Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing has taken the fantasy world by storm. Whether you’ve read it or just caught the buzz, it’s hard to ignore its wildfire success. The novel follows Violet Sorrengail, a young woman trained to be a scribe until she’s unexpectedly thrust into the brutal trials to become a dragon rider at Basgiath War College.
Unlike your typical fantasy warrior, Violet is physically frail but intellectually sharp—a heroine you can’t help but root for. With themes of dragons, magical trials, and enemies-to-lovers romance, Fourth Wing offers an unforgettable ride.
If you’re wondering what to read next, here are 12 excellent books like Fourth Wing based on the major tropes and themes from Fourth Wing. These are grouped into four categories for easy browsing: mythical creatures, magical academies, brutal trials, and darkly alluring love interests.
1. If You Loved the Mythical Creatures and Dragon Bonding
Because who doesn’t want a fire-breathing BFF with attitude?
Crown of Feathers by Nicki Pau Preto
In this YA fantasy trilogy, a girl named Veronyka dreams of becoming a phoenix rider in a world where only men are allowed to serve.
Disguising herself as a boy, she joins their ranks in a thrilling journey of identity, fire, and flight. It echoes Fourth Wing’s themes beautifully—just swap dragons for phoenixes.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5)
Shatter the Sky by Rebecca Kim Wells
This sapphic dragon fantasy duology features a determined protagonist who teams up with dragons to rescue her kidnapped girlfriend.
The story explores dragon bonding, dragon breeding, and a richly built world, making it a great pick for fans of Fourth Wing’s more intimate creature connections.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.6/5)
The Storm Crow by Kalyn Josephson
After her kingdom falls, a princess discovers the last egg of the once-destroyed magical crows.
When hatched, the Storm Crow bestows its bonded rider with unique powers. Packed with political intrigue and high-stakes rebellion, it mirrors the spirit of dragon-riding in a fresh way.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.2/5)
2. If You Loved the Brutal Trials and Survival Competitions
Because nothing says character development like almost dying repeatedly.
Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake
Triplet queens, each with a unique power, are raised separately and forced to fight to the death to claim the throne.
This dark fantasy explores reluctant violence, moral conflict, and deadly trials—perfect for readers who loved the survival challenges of Fourth Wing.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.6/5)
A River of Royal Blood by Amanda Joy
Another sister-vs-sister duology, but this one leans fully into the brutality.
Two princesses must duel to the death for the crown in a world where magic and violence intertwine. If you liked Three Dark Crowns but wanted more grit, this is your pick.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (3.9/5)
3. If You Loved the Magical Military Academy Setting
Uniforms, secrets, and a whole lot of magical mayhem—sign us up.
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
A fantasy inspired by ancient Rome, this story follows Laia, a rebel girl who infiltrates a military academy to spy on its elite.
She becomes entangled with a conflicted soldier in a tale of resistance, espionage, and forbidden love. It shares Fourth Wing’s academy dynamics and high stakes.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.6/5)
The Poppy War by R. F. Kuang
A darker, more intense take on military academies and the horrors of war.
Rin escapes a life of poverty by acing an empire-wide test and earning a place at an elite military school. Brutal and brilliant, this book offers deep political intrigue and magical warfare.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5)
4. If You Loved the Shadow-Wielding Enemy Love Interest
Tall, dark, and literally made of shadows—what’s not to love?
Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo
The Darkling remains one of YA fantasy’s most iconic villains: brooding, powerful, and intimately tied to shadows. If you enjoyed the morally gray love interest in Fourth Wing, this Grishaverse staple is a must-read.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5)
The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller
Alessandra has a plan: woo the Shadow King, marry him, and kill him to take his kingdom. Dark, seductive, and wickedly clever, this standalone fantasy flips the script with a power-hungry heroine and a dangerous, shadow-wielding king.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.2/5)
Final Thoughts on Books Like Fourth Wing
If Fourth Wing left you breathless and craving more of its tropes—dragon bonds, survival trials, magical academies, or dark-hearted love interests—there’s plenty here to keep your reading fire lit.
Each of these books offers something that echoes the thrilling spirit of Fourth Wing while forging their own compelling paths.
Have a recommendation of your own? Share it below. There’s no such thing as too many dragon-rider fantasies.