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Introduction: Craving More Books Like Fourth Wing?
If you recently tore through Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros and feel that deep, bookish void only fantasy lovers understand—you’re not alone. This dragon-fueled, romance-heavy, danger-packed magical academy novel has exploded in popularity, with fans worldwide hunting for the next story that delivers that same rush.
It’s no surprise you’re searching for books like Fourth Wing. The blend of a fierce female lead, enemies-to-lovers romance, high-stakes trials, and a vividly dangerous fantasy world is a recipe readers can’t get enough of. Whether you’re craving more dragons, yearning for more magical schools, or simply missing Violet and Xaden’s steamy, sharp-tongued dynamic, this guide will help you fill the void.
Here are ten carefully selected books similar to Fourth Wing that offer the same thrills, tropes, and emotional rollercoasters.
📚 1. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
This beloved fantasy romance series is a must-read for anyone who loved the passion and peril of books like fourth wing. It begins with Feyre, a mortal huntress dragged into the fae world after killing a wolf. What follows is a journey through courts of power, deadly games, and deeply complicated love interests. The series matures dramatically as it unfolds, with the romance intensifying and the stakes climbing ever higher.
Why books like Fourth Wing fans will love it:
- Complex romantic dynamics and slow-burn tension
- A protagonist who starts unsure and grows into power
- Magical politics and war
- Spicy scenes mixed with emotional depth
If you’re into fantasy that’s character-driven with strong romance and political intrigue, ACOTAR is your next obsession.
🐉 2. Eragon by Christopher Paolini
One of the most iconic dragon series of the 2000s, Eragon offers a more traditional fantasy feel but remains incredibly satisfying. It centers around a farm boy who finds a mysterious egg, which hatches into a dragon and changes his life forever. As he trains with his dragon, Saphira, Eragon becomes part of a larger resistance against an evil empire.
Why Fourth Wing fans will love it:
- Human-dragon bonding
- A protagonist thrown into a world of danger and war
- Magical training and coming-of-age themes
- High-stakes battles
While the writing starts off simple, the worldbuilding expands beautifully, and the emotional journey of Eragon and Saphira mirrors the heart of Violet’s growth.
🏰 3. The Magicians by Lev Grossman
If you liked the dangerous academic setting of Fourth Wing, The Magicians brings a more adult, gritty lens to magical education. Quentin Coldwater is a genius who discovers magic is real and gets invited to study at Brakebills University. But this isn’t a whimsical wizarding world—it’s dark, philosophical, and deeply psychological.
Why similar books to fourth wing fans will love it:
- A magical school with real consequences
- Students facing internal and external monsters
- Mature themes, including trauma and depression
- A tone that blends wonder and dread
It’s not for readers seeking light escapism, but if you like your fantasy with edge and depth, this one delivers.
💘 4. The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
Set in a dystopian London ruled by an alien race, The Bone Season follows Paige Mahoney, a dreamwalker who can invade other people’s minds. Captured and taken to a hidden city, she must train under a mysterious, inhuman mentor. The book offers a mind-bending blend of sci-fi and fantasy with a strong heroine at its core.
Why similar books to fourth wing fans will love it:
- A slow-burn, morally complex romance
- A heroine who resists control and learns to fight
- Layers of mystery and rebellion
- Intense mentor-mentee dynamic
The pacing and tone have similarities to Fourth Wing, especially for readers who enjoy female protagonists discovering their hidden strength.
✨ 5. An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
A brutal military empire. A girl who joins a resistance to save her brother. A boy trained as an elite soldier trying to escape his fate. An Ember in the Ashes is a dual-POV fantasy that explores oppression, rebellion, and the sacrifices people make for freedom.
Why similar books to fourth wing fans will love it:
- Training academies with life-or-death consequences
- Enemies-to-lovers tension
- Themes of resistance and justice
- Fast-paced plot and sharp worldbuilding
If you were hooked by the high-stakes combat and emotional tension of Violet and Xaden, you’ll be glued to Laia and Elias’s story.
🗡️ 6. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Another smash hit from Sarah J. Maas, this series follows Celaena Sardothien, an imprisoned assassin given a shot at freedom by competing in a deadly tournament to become the king’s champion. Across eight books, the story morphs into a massive epic filled with magic, war, romance, and self-discovery.
Why Fourth Wing fans will love it:
- A snarky, deadly female lead
- Political intrigue and magical secrets
- A sprawling, addictive plot
- Multiple slow-burn romances
Celaena is every bit as bold and resilient as Violet, and the dangerous trials she faces will feel familiar to Fourth Wing fans.
🌌 7. Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
Blending Arthurian legend with contemporary fantasy, Legendborn tells the story of Bree Matthews, a teen who discovers a secret society of magical descendants while grieving her mother’s death. What begins as a school setting quickly unfolds into a rich, lore-filled battle between legacy and rebellion.
Why books similar to fourth wing fans will love it:
- Secret societies and magical education
- A driven female lead who questions authority
- An enemies-to-lovers romance
- Exploration of grief and identity
Bree’s determination to reclaim her narrative and uncover hidden truths will resonate with anyone who admired Violet’s journey.
🔮 8. Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
A witch and a witch hunter forced into marriage? Serpent & Dove thrives on tension. Lou is on the run, hiding her identity in a world where witches are burned, while Reid is devoted to his role in hunting her kind. Their forced proximity ignites a fire neither of them expected.
Why Fourth Wing fans will love it:
- Enemies-to-lovers romance
- A sassy, defiant heroine
- Secrets, magic, and betrayals
- French-inspired fantasy world
The chemistry and banter between Lou and Reid bring the same emotionally charged energy as Violet and Xaden.
🧊 9. Frostblood by Elly Blake
Ruby, a Fireblood, lives in a kingdom ruled by Frostbloods—people who can control ice. When tragedy strikes, she’s forced into hiding and eventually joins a rebellion. Training to control her powers and fight her enemies, she navigates a dangerous path filled with risk and heartache.
Why Fourth Wing fans will love it:
- Elemental magic and fierce training
- Forbidden attraction between opposites
- Rebellion against an oppressive regime
- Emotional character growth
The world of Frostblood offers elemental intensity and romantic tension perfect for fans of Fourth Wing‘s emotional stakes.
🌠 10. The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
Unlike most on this list, The Poppy War is not a romance-first novel. Instead, it’s a gut-punching military fantasy inspired by Chinese history. Rin, a war orphan, fights her way into a prestigious military academy—and soon discovers a godlike power within herself. This book explores the horrors of war, addiction to power, and the line between hero and villain.
Why Fourth Wing fans will love it:
- Academic training meets brutal war
- A heroine with immense power and rage
- Complex worldbuilding with mythological depth
- High emotional and moral stakes
Though darker than Fourth Wing, Rin’s transformation will grip you just as tightly.
💡 What Makes These Books Similar to Fourth Wing?
🔥 Powerful, Relatable Heroines
Each of these stories is led by a young woman navigating complex identities, dangerous systems, and high-pressure environments. Like Violet, these heroines are smart, fierce, and fighting to define themselves.
🐉 Magic and Combat-Driven Academies
From training grounds to elite institutions, these novels feature structured settings where characters are tested physically and mentally.
💘 Romance That Builds Slowly and Burns Bright
Whether it’s enemies-to-lovers or forbidden love, these books embrace romantic tension as a key emotional driver—just like Fourth Wing.
⚔️ Themes of Rebellion, Identity, and Choice
Characters in these stories must often decide whether to comply with or fight against the systems around them, echoing the moral complexities Violet faces.
🛒 Where to Buy or Read These Books
To make your reading journey smoother, all the titles above are reviewed and linked on myplotreview.com, where we keep fantasy fans updated with spoiler-free guides, in-depth reviews, and reading orders.
📣 Final Thoughts about books similar to fourth wing
Finding books like Fourth Wing doesn’t mean just chasing dragons (though we love that too). It’s about reconnecting with the adrenaline, the emotional stakes, the slow-burn chemistry, and the empowerment of watching someone rise against impossible odds.
Now that you’ve got your next epic reads lined up, tell us:
Which one are you picking up first?
Tag us on X (Twitter) with your reading updates, memes, and fantasy fangirling.
❓ FAQs About Books Like Fourth Wing
Is Fourth Wing part of a series?
Yes! It’s book one in The Empyrean series. The sequel, Iron Flame, continues Violet’s story.
Are there more books like Fourth Wing with dragons?
Yes! Aside from Eragon and Frostblood, check out Fireborne by Rosaria Munda and The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon for dragon-heavy fantasy.
What age group is Fourth Wing best for?
Though marketed as adult fantasy, it resonates strongly with upper YA and new adult readers due to its romantic and emotional themes.
What genre is Fourth Wing?
Fourth Wing is a blend of adult fantasy and romantasy (romantic fantasy). It combines dragons, magic schools, war themes, and an emotionally intense romance.
Does Fourth Wing have a love triangle?
Not really. The romance focuses on one key relationship, though there’s enough tension to keep you guessing early on.
What kind of romance is in Fourth Wing?
Fourth Wing features a steamy enemies-to-lovers romance between Violet and Xaden, full of banter, emotional complexity, and intense chemistry.
