Listen, are you looking for books like Fourth Wing? Okay, you've come to the right place. Seriously.
Picture this. For additional recommendations, consider Best Psychological Thrillers Crime Mysteries Books. It was last August, and a delayed flight at LAX had me stuck in one of those horribly uncomfortable terminal chairs—you know the ones, right? I was scrolling aimlessly through my phone and downloaded Fourth Wing 'cause everyone on my feed was screaming about it These books like fourth wing deliver exactly that. And OMG. Also, check out Best Romantasy Fantasy Romance Books for more great recommendations. Look, I literally devoured it before we even landed in Chicago—I'm not kidding, I didn't even notice the turbulence.
That book left a dragon-sized hole in my heart. The book hangover was so real I didn't know what to do with myself. We've all been there, haven't we?
So, you finished it. What now? Well, you're probably desperately searching for what to read after Fourth Wing, right? That feeling of closing a book and just feeling... lost. I mean, completely and utterly lost.
Hear me out: these specific recommendations are—like, engineered—to give you that same unputdownable, heart-pounding, stay-up-all-night feeling. Why? Because they represent, I think, the absolute pinnacle of romantasy. Yeah, they perfectly balance high stakes, incredible world-building, and swoon-worthy romance. I know what you're thinking—can anything really compare? But trust me, these aren't just any old fantasy books—these are the best books I've read in my entire life. Wait, let me rephrase—these are the books that personally destroyed me in the best way possible. We're talking about stories that will make you swoon and maybe throw the book across the room. In a good way, of course.
But listen, the obsession is real for a reason. It's more than just hype. Will you find your next favorite read right here? Absolutely. Will you lose a little sleep? Probably. I'm telling you, you're gonna find it—especially if you also need books like Iron Flame. Trust me on this.
Picture this. For additional recommendations, consider Best Psychological Thrillers Crime Mysteries Books. It was last August, and a delayed flight at LAX had me stuck in one of those horribly uncomfortable terminal chairs—you know the ones, right? I was scrolling aimlessly through my phone and downloaded Fourth Wing 'cause everyone on my feed was screaming about it These books like fourth wing deliver exactly that. And OMG. Also, check out Best Romantasy Fantasy Romance Books for more great recommendations. Look, I literally devoured it before we even landed in Chicago—I'm not kidding, I didn't even notice the turbulence.
That book left a dragon-sized hole in my heart. The book hangover was so real I didn't know what to do with myself. We've all been there, haven't we?
So, you finished it. What now? Well, you're probably desperately searching for what to read after Fourth Wing, right? That feeling of closing a book and just feeling... lost. I mean, completely and utterly lost.
Hear me out: these specific recommendations are—like, engineered—to give you that same unputdownable, heart-pounding, stay-up-all-night feeling. Why? Because they represent, I think, the absolute pinnacle of romantasy. Yeah, they perfectly balance high stakes, incredible world-building, and swoon-worthy romance. I know what you're thinking—can anything really compare? But trust me, these aren't just any old fantasy books—these are the best books I've read in my entire life. Wait, let me rephrase—these are the books that personally destroyed me in the best way possible. We're talking about stories that will make you swoon and maybe throw the book across the room. In a good way, of course.
But listen, the obsession is real for a reason. It's more than just hype. Will you find your next favorite read right here? Absolutely. Will you lose a little sleep? Probably. I'm telling you, you're gonna find it—especially if you also need books like Iron Flame. Trust me on this.
Why Readers Love This Book
Readers seeking books like fourth wing appreciate these elements. Okay, let's break it down. Why did this book take over the world? What is the magic formula here?
Honestly, I think it's kinda got something for everyone. Like Fourth Wing, this book truly delivers a masterful story. This book—it's the perfect storm for us romantasy lovers.
So watching her navigate a brutal war college environment—while dealing with a disability—presents a narrative of overcoming adversity that feels so insanely powerful. You know? Profoundly inspiring. And let's be honest, it's deeply relatable to anyone who has ever felt underestimated.
And the found family? Chef's kiss. We would all die for them, am I right?
No notes.
But let's be real. The tension gets us. The way I was literally screaming at the pages… my dog was so confused. Actually, no—it's the slow-burn tension that Yarros builds that makes you feel every single bit of Violet’s fear and her fire. The witty banter, the forbidden love—it's a classic trope, but her super fast-paced and addictive writing style elevates it to a completely different level. You're right there with her. And plus, the spicy scenes don't hurt either, do they? My sister (who usually only reads thrillers) picked this up after I wouldn't shut up about it, she called me at midnight just to scream about the ending. Truly, this is the book that basically redefined modern romantasy for our entire generation of readers—it didn't just explode on BookTok but also dominated the NYT Bestseller list for a very, very good reason. These Fourth Wing read alikes are gonna capture that exact same energy. 'Cause who doesn't love morally gray men and the strong women who challenge them, particularly when there are books with dragons involved? It wrecked me. It really, really wrecked me That's what makes books like fourth wing so compelling. In the best way.
Honestly, I think it's kinda got something for everyone. Like Fourth Wing, this book truly delivers a masterful story. This book—it's the perfect storm for us romantasy lovers.
So watching her navigate a brutal war college environment—while dealing with a disability—presents a narrative of overcoming adversity that feels so insanely powerful. You know? Profoundly inspiring. And let's be honest, it's deeply relatable to anyone who has ever felt underestimated.
And the found family? Chef's kiss. We would all die for them, am I right?
No notes.
But let's be real. The tension gets us. The way I was literally screaming at the pages… my dog was so confused. Actually, no—it's the slow-burn tension that Yarros builds that makes you feel every single bit of Violet’s fear and her fire. The witty banter, the forbidden love—it's a classic trope, but her super fast-paced and addictive writing style elevates it to a completely different level. You're right there with her. And plus, the spicy scenes don't hurt either, do they? My sister (who usually only reads thrillers) picked this up after I wouldn't shut up about it, she called me at midnight just to scream about the ending. Truly, this is the book that basically redefined modern romantasy for our entire generation of readers—it didn't just explode on BookTok but also dominated the NYT Bestseller list for a very, very good reason. These Fourth Wing read alikes are gonna capture that exact same energy. 'Cause who doesn't love morally gray men and the strong women who challenge them, particularly when there are books with dragons involved? It wrecked me. It really, really wrecked me That's what makes books like fourth wing so compelling. In the best way.
9 Similar Books You'll Love
1. A Court of Thorns and Roses
by Sarah J. Maas
4.6(1,450,230)
448 pages
2015
Okay, so listen. You have Feyre. She's a human girl trying to survive Great for those seeking enemies to lovers fantasy books. She kills a wolf in the woods—big mistake, right? Turns out, it was a Fae, so she's unceremoniously dragged into the magical, lethal land of Prythian as punishment for her crime. But the guy who takes her—this High Lord named Tamlin—isn't what he seems. And the entire Fae world is suffering under a dark, insidious curse that nobody dares to speak about... Seriously. The world-building is just ridiculously good. Watching Feyre transform from a scared human into a total powerhouse is everything as she desperately figures out how to break the curse to save them all. I mean, what more could we ask for? It's a foundational romantasy book for a reason. Just. That. Good.
Why It's Similar: Fans of romantasy books will love this. Look, the vibe is totally the same. If you loved Violet being a fragile human in a world of super-powered riders, you'll get that exact same feeling with Feyre being a 'normal' girl dropped into the dangerous magical world of Prythian. Are the stakes life-or-death? Yes. Is the slow-burn romance a chef's kiss match? Absolutely. Trust me.
2. From Blood and Ash
by Jennifer L. Armentrout
4.5(545,112)
613 pages
2020
Okay, meet Poppy. She is the Maiden. A chosen one Great for those seeking books with dragon riders. Her whole life has been sheltered—hidden behind a veil—and she's been forbidden from any real human contact. Now, she is supposed to Ascend, whatever that means... but Poppy has so many questions and secretly trains with her guards to become a total badass. Then—you know how it goes—a new guard shows up. OMG, Hawke. He sees her, not the Maiden, and he masterfully pushes all her buttons and makes her question every single thing she has ever been taught about her world, her duty, and her own desires. The mystery is insanely off the charts. The betrayal? The tension? It's the tension for me. For sure a top contender.
Why It's Similar: Fans of new adult fantasy romance will love this. Poppy gives major Violet energy. A girl with a secret power she doesn't understand (and completely surrounded by people she can't trust), which creates a very similar 'who is the real enemy?' feeling that keeps you on the edge of your seat. For readers like us looking for more books like Fourth Wing, the intense, fiercely protective love interest and the absolutely wild plot twists will feel just right.
3. The Cruel Prince
by Holly Black
4.4(876,543)
370 pages
2018
Listen. Jude is a mortal girl. And she lives in the High Court of Faerie Great for those seeking high-stakes fantasy romance. Sounds like a fun time, right? Nope. She's surrounded by powerful, beautiful, and—most importantly—cruel Fae who absolutely despise humans. Well, Prince Cardan is the worst of them all—he's arrogant, wicked, and he and his friends make her life a living hell. But Jude refuses to be a victim. She decides that if she can't be stronger than them, she's gonna become so much more cunning. So much more ruthless. So she can beat them at their own deadly political games. The scheming is just... chef's kiss. A perfect example of new adult fantasy romance.
Why It's Similar: Fans of viral tiktok books will love this. Perfect for books like fourth wing fans. This has the brutal academic setting. It's just like Basgiath—being weak gets you killed. Cardan is the ultimate morally grey... well, actually, 'morally jet black' might be more accurate sometimes. And do we love him for it? Absolutely. He's like Xaden, but maybe way more unhinged. The constant political danger and the life-or-death stakes are, like, palpable on every single page.
4. Throne of Glass
by Sarah J. Maas
4.5(1,150,321)
404 pages
2012
Okay, hear me out on this one. Celaena Sardothien is the world's most famous assassin. But she got caught Great for those seeking rebecca yarros similar authors. So now she's rotting in a slave camp. Then, the Crown Prince appears with an offer she can't refuse—compete in a deadly tournament to become the king's personal champion, and in a few years, she will earn her freedom. The catch involves fighting a terrifying collection of thieves, warriors, and other assassins to the death. Easy, right? But something dark and ancient and magical is lurking in the castle—a malevolent force that is killing off competitors one by one—and Celaena has to figure it out before she's next. A perfect book similar to Fourth Wing.
Why It's Similar: Fans of books with dragons will love this. A tough-as-nails main character forced to prove herself in a deadly competition? Check. A mysterious and broody love interest... I mean, you get a couple of them (and good luck choosing a side)? Double-check. The life-or-death stakes and deep political intrigue will feel super familiar—it’s the same incredible energy we love, just with a massive castle instead of dragons.
5. Divine Rivals
by Rebecca Ross
4.6(265,432)
368 pages
2023
OMG, this book. Look, it is set during a war between literal gods, but the story brilliantly centers on two rival journalists—Iris and Roman—who are competing for the same coveted columnist position at a newspaper Perfect for romantasy books enthusiasts. They start to secretly connect through a magical typewriter—I know, right?!—and begin falling for each other through their letters without having any idea who the other person truly is.. Great for those seeking books for fans of fourth wing. It's so soft and beautiful, it reminds me of the classic enemies-to-lovers movies we all grew up watching, but with literal gods at war. It's perfect. But the war is always there in the background, making everything feel so fragile and incredibly urgent. I remember sobbing. No joke.
Why It's Similar: Fans of enemies to lovers trope will love this. Does it have a war college? No. But does it have the brutal, magical war backdrop that feels very Fourth Wing? 100%. That feeling of finding your person in the middle of a crisis is exactly the same, the academic rivalry-turned-romance between Iris and Roman has the same desperate tension and profound connection as Violet and Xaden's relationship.
6. The Serpent & the Dove
by Shelby Mahurin
4.3(254,321)
513 pages
2019
Okay, you have Lou. She's a witch Perfect for new adult fantasy romance enthusiasts. She ran away from her coven and now survives by stealing Great for those seeking books with a strong female lead and magic. And then you have Reid, a Chasseur—a holy witch hunter sworn to a sacred oath. They are literal, sworn enemies. Then, by a twisted turn of fate, they are forced into a marriage with each other. A witch and a witch hunter. Married. Can you even imagine? The tension is just… everything. She has to hide her powerful magic from her new husband who—you know—has dedicated his entire life to killing people exactly like her. The banter is top-tier. The slow-burn is to die for.
Why It's Similar: Forced proximity is huge here. Just like Violet and Xaden are forced to be near each other, Lou and Reid are literally married—stuck together against their will. You know that 'we should be mortal enemies but oh no he's hot' vibe we all secretly love? It's immaculate. It's all about that forbidden, high-stakes tension that makes every single interaction crackle with energy.
7. The Bridge Kingdom
by Danielle L. Jensen
4.4(189,765)
354 pages
2018
So, Princess Lara has been trained her whole life to be a spy. And an assassin Perfect for viral tiktok books enthusiasts. Her singular mission is to marry the enemy king, Aren, and find the weakness in his unconquerable kingdom—the Bridge Kingdom—so she can destroy it from within Great for those seeking fantasy romance recommendations. Simple enough, right? But you know it's never that simple. When she gets there, she starts to realize her new husband isn't the monster she was told he was, and his people are not the villains she was raised to hate. So now she's completely torn between her lifelong duty to her own people and the man she's unexpectedly falling for. The world is so cool. The political stakes are everything.
Why It's Similar: Great for romantasy books fans. This is for anyone who loved the 'I was sent to kill you but fell in love' part of the plot. Like books like Fourth Wing, the world feels genuinely dangerous and the romance is inextricably tangled up in war, betrayal, and impossible choices. Oh my GOD, the angst. It's on another level. Honestly, it's perfect.
8. Zodiac Academy: The Awakening
by Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti
4.3(112,345)
502 pages
2019
Okay, get ready. Twin sisters Tory and Darcy are just living their lives when—BAM—they find out they're long-lost Fae princesses Perfect for books with dragons enthusiasts. And they get whisked away to Solaria Great for those seeking dark academia fantasy books. Enrolled in Zodiac Academy. Sounds cool, right? Wrong. It's one of those fantasy books with war college vibes but it's, like, so much more brutal. They're relentlessly bullied by the four Celestial Heirs—the hot, powerful princes who rule the school and want them gone. This series is a ridiculously long, dark, and wild ride where the bullying is severe, but the slow-burn romance and epic plot are so worth it. It even has dragons later on!
Why It's Similar: Great for new adult fantasy romance fans. The deadly magical school is a dead ringer for Basgiath. It's got that same unhinged, high-stakes energy that makes you question everyone and everything. The intense bullying from the popular, powerful group (hey, Dain) and a slow-burn, hate-to-love romance with the leader of the pack will feel very, very familiar. I know it's a long series, but trust me, if you want that Basgiath energy, this is it.
9. One Dark Window
by Rachel Gillig
4.5(98,765)
432 pages
2022
Okay, welcome to Blunder. A kingdom cursed by a magical mist. So the mist makes everyone sick. Elspeth has a secret—a monster, an ancient and powerful spirit, lives inside her head. He's called the Nightmare. And she must hide this power, or she will be executed. Then she meets Ravyn, the king's mysterious nephew, who is on a desperate hunt for magical cards that can stop the curse. They end up working together, and the tension is just… wow. The gothic atmosphere is so good. It feels like you can breathe the mist. This book is all about dark secrets, forbidden magic, and a really compelling enemies to lovers trope. Incredible.
Why It's Similar: Great for viral tiktok books fans. If you loved the unique magic system in Fourth Wing and the slow-burn romance with a broody, powerful guy who has a ton of secrets, this is your next read. Are the stakes just as high? Yes. Is the romance just as swoony? Absolutely. But it comes with a dark, gothic, fairytale flavor that is completely intoxicating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it. A whole list of absolutely incredible reads. Look, they will get you through that post-Basgiath book hangover. I mean it.
I remember finishing Fourth Wing last March, sitting on my worn-out blue couch on a random rainy Tuesday, and just feeling this profound, overwhelming sense of emptiness. You know that feeling? That 'what do I even do with my life now?' feeling that consumes you after a truly great book...
It was rough.
This list is—like, basically—our personal survival guide, the answer to the desperate question of what to read after Fourth Wing. These are not just random recommendations; these are the stories that grabbed me by the throat and refused to let go, just like Violet's journey did. They're the kind of epic romantasy books that will live in your head for weeks. No notes.
Finding amazing books like Fourth Wing can sorta feel like searching for a needle in a haystack—but I promise you, these are it. Do they have the action? Yes. Do they have the heart? Absolutely. And do they have the high stakes and the romance that'll make you swoon—or, like, literally scream? Yes, and probably both.
They're the perfect reads to keep us busy while we all-too-patiently wait for the next installment (and great prep for other intense reads, like books like Iron Flame).
Seriously. I need you to just pick one and dive in. Don't hesitate. What are you waiting for?
Your next obsession is waiting right here on this page. Pick one that calls to you, curl up, and get ready to lose a whole weekend.
Let me know in the comments which one you're starting with! Happy reading!
For more book recommendations and reviews, check out Goodreads and Publishers Weekly.
I remember finishing Fourth Wing last March, sitting on my worn-out blue couch on a random rainy Tuesday, and just feeling this profound, overwhelming sense of emptiness. You know that feeling? That 'what do I even do with my life now?' feeling that consumes you after a truly great book...
It was rough.
This list is—like, basically—our personal survival guide, the answer to the desperate question of what to read after Fourth Wing. These are not just random recommendations; these are the stories that grabbed me by the throat and refused to let go, just like Violet's journey did. They're the kind of epic romantasy books that will live in your head for weeks. No notes.
Finding amazing books like Fourth Wing can sorta feel like searching for a needle in a haystack—but I promise you, these are it. Do they have the action? Yes. Do they have the heart? Absolutely. And do they have the high stakes and the romance that'll make you swoon—or, like, literally scream? Yes, and probably both.
They're the perfect reads to keep us busy while we all-too-patiently wait for the next installment (and great prep for other intense reads, like books like Iron Flame).
Seriously. I need you to just pick one and dive in. Don't hesitate. What are you waiting for?
Your next obsession is waiting right here on this page. Pick one that calls to you, curl up, and get ready to lose a whole weekend.
Let me know in the comments which one you're starting with! Happy reading!
For more book recommendations and reviews, check out Goodreads and Publishers Weekly.