27 Books Like Fourth Wing for Fans of Dragons, Deadly Trials, and Enemies to Lovers
If you've finished Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros and suddenly find yourself wondering what on earth you're supposed to read next, you're certainly not alone. There's something particularly difficult about recovering from a book that delivers dragons, deadly trials, a dangerous war college, and an enemies to lovers romance that makes it nearly impossible to put down. One minute you're promising yourself just one more chapter, and the next you're wondering how it's possible that the sun is already coming up.
For anyone who loves Fourth Wing, the appeal goes well beyond the dragons (although, admittedly, the dragons are a pretty compelling selling point). It's the combination of an underdog heroine, impossible odds, complicated relationships, political secrets, and a world where every decision could mean the difference between life and death. And, of course, there's the romance.
In Fourth Wing, Violet Sorrengail has spent her life preparing to become a scribe, surrounded by books and relatively removed from the dangers of military life. But her commanding general mother has other plans. Violet is forced into the Riders Quadrant at Basgiath War College, where cadets compete for the opportunity to bond with dragons. The problem? Dragons don't bond with just anyone, and those who fail to survive the brutal training process don't get a second chance.
Violet must navigate a ruthless academy setting, form unlikely alliances, and confront enemies who have every reason to want her dead. Among them is Xaden Riorson, a powerful and intimidating fellow cadet whose family history makes him particularly dangerous to Violet. Naturally, their complicated relationship becomes one of the most irresistible parts of the story.
It's the kind of book that reminds you why fantasy romance has become such a phenomenon.
Fourth Wing is the first installment in Rebecca Yarros's Empyrean series, followed by Iron Flame and Onyx Storm. If you've only read the first book, I'd recommend continuing with those two before searching for something new. The interconnected storylines, evolving relationships, and increasingly complicated worldbuilding are best experienced in order.
But if you're already caught up with the Empyrean series, or you're looking for something to fill the time between releases, I've put together a list of 27 books like Fourth Wing that capture different elements of what makes Yarros's world so addictive.
Some feature dragon riders and military academies. Others offer deadly competitions, forbidden romance, powerful heroines, or elaborate fantasy worlds with political intrigue. You'll find everything from spicy adult romantasy to YA fantasy, sweeping epic adventures, and complete book series you can happily disappear into for weeks.
Not every book delivers exactly the same experience as Fourth Wing, but each one offers something that I think will appeal to fans of Violet, Xaden, and the dragons of Basgiath.
And because different readers fall in love with different aspects of a story, I've included information about romance, spice levels, and series status to help you decide which book belongs at the top of your reading list.
27 Books Like Fourth Wing: What to Read After Rebecca Yarros
Before we get into the recommendations, it's worth considering what you're actually missing about Fourth Wing.
Was it the dragons? The dangerous training exercises? The romance between two characters who have every reason to distrust each other? Or was it the feeling of becoming completely immersed in a fantasy world with its own history, political conflicts, and complicated rules?
The best books like Fourth Wing tend to share at least one of five characteristics: dragons and dragon riders, a deadly academy or competition, enemies to lovers romance, high stakes fantasy adventure, or immersive worldbuilding.
Some lean heavily into romance, while others prioritize military strategy, magical systems, or political intrigue. I've included both adult fantasy and YA fantasy because the qualities that make a book addictive don't necessarily depend on its intended audience.
A quick note about spice levels: I've used a general scale ranging from none to very spicy. These descriptions are intended as reading guides rather than precise ratings, and they refer to the individual books listed, not necessarily every installment in their respective series.
I'm starting with the books that most closely capture the particular combination of danger, romance, and fantasy that made Fourth Wing such a BookTok sensation.
1. Fireborne by Rosaria Munda
Best for: Dragon riders, military training, political intrigue, and complicated relationships
If your favorite part of Fourth Wing was watching Violet navigate the Riders Quadrant at Basgiath War College, Fireborne might be the closest match on this entire list.
Rosaria Munda's Fireborne introduces readers to a world where a revolution has overthrown the old ruling class and established a new political order. In the aftermath, dragon riding has become an important part of maintaining power, and young riders are trained to serve the new regime.
Annie and Lee are two promising dragon riders whose lives were shaped by the revolution in dramatically different ways. Annie comes from a family that suffered under the old system, while Lee has a secret connection to the very aristocracy the revolution destroyed.
As they compete for positions within the dragon-riding corps, their personal histories, political loyalties, and complicated feelings for one another threaten to collide.
What makes Fireborne particularly appealing to fans of Fourth Wing is the attention it gives to the training process. These aren't simply characters who happen to ride dragons. Their identities, futures, and political responsibilities are deeply connected to their abilities as riders.
There's also an interesting exploration of what happens after a revolution. Who gets to decide what the new world looks like? And how do you remain loyal to a system when you begin questioning the people in charge?
If you loved the war college atmosphere of Fourth Wing but wouldn't mind a story with a little less spice and more political complexity, this is an excellent place to start.
And if dragons are what brought you here in the first place, I've collected even more recommendations in my guide to books about dragons.
Shared tropes: Dragon riders, military academy, political secrets, rivals, slow burn romance, high stakes competition.
Audience: YA fantasy.
Spice level: Mild; romantic tension without explicit scenes.
Series status: Complete. Book one of the Aurelian Cycle trilogy.
2. The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
Best for: Deadly trials, forbidden attraction, and enemies to lovers romance
Imagine taking the dangerous competitions of Fourth Wing, replacing the dragons with vampires, and turning up the romantic tension. That's the appeal of The Serpent and the Wings of Night.
Carissa Broadbent introduces Oraya, the adopted human daughter of a powerful vampire king. Growing up among creatures who could easily kill her has taught Oraya that survival requires intelligence, determination, and an almost constant awareness of danger.
When she enters the Kejari, a legendary tournament held in honor of a vampire goddess, she finds herself competing against some of the deadliest beings in her world.
Her best chance of surviving may be an alliance with Raihn, a dangerous vampire who is both a competitor and someone she has every reason not to trust.
Of course, trusting him becomes increasingly complicated as their relationship develops.
If you loved Violet's determination to survive in an environment designed for people stronger than she is, you'll appreciate Oraya's resourcefulness. Neither heroine has the luxury of assuming she'll make it through the next challenge.
The romantic relationship is also a major attraction. Broadbent understands that enemies to lovers works particularly well when both characters have legitimate reasons to be suspicious of each other.
The result is an addictive combination of dangerous trials, political intrigue, and fantasy romance.
Shared tropes: Deadly trials, enemies to lovers, forbidden romance, dangerous alliances, underdog heroine.
Audience: Adult fantasy romance.
Spice level: Spicy; explicit romantic content.
Series status: The central Nightborn Duet is complete, within the larger ongoing Crowns of Nyaxia series.
3. Dire Bound by Sable Sorensen
Best for: Dangerous training, bonded creatures, and a romantasy atmosphere
If you're searching for a newer romantasy that captures the dangerous training environment and intense emotional stakes of Fourth Wing, put Dire Bound on your radar.
The story follows Meryn Cooper, a young woman whose life is upended when her sister is taken. Determined to find her, Meryn becomes entangled in the brutal world of the Bonded, warriors connected to powerful direwolves.
The training is dangerous, the political situation is complicated, and survival requires more than simply being strong enough to defeat an opponent.
Meryn must learn to navigate a system where alliances are uncertain and those in power may be hiding information that could change everything.
One of the most appealing aspects of Dire Bound is the relationship between the warriors and the creatures to which they're bonded. While the animals aren't dragons, the emotional and magical significance of those bonds will feel familiar to anyone who loved Violet's relationship with Tairn and Andarna.
There's also plenty of tension, an intimidating romantic interest, and the sort of dangerous environment that makes you question whether any character is truly safe.
For readers who specifically want the Fourth Wing formula of bonded creatures, brutal training, secrets, and romance, this is a strong match.
Shared tropes: Magical creature bonds, deadly training, forced proximity, dangerous romance, political intrigue.
Audience: Adult romantasy.
Spice level: Spicy; mature romantic content.
Series status: Ongoing Wolves of Ruin series.
4. When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker
Best for: Dragons, elaborate worldbuilding, and emotionally intense romance
Some readers finish Fourth Wing wanting another military academy. Others want to be transported into an entirely different world filled with dragons, magic, and romantic tension.
For the second group, I'd recommend When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker.
The story follows Raeve, an assassin whose life becomes entangled with a powerful figure from her past and a world shaped by extraordinary magical forces.
The mythology surrounding dragons is particularly imaginative. Rather than simply functioning as transportation or military weapons, dragons are woven into the history and structure of the world itself.
Parker's writing is lush, descriptive, and heavily invested in atmosphere. Readers who enjoy discovering the rules of an unfamiliar fantasy world will find plenty to explore.
The romance is emotionally intense, with complicated histories and secrets that gradually come to light. It also leans into some of the more dramatic qualities that make romantasy so popular: powerful characters, dangerous attraction, and revelations that reshape your understanding of the story.
I would caution readers that this is a different reading experience from Fourth Wing. The pacing is more deliberate, and the worldbuilding requires greater patience.
But if you're looking for adult fantasy that combines dragons with an expansive mythology and a sweeping romance, When the Moon Hatched deserves a place on your list.
Shared tropes: Dragons, powerful magic, mysterious pasts, high stakes romance, immersive worldbuilding.
Audience: Adult fantasy romance.
Spice level: Spicy; explicit romantic content.
Series status: Ongoing Moonfall series.
5. Iron & Embers by Helen Scheuerer
Best for: Dangerous magical training, capable heroines, and slow burn romance
One of the things that makes Fourth Wing so satisfying is watching Violet discover abilities that other people underestimate.
Helen Scheuerer's Iron & Embers offers a similarly appealing heroine, although its story takes place in a different kind of magical environment.
The novel follows Wren Embervale, an alchemist whose determination and unusual abilities draw her into a dangerous world of magical training, political intrigue, and powerful warriors.
Wren must confront challenges that test her skills while navigating relationships with people whose motivations aren't always clear.
The romantic tension is particularly appealing for readers who enjoy watching two strong personalities gradually develop trust.
Rather than relying entirely on immediate attraction, Scheuerer gives the relationship room to develop alongside the larger fantasy plot.
There's also an emphasis on competence and perseverance. Like Violet, Wren isn't someone who can simply rely on physical strength to solve every problem.
For readers who enjoy a training-centered fantasy romance with danger, magic, and an evolving romantic relationship, Iron & Embers is worth considering.
Shared tropes: Magical training, capable heroine, slow burn romance, forced proximity, dangerous secrets.
Audience: Adult fantasy romance.
Spice level: Spicy; explicit content.
Series status: The Ashes of Thezmarr trilogy; check publication status of the final installment before posting.
6. Trial of the Sun Queen by Nisha J. Tuli
Best for: Deadly competitions, royal intrigue, and romantic tension
If the deadly trials at Basgiath were your favorite part of Fourth Wing, Trial of the Sun Queen offers a competition with similarly dangerous consequences.
Lor has spent years imprisoned in a brutal prison, where survival has required constant vigilance and determination.
When she unexpectedly finds herself participating in a competition to become the Sun King's queen, her circumstances change dramatically.
But escaping prison doesn't mean escaping danger.
The competition is filled with rival contestants, political manipulation, and challenges that could cost Lor her life. Winning might offer freedom, but the people controlling the competition have their own motivations.
What I like about this premise for Fourth Wing fans is the combination of an underdog heroine and an environment where the rules are stacked against her.
Lor must rely on intelligence and determination rather than the advantages enjoyed by her competitors.
There's also the promise of romance, complicated alliances, and secrets surrounding the powerful figures who control her fate.
For readers who enjoy competition-based romantasy with a strong heroine and a royal fantasy setting, this is an easy recommendation.
Shared tropes: Deadly trials, underdog heroine, royal intrigue, forbidden attraction, political secrets.
Audience: Adult fantasy romance.
Spice level: Mild in the first book; later installments become spicier.
Series status: Complete Artefacts of Ouranos series.
7. Powerless by Lauren Roberts
Best for: Deadly trials, forbidden romance, and a dystopian kingdom
Lauren Roberts's Powerless has become a BookTok favorite for many of the same reasons readers love Fourth Wing: a heroine who doesn't belong in the dangerous world around her, a competition where failure could mean death, and a romance complicated by political divisions.
The story takes place in the kingdom of Ilya, where people with extraordinary abilities hold power and those without them are treated as inferior.
Paedyn Gray has survived by pretending to possess powers she doesn't actually have.
When she becomes involved in the Purging Trials, a brutal competition designed to showcase the abilities of the kingdom's elite, her secret becomes increasingly difficult to protect.
Meanwhile, her relationship with Prince Kai Azer introduces a particularly dangerous complication.
Kai is exactly the sort of person Paedyn should avoid, but their growing attraction makes that easier said than done.
Like Violet, Paedyn must survive a competition designed for people with advantages she doesn't possess.
The novel also blends fantasy elements with the social divisions and authoritarian structures commonly found in dystopian fiction.
If you enjoy stories about dangerous competitions, class conflict, and forbidden romance, you might also enjoy my list of dystopian novels with romance.
Shared tropes: Deadly trials, forbidden romance, enemies to lovers, underdog heroine, political inequality.
Audience: YA fantasy romance.
Spice level: Mild; romantic tension and kissing without explicit scenes.
Series status: Complete main Powerless trilogy, with companion material.
8. Quicksilver by Callie Hart
Best for: Spicy romantasy, dangerous attraction, and mysterious magical worlds
If the romance between Violet and Xaden was the reason you couldn't put Fourth Wing down, Quicksilver by Callie Hart deserves your attention.
The novel follows Saeris Fane, a young woman living in a harsh desert environment where survival depends on resourcefulness and secrecy.
When she accidentally crosses into a dangerous magical world, she becomes involved in a conflict much larger than anything she imagined.
There she encounters Kingfisher, a mysterious and intimidating warrior whose motivations are difficult to understand.
Their relationship begins with suspicion and hostility, but the attraction between them becomes increasingly difficult to ignore.
This is very much a book for readers who enjoy a dangerous romantic hero, sharp dialogue, and a heroine who refuses to be intimidated.
The worldbuilding includes magical creatures, political conflicts, and an elaborate system of power, but the romantic relationship remains a major focus.
Compared with Fourth Wing, Quicksilver leans further into the spicy side of romantasy.
If your favorite scenes involved Violet and Xaden's verbal sparring and complicated attraction, this might be exactly what you're looking for.
Shared tropes: Enemies to lovers, dangerous hero, magical powers, forced proximity, political secrets.
Audience: Adult fantasy romance.
Spice level: Very spicy; explicit sexual content.
Series status: Ongoing Fae & Alchemy series.
9. The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen
Best for: Enemies to lovers, political intrigue, and betrayal
Not every book like Fourth Wing needs dragons.
Sometimes what readers really want is a romance between two characters who have compelling reasons to distrust each other.
That's where The Bridge Kingdom comes in.
Lara has been raised to become a weapon against the kingdom of Ithicana. Trained as a spy and assassin, she is sent to marry its king, Aren, with the intention of destroying his country from within.
But once she arrives, Lara begins to question everything she's been taught about Ithicana and its people.
Her relationship with Aren becomes increasingly complicated as she struggles between loyalty to her family and her growing understanding of the man she's supposed to betray.
What makes this story so effective is the genuine conflict at the center of the romance.
These aren't simply two people who dislike each other because of a misunderstanding. Their political loyalties and personal responsibilities create real obstacles.
Readers who appreciated the tensions between Violet and Xaden's families will find a similar emotional dynamic here.
There's also plenty of action, strategic maneuvering, and political intrigue.
Shared tropes: Enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, espionage, political betrayal, dangerous alliances.
Audience: Adult fantasy romance.
Spice level: Spicy; explicit romantic content.
Series status: The first central couple's duology is complete; the larger Bridge Kingdom series contains additional interconnected stories.
10. Dragonfall by L.R. Lam
Best for: Dragon mythology, enemies to lovers, and queer fantasy romance
For readers who loved the dragons of Fourth Wing but want a completely different interpretation of the relationship between humans and dragons, Dragonfall offers an intriguing premise.
In L.R. Lam's fantasy world, dragons were once worshipped as gods before being banished to another realm.
Centuries later, a dragon named Everen finds himself connected to Arcady, a human thief with secrets and ambitions of their own.
Their unlikely relationship becomes central to a larger conflict involving magic, history, and the possibility of dragons returning to the human world.
Unlike Fourth Wing, where dragons and humans form powerful partnerships, Dragonfall explores a more complicated history of conflict and mistrust between the two species.
The relationship between Arcady and Everen also introduces romantic tension and questions about loyalty, identity, and power.
One of the novel's distinguishing features is its queer representation and its exploration of gender within a fantasy setting.
If you're interested in dragon-centered fantasy that approaches familiar romantasy themes from a different perspective, Dragonfall is worth adding to your reading list.
Shared tropes: Dragons, enemies to lovers, magical bonds, forbidden romance, political conflict.
Audience: Adult fantasy romance.
Spice level: Moderate to spicy.
Series status: Ongoing Dragon Scales trilogy; confirm final-volume publication status before posting.
11. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Best for: Romantasy, fae courts, dangerous romance, and immersive worldbuilding
No list of books like Fourth Wing would feel complete without mentioning Sarah J. Maas.
Long before Rebecca Yarros introduced readers to Violet Sorrengail and Basgiath War College, Maas was helping establish the enormous popularity of fantasy romance through A Court of Thorns and Roses.
The story follows Feyre Archeron, a young huntress who kills a wolf in the woods and discovers that her actions have consequences far beyond the human world.
She is taken to the magical land of Prythian, where powerful faeries rule over elaborate courts and ancient curses threaten the fragile balance of power.
As Feyre becomes more deeply involved in this unfamiliar world, she must navigate dangerous relationships, political secrets, and challenges that test her understanding of everything she thought she knew.
The first book introduces readers to the world, but the larger series expands considerably in scope.
For Fourth Wing fans, the appeal is the combination of romantic tension, a heroine discovering her own strength, and a fantasy world with increasingly complicated political conflicts.
If you're primarily interested in spicy romantasy, be aware that the first book is relatively restrained compared with later installments.
But if you enjoy becoming emotionally invested in a large cast of characters and following their relationships across multiple books, A Court of Thorns and Roses is an obvious choice.
Shared tropes: Powerful heroine, dangerous romance, magical courts, political intrigue, high stakes fantasy.
Audience: Adult fantasy romance; originally marketed as YA.
Spice level: Moderate in book one; later books become significantly spicier.
Series status: Ongoing A Court of Thorns and Roses series.
12. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Best for: Deadly competitions, powerful heroines, and sweeping fantasy series
If you love the combination of deadly trials and an underestimated heroine, Sarah J. Maas's Throne of Glass might be an even closer match for Fourth Wing than A Court of Thorns and Roses.
The story introduces Celaena Sardothien, a notorious young assassin who has spent the past year imprisoned in a brutal labor camp.
When she's offered the opportunity to compete for a position as the king's champion, she accepts the challenge.
But the competition is far from straightforward.
As Celaena faces dangerous opponents and begins investigating mysterious events within the castle, she discovers that the political forces surrounding her are more complicated than she initially realized.
The first book offers a combination of competition, mystery, romantic tension, and court intrigue.
But the series eventually grows into a sweeping fantasy epic involving warfare, magic, political alliances, and an enormous cast of characters.
Readers who enjoyed watching Violet develop from a seemingly unlikely candidate into a formidable force will appreciate Celaena's journey.
It's also an excellent choice for readers who want a complete book series rather than waiting for future installments.
Shared tropes: Deadly trials, capable heroine, political intrigue, magical powers, complicated romance.
Audience: YA fantasy with crossover adult appeal.
Spice level: Mild in the first book; some later installments contain more mature romantic content.
Series status: Complete eight-book Throne of Glass series, including the prequel story collection.
13. House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
Best for: Adult fantasy, magical mysteries, and romance with high stakes
If you enjoy Sarah J. Maas but want something more contemporary in its atmosphere, House of Earth and Blood offers an interesting alternative.
The first book in the Crescent City series introduces Bryce Quinlan, a young woman living in a modern fantasy city populated by magical beings.
After a devastating tragedy, Bryce becomes involved in an investigation that forces her to confront painful memories and dangerous secrets.
She is joined by Hunt Athalar, a powerful fallen angel whose own history is filled with violence and complicated loyalties.
Their partnership begins reluctantly, but their growing connection becomes an important part of the story.
Unlike the medieval-inspired settings of many fantasy romance novels, House of Earth and Blood incorporates modern technology, nightlife, and urban culture.
The result is a distinctive blend of fantasy, mystery, action, and romance.
For Fourth Wing fans, the similarities lie in the powerful magical characters, emotionally complicated relationships, and revelations that gradually reshape the larger story.
Shared tropes: Forced proximity, dangerous hero, magical politics, slow burn romance, high stakes mystery.
Audience: Adult fantasy romance.
Spice level: Moderate in book one; later installments contain more explicit content.
Series status: Ongoing Crescent City series.
14. From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Best for: Forbidden romance, secrets, and spicy fantasy
Jennifer L. Armentrout's From Blood and Ash is another major romantasy recommendation for anyone who loves Fourth Wing.
Poppy has spent much of her life preparing for a mysterious religious role that requires her to remain isolated from ordinary society.
Her future has been determined by powerful people, and she is expected to follow rules she has never been allowed to question.
But when she meets Hawke, a guard whose presence challenges her understanding of duty and desire, Poppy begins questioning the life she's been told to accept.
As dangerous forces threaten her world, she discovers that the truth about her identity and the people surrounding her may be far more complicated than she imagined.
Like Violet, Poppy is a heroine whose circumstances have been shaped by powerful institutions and family expectations.
Both stories involve uncovering secrets that challenge everything the protagonist has been taught.
And both feature romantic relationships complicated by danger, loyalty, and questions of trust.
If you're looking for spicy fantasy romance with plenty of revelations and an expansive mythology, From Blood and Ash belongs near the top of your list.
Shared tropes: Forbidden romance, mysterious hero, hidden identity, political secrets, powerful heroine.
Audience: Adult fantasy romance.
Spice level: Spicy; explicit sexual content.
Series status: Ongoing Blood and Ash universe, with interconnected series.
15. Fall of Ruin and Wrath by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Best for: Forbidden attraction, powerful magical beings, and romantic tension
If you've already read From Blood and Ash and want another Jennifer L. Armentrout fantasy romance, consider Fall of Ruin and Wrath.
The story follows Calista, a young woman with an unusual ability to sense the future and perceive the intentions of others.
Her gift has helped her survive in a dangerous society, but it also places her at risk when powerful individuals become interested in her abilities.
When she encounters a mysterious prince, Calista finds herself drawn into a complicated world of political intrigue and supernatural power.
The attraction between them is immediate, but their relationship is surrounded by danger and uncertainty.
Armentrout excels at writing romantic relationships in which the characters are simultaneously attracted to and suspicious of one another.
If you enjoyed the tension between Violet and Xaden, you'll recognize some of that same emotional dynamic here.
This is particularly well suited to readers who prefer their fantasy romance with a generous amount of spice.
Shared tropes: Forbidden romance, powerful hero, magical abilities, political intrigue, dangerous attraction.
Audience: Adult fantasy romance.
Spice level: Very spicy; explicit sexual content.
Series status: Ongoing Awakening series.
16. The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon
Best for: Enemies to lovers, magical warfare, and political conflict
One of the most interesting aspects of Fourth Wing is the way personal relationships become entangled with larger political conflicts.
Thea Guanzon's The Hurricane Wars explores that same tension through two characters who find themselves on opposite sides of a devastating war.
Talasyn is a young woman with an unusual magical ability that makes her valuable to the resistance fighting against an oppressive empire.
Alaric is a powerful prince whose dark magic makes him one of the empire's most formidable weapons.
When their paths cross, their opposing loyalties create an immediate conflict.
But their magical abilities and the political forces surrounding them make it increasingly difficult for them to remain separate.
The novel features elaborate magical battles, political negotiations, and a romance built around genuine ideological differences.
It's particularly appealing for readers who enjoy enemies to lovers stories in which the characters have substantial reasons to oppose each other.
The worldbuilding is also expansive, with an emphasis on magical systems, warfare, and the consequences of political power.
Shared tropes: Enemies to lovers, magical warfare, political intrigue, forced proximity, forbidden attraction.
Audience: Adult fantasy romance.
Spice level: Moderate to spicy.
Series status: Ongoing Hurricane Wars series; verify final installment status before publishing.
17. Zodiac Academy: The Awakening by Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti
Best for: Magical academies, ruthless rivals, and dramatic romance
If you loved the academy setting of Fourth Wing and want something even more chaotic, Zodiac Academy: The Awakening might be exactly what you're looking for.
The story follows twin sisters Darcy and Tory Vega, who discover that they belong to a magical world where their heritage gives them an unexpected claim to power.
They are sent to Zodiac Academy, a school where students develop elemental abilities and where social hierarchies can be extraordinarily cruel.
Unfortunately, the twins' arrival threatens the ambitions of several powerful students who have no intention of welcoming them.
The result is a dramatic combination of magical training, rivalries, bullying, political maneuvering, and romantic tension.
This is not a particularly gentle academy experience. The series leans heavily into bully romance, with relationships that can be emotionally intense and sometimes uncomfortable.
Readers who enjoyed the dangerous environment of Basgiath may appreciate the similarly unforgiving atmosphere.
But it's worth knowing that Zodiac Academy is more melodramatic and romance-focused than Fourth Wing.
If you enjoy long fantasy series with cliffhangers, complicated relationships, and plenty of interpersonal drama, this one could keep you occupied for quite some time.
Shared tropes: Magical academy, dangerous rivals, bully romance, elemental magic, political conflict.
Audience: Adult fantasy romance.
Spice level: Mild in the opening book, becoming very spicy in later installments.
Series status: Complete nine-book main series, with additional companion stories.
18. The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Best for: Enemies to lovers, ruthless faeries, and political intrigue
If your favorite part of Fourth Wing was the relationship between Violet and Xaden, particularly the early hostility and complicated power dynamics, The Cruel Prince offers a very different but equally compelling version of enemies to lovers.
Holly Black introduces Jude Duarte, a mortal girl who has spent much of her life living among the faeries of Elfhame.
Although she has grown up in their world, Jude remains painfully aware that she is physically weaker than the immortal creatures surrounding her.
She is determined to gain power and earn a place within the faerie court, even if doing so requires deception, manipulation, and considerable personal risk.
One of her greatest adversaries is Cardan, a cruel and privileged faerie prince who seems to take particular pleasure in humiliating her.
Their relationship is complicated, hostile, and full of political implications.
But what makes The Cruel Prince especially interesting is Jude herself.
She's ambitious, morally complicated, and willing to make difficult choices to survive.
Readers who enjoy heroines who must outthink more powerful opponents will appreciate her determination.
Just don't expect the same level of spice as Fourth Wing. This is primarily a political fantasy with romantic tension woven through the larger story.
Shared tropes: Enemies to lovers, morally complicated characters, political intrigue, underdog heroine, dangerous attraction.
Audience: YA fantasy.
Spice level: Mild; romantic tension without explicit scenes.
Series status: Complete Folk of the Air trilogy, with related companion books.
19. Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
Best for: Slow burn romance, wartime fantasy, and emotional storytelling
Not every reader who loves Fourth Wing is looking for another action-packed fantasy adventure.
Sometimes it's the emotional intensity of the romance that stays with you long after you've finished the book.
If that's the case, Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross is a wonderful option.
The story follows Iris Winnow, a young journalist whose life has been disrupted by a war between rival gods.
While working at a newspaper, she finds herself competing professionally with Roman Kitt, a talented and frustratingly aloof fellow journalist.
But when Iris begins writing letters to her missing brother, something unexpected happens.
Her letters find their way into the hands of someone else, beginning a correspondence that gradually becomes one of the most emotionally compelling parts of the novel.
The romance builds slowly through letters, creating intimacy between the characters before they fully understand the significance of their connection.
It's a beautiful example of how romantic tension can develop through conversation, vulnerability, and shared experiences rather than physical attraction alone.
Readers who love emotionally rich relationships should also explore my recommendations for slow burn romance books.
Divine Rivals doesn't offer dragons or a military academy, but it does deliver wartime danger, complicated loyalties, and a romance worth becoming invested in.
Shared tropes: Slow burn romance, rivals to lovers, wartime fantasy, emotional stakes, magical secrets.
Audience: YA fantasy romance.
Spice level: Mild; no explicit sexual content.
Series status: Complete Letters of Enchantment duology.
20. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Best for: Epic standalone adult fantasy with dragons
If your favorite part of Fourth Wing was the world of dragons, ancient legends, and political conflicts, but you're ready for something more expansive, The Priory of the Orange Tree is an excellent choice.
Samantha Shannon's novel takes place in a richly imagined world divided by competing religious beliefs, political alliances, and interpretations of dragon mythology.
At the center of the story are several women whose lives become connected to a growing threat that could reshape their world.
Queen Sabran must navigate the expectations of her royal position, while Ead Duryan serves at court with secrets and responsibilities of her own.
Elsewhere, a young woman named Tané dreams of becoming a dragon rider.
The novel moves between different regions and perspectives, gradually revealing the larger conflicts connecting its characters.
Unlike Fourth Wing, romance is not the primary focus.
Instead, Shannon offers an epic fantasy filled with political maneuvering, ancient history, religious conflict, and dragons that play dramatically different roles across cultures.
It's an especially appealing recommendation for readers who want a substantial standalone novel rather than committing to another long series.
For more immersive worlds and ambitious storytelling, take a look at my list of the best adult fantasy books.
Shared tropes: Dragons, dragon riders, powerful heroines, political intrigue, immersive worldbuilding.
Audience: Adult epic fantasy.
Spice level: Mild; romance is secondary.
Series status: Complete standalone novel, set in a world that also includes a separate prequel.
21. To Shape a Dragon's Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose
Best for: Dragon bonding, academy training, and thoughtful fantasy worldbuilding
If you're interested in dragon rider stories that explore the relationship between humans and dragons in greater depth, To Shape a Dragon's Breath offers a distinctive perspective.
The novel follows Anequs, a young Indigenous woman who discovers a dragon egg and becomes bonded to the creature that hatches from it.
Her discovery brings her into contact with a colonial society that insists dragon riders must receive formal training according to its own traditions.
Anequs is sent to an academy where she must learn to navigate unfamiliar customs, scientific expectations, and prejudices against her people.
But she refuses to accept that the institution's way of understanding dragons is necessarily the only correct one.
What makes this book particularly compelling is its examination of education, cultural identity, and the relationship between knowledge and power.
Like Violet, Anequs enters a training environment where other people underestimate her abilities and question whether she belongs.
But Blackgoose uses the academy setting to explore colonialism, cultural assumptions, and the limitations of supposedly objective systems.
For readers who enjoyed the dragon bonding and training elements of Fourth Wing but want a more intellectually focused fantasy, this is a fascinating alternative.
Shared tropes: Dragon bonding, academy setting, underestimated heroine, magical training, political conflict.
Audience: Adult fantasy with crossover appeal.
Spice level: Mild; romance is not the primary focus.
Series status: Ongoing Nampeshiweisit series.
22. Eragon by Christopher Paolini
Best for: Classic dragon riders, magical bonds, and epic adventure
If Fourth Wing has left you wanting more dragons, it might be time to revisit one of the best-known dragon rider stories in modern fantasy.
Christopher Paolini's Eragon follows a young farm boy whose life changes when he discovers a mysterious blue stone.
When the stone hatches into a dragon, Eragon becomes connected to a magical legacy he never imagined existed.
His bond with Saphira draws him into a dangerous conflict involving an oppressive empire, powerful magic, and the surviving history of the Dragon Riders.
Unlike Fourth Wing, Eragon is primarily a coming-of-age fantasy adventure rather than a romance.
The relationship between Eragon and Saphira is the emotional center of the story.
Their bond develops through training, danger, and mutual trust, creating the sort of partnership that readers who love Tairn and Violet will immediately appreciate.
The series also offers extensive worldbuilding, magical systems, and large-scale battles.
If you're looking for a complete fantasy adventure that prioritizes dragons over romance, Eragon is an excellent choice.
Shared tropes: Dragon riders, magical bonds, training, epic battles, political rebellion.
Audience: YA fantasy.
Spice level: None.
Series status: The original four-book Inheritance Cycle is complete; additional books set in the same world have been published.
23. His Majesty's Dragon by Naomi Novik
Best for: Dragons, military strategy, and historical fantasy
As someone who enjoys historical fiction, I find the premise of Naomi Novik's His Majesty's Dragon particularly appealing.
Imagine the Napoleonic Wars, but with dragons serving as an essential part of military strategy.
That's the wonderfully imaginative premise behind the first book in Novik's Temeraire series.
The story follows Captain William Laurence, a British naval officer whose career takes an unexpected turn when his ship captures a dragon egg.
When the egg hatches, Laurence becomes bonded to a young dragon named Temeraire.
The bond forces him to leave behind his familiar naval life and join Britain's aerial forces, where dragons and their human captains serve together in wartime.
What makes this series so interesting is the attention Novik gives to the practical realities of a world where dragons exist.
How would military strategy change? What responsibilities would dragon riders have? And how would the relationship between humans and dragons influence society?
The friendship between Laurence and Temeraire is also deeply appealing.
This isn't a romantasy, and readers shouldn't expect the enemies to lovers tension of Violet and Xaden.
But if your favorite part of Fourth Wing was the relationship between riders and dragons, His Majesty's Dragon offers an entirely different kind of satisfaction.
Shared tropes: Dragons, dragon riders, military training, wartime strategy, powerful bonds.
Audience: Adult historical fantasy.
Spice level: None.
Series status: Complete nine-book Temeraire series.
24. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Best for: Class divisions, dangerous powers, and royal intrigue
One of the most compelling elements of Fourth Wing is the realization that the political system surrounding Violet may not be as straightforward as she's been taught.
Victoria Aveyard's Red Queen explores a similarly divided society.
In Mare Barrow's world, blood determines social status.
The Silver-blooded elite possess extraordinary abilities and rule over the ordinary Red-blooded population.
Mare is a Red who unexpectedly discovers that she possesses a power she should not have.
Her abilities threaten the assumptions on which the kingdom's hierarchy is built, forcing her into a dangerous political environment where appearances can be deceptive.
As Mare becomes involved with the royal family, she must navigate shifting alliances, romantic complications, and a growing rebellion.
Like Violet, Mare is thrust into a world of powerful people who underestimate her.
Both heroines discover that their abilities may challenge the political structures controlling their lives.
For readers who enjoy magical powers, dangerous secrets, and a heroine caught between competing loyalties, Red Queen is an excellent option.
Shared tropes: Underdog heroine, dangerous powers, royal intrigue, political rebellion, romantic tension.
Audience: YA fantasy and dystopian fiction.
Spice level: Mild; no explicit scenes.
Series status: Complete four-book main Red Queen series, with companion stories.
25. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Best for: Deadly competitions, survival, and political rebellion
If the deadly trials were your favorite part of Fourth Wing, it's worth remembering one of the most influential survival competitions in modern young adult fiction.
Suzanne Collins's The Hunger Games follows Katniss Everdeen, a teenager living in the authoritarian nation of Panem.
Each year, the government forces children from its districts to participate in a televised competition where only one contestant can survive.
When Katniss volunteers to take her younger sister's place, she enters an arena designed to turn survival into entertainment.
What follows is a gripping exploration of courage, political manipulation, inequality, and the consequences of violence.
The connection to Fourth Wing is particularly clear in the way both stories place young protagonists in institutions where deadly competition is treated as a normal part of society.
Both Katniss and Violet must learn to recognize which alliances are genuine and which people may be using them for their own purposes.
There's also romance, although The Hunger Games places considerably more emphasis on survival and political resistance.
If you're drawn to dangerous competitions and dystopian worlds, you can find additional recommendations in my list of books like The Hunger Games.
Shared tropes: Deadly trials, survival, political rebellion, dangerous alliances, romantic tension.
Audience: YA dystopian fiction.
Spice level: None.
Series status: Complete original trilogy, with additional companion and prequel novels.
26. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
Best for: Powerful magic, rebellion, and epic fantasy adventure
If you're looking for a fantasy novel with the same sense of danger and political urgency as Fourth Wing, Children of Blood and Bone offers an immersive adventure inspired by West African mythology.
The story follows Zélie Adebola, a young woman living in the kingdom of Orïsha, where magic has been violently suppressed.
Zélie remembers a time when magic was part of everyday life, but the ruling monarchy has attempted to destroy the people who possess it.
When she discovers an opportunity to restore magic, Zélie embarks on a dangerous journey that brings her into conflict with powerful political forces.
Along the way, she forms complicated alliances and must confront the personal costs of rebellion.
Like Violet, Zélie discovers that the institutions controlling her world are built on histories of violence and secrets.
Both heroines must decide what they're willing to sacrifice in order to challenge those systems.
The novel also features magical creatures, powerful abilities, romantic tension, and action-packed confrontations.
While it's not as romance-focused as Fourth Wing, the emotional stakes and immersive worldbuilding make it an excellent recommendation.
Shared tropes: Powerful heroine, magical abilities, political rebellion, forbidden attraction, epic adventure.
Audience: YA fantasy.
Spice level: Mild; no explicit scenes.
Series status: Complete Legacy of Orïsha trilogy.
27. The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
Best for: Military academies, brutal warfare, and morally complicated fantasy
I'm ending this list with a recommendation that shares several important characteristics with Fourth Wing but offers a much darker reading experience.
R.F. Kuang's The Poppy War follows Rin, an orphan from an impoverished province who earns a place at an elite military academy through extraordinary academic achievement.
At the academy, Rin faces discrimination, intense competition, and a training environment designed to prepare students for military service.
As she begins discovering unusual magical abilities, she becomes involved in a conflict that threatens to transform her entire world.
The academy setting will immediately appeal to readers who enjoyed Violet's experiences at Basgiath.
Both stories follow young women who must prove themselves in institutions where their backgrounds make them targets for hostility.
But The Poppy War takes a very different approach to violence and warfare.
Kuang draws inspiration from Chinese history, particularly the Second Sino-Japanese War, and explores the devastating consequences of military conflict.
The novel includes graphic war violence, torture, sexual violence, and other deeply disturbing material.
It's considerably darker than Fourth Wing, and romance is not a central focus.
I would recommend it to readers who loved the military training, political intrigue, and moral complexity of Yarros's world but are prepared for a much more brutal story.
Shared tropes: Military academy, underestimated heroine, magical powers, political conflict, war.
Audience: Adult grimdark fantasy.
Spice level: None; not a romance-focused novel.
Series status: Complete Poppy War trilogy.
Content note: Graphic violence, war crimes, sexual violence, torture, and other disturbing subject matter.
Which Books Like Fourth Wing Should You Read First?
With 27 recommendations, choosing your next book can feel almost as overwhelming as trying to survive your first day at Basgiath.
My suggestion is to start with whichever element of Fourth Wing you miss most.
If you want more dragons and dragon riders, start with Fireborne, Dire Bound, or His Majesty's Dragon. Each explores the bond between humans and powerful creatures, although the settings and storytelling styles are very different.
If you loved the deadly trials and the feeling that no character was guaranteed to survive, pick up The Serpent and the Wings of Night, Trial of the Sun Queen, or Powerless. These books combine dangerous competitions with protagonists who must rely on intelligence and determination to survive.
If enemies to lovers was the real attraction, I'd suggest The Bridge Kingdom, Quicksilver, or The Cruel Prince. All three feature relationships complicated by distrust, conflicting loyalties, and power struggles, although they offer very different levels of spice.
For readers who want an enormous fantasy world to disappear into, Throne of Glass, A Court of Thorns and Roses, and The Priory of the Orange Tree offer especially immersive experiences.
And if you're looking for something with a military academy but don't necessarily need romance, The Poppy War provides a much darker exploration of training, power, and warfare.
The important thing is remembering that you don't necessarily need to find another book exactly like Fourth Wing.
Sometimes the best way to recover from a book hangover is to find a story that captures the feeling you loved while introducing you to an entirely new world.
Frequently Asked Questions About Books Like Fourth Wing
What book is most similar to Fourth Wing?
Fireborne by Rosaria Munda is one of the closest matches if you loved the dragon riders, military training, and political intrigue of Fourth Wing. Both novels feature young dragon riders navigating dangerous institutions while confronting questions about loyalty and power.
However, Fireborne is YA fantasy and has considerably less spice.
If you're looking for a closer match to the romantic intensity and deadly competition of Fourth Wing, The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent is another excellent choice.
What should I read after Fourth Wing and Iron Flame?
If you've finished Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, your next stop should be Onyx Storm, the third installment in Rebecca Yarros's Empyrean series.
After that, I'd recommend choosing between Fireborne, The Serpent and the Wings of Night, and Dire Bound, depending on whether you're most interested in dragons, deadly trials, or magical creature bonds.
Is Fourth Wing considered romantasy?
Yes. Fourth Wing is a popular example of romantasy, a genre that combines fantasy storytelling with a significant romantic plot.
Romantasy novels often feature magical worlds, dangerous adventures, powerful characters, and relationships that play an important role in the larger narrative.
Some lean more heavily toward romance, while others emphasize worldbuilding and action.
Fourth Wing is particularly appealing because it balances its fantasy adventure with a central romantic relationship.
What books like Fourth Wing have dragons?
If dragons are your priority, start with Fireborne, When the Moon Hatched, Dragonfall, To Shape a Dragon's Breath, The Priory of the Orange Tree, Eragon, and His Majesty's Dragon.
All seven feature dragons, but their roles vary considerably.
Some focus on dragon riders and magical bonds, while others explore dragons through mythology, politics, warfare, or cultural traditions.
Are there spicy books like Fourth Wing?
Absolutely. If you enjoyed the romantic tension and explicit scenes in Fourth Wing, consider The Serpent and the Wings of Night, Quicksilver, From Blood and Ash, Fall of Ruin and Wrath, and Dire Bound.
All offer adult fantasy romance with varying degrees of explicit content.
If you prefer romantic tension without explicit scenes, Fireborne, Powerless, Divine Rivals, and The Cruel Prince are better starting points.
What are the best completed fantasy series like Fourth Wing?
If you don't want to wait for another book to be published, consider the complete Throne of Glass, Aurelian Cycle, Letters of Enchantment, Legacy of Orïsha, Red Queen, and Folk of the Air series.
The original Inheritance Cycle and Temeraire series are also complete, making them excellent choices for readers who enjoy dragon-centered fantasy adventures.
The Artefacts of Ouranos series is another completed option for readers who prefer romantasy and deadly competitions.
Is Fourth Wing adult fantasy or YA fantasy?
Fourth Wing is adult fantasy romance, although it has considerable crossover appeal among readers who enjoy YA fantasy.
Its academy setting and young protagonist may feel familiar to readers of young adult fiction, but its explicit romantic content and adult marketing distinguish it from traditional YA fantasy.
This is one reason readers who enjoy Fourth Wing often find recommendations in both categories.
What books have an academy setting like Basgiath War College?
For readers who particularly loved Basgiath War College, Fireborne, Zodiac Academy: The Awakening, To Shape a Dragon's Breath, and The Poppy War all feature educational or military training institutions.
Each approaches the academy setting differently.
Fireborne emphasizes dragon rider training, Zodiac Academy focuses on magical powers and social rivalries, To Shape a Dragon's Breath explores cultural conflict through dragon education, and The Poppy War examines military training and the consequences of warfare.
Final Thoughts on Finding Your Next Fourth Wing Read
There's a reason Fourth Wing has become such a phenomenon among fantasy readers.
Rebecca Yarros created a story that combines several of the most addictive elements of modern fantasy: dragons, dangerous competitions, a determined heroine, political secrets, and a romance that gives readers plenty to talk about.
But what makes the book especially memorable is the way those elements work together.
The romance matters because the characters are surrounded by danger. The dragon bonds matter because they shape the characters' identities and responsibilities. And the political conflicts matter because they challenge everything Violet believes about the world around her.
The best books like Fourth Wing don't necessarily replicate that formula exactly.
Instead, they capture one or more of those qualities and use them to tell stories that are compelling in their own right.
If I were putting together a short reading list for someone who had just finished Onyx Storm, I'd start with Fireborne for the dragon riders, The Serpent and the Wings of Night for the deadly competition and romance, and The Bridge Kingdom for the political intrigue and enemies to lovers tension.
Those three offer very different experiences, but each captures something that makes Fourth Wing so difficult to forget.
And who knows? You might just discover your next favorite fantasy book series.
Now I'd love to hear from you. Have you read Fourth Wing, Iron Flame, and Onyx Storm? Which part of the Empyrean series did you love most: the dragons, the war college, the romance, or the political intrigue? And which books like Fourth Wing would you add to this list?
Share your recommendations in the comments. I'm always looking for another book worth staying up past midnight to finish.
