A war college where survival is a test of will, intensified romance, as well as majestic dragons soaring through the skies, is exactly the world Fourth Wing thrusts you into. Fourth Wing has redefined the fantasy genre, giving readers everything they could want, from pulse-pumping battles to secrets hiding under every calculated move. The combination of desire and danger captured audiences and left them desperate for more.
Are you one to be captivated by Violet’s fierce determination or the slow-burning tension woven into her interactions? If so, you’re in for a treat. Fourth Wing is a testament to powerful protagonists, captivating storytelling, and enchanting worlds.
These books deliver on all of the above, promising high stakes and higher tension. The ten selections in this list guarantee an escape into worlds like that of Rebeca Yarros while delving into unmatched rivalries, magic, and perilous romances.
1. Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
For years, Louise le Blanc has been hiding from people who are intent on seeing her burned alive. She is a witch who has turned away from magic in order to survive, and she has perfected the art of deception.
Reid Diggory, on the other hand, a devout member of the Church, has been trained to hunt witches with fatal precision. Lou and Reid’s lives become intertwined when the couple is forced to marry each other due to cruel circumstances beyond their control. Now, both are caught in a preposterous mess full of strategy, secrets, and unfortunate attraction.
While France is the obvious setting for the world of Serpent & Dove, the novel seems to place it somewhere in the 17th century. The book provides an engaging combination of magic alongside romance that grows gradually and fast-witted conversations.
The banter between Lou and Reid is particularly intriguing as it oscillates between admiration, rivalry, and unyielding tension. With enemies circling and danger rearing its head, both parties must keep their guards up, whether it be physically or emotionally.
Why we recommend it: The all-consuming rivalry between Lou and Reid is brimming with tension. The world-building makes magic seem menacing, while love poses an even graver threat. The combination of a fearless heroine and enemies-to-lovers tension makes this the perfect choice for fans of Fourth Wing.
2. The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
Once every ten years, the mages possessing the greatest skills are invited to compete for a highly sought-after place in the Alexandrian Society, a secret society that protects civilization’s lost knowledge. Only five will be chosen, and one will be eliminated.
Every one of the contestants is incredibly skilled, but as the tensions in society escalate, the ruthless truth about the selection process begins to unfold. The Atlas Six is a character-driven fantasy infused with magic, with stunning world-building, limitless psychological warfare, and boundless terror.
Why we recommend it: The Atlas Six ensnares you in a riveting clash of wits and ambition, all set in a world dripping in mystery. This novel offers fans of Fourth Wing the same high-stakes tension they’ve come to crave.
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3. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Feyre Archeron is a proficient huntress who has to fend for her family in a world where danger and magic lie beyond the borders. After committing the act of slaying a wolf who happens to be a faerie, she is dragged as a punishment into the magnificent yet dangerous kingdom of Prythian.
Here, instead of death, she is shackled to the mysterious High Lord, Tamlin, and oh so quickly learns that the court hides dark secrets that threaten to unravel everything she knows.
This series combines sweeping romance and thrilling action with political intrigue, which follows Feyre’s journey from a survivalist to a warrior. A Court of Thorns and Roses is packed with awe-inspiring world-building, complex characters, and intense emotional moments, and will appeal to readers with an appetite for captivating fantasy.
Why we recommend it: The tale of Feyre pulls you into an immersive world of peril, desire, and stunning magic where transformation and survival each come at a price. With high-stakes battles, a slow-burning, fierce romance, dreamy fantasy realms, and emotionally evocative writing, this book is a must for readers yearning for Fourth Wing’s adrenaline.
4. Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
Iron Flame begins at the same point where Fourth Wing concludes, catapulting Violet Sorrengail into new levels of peril and life-or-death struggles. The problems plaguing Basgiath War College have grown exponentially, forcing Violet to change fast if she wants to have any chance of surviving. New truths emerge, secrets unfold, bonds are broken and tested, and everything has a greater significance than with the previous entry into the series.
The pacing of the story in Iron Flame is unyielding, keeping readers engaged with plot twists and danger lurking around every corner. Rebecca Yarros expands the world-building and adds layers to Violet’s already chaotic life, making this sequel equally captivating, if not more so than the first novel.
Why we recommend it: Where Fourth Wing sucked you into its vortex of romance and spine-tingling action, Iron Flame soars even higher. This sequel promises a heart-pounding experience with deeper dynamics and shocking twists that’ll leave you gasping.
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Subscribe to our weekly newsletter5. Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
Bree Matthews never thought that participating in an early college program would thrust her into a hidden world filled with warring knights, legacies of old, and people capable of magic—but after witnessing a mystical assault on campus, she understands that nothing is how it appears. After being swept into the enigmatic Order of Legendborn, Bree uncovers shocking truths about herself and the forces that seek to control her fate.
Legendborn blends fantasy and mystery with self-discovery in a way that is unforgettable, all while rooted in Arthurian legends with a contemporary spin. Bree’s journey is one of emotional resonance, fierce resolve, and it contains a well-crafted magic system that verges on the intricate and fascinating.
Why we recommend it: The world of Legendborn is one where ancient magic and modern life coexist in a twisting storyline of power and hidden secrets. Lead by a fierce heroine intent on confronting her past and a society engulfed in legends, this book is an exhilarating ride filled with mystery, magic, and life-or-death twists.
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6. Rage of Dragons by Evan Winter
With society and its citizens governed by a never-ending war, Tau’s existence in this world is rather unfortunate. Being a commoner without any magical prowess means his chances for success are basically nonexistent.
However, a tragic betrayal sets him on a relentless course for vengeance that does not appear to have an endpoint or a resolution. As he forges a path, he pushes his mind and body beyond what is humanly possible in an attempt to overcome fate and find his place in a world ravaged by war.
Rage of Dragons is without a doubt one of the few novels that encapsulates the raw determination and mental grit in the battle sequences of fantasy and martial arts. Fueled with intense passion, strategic maneuvers, and unwavering willpower, the battles in the book are bound to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Why we recommend it: Get ready for a relentless journey that feels more like a ride through a fantasy horror. Expect tough training, unending battles, and a fight for survival to earn yourself a spot in the protagonist’s world. This book is a must-read for anyone who craves unwavering action in their books.
7. The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
Rin’s life as a poor war orphan, drafted into the Empire’s prestigious military school, could only amount to servitude or marriage. Earning a spot at Sinegard, the most elite military academy was certainly a moment of hope, but came with unmatched challenges.
Unlocking her prowess as a Sinegard cadet also meant coming to terms with the dark, political underbelly that governed life in the Empire, as well as the ancient magic running through her veins. Families torn apart, homelands reduced to ashes, The Poppy War weaves an intricate narrative of dark, history-inspired fantasy with struggles of power, sacrifice, and the very fundamentals of existence.
Why we recommend it: The heroine’s brutal journey through Sinegard is akin to the cold world of Basgiath War College. The Poppy War will keep readers turning pages from the very start to the end, with a list of impossible choices, and an ever-evolving protagonist set in a world of cruelty and darkness.
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8. Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
As Iris Winnow attempts to navigate a post-apocalyptic landscape where Deities engage in relentless warfare, her aspirations of becoming a journalist remain out of reach. While her brother fights on the front lines, she struggles to make progress towards any recognition. To add salt to the wound, it seems her rival, Roman Kitt, is dangerously intertwined with her destiny.
Amidst all the challenges, a magical connection enables them to bond over letters, which deepens Iris’s internal conflict about trust as the war rages on. Divine Rivals, woven with ambition, love, and sweeping depictions of war, serves as an unparalleled mixture of romance and poetic history intertwined with spellbinding storytelling.
Why we recommend it: The story of Iris and Roman overflows with emotion, showcasing their love in ways beyond breathtaking. Each turn of the page pulls you deeper into their world, where love transforms into sacrifice, trust is scarce, and destiny lurks waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
9. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
The world is on the brink of destruction as an ancient dragon is about to awaken. Queen Sabran IX is trying to obtain an heir while Ead, a hidden mage in her court, works on protecting her with forbidden magic. On the other side of the ocean, a dragon rider named Tané is making choices that have the potential to change the fate of all nations.
This unique fantasy novel is none other than The Priory of the Orange Tree, which features vast world-building, epic political power plays, and intense warfare synonymous with the high-fantasy genre. With multiple perspectives, diverse cultures, and an undeniable sense of grandeur, this breathtaking journey is impossible to forget.
Why we recommend it: This book delivers an epic adventure by combining powerful women with intricate lore. The deep themes of sacrifice and power, alongside intense emotional moments, make it a must-read for those wanting the intensity found in Fourth Wing.
10. Crescent City series by Sarah J. Maas
Bryce Quinlan’s life was the epitome of the American Dream—until tragedy struck. After suffering an unimaginable loss, she is left fractured and vengeful, eager to track down the perpetrator of a terrible crime. When she’s teamed up with the sulky and brooding Hunt Athalar, a fallen angel carrying his own set of chains, they must work together to unravel a conspiracy festering in Crescent City.
Maas blends an intriguing murder mystery with vivid magical elements in this captivating urban fantasy. Bryce’s journey through grief, vengeance, and rediscovery is set in a richly developed city teeming with danger, intrigue, and unforgettable characters.
Why we recommend it: Deep emotional stakes, a commanding heroine, and adrenaline-pumping action make Crescent City an experience that plunges readers into a woven fantasy world filled with intrigue. Fans of Fourth Wing will find the captivating plot and complex relationships simply unmissable.
This set of ten books is guaranteed to scratch the itch if Fourth Wing left you yearning for more magic, romance, or action infused in the story. Whether you’re into fierce warriors, elite academies, or soul-shattering relationships, each of these books has a different spin on the themes that made Fourth Wing so captivating.
Get ready to be immersed in new worlds, meet unforgettable characters, and go on heart-racing adventures!
