Books Similar to Fourth Wing: 17 Fantastical Must-Reads
Fantasy readers around the world have fallen hard for Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. With its fierce heroine, swoon-worthy romance, dragon bondings, and deadly trials inside a war college, it hits all the right emotional and magical notes. If you’ve finished it and feel that empty ache only a great book can leave behind, you’re probably searching for books similar to Fourth Wing to fill the void.
“After finishing Fourth Wing, I didn’t know what to do with myself. I needed more magic. More dragons. More romance.”
You’re not alone—and you’re in luck. This article delivers an expertly curated guide to 17 books similar to Fourth Wing that offer intense fantasy worlds, powerful romance arcs, and unforgettable characters. Whether you’re looking for another magical academy, a slow-burn enemies-to-lovers story, or a strong female lead with a sharp tongue and sharper sword, there’s something here for every Violet Sorrengail fan.
Table of Contents
How to Identify Books Similar to Fourth Wing
The Core Formula Behind the Magic
It’s not just dragons and spice that make Fourth Wing a standout. The book’s success lies in its perfect balance of worldbuilding, romantic tension, and a relatable protagonist thrown into an elite, life-threatening environment.
When selecting books similar to Fourth Wing, we focused on those that share core ingredients:
- Academy Setting: Intense training, rivalries, and a sense of danger
- Strong Heroine: Flawed but resilient, often underestimated
- Slow-Burn Romance: Often with power imbalances or enemies-to-lovers dynamics
- Fantasy Elements: Magic systems, political intrigue, or creature bonds
- High Emotional Stakes: Themes of survival, grief, self-discovery
“It’s the emotional gut-punches, not just the dragons, that make Fourth Wing so unforgettable.”
These criteria helped shape our list of the most recommended books similar to Fourth Wing, each carefully chosen for its ability to immerse and emotionally wreck—in the best way.
17 Essential Books Similar to Fourth Wing
Below is a featured snippet–ready list to help you scan and sort your next fantasy read:
- A Court of Thorns and Roses – Sarah J. Maas
- Zodiac Academy – Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti
- The Plated Prisoner Series – Raven Kennedy
- Serpent & Dove – Shelby Mahurin
- The Bridge Kingdom – Danielle L. Jensen
- Fourth Wing (for rereads or annotated versions) – Rebecca Yarros
- From Blood and Ash – Jennifer L. Armentrout
- An Ember in the Ashes – Sabaa Tahir
- The Bargainer Series – Laura Thalassa
- The Shadows Between Us – Tricia Levenseller
- To Bleed a Crystal Bloom – Sarah A. Parker
- One Dark Window – Rachel Gillig
- These Hollow Vows – Lexi Ryan
- Fireborne – Rosaria Munda
- The Hurricane Wars – Thea Guanzon
- Divine Rivals – Rebecca Ross
- The Priory of the Orange Tree – Samantha Shannon
We’ll explore several in detail below.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
If you’re looking for books similar to Fourth Wing with epic romance, a powerful magic system, and slow-burning intensity, look no further than A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR). Feyre, the fierce heroine, is taken into a fae realm and caught between kingdoms, politics, and heart-wrenching love.
Why You’ll Love It
- One of the most beloved fantasy-romance sagas of the last decade
- Deep worldbuilding that grows with each book
- Powerful enemies-to-lovers transformation
- Fae courts, magical trials, and trauma healing
⭐ Reader Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🔥 Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
“If you loved Violet and Xaden, you’ll be obsessed with Feyre and Rhysand.”
Zodiac Academy by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti
One of the most viral dark academy fantasies today, Zodiac Academy delivers chaos, spice, and magic in a school for elemental fae heirs.
Why It’s One of the Top Books Similar to Fourth Wing
- Magical academy with deadly house rivalries
- Sisters fighting to reclaim their throne
- Brutal romance arcs and plot twists galore
- A sprawling 9-book saga with sky-high stakes
⭐ Reader Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
🔥 Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This series checks all the boxes for fans craving intensity, emotional wreckage, and morally gray love interests.
The Plated Prisoner Series by Raven Kennedy
If you loved the transformation arc in Fourth Wing, you’ll adore Auren’s story. Trapped in a gilded cage by a king, she slowly discovers her own power and breaks free—mentally, emotionally, and magically.
Why It Belongs on Every List of Books Similar to Fourth Wing
- Deep psychological and romantic growth
- Beautiful prose with a dark fairy-tale tone
- A heroine reclaiming her power
- Layers of mystery and betrayal
⭐ Reader Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
🔥 Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
“It’s golden. It’s gritty. And it’s gutting in the best way.”
Comparison Table: Fantasy Series Like Fourth Wing
| Title | Romance Level | Magic System | Academy Setting | Spice Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACOTAR | High | Fae courts, elemental | ❌ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ |
| Zodiac Academy | Extreme | Elemental powers | ✅ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ |
| Plated Prisoner | Slow burn | Alchemy, cursed power | ❌ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ |
| Serpent & Dove | Medium | Witchcraft, religious | ❌ | 🌶️🌶️ |
| Bridge Kingdom | High | Espionage, political war | ❌ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️ |
Each of these is a must-have for readers on the hunt for books similar to Fourth Wing, especially those who value strong women, elite challenges, and magical relationships with teeth.
Characters You’ll Love If You Loved Violet and Xaden
Violet and Xaden won hearts for their tension, loyalty, and sizzling dynamic. Here are other character pairs that bring the same chemistry:
| Character Pair | Series | What You’ll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Feyre & Rhysand | ACOTAR | Balance of power, redemption arc |
| Auren & Slade | The Plated Prisoner | Dark-to-light transformation |
| Darcy & Orion | Zodiac Academy | Enemies, chaos, passion |
| Lou & Reid | Serpent & Dove | Snarky opposites attract |
| Lara & Aren | The Bridge Kingdom | Strategy meets slow-burn respect |
“Some couples burn slowly. Others scorch. Violet and Xaden did both—and so do these.”
Subgenres That Deliver the Same Thrill
Academy Fantasy Books
If the school setting, deadly trials, and elite ranking systems in Fourth Wing made your pulse race, then you’ll love other fantasy stories that blend magical education with life-or-death stakes. These books similar to Fourth Wing don’t just feature schools—they turn them into battlegrounds.
- Zodiac Academy – Ruthless trials and magical politics
- The Magicians by Lev Grossman – Dark academia with adult themes
- Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo – Grisha magic and military training
- Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas – Assassin training and royal courts
- An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir – Military academy meets rebellion
Each of these titles explores power, hierarchy, and the trauma of being forced to grow stronger in a brutal environment.
Dragon-Centric Fantasies
Dragons were a massive draw for Fourth Wing fans—and rightfully so. These books similar to Fourth Wing keep the mythical beasts front and center.
- Eragon by Christopher Paolini – A classic dragon-rider origin story
- Fireborne by Rosaria Munda – Dragons plus political revolution
- The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon – Eastern and Western dragon lore in epic feminist fantasy
- His Majesty’s Dragon by Naomi Novik – Napoleonic war meets aerial dragon battles
- Shatter the Sky by Rebecca Kim Wells – Queer dragon fantasy with a fierce heroine
“Once you’ve bonded with a dragon in fiction, you’re never the same again.”
These are not background creatures—they’re part of the heart and soul of the story, just like Tairn and Andarna are to Violet.
Spicy Fantasy Romance Reads
Let’s be honest: part of the Fourth Wing addiction was the romantic tension and heat. If that’s what kept your pages turning, check out these books similar to Fourth Wing known for their high spice level:
- The Bargainer Series by Laura Thalassa – An immortal debt collector and a haunted past
- From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout – A chosen maiden with a secret and the guard who tempts her
- Throne of Glass – Especially later books, as the romance develops
- The Plated Prisoner – Glittering spice in a golden cage
- The Bridge Kingdom – Strategic seduction and passionate politics
These books master the balance of plot and passion, delivering both slow burns and explosive chemistry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there more books similar to Fourth Wing?
Absolutely. If you’re craving dragons, romance, academy settings, or enemies-to-lovers drama, there are dozens of other titles to explore. This guide includes 17 of the best books similar to Fourth Wing, but fantasy romance is a fast-growing genre—and more are being published every month.
Is the Fourth Wing series complete?
Not yet. The Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros started with Fourth Wing, followed by Iron Flame. More books are expected in the series, with the next installment projected for release in 2025.
What age group is Fourth Wing for?
Fourth Wing is technically classified as New Adult fantasy. While it’s accessible to mature YA readers, its themes, spice level, and intensity make it more appropriate for audiences 17+.
Where can I buy these books or see more reviews?
Check out detailed reviews, series order, and purchase links on:
These platforms also feature reviews, ratings, and reader lists for tracking your TBR.
Are these books fantasy romance or high fantasy?
Most of these books similar to Fourth Wing blend fantasy with romance, sitting between high fantasy and romantic fantasy. The focus is split between political stakes, magic systems, and character relationships—with none of the elements sacrificed.
Related Fantasy Reading Lists
Top Fantasy Romance Reads of the Year
For readers looking to stay current with trending fantasy titles similar to Fourth Wing, here are the must-reads of 2024:
- Fall of Ruin and Wrath by Jennifer L. Armentrout
- Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
- One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
- The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon
- These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan
Each of these combines high stakes with unforgettable chemistry—perfect additions to your shelf of books similar to Fourth Wing.
Dragon Books That Deserve More Attention
Dragons are flying high again in fantasy fiction. Here are a few underrated dragon-centric books that deserve more buzz:
| Title | Author | Why It’s Special |
|---|---|---|
| Shatter the Sky | Rebecca Kim Wells | Diverse cast, rebellion, and dragon lore |
| The Bone Season | Samantha Shannon | Unique magic system with dragons emerging |
| Dragon School | Sarah K.L. Wilson | Bite-sized, fast-paced dragon adventures |
“Dragons aren’t just majestic—they’re mirrors of power, fear, and loyalty.”
Author Deep Dive: Rebecca Yarros and Others
Rebecca Yarros made a powerful shift from contemporary romance to fantasy, and Fourth Wing proved she was made for the genre. But if you want more authors who walk the line between emotion, fantasy, and fire, these are your best bets:
- Sarah J. Maas – ACOTAR, Crescent City, Throne of Glass
- Raven Kennedy – The Plated Prisoner
- Jennifer L. Armentrout – From Blood and Ash, Fall of Ruin and Wrath
- Laura Thalassa – The Bargainer, The Four Horsemen
These authors write the kind of stories that make you forget the real world—and leave you gasping by the final page.
Reading Timeline and Series Order Guide
For fans who want to dive into lengthy, immersive series (or organize their reading journey), this timeline and guide will help you track the best books similar to Fourth Wing by publication order and intensity level.
The Empyrean Series (Rebecca Yarros)
- Fourth Wing (2023)
- Iron Flame (2023)
- Book 3 – TBA (Expected late 2025)
This series continues to expand in scale and complexity, with intense battles, escalating magic, and romance that evolves alongside Violet’s power.
Recommended Series Reading Orders
| Series | Start Here | Total Books | Spice Level | Completion Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACOTAR | A Court of Thorns… | 5 | 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ | Ongoing / Companion arcs |
| Zodiac Academy | The Awakening | 9 | 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ | Complete |
| The Plated Prisoner | Gild | 5 (so far) | 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ | Ongoing |
| From Blood and Ash | From Blood and Ash | 6+ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ | Ongoing |
| The Bridge Kingdom | The Bridge Kingdom | 2 | 🌶️🌶️🌶️ | Complete |
“Knowing what to read—and in what order—saves you from unnecessary cliffhanger trauma.”
Pros and Cons of Top Picks
When choosing between several books similar to Fourth Wing, it helps to weigh their strengths and limitations. Here’s a comparison table to help match your preferences.
| Book Title | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| ACOTAR | Deep character arcs, expansive world | First book is slower than the rest |
| Zodiac Academy | High stakes, intense emotion, addicting tension | Long series with emotional rollercoasters |
| Plated Prisoner | Unique prose, deep symbolism, healing arc | Some scenes may be emotionally triggering |
| From Blood and Ash | Action-packed, layered twists, immersive romance | Pacing can vary mid-series |
| The Bridge Kingdom | Clever heroine, tight plot, political suspense | Less overt fantasy in early chapters |
“The best fantasy romance books don’t just entertain—they challenge and captivate.”
Downloadables & Printables
TBR Tracker – Annotated for Fourth Wing Fans
| Book Title | Started | Finished | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fourth Wing | ✅ | ✅ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Sparked the obsession |
| Iron Flame | ✅ | ⬜ | Even more dragons, more spice | |
| ACOTAR | ⬜ | ⬜ | Fae courts and intense love | |
| Zodiac Academy | ⬜ | ⬜ | Absolute chaos in a good way | |
| The Bridge Kingdom | ⬜ | ⬜ | Brilliant, strategic slow burn |
Download the PDF version of this tracker from Goodreads to share or print.
Final Thoughts & Top Recommendations Recap
If you’ve been searching for books similar to Fourth Wing, we hope this curated guide delivered exactly what you needed—whether it’s dragons, enemies-to-lovers tension, or a magic-infused world full of danger and romance.
“Books like these don’t just fill the gap—they create new obsessions.”
Editor’s Choice: Must-Reads
- A Court of Thorns and Roses – Expansive, emotional, iconic
- Zodiac Academy – Wild, dark, and addictive
- The Plated Prisoner – Gritty, gorgeous, and empowering
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External Resources and Author Hubs
- Rebecca Yarros Official Website – Author updates and book merch
- Amazon Fourth Wing Collection – Buy Fourth Wing & Iron Flame
- Goodreads List: Books Like Fourth Wing – Reader-created rankings
- Barnes & Noble Fourth Wing Editions – Special editions and exclusives
“Community recommendations and reviews are the real TBR gold.”
Which of these books similar to Fourth Wing will you devour next? Whether you’re craving dragon warfare, forbidden romance, or elite magical training, your next epic read is waiting.
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