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Books to read if you like Fourth Wing

Books to read if you like Fourth Wing

by Eppie Shepherd

23 April 2026

min read

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Few fantasy books have made an impact quite like Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing. Between its dangerous dragon rider training, slow-burn romance and genuinely tense “will they survive this?” energy, it’s played a major role in bringing the romantasy genre into the mainstream.

Finishing it leaves a very specific kind of gap. It’s not just about finding another romantic fantasy – there’s plenty to choose from – but one that captures the same mix of emotional intensity and high-stakes storytelling.

Whether it’s the enemies-to-lovers dynamic, brutal military setting or the bond between rider and dragon that stayed with you, these similar (if not better) books tap into those same tropes, each offering their own take on what makes Fourth Wing so enjoyable.

Riftborne by Bree Grenwich and Parker Lennox

For high-risk training, unpredictable magic and constant pressure

If you were hooked by Fourth Wing’s pace and continual sense of danger, Riftborne is an easy next pick. The world feels unstable, the rules are unforgiving, and survival is never guaranteed in this new romantasy release.

The main draw is the trial-by-fire environment. Much like Basgiath War College, the setting itself becomes part of the threat, forcing Fia Riftborne and her fellow recruits to adapt quickly or fall behind. Alliances shift, risks escalate and the momentum rarely lets up – ideal if you’re chasing the same compulsive, edge-of-your-seat energy as Rebecca Yarros’ series.

Silver Elite by Dani Francis (Silver Elite series)

For strong romantic tension with higher emotional stakes

This steamy romantasy series is a strong pick for Fourth Wing fans. There’s explosive chemistry, clear power hierarchies and a charged dynamic between Wren Darlington and her commanding officer that’s hard to ignore.

But beyond the romance, Silver Elite builds real pressure within a world where psychic powers come at a cost and keeping them hidden proves impossible. If you’re after the same – if not more – emotional intensity, the Silver Elite series should be next on your list.

Fireborne by Rosaria Munda (The Aurelian Cycle series)

For a more political take on dragon riders and divided loyalties

If Fourth Wing’s dragon rider element drew you in, Fireborne is one of the closest matches – this time with a sharper political edge. Set in a post-revolution society, it follows two young riders who, despite growing up together, now find themselves on opposing paths, competing for the fleet’s top position.

It leans more towards slow-burn than spicy, but the dual perspective is what really sets it apart. Instead of a single viewpoint, you see how ambition, duty and personal history pull characters in different directions. The dragons remain central, but the story moves beyond survival into questions of power, giving it a more layered feel.

Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas (Throne of Glass series)

For a deadly competition and a heroine who grows into her power

Many readers jump straight to A Court of Thorns and Roses, but the Throne of Glass series shares more DNA with Fourth Wing. The first book opens with a deadly contest to become the King’s Assassin, dropping its heroine into a world where survival depends on skill, instinct and staying one step ahead.

Like Violet, Celaena Sardothein is often underestimated – and that thread runs through the entire series as her world becomes more complex. The romance builds gradually, alongside themes of grief, friendship and political conflict, making it a natural next read if you were drawn to both the character arcs and the rising tension in Fourth Wing.

The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen (The Bridge Kingdom series)

For an intense enemies-to-lovers relationship featuring a trained female assassin

Much like Violet and Xaden, The Bridge Kingdom’s main characters start as sworn enemies – this time within an arranged marriage, where a warrior princess is betrothed to a villainous king, whom she's on a secret mission to kill. But not everything is as it seems and hate gradually turns to love, creating a conflict between duty and heart.

With its fast-paced narrative, strong female lead and themes of dramatic political power, this bestselling fantasy novel is a match for Fourth Wing’s high-stakes storyline.

Eragon by Christopher Paolini (The Inheritance Cycle series)

For a deeper look at dragon bonds in a classic fantasy world

Eragon – the first in The Inheritance Cycle – centres on the bond between dragon and rider, set within the expansive world of Alagaësia. It’s a classic of modern fantasy, with the kind of detailed world-building that pulls you in from the start.

What sets Eragon apart is its scale. The story unfolds through sweeping conflicts and high-stakes battles, with the relationship between rider and dragon at its core. It’s less focused on romance, but if the dragons were the main draw for you in Fourth Wing, you won’t be disappointed.

The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

For enemies-to-lovers tension set inside a deadly trial

Lean further into the romance in this intensely spicy novel. The Serpent and the Wings of Night turns up the heat while placing a human protagonist in a vampire world designed to kill her.

Oraya is constantly outmatched but determined to beat the odds, and that pressure runs through every part of her story. At its centre is a slow-building enemies-to-lovers dynamic that unfolds within a lethal competition packed with deadly challenges. For something with a darker edge and sharper romantic stakes than Fourth Wing, this is the natural next step.

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

For a continuation of the story with higher stakes and a wider world

Not quite ready to leave the Empyrean series behind? Iron Flame picks up directly where Fourth Wing leaves off, expanding both the world and the demands placed on its characters.

The training may be behind them, but the war is far from over. Moving beyond Basgiath to the wider kingdom of Navarre, Violet and Xaden are pushed further than before, navigating dangerous secrets, fractured trust and the realities of a growing rebellion. It’s a continuation that raises the tension while deepening everything that made the first book so compelling.

Frequently asked questions

Is Fourth Wing part of a series?

Yes – Fourth Wing is the first book in the Empyrean series, followed by Iron Flame and Onyx Storm. The next book in the series hasn’t been announced yet, but we expect it will continue to expand the world and relationships introduced in the first book.

What genre is Fourth Wing?

Fourth Wing falls into the romantasy genre – a blend of romance and fantasy. It combines elements like magical worlds and action-driven plots with emotional relationships and character-focused storytelling. For more information, including common tropes and popular book choices, check out our beginner’s guide to romantasy.

Are there more books with dragon riders like Fourth Wing?

Yes, many fantasy books feature dragon riders, the most popular including The Inheritance Cycle series, as well as Dragonflight, Tailwind and Fireborne, which also centre on the bond-based magic. Each takes a slightly different approach in terms of tone and world-building.

Whether you’re here for the dragons, the romance or the tension between the two, these books prove there’s plenty more romantasy worth diving into next. Discover more of the best romantasy books and series, from the latest releases to more BookTok favourites.