By Book Club Team 
Loved Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros and wondering what to read next? You’re not alone! With its thrilling combination of dragons, deadly trials, forbidden romance, and high-stakes fantasy, Fourth Wing has captured the hearts of readers everywhere. If you’re craving more stories with strong heroines, intricate world-building, and sizzling romance, this list has you covered. Whether it’s dragon bonds, magic schools, political intrigue, or underdog narratives that drew you in, here are some incredible books that will fill the void while you wait for the next installment in the Empyrean series. Get ready to dive into worlds just as gripping, dangerous, and magical!
Why It’s Popular
- Fast-Paced Action: The novel keeps readers hooked with intense action sequences and high stakes.
- Strong Characters: Violet is a compelling protagonist, and her relationships with dragons, peers, and family members create depth.
- Romantic Tension: The slow-burn romance adds an emotional layer to the narrative.
- Immersive World-Building: Yarros crafts a detailed, intriguing world with a unique take on dragons and their riders.
The sequel, Iron Flame, released in late 2023, continues the story, building on the suspense and revelations of Fourth Wing.
Books to Read If You Like Fourth Wing
If you’re looking for books that capture the essence of Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros—whether it’s the dangerous trials, dragon bonds, high-stakes fantasy, or swoon-worthy romance—here’s an expanded and detailed list of similar reads, grouped by their standout themes.
Books with Dragons and Unique Bonds
- Eragon by Christopher Paolini (The Inheritance Cycle)
- Why You’ll Love It: Like Fourth Wing, this series features a deep bond between a dragon and its rider. Eragon’s journey from a farm boy to a legendary dragon rider parallels Violet’s growth as an underdog turned hero.
- Themes: Magic, destiny, and epic battles in a richly built world.
- Fireborne by Rosaria Munda (The Aurelian Cycle)
- Why You’ll Love It: This book delves into the emotional and political challenges of being a dragon rider. The central characters, Annie and Lee, navigate themes of loyalty and love while grappling with their roles in a revolution.
- Themes: Political intrigue, morally complex characters, and rebellion.
- The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
- Why You’ll Love It: A standalone epic that blends intricate world-building with dragon lore. With strong female protagonists and multiple perspectives, it offers a more mature and expansive take on dragons and their significance.
- Themes: Power, duty, and dragons as ancient, mythical creatures.
- His Majesty’s Dragon by Naomi Novik (Temeraire Series)
- Why You’ll Love It: Set in an alternate Napoleonic era, this series reimagines warfare with dragons as key combatants. The deep bond between Captain Will Laurence and his dragon Temeraire is heartwarming and adventurous.
- Themes: War, loyalty, and the unique friendship between humans and dragons.
Books with Dangerous Trials and Magic Schools
- A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik (The Scholomance)
- Why You’ll Love It: If you enjoyed the deadly challenges of the Riders Quadrant, A Deadly Education offers a similarly treacherous school environment where students face constant danger. The protagonist, El, uses her wit and power to survive.
- Themes: Survival, dark magic, and reluctant heroism.
- Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
- Why You’ll Love It: Celaena Sardothien’s journey from a prisoner to a competitor in a deadly tournament resonates with Violet’s story. The mix of trials, action, and romance makes it a fan-favorite among fantasy readers.
- Themes: Power, betrayal, and finding one’s strength in adversity.
- Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
- Why You’ll Love It: Mare Barrow’s rise from a lowly Red to a figure of rebellion mirrors Violet’s underdog narrative. The book is filled with twists, betrayal, and a love triangle that will keep you hooked.
- Themes: Power struggles, rebellion, and unexpected alliances.
Books with Romantic Fantasy
- A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas (ACOTAR Series)
- Why You’ll Love It: The slow-burn romance, high stakes, and a heroine thrust into a world of fae intrigue make it an excellent companion to Fourth Wing. The series grows darker and steamier with each book.
- Themes: Love, sacrifice, and the blurred lines between good and evil.
- The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen
- Why You’ll Love It: Lara’s arranged marriage to the king of an enemy nation creates a compelling romance steeped in political intrigue. The slow-building tension mirrors Violet and Xaden’s dynamic.
- Themes: Espionage, betrayal, and a reluctant but fiery romance.
- Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
- Why You’ll Love It: A witch and a witch-hunter in an arranged marriage lead to an irresistible enemies-to-lovers romance. Like Violet and Xaden, the protagonists must navigate trust and loyalty while facing external threats.
- Themes: Forbidden love, magic, and personal transformation.
Books with Political Intrigue and War
- An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir (Ember Quartet)
- Why You’ll Love It: Laia and Elias face impossible choices in a war-torn world. With its themes of resistance and love in the face of oppression, this series offers a similar balance of action, romance, and political stakes.
- Themes: Rebellion, loyalty, and survival in a brutal regime.
- Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo (Grishaverse)
- Why You’ll Love It: Alina Starkov’s rise from an ordinary girl to a powerful Grisha mirrors Violet’s journey. The love triangle and morally gray characters will appeal to fans of Fourth Wing.
- Themes: Destiny, power, and a corrupt system.
- The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
- Why You’ll Love It: A grittier take on war and power, this series explores the cost of ambition and survival. Rin’s journey is darker than Violet’s, but the themes of resilience and determination are similar.
- Themes: War, vengeance, and the moral ambiguity of power.
Books with Underdog Heroes
- The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
- Why You’ll Love It: Paige Mahoney, a young clairvoyant, navigates a dystopian world filled with danger and secrets. The mix of rebellion, forbidden powers, and self-discovery makes it a compelling read.
- Themes: Survival, rebellion, and personal growth.
- Truthwitch by Susan Dennard (The Witchlands)
- Why You’ll Love It: Safi and Iseult’s struggle to stay ahead of those who would use their powers echoes Violet’s fight for independence. The world-building and friendships stand out in this series.
- Themes: Friendship, magic, and war.
For a Lighter Take on Dragons and Fantasy
- Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
- Why You’ll Love It: A whimsical and magical story where Sophie Hatter finds herself on a transformative journey. While lighter in tone, the magic and world-building are enchanting.
- Themes: Self-discovery, magic, and romance.