Last Updated on December 6, 2023 by Taylor
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros is one of the biggest breakout books of 2023. If you can’t get enough of this addicting fantasy/romance novel, you’re in luck: I put together a list of more gripping books like Fourth Wing and its sequel, Iron Flame, to check out!
These books either have a similar vibe or plot aspect as Fourth Wing, and some of them even have dragons, too.
**Please note, some links on this page are affiliate links. If a purchase is made through an affiliate link, I may receive a commission at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. See my full disclosure policy here. Thanks for your support!
Fourth Wing Synopsis
Fourth Wing is book one of The Empyrean Series by Rebecca Yarros. It’s a new adult fantasy series with romance and lots of action.
This story is about a young woman with a chronic illness who is forced (by her mother, a high-ranking general) to join a war college for dragon riders. Cadets are subjected to deadly trials designed to train them for war – and to prepare them for the power-wielding bond they will forge with a dragon.
Who wrote Fourth Wing?
Rebecca Yarros wrote Fourth Wing. She is a fantasy and romance writer who has written over twenty novels.
She has been awarded the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence, and one of her novels was a Kirkus Best Book of the Year.
Books to Read If You Liked Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Below, I’ve put together a list of books like Fourth Wing, if you’re looking for more books in that vein to enjoy!
This book is like a cross between The Hunger Games, ACOTAR, A Game of Thrones, and Eragon. Which, not coincidentally, are some of the books I’ve included on this list. 🙂
While Fourth Wing is a unique story and there is no other book exactly like it (other than the rest of the planned Empyrean series, perhaps), I have done my best to share some recommendations below that are at least similar in some way. They might share a similar vibe, setting, type of romance, and/or have dragons like Fourth Wing.
And now, here’s what to read after Fourth Wing!
If you loved Fourth Wing, be sure to check out these other romantasy books for adults!
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros (The Empyrean Series Book 2)
Genre: Fantasy/Romance/New Adult
Pre-order on Amazon | Pre-order on Bookshop.com
The sequel to Fourth Wing. (*Beware possible spoilers from the first book ahead*).
Violet Sorrengail survived the threshing at Basgiath War College, but that was just the first step in the brutal training regimen for dragon riders.
On top of Violet’s chronic illness, the vice commandant has it in for her – and he’s determined to drive a wedge between Violet and she man she loves.
Can her wits and willpower get her through the impossible? Even surviving the training may not be enough, when Violet knows there’s a greater threat lurking.
Release date: November 7th, 2023
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Genre: Fantasy/Romance/New Adult
Order on Amazon | Order on Bookshop.com
If you especially loved the combination of fantasy and romance in Fourth Wing, check out ACOTAR!
It’s a romantic fantasy with fabulous characters, great world-building, and some spice – plus, there are faeries (known as fae in this series).
Eragon by Christopher Paolini (The Inheritance Cycle Book 1)
Genre: YA Fantasy
Order on Amazon | Order on Bookshop.com
Not only is this classic young adult fantasy story about dragons and dragon riders, but this series also features a training academy for dragon riders (like in Fourth Wing).
The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
Genre: Fantasy/Romance/Paranormal
Order on Amazon | Order on Bookshop.com
Synopsis: A human woman competes against vampire warriors in a deadly tournament held by a powerful goddess.
Her only option to survive: form an alliance with one of the vampires.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Genre: YA Dystopia/Fantasy/Romance
Order on Amazon | Order on Bookshop.com
Synopsis: In a brutal dystopian world, different factions are forced to compete in a deadly series of games.
A young woman named Katniss Everdeen volunteers for these Hunger Games in place of her younger sister, and sparks hope within her struggling community.
Immortal Longings by Chloe Gong
Genre: Fantasy/Romance/Retelling
Order on Amazon | Order on Bookshop.com
Synopsis: This adult epic fantasy follows a trio of competitors – a disgraced princess, an exiled aristocrat, and a king’s adopted son – who team up in a kingdom’s deadly set of games.
But they each have conflicting reasons for why they want to win. (Inspired by Shakespeare’s Antony & Cleopatra.)
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Genre: Fantasy
Order on Amazon | Order on Bookshop.com
There are definitely some similarities between this series and Fourth Wing, with divided kingdoms, dragon riders, magic, and assassins at every turn.
His Majesty’s Dragon by Naomi Novik
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Synopsis: This historical fantasy story reimagines the Napoleonic wars – with dragon riders and aerial battles.
The captain of a ship discovers an unhatched dragon egg, completely changing the course of his life.
Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Genre: YA Fantasy/Romance
Order on Amazon | Order on Bookshop.com
Synopsis: In a world divided by the color of each person’s blood, a young woman discovers a hidden power with the potential to change everything.
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
Genre: YA Fantasy/Romance
Order on Amazon | Order on Bookshop.com
Synopsis: Set in the High Court of Faerie, a mortal woman clashes with the wicked youngest son of the High King.
The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen
Genre: New Adult/Fantasy/Romance
Order on Amazon | Order on Bookshop.com
Synopsis: A warrior princess is sent to infiltrate an enemy kingdom under the guise of an arranged marriage to its king. But soon, she realizes not everything is as it seems.
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
Genre: YA Fantasy/Romance
Order on Amazon | Order on Bookshop.com
Synopsis: In a brutal world inspired by ancient Rome, a desperate young woman is forced to join a military academy where she comes head-to-head with the school’s best soldier.
But what she doesn’t yet know is that their goals may be more similar than she thinks.
Divergent by Veronica Roth
Genre: YA Dystopia/Fantasy
Order on Amazon | Order on Bookshop.com
If you found the different quadrants of Basgiath War College interesting (riders, scribes, healers, etc.), this popular YA dystopian series has a similar vibe, where trainees are sorted into different factions based on their personality traits.
Storm and Fury by Jennifer Armentrout
Genre: YA Fantasy/Romance
Order on Amazon | Order on Bookshop.com
Synopsis: Trinity Marrow is going blind – but she’s also able to communicate with spirits. Because of her gift, demons are after her, so she lives in a remote compound guarded by gargoyles.
But when a man from another clan brings terrifying news, she’s forced to work with him – despite how infuriating she thinks he is – to save her home.
Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Genre: YA Fantasy/Romance
Order on Amazon | Order on Bookshop.com
Synopsis: A young woman with a deadly touch works as a protector to her king. One day, she learns the hidden truth behind her powers – and a terrible secret that could destroy her world forever.
A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
Genre: Fantasy
If you loved the dragon rider aspect of Fourth Wing, there’s definitely some of that in the A Song of Ice and Fire series, which starts with A Game of Thrones (book 1).
This sprawling epic fantasy series is among the most popular fantasy series’ ever written.
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
Genre: YA Dark Fantasy/Romance
Order on Amazon | Order on Bookshop.com
Synopsis: This fantasy/horror mashup story features a woman who can harness ancient magic, a mysterious man, and a treacherous quest to cure their kingdom from being overtaken by dark magic.
And that’s it! If you enjoyed Fourth Wing like I did, definitely give some of these similar books a try. I hope you love them!
Related Posts:
- Fourth Wing & The Empyrean Series by Rebecca Yarros
- 10 Most Exciting Fall 2023 Fantasy & Science Fiction Books
- 15 Most Exciting Summer 2023 Fantasy, Horror & Sci Fi Books
- Legends & Lattes Series by Travis Baldree
- Leigh Bardugo Books In Order
- 14 Exciting Fantasy Books Like Six Of Crows
- 10 Cozy Fantasy Books That Feel Like a Warm Hug
- 9 Enchanting Fantasy Short Story Collections
I love your sight. I always get so many titles of books that I want to read from your sight. Thank you!
I’m so happy to hear that! Thanks, Geraldine. 🙂