially wanted her daughter, Auraline, to rule Faerie after her, the Seelie Queen did not account for Auraline procreating with a Herondale Shadowhunter.

It is unlikely the Seelie Queen will give up her throne, especially since her daughter's line is tainted with Shadowhunter blood. Furthermore, if the Seelie Queen gives up her crown, she will lose her powers. Therefore, if Kit and the Seelie Queen face off in The Wicked Powers, the Seelie Queen may die or be dethroned if Kit gains the First Heir's full powers and his Shadowhunter skills.

3 Thule & The Main Shadowhunter World Will Unite

Thule Has Not Been Ruled Out Of The Wicked Powers' Equation

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There are many dimensions beyond the primary Shadowhunter world and Thule, so just because Thule exists does not mean it will unite with our world. However, some key narrative decisions possibly suggest Thule will reappear and somehow merge with the main Shadowhunter world. For one, most characters only have one version of themselves—there are a few exceptions, such as Simon, but generally, if a character is alive in Thule, they will be dead in our world, and vice versa. Cameron Ashdown had two counterparts, but by the end of the battle in Thule, only his counterpart in our world remained.

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Furthermore, Cassandra Clare has stated that Shadowhunters will face "their biggest threat" yet, which suggests they might need reinforcements. If the former Shadowhunters and Downworlders of Thule join forces with the Shadowhunters and Downworlders of our world, they might be strong enough to defeat the evil that awaits them in The Wicked Powers. This theory might be a long shot, but since Clare has confirmed we have not seen the last of Thule Simon, Thule might play a critical role in The Wicked Powers.

2 The Big Bad Will Be The Princes Of Hell, Focusing On Lucifer

The Lost Book Of The White's Epilogue Is A Clear Indication

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The clearest indication that the primary antagonists in The Wicked Powers will be the Nine Princes of Hell occurs in the epilogue of The Lost Book of the White. Sammael gathers the Princes of Hell to discuss Lucifer, an evidently sore and unspoken subject. Sammael wants the Princes of Hell to team up and, somehow, recruit Lucifer as well. Cassandra Clare has confirmed that Lucifer will appear in The Wicked Powers for the first time, and The Lost Book of the White's epilogue foreshadows The Wicked Powers.

If the Shadowhunters are supposed to face their biggest threat to date, the Princes of Hell—including Lucifer—are the only possible answers. The Princes of Hell being the ultimate villains would also bring The Shadowhunter Chronicles full circle after battling lesser demons for centuries. It would be an excellent way to end the saga, providing the most epic battle scenes and storylines in The Shadowhunter Chronicles.

1 All Full Demons Will Be Eradicated At The End Of The Wicked Powers

This Theory Fits The Fate Of The Shadowhunters

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When I first learned about The Wicked Powers, I found it interesting that the final trilogy was supposed to call "the whole fate of the Shadowhunters into question" to the point that it would "change their world forever." Honestly, I could not think of anything that extreme other than Shadowhunters eliminating demons for good and, as a result, losing their angel blood and becoming normal humans. Ideally, that would happen because if demons are gone, there is no longer a need for their special powers.

The fate of Downworlders seemed a bit trickier. However, I concluded that vampires, warlocks, and werewolves would also become humans and just lose their magical abilities. Vampires and warlocks would age. Vampires could roam in the sunlight, while warlocks could procreate. Werewolves could touch silver. Faeries would be the most difficult subject, but despite the rumors of their half-angel, half-demon souls, the Angels gave them human souls and considered them among humanity. Therefore, they would also become regular humans.

The Shadowhunter Chronicles pulls its world-building from various mythologies, but it largely focuses on Jewish mythology, with a secondary level of Christian mythology.

This theory seemed wild initially, especially because I first thought of it while reading Queen of Air & Darkness. However, when Cassandra Clare revealed more information about The Wicked Powers, it turned out that this theory was not far-fetched after all. The Shadowhunters will most likely face the Princes of Hell, and if the demons lose, the fate of the Shadowhunters will be questioned, especially if the demons no longer exist. Lilith died from the Mark of Cain; her soul shattered across the Void. Yes, demons rebuild themselves, but it takes hundreds and possibly thousands of years to do so.

The Shadowhunters could beat the Princes of Hell in a way that eliminates demons altogether, rather than just sending them to the Void. Otherwise, there is nothing else the Shadowhunter world could face that we have not already seen. Shadowhunters have fought regular demons, corrupt Shadowhunters, and Downworlders. They have already faced off against Belial in The Last Hours and Sammael in The Eldest Curses. If the Princes of Hell joined forces, this catastrophe could not end in any way other than the annihilation of demons.

Ultimately, we will not learn the truth until The Wicked Powers, but I cannot think of a reason why there would be no more Faerie kings, Princes of Hell, or Shadowhunters unless demons are eliminated forever.

Furthermore, the book titles of The Wicked Powers refer to last individuals. Who is The Last King of Faerie? The Last Prince of Hell is likely referring to Lucifer, whom we have not met yet. What about The Last Shadowhunter, and why is there one Shadowhunter left? Ultimately, we will not learn the truth until The Wicked Powers, but I cannot think of a reason why there would be no more Faerie kings, Princes of Hell, or Shadowhunters unless demons are eliminated forever.

Shadowhunter Chronicles Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star 0/10 Movie(s) The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones First Film The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones TV Show(s) Shadowhunters

Your Rating close 10 stars 9 stars 8 stars 7 stars 6 stars 5 stars 4 stars 3 stars 2 stars 1 star 0/10 Leave a Review Your changes have been saved My List My Favorite TV Shows My Watchlist Success! Shadowhunters Shadowhunters is a television series based on the book series by Cassandra Clare. Premiering in 2016, it follows Clary Fray, who discovers her lineage and joins a group of demon hunters called Shadowhunters. As she navigates her new reality, she embarks on a mission to rescue her kidnapped mother. Where to Watch stream

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buy Not available Not available Not available *Availability in US Release Date January 12, 2016 Network Freeform Character(s) Clary Fray , Herself , Jace Wayland , Simon Lewis , Alec Lightwood , Lilith , Magnus Bane , Izzy Lightwood , Luke Garroway , Maia Roberts , Maryse Lightwood , Valentine Morgenstern , Jocelyn Fray , Maureen , Pangborn , Raphael Santiago , Elias , Hodge Starkweather , Camille Belcourt , Meliorn , Theo , Robert Lightwood , Young Jocelyn , Young Valentine , Alaric Seasons 3 Writers Peter Binswanger , Allison Rymer , Darren Swimmer , Todd Slavkin Streaming Service(s) AppleTV+ , Prime Video Expand

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