Introduction to Books Like Fourth Wing
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, released in 2023, stormed the world of literature and became a benchmark of the romantasy novel—a fusion of romance and fantasy. With its riveting story of dragon riders, hot romance, and morally gray characters, it’s no surprise fans are looking for books like Fourth Wing to recapture the magic. This 1200-word blog post goes through best picks for novels that replicate Fourth Wing’s exciting combination of dragons, romance, and high-stakes action, and includes SEO tips to reach book enthusiasts. Whether you love Violet Sorrengail’s saga or are looking for new romantasy treasures, this list will take you to your next fixation.
What Makes Fourth Wing Special?
Fourth Wing, the inaugural title of Yarros’s Empyrean series, introduces us to Violet Sorrengail, a young woman forced into the unforgiving universe of dragon-riding at Basgiath War College. Its charm is in:
-
Romantasy Blend: An erotic enemies-to-lovers relationship between Violet and Xaden Riorson.
-
Dragon Lore: Richly described dragons with special connections to their riders.
-
Complex World-Building: Politically complex and war-torn world rich in detail.
-
High Stakes: High-stakes training, betrayals, and life-or-death obstacles.
Similar things should be included in books like Fourth Wing: intense romantic tension, magical creatures, detailed worlds, and interesting characters. Based on recent sources such as university publications and X posts, here are the top recommendations for 2025.
Top Books Similar to Fourth Wing for Fantasy and Romantasy Lovers
Here are 10 books that resonate with Fourth Wing’s elements, atmosphere, and emotional appeal, ideal for fans of more dragon-infused adventures and hot romance.
1. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Synopsis: The debut novel in Maas’s highly rated series tracks the story of a human huntress Feyre, pulled into an enchanted fae realm. Its romantasy heritage makes it a great fit for Fourth Wing readers.
Why It’s Similar: Boasts a strong heroine, engaging romance, and a heavily constructed fantasy world with political struggles.
Themes: Passion, sacrifice, and magical warfare.
Ideal For: Avid fans of Black Wings’ chemistry between Violet and Xaden.
Quote: “You could rattle the stars, if only you dared.”
Use Case: Great for book clubs reading romantasy.
2. The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
Overview: This 2022 novel is about Oraya, a human raised by a vampire king, enduring lethal trials and a forbidden love affair.
Why It’s Similar: Similar to Fourth Wing, it combines high-stakes competition, dark romance, and a hazardous world.
Themes: Trust, betrayal, and survival.
Ideal For: Readers who enjoy Violet’s grittiness and morally ambiguous characters.
Quote: “I would beg for him, but I would never kneel.”
Use Case: Excellent for readers looking for darker romantasy.
3. Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
Overview: Dystopian fantasy set in a world where Mare, a red-blooded commoner with secret abilities, must survive a world torn apart by blood and power.
Why It’s Similar: Its dark world and rebellious female lead reflect Fourth Wing’s intensity.
Themes: Revolution, betrayal, and forbidden love.
Ideal For: Readers who enjoy political intrigue and strong female leads.
Quote: “Anyone can betray anyone.”
Use Case: Perfect for fans of Fourth Wing’s war college setting.
4. Divergent by Veronica Roth
Overview: This dystopian novel follows Tris, a young woman navigating a brutal initiation in a faction-based society.
Why It’s Similar: Shares Fourth Wing’s themes of intense training and personal growth, with a touch of romance.
Themes: Courage, identity, and rebellion.
Ideal For: New readers to fantasy or younger readers.
Quote: “Fear doesn’t shut you down; it wakes you up.”
Use Case: Excellent choice for YA fantasy readers.
5. The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
Overview: Clairvoyant heroine Paige fights against an oppressive regime in a future fantasy realm.
Why It’s Similar: Similarities Fourth Wing’s intricate world-building and female lead.
Themes: Rebellion, supernatural abilities, and illicit relationships.
Ideal For: Fans of complex magic systems.
Quote: “Knowledge is dangerous. Once you know something, you can’t un-know it.”
Use Case: Perfect for those who hunger for rich fantasy lore.
6. From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Overview: Poppy, a maiden selected for a holy purpose, uncovers secrets and forbidden romance in a vampire-swarmed universe.
Why It’s Similar: Its hot romance and fantastical aspect reflect Fourth Wing’s romantasy feel.
Themes: Responsibility, love, and concealed truths.
Ideal For: Fans of brooding intensity from Xaden.
Quote: “You’re an absolutely stunning, murderous little creature.”
Use Case: Perfect for romantasy enthusiasts.
7. Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey
Overview: The first book in the Dragonriders of Pern series, it follows Lessa, a dragonrider saving her world from a deadly threat.
Why It’s Similar: Features dragon-rider bonds and epic stakes, much like Fourth Wing.
Themes: Destiny, partnership, and heroism.
Ideal For: Readers who love dragon-centric stories.
Quote: “The dragonrider is never alone.”
Use Case: A classic for dragon lore enthusiasts.
8. Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
Overview: Assassin Celaena participates in a kill-or-be-killed competition to be the king’s champion.
Why It’s Similar: Provides a fierce heroine and romantic subplots similar to Violet’s journey.
Themes: Power, redemption, and love.
Ideal For: Fans of action-packed fantasy.
Quote: “My name is Celaena Sardothien, and I will not be afraid.”
Use Case: Ideal for people who love strong female leads.
9. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Overview: A standalone epic fantasy with dragon riders, queens, and a world on the verge of war.
Why It’s Similar: Its dragon-focused story and detailed world match Fourth Wing in terms of scope.
Themes: Unity, sacrifice, and epic battles.
Ideal For: People looking for a standalone epic.
Quote: “We may be small, but we are mighty.”
Use Case: Perfect for readers who enjoy sprawling fantasy.
10. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
Summary: Alina, a young heroine with dormant abilities, fights through a magical war-torn world.
Why It’s Similar: Blends romance, magic, and high stakes, which will interest Fourth Wing readers.
Themes: Power, fate, and love.
Ideal For: Readers who enjoy complex magic systems and romance.
Quote: “The problem with wanting is that it makes us weak.”
Use Case: Perfect for readers discovering the Grishaverse.
Why Fourth Wing Fans Love These Books
These titles have Fourth Wing’s foundational elements:
-
Romantasy Elements: Passionate romances, such as Feyre and Rhysand in A Court of Thorns and Roses, resonate with Violet and Xaden’s chemistry.
-
Dragon Lore: Novels such as Dragonflight and The Priory of the Orange Tree have dragons as main characters.
-
Strong Heroines: Characters such as Mare (Red Queen) and Tris (Divergent) reflect Violet’s strength.
-
World-Building: Every book has immersive worlds, be it the fae courts of Maas or the dystopian communities of Roth.
These novels also find parallels with Fourth Wing’s BookTok popularity, with many of them having become popular on social media for their engaging plots.
Where to Find These Books
Check out these books at:
-
Amazon: For e-books and hardcovers of A Court of Thorns and Roses and more.
-
Barnes & Noble: For new releases like 32 Days in May.
-
Libraries: Check for Dragonflight or Throne of Glass.
-
BookTok Communities: Follow X or TikTok for fan recommendations.
Conclusion
Titles such as Fourth Wing provide the best combination of romance, fantasy, and high-adventure for those hungry for more of Rebecca Yarros’s Empyrean series. From A Court of Thorns and Roses to Dragonflight, these novels bring dragons, hot romance, and immersive worlds. Using SEO strategies, you can get these suggestions out before BookTok enthusiasts and fantasy lovers alike. Pick up these books and let their magic sweep you away to new worlds.