21 Brutal Books Like Fourth Wing
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Did you just finished reading the most viral book with hot characters and fierce dragons? And now you’re searching for more books like Fourth Wing?
I got you covered! While waiting for the second book of Fourth Wing (Iron Flame) to be released late this year, I’ve prepared a list of books that are similar to this epic fantasy series.
Some of these books are fantasy romances, so i’ll be mentioning the romance tropes in these books (if there are any).
If you haven’t read the book yet and are looking for non-spoilery thoughts on whether you should pick this book up, check out my summary of Fourth Wing.
Let’s dive into this list of books like Fourth Wing. You can expect books with a dark academia vibe, brutal war, magic, dragons and a steamy enemies to lovers romance in the making!
Some of the books in this list is free on Kindle Unlimited, so you don’t have to worry so much about overspending on books!
Read More:
- 16 Best Booktok Fantasy Books (2023)
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- 22 YA Fantasy Romance Books That Will Make You Swoon
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21 Brutal Books Like Fourth Wing
1. A Court of Thorns and Roses (A Court of Thorns and Roses #1) by Sarah J. Maas
Romance Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Survive the Trials, Fae Romance, Fairytale Retelling, Forced Proximity.
A Court of Thorns and Roses is the first book in the trilogy and should be read in order so you can understand the story better.
Nineteen years old huntress Feyre Archeron accidentally kills a mythical wolf, which makes a Fae beast arrive at her door demanding retribution.
Feyre decides to travel with him to the Fae kingdoms so she can protect her family.
Now she is on the other side of the magical barrier between humans and faeries and discovers the mystical beast is Tamlin, the Spring Court Fae Prince.
As she starts to fall for him, a strange curse takes over the court. Now only Feyre can save Tamlin and protect everyone from the cruel enemy who wants to take Tamlin away.
Books similar to Fourth Wing usually have war themes, magical elements and romance, so A Court of Thorns and Roses checks all of the boxes.
Many readers thought that the love interests in this book had some similarity to Fourth Wing. Without giving away much spoilers, all I can say is that if you love an enemies to lovers fantasy romance book like Fourth Wing, then you should give this novel a shot!
Read More: 25 Spicy Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses
2. Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
Romance Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Forbidden Romance, Forced Proximity.
This romantasy does not have dragons, but it does have elements of war, magic and gods which makes it similar to Fourth Wing.
It also has all three romance tropes like Fourth Wing (enemies to lovers, forced proximity and forbidden romance).
I read this book right after reading Fourth Wing and it has become one of my favourite reads of all time! Dare I say, I love it more than Fourth Wing!
Iris Winnow has a passion for words. Her brother is off to war and her mother is an alcoholic. She has no choice but to drop out of school and work as a journalist. She’s determined to get the columnist position.
However, there’s a challenge in her way, and his name is Roman Kitt. The two of them are competing for the same columnist position at a local newspaper. They cannot stand each other.
But when Roman starts receiving random letters from Iris addressed to someone else, he starts seeing Iris in a new light.
3. A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire #1) by George R.R. Martin
Romance Tropes: Fantasy, Politics, Family Conflicts, Power Struggles.
You might know A Game of Thrones from its famous HBO series, but if you want to read the books first, you’ll love them as they are similar to Fourth Wing. This book is the first novel in the seven part series, which are not standalones.
This novel contains dragons too, along with deadly political games which are sure to make you worry about your favourite characters.This book is the first novel in the seven part series, which are not standalones.
When Jon Arryn dies mysteriously, it sparks trouble. He was the right-hand man of King Robert, and now he needs someone else to do his dirty work.
The House Stark and King Robert need to have their affairs in order as war is looming on the horizon. Nine houses will fight for power over the land of Westeros while a silent enemy returns.
4. Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle #1) by Christopher Paolini
Romance Tropes: Forbidden Romance
Eragon is the first book in the four part series, which can be read as standalones. This novel includes magical elements and majestic dragons which will remind you of the mythical world of Fourth Wing.
Fifteen-year-old farm boy Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest of Alagaesia, his homeland.
He thinks he has found something lucky, but Eragon immediately realises he has stumbled upon a lineage when the stone gives birth to a dragon hatchling.
Overnight, his life changes. Eragon finds himself lured into a dangerous web of magic, fame, and power with little more than an old sword, a loyal dragon, and smart advice from a wise man. His choices now might save or destroy an Empire.
5.The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Romance Tropes: Forbidden Romance
If you need more books similar to Fourth Wing that include dragons, politics and romance, then The Priory of the Orange Tree is a good option! It is a standalone novel, so you do not have to worry about cliffhangers.
Queen Sabran the Ninth is in desperate need of an heir. It is the only thing that can protect her land from devastation. However, assassins are getting closer to her, which could ruin everything.
On the other hand, Tané has been raised to be a dragon rider and must make a crucial choice that could destroy all she holds dear. Forces of chaos awaken from their sleep and pose a severe threat to the realm besieged by fire-breathing wyrms.
Meanwhile, the East and West continue to be at odds with one another and refuse to engage in negotiations. As everyone’s life intertwines, they must stop the enemy from destroying everything and everyone they love.
6. An Ember in the Ashes (An Ember in the Ashes #1) by Sabaa Tahir
Romance Tropes: Slow Burn Romance, Enemies to Lovers.
An Ember in the Ashes is the first novel in the series which is similar to Fourth Wing because Laia and Elias meet at the academy just like Violet and Xander.
Both novels also include enemies to lovers tropes as the characters engage in fiery banter.
Laia, a scholar, is devastated when her brother is arrested for treason. Desperate to get him back, Laia goes undercover as a slave at the Martial empire’s greatest military academy.
The rebel scholar promises her they will help save Laia’s brother from execution if she goes through with the plan.
Elias, on the other hand, is the best soldier in the academy but is thinking of deserting the military. Before he can, he is told to take part in a brutal contest to determine the next Martial emperor.
Laia and Elias cross paths and discover that their destinies are more entwined than either could have anticipated, and this is just the beginning of something that will change the entire empire
7. The Hunger Games (Hunger Games Trilogy #1) by Suzanne Collins
Romance Tropes: Love Triangle, Fake Dating
The Hunger Games takes place in the post-apocalyptic republic of Panem. This novel is part of a trilogy that is more enjoyable when read in order.
The Capitol mandates that two children from each district compete in the Hunger Games each year.
It is a televised contest where 12 opponents fight each other to the death, with only one person surviving. To save her sister from the games, Katniss Everdeen starts a series of events that threaten to break down the government and incite rebellion in the districts.
Books like Hunger Games are similar to Fourth Wing because they contain themes of war and politics with a dash of romance. Both novels also have strong female protagonists ready to stand up and fight to protect people.
8. His Majesty’s Dragon (Temeraire #1) by Naomi Novik
His Majesty’s Dragon is the first book in the Temeraire series that should be read in order. It is set during the Napoleonic Wars as brave soldiers defend Britain from attack by flying through the air on the powerful backs of lethal warrior dragons.
Captain Will Laurence is thrust into an uncertain future and unexpected connection with a dragon egg when HMS Reliant captures a French frigate.
Will is determined to now learn daring aerial combat strategies from Temeraire, his master, and soar into his baptism of fire as France’s dragon-borne armies unite to breach British territory in Bonaparte’s most audacious gamble.
This book is sure to remind you of Fourth Wing through its political war narrative that includes warrior dragons as the characters fight for justice.
9. Immortal Longings (Flesh & False Gods #1) by Chloe Gong
Romance Tropes: Retelling, Slow Burn Romance.
Immortal Longings is inspired by Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra and the first novel in the Flesh and Flase Gods trilogy with other books yet to be released.
Princess Calla Tuoleimi, who killed her parents and fled the Kingdom of Talin, has unfinished business with her uncle, King Kasa. She plans to complete the assassination and overthrow the throne by participating in the annual competition at San-Er.
The games involve individuals who can magically jump from body to body. If Calla wins, she will have the perfect opportunity to murder King Kasa because he is hosting the games.
Meanwhile, banished aristocrat Anton Makusa, struggling to save his childhood love from a coma, joins the games as a body jumper.
When Calla and Anton meet, she forms an unexpected alliance with Anton and August, the adoptive son of King Kasa. In a surprising turn of events, Calla must choose between Anton, her lover, and her country before the games end.
If you like books like Divergent, The Hunger Games, and Fourth Wing, you can consider adding this novel to your TBR!
This book is similar to Fourth Wing because Calla and Anton meet at the contest and have a slow burn romance like that of Violet and Xander
10. Fireborne (The Aurelian Cycle #1) by Rosario Munda
Romance Tropes: Rivals to Lovers, Forced Proximity.
Fireborne is a trilogy that follows Annie and Lee, raised in the same orphanage, who are shocked to receive an equal opportunity to become dragon warrior riders.
Their seven years of training fuels their competition for the top spot in the dragon riding fleet, changing their bond and feelings for each other. Unexpectedly, when the former regime’s survivors return, they must deal with a looming battle.
Definitely pick this novel up if you like books with characters like Xaden Riorson from Fourth Wing.
11. A Natural History of Dragons: A Memoir by Lady Trent (A Natural History of Dragons #1) by Marie Brennan
A Natural History of Dragons is part of an interconnected series that tells the story of Isabella, often known as Lady Trent.
She is a well-known dragon naturalist who turned the study of dragons from mythology and myths into modern science.
Before Isabella became famous, she was a scholarly young woman who enjoyed studying natural history and dragons (just like Violet Sorrengail from Fourth Wing).
She tells the story of how she travelled to find true love and happiness despite the challenges in her way while risking her reputation.
If you are intrigued by the mythical creatures like the dragons in Fourth Wing and wonder about their history and how they came into beings, this book is perfect for you!
12. Trial of the Sun Queen (Artefacts of Ouranos #1) by Nisha J Tuli
Romance Tropes: Fae Romance, Enemies to Lovers
Trial of the Sun Queen is the first book in the Artefacts of Ouranos trilogy, available on Kindle Unlimited so that you can enjoy this high fantasy and enemies to lovers books like Fourth Wing on there!
Lor has suffered under the Aurora King’s brutality for twelve years. Now, she is determined to escape and get revenge.
Her luck strikes when she is pulled away from the King’s clutches and placed as a contestant in a game. Ten women will compete to be the Sun King’s Queen in a series of deadly games, and only one survivor will be victorious.
Lor will have to fight against nine other tributes so she can be set free. However, she is neither a citizen nor the court’s member. Hence, the other tributes despise her existence even more.
The competitors will stop at nothing to remove her from the gameboard permanently. To avoid being returned to the control of the Aurora King, Lor must win at all costs.
13. A Deadly Education (The Scholomance #1) by Naomi Novak
Romance Tropes: Academic Rivals to Lovers
A Deadly Education is the first book in the Scholomance trilogy that should be enjoyed in order. If you were impressed by the dark academia theme in Fourth Wing then you should surely check this novel out!
Witch student El Higgins is studying at Scholomance, a lethal school where even deadlier children are taught black magic.
She meets Orion Lake, a popular student, who saves her life the second time while also trying to work his charm on her. El is more determined to use her powers on him if he doesn’t back off.
However El is more concerned about graduating from this institution alive, which does not seem possible with a dangerous monster roaming on school grounds.
Only her dark power will be capable of defeating it, but she could also accidently kill other students, a risk she is not willing to take.
14. Children of Blood and Bone (Legacy of Orisha #1) by Tomi Adeyemi
Children of Blood and Bone is a trilogy focusing on Zélie Adebola, who vividly remembers the night when magic in Orsha vanished because of a cruel monarch.
Zélie now has the opportunity to reinstate magic and overthrow the kingdom but to do that, she must outsmart Inan Olúborí, the crown prince. He is determined to end magic permanently, and the only way to stop him is with the aid of Amari, a rebellious princess.
When Zelie and Inan finally face each other, they are determined to fight till the other is dead, but they cannot deny the tension they feel between them. Reluctantly they find themselves working towards the same goal.
If you enjoy enemies to lovers fantasy themes, such as that in Fourth Wing, then this book is a must for you.
15.The Serpent and the Wings of Night (Crowns of Nyaxia #1) by Carissa Broadbent
Romance Tropes: Rivals to Lovers, Slow Burn Romance, Forced Proximity.
The Serpent and the Wings of Night is a perfect read if you are looking for adult fantasy romance books like Fourth Wing that include fiery banter between rival main characters.
This novel is part of a series, but the first two books can be read as a duology. They are available to enjoy on Kindle Unlimited!
Oraya is the adopted human daughter of the Nightborn vampire king, who is desperate to prove she is not a Vampire’s lunch. She is willing to compete in the Kejari, a deadly competition hosted by the goddess of death to show everyone she is powerful and brave.
However, winning is not easy, and Oraya must join forces with Raihn, a cruel vampire and a threat to her father’s throne. On the other hand, Oraya’s attraction to Raihn is a concern which may be her undoing in a country where love is the most lethal sin.
16. Between Wrath and Mercy (The Divine Between Series #1) by Jess Wisecup
Romance Tropes: Single Mother, Second Chance Romance, Fae Romance.
Between Wrath and Mercy is the first book in this awesome fantasy trilogy that is available on Kindle Unlimited!
If you are looking for spicy books like Fourth Wing that are based in a fantasy world , then this novel is perfect! The characters also share a fiery chemistry like Violet and Xander.
Emmeline Highclere, a 34-year-old woman, must rescue her daughter, Elora, who is abducted by the Kingdom of Folterra. She believes Elora is a Beloved, someone who has heavenly powers.
Emmeline flees her hiding spot, desperation getting to her as she seeks help from Crown Prince Rainier.
Years ago, Emmeline broke his heart, but as she approaches him with sorrow in her eyes, Rainier must choose between his commitment to the Crown and his desire to help Emmeline. Together, they must find the Elora and fulfil the prophecy of peace.
17. Divergent (Divergent Trilogy #1) by Veronica Roth
Romance Tropes: Enemies to Lovers
Divergent is the first novel in this trilogy and is free read on Kindle with Amazon Kids+.
In futuristic Chicago, where the society is divided into five fractions, Beatrice must make a choice. Each year, on a designated date, all sixteen-year-olds must choose the faction they will dedicate the remainder of their life to.
Beatrice must choose between being who she truly is and being with her family; she cannot have both. She thus takes a decision that shocks everyone, even herself.
Now Beatrice must be ready to protect herself from every kind of enemy, even Tobias, who is ready to make her training process way harder than it should be.
Just like Fourth Wing, Divergent has similar themes such as war, politics, survival of the fittest, which is tied together with an enemies to lovers trope.
18. Storm and Fury (The Harbinger Series #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Romance Tropes: Forced Proximity
Storm and Fury is part of a trilogy, it should be read in order.
Trinity, an eighteen-year-old with a unique gift, hides in a compound with Wardens who protect her.
Demons and Wardens are mysteriously dying, which means it’s time for Trinity to come out of hiding and save the wardens. When Zayne, an outsider, comes to warn her of the situation, she finds herself drawn to him.
As demons breach the compound, Trinity must join forces with Zayne and the new Wardens to save her family and prevent a war from destroying everyone she loves.
As they search for the killer, Trinity must confront the question of trusting Zayne and the hidden truths he holds.
Readers think this novel is similar to Fourth Wing because it has mythical creatures, and warrior characters who fight for justice.
Trinity and Violet shared a lot of characteristics too as both were fierce and strong female protagonists.
19. Court of Ravens and Ruin (The Shadow Bound Queen #1) by Eliza Raine
Romance Tropes: Slow Burn Romance, Fae Romance, Enemies to Lovers, Marriage of Convenience.
Court of Ravens and Ruin is the first novel in a four part series that you can read for free on Kindle Unlimited!
If you’re looking for a book to pick up after your Fourth Wing reading slump, this would be a good choice as it has similar mythical creatures, a fantasy world and characters that have to find a way out of their troubles.
Reyna, a prized slave born into the Gold Court, finally has the opportunity to escape when the palace is raided.
However, her biggest nightmare comes true when she is kidnapped by the Prince of the Shadow Court instead.
Reyna is unaware of her fate and must escape the monster hiding behind a mask. She must figure out how to escape him and protect her identity while she tries not to fall for the King as his heart softens for her.
20. Fear the Flames (The Fear the Flames series #1) by Olivia Rose Darling
Romance Tropes: Slow Burn Romance, One Bed Trope, Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity,
Fear the Flames is the first book in the series available on Kindle Unlimited, so you can enjoy it for free!
Princess Elowen Atarah, bonded to five dragons, is forced to stay hidden by her father. She cannot take it anymore and decide to flee and take up the title of Queen of Aestilian.
Elowen establishes her kingdom, driven by a desire for vengeance. When she crosses paths with the snarky Commander Cayden Veles of Vareveth, her father’s enemy, he offers her a deal she cannot refuse.
Elowen and Cayden come together in an uncomfortable alliance, to carry out the greatest heist of their lives in the name of retribution and revenge.
Readers claim this novel is similar to Fourth Wing because of its high fantasy elements, slow burn romance and determined-to-win characters.
21. Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #1) by Sarah J Maas
Romance Tropes: Enemies to Lovers, Forbidden Romance
Throne of Glass is the first book in the seven part series which should be read in order so you can enjoy it.
Celaena Sardothien, an assassin, is summoned to the castle to participate in several games. She can finally win her freedom if she wins and becomes the King’s Champion.
However, she is competing against twenty-three thieves, murderers, and warriors, which would not be easy.
Celaena is ready to avoid Crown Prince Dorian, who loves to tease her, but she might need his help because there’s something nasty living in the castle, and it wants everyone dead.
After finishing Fourth Wing, I highly recommend you pick this series up because of the intricate world building. Celaena reminds of Violet as both are strong warrior protagonists who can face any challenge.
Wrap-Up: Books Like Fourth Wing
These were 21 books like Fourth Wing!
If any of these novels sound interesting to you, then pick it up, dive into the fantasy world, and explore these magical lands with dragons and other peculiar beings.
Although fantasy novels like Fourth Wing can be overwhelming because of the world building aspect of things, they will be worth your time and effort in the end as they are the perfect books for escapism (especially if they’re a romantasy!)
Read More On Fourth Wing:
