If you devoured Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros and felt your heart race through its intense dragon battles, forbidden romance, and high-stakes academy setting, you’re probably craving more books that deliver the same adrenaline-pumping, emotionally charged experience. The good news? The romantasy genre—blending epic fantasy with sizzling romance—is brimming with stories that match Fourth Wing’s gripping mix of danger, magic, and passion. This article dives into 12 incredible books like Fourth Wing that will keep you turning pages late into the night, offering worlds filled with fierce heroines, complex relationships, and fantastical creatures. Whether you’re drawn to dragon riders, magical academies, or enemies-to-lovers tension, this list has something to satisfy your bookish hunger.
Why Fourth Wing Captivates Readers
Fourth Wing follows Violet Sorrengail, a young woman thrust into the brutal world of Basgiath War College, where she must train to become a dragon rider or face certain death. The novel’s blend of heart-pounding action, intricate world-building, and a slow-burn romance between Violet and her rival Xaden Riorson has made it a sensation. Its appeal lies in its strong female protagonist, high-stakes stakes, and a richly imagined fantasy world where dragons and magic reign supreme. If you’re searching for books with similar vibes, look for stories with strong character arcs, immersive settings, and romantic tension that keeps you on edge.
Below, we’ve curated a list of books that echo Fourth Wing’s themes of courage, forbidden love, and fantastical adventure. These recommendations span romantasy, epic fantasy, and young adult fantasy, ensuring a variety of reads to suit your mood.
12 Must-Read Books Like Fourth Wing
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A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Sarah J. Maas is a titan in the romantasy genre, and A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) is a perfect match for Fourth Wing fans. This story follows Feyre, a human huntress drawn into a magical world of faeries after killing a wolf. With lush world-building, a slow-burn romance, and high-stakes drama, ACOTAR delivers the same emotional intensity and fantastical allure as Fourth Wing. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Feyre and Tamlin mirrors Violet and Xaden’s chemistry, making this a must-read.
Why You’ll Love It: Complex characters, a richly detailed faerie world, and steamy romance.
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Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Another gem from Maas, Throne of Glass introduces Celaena Sardothien, an assassin competing for her freedom in a deadly contest. Like Violet, Celaena is a fierce, underestimated heroine navigating a dangerous world. The series evolves into an epic tale of magic, betrayal, and romance, with a strong female lead who grows into her power. Fans of Fourth Wing’s action-packed training sequences and political intrigue will feel right at home.
Why You’ll Love It: A badass protagonist, intricate plot twists, and a sprawling fantasy saga.
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The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
For readers who loved Fourth Wing’s immersive world-building, The Name of the Wind offers a lyrical, deeply detailed fantasy. This coming-of-age story follows Kvothe, a gifted young man training at a magical university. While less romance-focused than Fourth Wing, its rich storytelling and complex protagonist make it a compelling read for fans of epic fantasy.
Why You’ll Love It: Poetic prose, a magical academy setting, and a charismatic hero.
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Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series kicks off with The Final Empire, where Vin, a street-smart thief, discovers her magical abilities in a world ruled by a tyrannical immortal emperor. Like Violet, Vin is a strong female lead who grows into her power while navigating danger and intrigue. The intricate magic system and rebellion-driven plot echo Fourth Wing’s high-stakes vibe.
Why You’ll Love It: A unique magic system, a rebellious spirit, and a gripping underdog story.
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From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
This romantasy hit follows Poppy, a maiden chosen to serve her kingdom, whose life unravels when she’s assigned a new guard, Hawke. The chemistry between Poppy and Hawke rivals Violet and Xaden’s, with forbidden romance and political intrigue at its core. If you loved Fourth Wing’s blend of passion and danger, this series is a perfect fit.
Why You’ll Love It: Steamy romance, a strong heroine, and a richly built fantasy world.
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Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
Legendborn combines contemporary fantasy with Arthurian legend, following Bree, a Black teenager who discovers her own magic while infiltrating a secret society at her college. Like Fourth Wing, it features a magical training setting and a strong female protagonist facing impossible odds. The blend of modern and mythical elements makes it a fresh, exciting read.
Why You’ll Love It: Diverse characters, a unique magic system, and emotional depth.
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The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
This romantasy novel follows Oraya, a human raised by a vampire king, who enters a deadly tournament to prove her strength. The high-stakes competition and enemies-to-lovers romance mirror Fourth Wing’s intensity, with a dark, seductive edge. Fans of dragons will appreciate the dangerous, mythical creatures woven into the story.
Why You’ll Love It: Dark romance, intense action, and a fierce heroine.
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Divergent by Veronica Roth
For readers who enjoyed Fourth Wing’s training sequences and strong female lead, Divergent offers a dystopian twist. Tris Prior navigates a brutal initiation process in a divided society, facing challenges that test her courage and identity. While less fantastical, the high-stakes training and romantic subplot echo Fourth Wing’s appeal.
Why You’ll Love It: Fast-paced action, a resilient heroine, and a touch of romance.
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The Black Witch by Laurie Forest
Set in a magical university, The Black Witch follows Elloren, a young woman expected to follow in her powerful grandmother’s footsteps but who struggles with her lack of magic. The academy setting and themes of prejudice and power resonate with Fourth Wing’s Basgiath War College. This series offers rich world-building and a slow-burn romance.
Why You’ll Love It: A magical school setting, complex themes, and character growth.
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An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
This epic fantasy follows Laia, a scholar fighting for her family’s survival, and Elias, a soldier training in a brutal academy. The dual perspectives and high-stakes world mirror Fourth Wing’s intensity, with a touch of forbidden romance and political intrigue. The richly crafted setting makes it a standout.
Why You’ll Love It: Dual narratives, intense stakes, and a vivid fantasy world.
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Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
In Red Queen, Mare Barrow, a commoner with newfound powers, is thrust into a royal court filled with betrayal and danger. Like Violet, Mare is an underdog navigating a treacherous world. The fast-paced plot and romantic tension make this a great pick for Fourth Wing fans.
Why You’ll Love It: Political intrigue, a strong heroine, and a thrilling plot.
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Skyward by Brandon Sanderson
For dragon lovers, Skyward swaps dragons for starfighters but keeps the high-stakes training and fierce protagonist. Spensa, a young pilot, dreams of proving herself in a world that shuns her. The action-packed plot and underdog story align with Fourth Wing’s themes of resilience and defiance.
Why You’ll Love It: Sci-fi flair, a determined heroine, and heart-pounding action.
How to Choose Your Next Read
With so many incredible options, how do you pick the perfect book? Consider what you loved most about Fourth Wing. If dragons and magical creatures are your thing, try The Serpent and the Wings of Night or Skyward. Craving a magical academy? The Black Witch or The Name of the Wind will hit the spot. For steamy romance, A Court of Thorns and Roses or From Blood and Ash are top choices. Each book on this list offers a unique spin on the themes that made Fourth Wing unforgettable, so you can’t go wrong.
Why Romantasy Is Taking Over
The rise of romantasy, as seen in Fourth Wing and many of these recommendations, reflects readers’ desire for stories that blend heart-pounding adventure with emotional depth. These books offer escapism through vivid worlds while grounding us in relatable characters and relationships. Social media buzz on platforms like X shows fans raving about Fourth Wing, ACOTAR, and Throne of Glass for their addictive mix of fantasy and romance, proving the genre’s staying power.
Final Thoughts and Your Next Step
If Fourth Wing left you breathless, these 12 books will keep your fantasy fire burning. From magical academies to forbidden romances and fierce heroines, each story delivers the same heart-racing excitement and emotional depth. Whether you dive into Sarah J. Maas’s faerie-filled worlds or Brandon Sanderson’s intricate magic systems, your next great read is waiting.
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