Rebecca Yarros has captured readers’ hearts worldwide with her evocative storytelling, gripping emotional depth, and genre-spanning talents. From military romance to emotionally driven contemporaries and her recent explosion into romantasy, her novels have found a place on millions of bookshelves.
To help fans new and old navigate her extensive bibliography, we’ve compiled the top 10 best Rebecca Yarros books, based on reader ratings and reviews.
To provide a faithful and reliable overview, we selected Rebecca Yarros’ highest-rated books from platforms like Goodreads and Amazon.
The result is a ranking of the 10 most beloved books, ensuring high-quality reads packed with powerful emotions.
1. Fourth Wing
Rating: 4.58
Fourth Wing introduces readers to Violet Sorrengail, a scholarly daughter thrust into the brutal world of dragon riders at Basgiath War College. She was never meant to fight, but under her mother’s orders, she must learn to survive in a world where danger lurks around every corner and dragons choose their riders, or burn them alive. What follows is a battle for survival filled with romance, danger, political intrigue, and powerful bonds.
This book redefined the romantasy genre with its high-stakes world-building, compelling slow-burn romance with the enigmatic Xaden Riorson, and explosive action scenes that leave readers breathless. Yarros combines emotional depth with thrilling fantasy in a way that appeals to both new and seasoned fantasy readers.
Why we recommend it: Fourth Wing is perfect for fans of A Court of Thorns and Roses or The Hunger Games who crave emotional intensity, magic, and romance. Violet’s journey is transformed and resilient, making this a must-read fantasy epic.
2. The Last Letter
Rating: 4.49
In this heartbreaking contemporary romance, single mom Ella MacKenzie’s life changes forever after the death of her brother, a soldier serving overseas. Enter Beckett Gentry, her brother’s best friend and the man exchanging heartfelt letters with Ella under the code name “Chaos.” Beckett returns home to honor a promise to take care of Ella and her children, but he carries trauma and secrets of his own.
Told through letters and vivid present-day scenes, The Last Letter explores grief, single parenthood, and the healing power of love. Yarros draws heavily from her own experiences as a military spouse, adding layers of authenticity and raw emotion to this already touching story.
Why we recommend it: This is a poignant and deeply emotional read, ideal for fans of Nicholas Sparks or Jojo Moyes. It’s a love story rooted in tragedy, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds of family.
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3. The Reality of Everything
Rating: 4.47
When Morgan Greene moves to a quiet beach town after a tragic loss, she doesn’t expect to fall in love again, especially not with her grumpy, reclusive neighbor, Jackson. As she tries to rebuild her life and embrace a new reality, she slowly discovers the possibility of joy, healing, and even love in the unlikeliest of places.
This standalone novel balances heartache with hope, diving deep into the emotional scars we carry and the bravery it takes to start over. Jackson’s mysterious past and Morgan’s grief-driven resilience create a powerful connection that will resonate with readers long after the last page.
Why we recommend it: Perfect for readers who enjoy deeply emotional, healing love stories like The Light We Lost. This book touches on trauma and hope with sensitivity and grace.
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Rating: 4.37
The second book in The Empyrean series, Iron Flame, picks up where Fourth Wing left off. Violet faces escalating challenges as Basgiath War College reveals even darker secrets, and her connection with Xaden grows more intense and more dangerous. With political tension rising and ancient powers awakening, Violet must fight not only for survival but also for the truth.
The stakes are higher, the battles more brutal, and the betrayals cut deeper in this sequel. Readers are pulled into an ever-expanding world of fantasy, romance, and rebellion, where loyalty is tested and love may not be enough to save you.
Why we recommend it: If you loved Fourth Wing, this sequel will keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s ideal for fans of action-packed sagas with morally complex characters and deep emotional payoff.
5. The Things We Leave Unfinished
Rating: 4.30
Georgia Stanton is dealing with a divorce and a return to her late grandmother’s estate in Colorado. There, she meets bestselling romance author Noah Harrison, who’s been hired to finish her grandmother’s final manuscript, a WWII love story inspired by her real life. As Georgia and Noah clash and connect, they discover a powerful parallel to the war-era romance of Scarlett and Jameson, a pilot and a woman ahead of her time.
This dual timeline novel weaves past and present seamlessly, showing that love can transcend decades and even death. The emotional contrasts between Georgia and Scarlett’s stories create a layered reading experience full of heartbreak and redemption.
Why we recommend it: This is the perfect book for fans of time-slip romances like The Nightingale or The Notebook. It’s rich with emotional depth and literary charm.
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6. Rebel
Rating: 4.29
Penna Ward is a stunt daredevil and the only woman in the extreme sports crew known as the Renegades. When a scandal sidelines her, she finds herself on an international college tour to prove herself again. Enter her professor, the strict but secretly rebellious Dr. Rhys Rivera. What starts as an illicit fling quickly becomes something deeper.
Rebel is a high-energy romance that blends adrenaline-pumping stunts with forbidden love and personal growth. Penna’s struggle to reclaim her identity and Rhys’ hidden pain make their relationship intense and relatable.
Why we recommend it: A great pick for fans of Colleen Hoover or Elle Kennedy, this book delivers heat, heart, and high-stakes emotional tension.
7. Beyond What Is Given
Rating: 4.28
Grayson Masters is hiding a painful past when he arrives at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He finds solace in flight and in the enigmatic Samantha, who seems equally haunted. As they grow closer, secrets threaten to tear them apart before they can truly find peace.
This novel, part of the Flight & Glory series, is a layered exploration of PTSD, redemption, and the redemptive power of love. Yarros brings real military experience into the narrative, creating authentic and heart-wrenching scenarios.
Why we recommend it: Perfect for fans of emotionally complex romances with themes of trauma and healing. This book is intense, emotional, and ultimately uplifting.
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8. Eyes Turned Skyward
Rating: 4.24
When Samantha Greyson meets Air Force pilot Jagger Bateman, she’s closed off to love after a family tragedy. But Jagger’s charm and persistence begin to melt her defenses. As they both battle personal demons, their connection becomes undeniable.
This second installment in the Flight & Glory series is rich with emotional conflict, personal growth, and breathtaking romance. The story soars as it explores grief, vulnerability, and trust.
Why we recommend it: A beautiful choice for readers who enjoy love stories with depth and emotional stakes. It’s about finding light after darkness.
9. Muses & Melodies
Rating: 4.24
Nixon Winters is a tortured artist and the lead singer of the band Hush Note. Zoe, his new live-in assistant, is tasked with keeping him sober and focused. As the pair clash and connect, their chemistry becomes undeniable, but Nixon’s demons threaten to destroy them both.
Yarros delivers a rockstar romance that doesn’t shy away from addiction, mental health, and the toll of fame. The raw honesty combined with a swoon-worthy love story makes this a standout.
Why we recommend it: Fans of Daisy Jones & The Six and emotionally raw romance will find this book irresistible. It’s gritty, steamy, and powerfully redemptive.
10. Onyx Storm
Rating: 4.23
As Violet nears the end of her time at Basgiath War College, Onyx Storm throws her into unfamiliar lands and deadly politics. She must forge alliances with unlikely groups, navigate betrayals, and survive an ancient threat that could unravel everything she’s fought for.
This third installment builds on the emotional stakes and complex world-building of the first two books. Violet’s growth as a warrior and woman continues in thrilling fashion, and her relationship with Xaden is tested like never before.
Why we recommend it: Ideal for fans of Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, this entry deepens the lore and raises the emotional ante. If you love rich fantasy with strong female leads, this is a must-read.
These ten Rebecca Yarros books have captured the highest praise from readers across genres, combining heartache, passion, and riveting storytelling. Whether you’re diving into the fantastical skies of The Empyrean or navigating the emotional terrain of her contemporary novels, there’s a Yarros story that will stay with you.
