10 Books Like Fourth Wing With Romance, Dragons, and Secrets

So, you’ve finished the fourth Wing book; that’s great. How the experience of the book tells me in the comment. Fourth Wing is one of the popular books by Rebecca Yarros.

That book leaves a gap when it ends; something about the mix of dragons, danger, slow-burning tension, and a school setting just works. It hits that spot between fantasy and romance, with stakes that feel personal.

So, when readers go looking for “books like Fourth Wing,” they’re usually after stories with strong leads, rich worlds, and that push-and-pull between characters you care about.

But not every book hits those same notes in the same way. Some focus more on dragon lore. Others lean into the romance or politics. If I talk about myself, I like dragons and romance-type stories, whether it’s a book or a series. If you’ve watched Game of Thrones or Shadow and Bone, you know what I’m talking about.

Some are set in fantasy schools; some jump straight into war and rebellion. That’s part of what makes finding the next read fun—it’s about figuring out which part of Fourth Wing hooked you and chasing that thread.

Whether you’re after more dragons, more enemies-to-lovers, or just another fast-paced story you can’t put down, there are solid choices out there that bring similar energy with their own twist.

Let’s get into a few that are worth checking out. Why should you believe us? We try to make your experience better in every possible way.

Books Like Fourth Wing With Powerful Magic & Sizzling Romance

1. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

• Genre: Fantasy Romance
• Publication Date: May 5, 2015
• Pages: 419
• Goodreads Rating: 4.25/5 (over 1.6 million ratings)

If Fourth Wing left you wanting more magic, romance, and high character growth, or if you are still not satisfied with magic, then you must try this.

A Court of Thorns and Roses is a strong next pick. The first book starts with a loose Beauty and the Beast vibe, but the story quickly grows into something much deeper.

Feyre, the main character, has a rough start, and she’s not always easy to root for—but that makes her development more satisfying as the series goes on.

I know you already know about this book because this book is extremely popular among book readers; I guess many readers who are reading this have already read it. By book two, the world really opens up. It shifts from a simple love story to a darker, more coated tale full of power plays, shifting loyalties, and big emotional swings.

Sarah J. Maas has a way of building tension—both romantic and plot-driven—that keeps you turning pages.

The relationships evolve in ways that still spark debate among readers, which makes being part of the fandom fun.

If you’re drawn to books like Fourth Wing for the emotional stakes, danger, and transformation arcs, ACOTAR brings all of that—and keeps raising the bar with each book.

Favorite line from the book- “Love can be a battlefield—even in a fae court.” — Sarah J. Maas

2. From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

• Genre: Fantasy Romance
• Publication Date: March 30, 2020
• Pages: 435
• Goodreads Rating: 4.20/5 (over 1 million ratings)

At first, I thought it was just another fantasy romance, but it pulls you in quick. You will see Poppy, who’s been sheltered her whole life because of a role she didn’t choose.

She’s supposed to be obedient, quiet, and untouched—but she’s curious, restless, and a lot tougher than people think.

The world feels mysterious at first, and you don’t get all the answers right away, which I actually liked—it makes you want to keep going. Then there’s Hawke, her new guard, and that’s when things shift. Their dynamic drives a lot of the tension, but there’s more going on than just romance.

The story mixes court politics, secrets, and real danger. By the end, you realize it’s building toward something bigger.

It’s one of the popular books in the romance and fantasy genre, but if you’re into fantasy that’s heavy on romance and lets you slowly piece things together, it’s a solid start to a series that only gets wilder.

Favorite line from the book- “Chosen to serve, destined to rebel.” — Jennifer L. Armentrout

3. The Serpent & the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

• Genre: Dark Fantasy Romance
• Publication Date: April 6, 2021
• Pages: 480
• Goodreads Rating: 4.05/5 (around 60,000 ratings)

The feeling when you finish a book like Fourth Wing and just sit there thinking, “Okay… now what next?” That mix of tension, romance, and danger, especially with dragons and a main character who actually grows, is not easy to replace.

But there are books out there that hit some of those same notes, just in different ways. As someone who reads a lot of fantasy-romance, I can tell you: the trick is figuring out what part of Fourth Wing worked best for you.

Was it the school setting? The dragons? The slow-build romance with high emotional stakes? Or maybe the whole “life-or-death competition” thing?

Once you know that, you’ve got a lot of directions you can go. Some stories lean more into dark fantasy, others bring in vampires or fae, and a few go heavy on political drama or training arc vibes.

I’ll avoid spoilers to keep the experience fresh. so that you do not get spoiled. But at the core, they all offer that same kind of escape.

Whether you want more dragons or just that page-turning energy, there are solid books out there waiting to hit that same nerve.

Favorite line from the book- “She trained to win—but never expected to feel.” — Carissa Broadbent

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4. The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon

• Genre: Epic Fantasy, Fantasy Romance
• Publication Date: February 26, 2019
• Pages: 848
• Goodreads Rating: 4.11/5 (around 261,246 ratings)

The Priory of the Orange Tree is one of the popular books in the romance fantasy genre. It is a solid choice, especially if you want a slower, more impactful story.

It has more than 800 pages. It’s a standalone epic fantasy, but it reads like a whole trilogy packed into one book. There are different kingdoms, beliefs, and a long history with dragons—both the good kind and the world-ending kind.

You follow a few main characters from very different parts of the world, and their stories slowly weave together. There’s political tension, ancient prophecies, and a looming threat from the past that’s starting to wake up.

It takes a bit to get going, but once it clicks, it pays off. The world feels big and real, and the dragons here aren’t just background—they shape the fate of everything.

If you like slower burns, complex worldbuilding, and strong female leads, this one feeds you. Not a quick read, but a satisfying one.

Favorite line from the book- “A sleeping dragon. A divided realm. One woman’s courage.” — Samantha Shannon, The Priory of the Orange Tree

5. Powerless by Lauren Roberts

• Genre: Dark Fantasy, YA
• Publication Date: January 3, 2023
• Pages: 400
• Goodreads Rating: 4.00/5 (around 20,000 ratings)

If you are looking for books like Fourth Wing, Powerless by Lauren Roberts is absolutely perfect for those who have scratches that itch, especially if you loved the mix of danger, romance, and rebellion.

This book goes deeper into the dystopian fantasy angle, with a heroine, Paedyn, who’s faking powers to survive in a brutal society that kills the powerless.

The stakes are high from page one, and the tension (both plot-wise and romantic) doesn’t let up. Think Red Queen meets Fourth Wing with a deadly competition, enemies-to-lovers vibes, and a heroine who’s walking a razor-thin line between discovery and death.

All books have similar vibes, but at the same time, they feel very different. What makes it stand out is how personal it feels—Paedyn’s internal struggle, her wit, and her resilience are easy to root for.

And then there’s Kai, the royal enforcer who’s supposed to be her enemy… But their chemistry? Unmissable. If you are a reader who likes fantasy world politics and slow burn with romantasy, then you can go for it.

Favorite line from the book- “No power. No mercy. No chance—until she rises.” — Lauren Roberts

6. The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen

• Genre: Fantasy Romance
• Publication Date: July 23, 2019
• Pages: 440
• Goodreads Rating: 4.05/5 (over 150,000 ratings)

For Fourth Wing fans, this book is a good choice. The Bridge Kingdom is a must-read. It has that same combination of tension, romance, and political discussion, but with a different kind of danger.

Instead of dragons, you get assassins, spies, and a heroine trained from childhood to kill a king. Lara is fierce but flawed, and watching her wrestle between duty and desire is incredibly compelling.

I already talked about this book in the dark fantasy books post; it has a dark tone with a fight between ruthless characters. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic here is sharp and believable, with real stakes and consequences.

You can feel the heat in every scene, not just romantically, but in the constant sense of threat that lingers in the background.

The world-building is tight, the pacing keeps you hooked, and the writing never drags. It doesn’t rely on tropes alone—it digs into themes of trust, betrayal, and what it really means to choose your own path.

For readers who have an interest in books like Fourth Wing or A Court of Thorns and Roses for the high-stakes romance and strong heroine, this series delivers.

Favorite line from the book-“She married a stranger to destroy him—until her heart interfered.” — Danielle L. Jensen

7. These Hollow Vows by Lexi Ryan

• Genre: YA Fantasy Romance
• Publication Date: March 4, 2021
• Pages: 320
• Goodreads Rating: 3.90/5 (over 80,000 ratings)

If you’re into fantasy books like Fourth Wing and want something with romance, betrayal, and a tough heroine stuck between two powerful forces, These Hollow Vows might be your next read.

It follows Brie, a girl forced to enter the world of the fae to save her sister. She doesn’t trust the fae, but she has no choice—and things get complicated fast.

There’s a love triangle at the center, with two very different fae princes, both hiding secrets. The world is rich but easy to get into, and the emotional areas hit pretty hard.

Brie isn’t some chosen one—she’s smart, resourceful, and makes hard choices. Like Fourth Wing, the book blends romance with real danger, and the twists keep you guessing.

It leans a bit more into court politics and fae lore than dragons or magic schools, but the tension and betrayals feel familiar. If you’re craving fantasy books like Fourth Wing with romance and risk, this one’s a strong option.

Favorite line from the book-“ Two fae courts. One broken girl. No safe choice.” — Lexi Ryan

Also Read- Read These Top 10 Older Woman Younger Man Romance Books

8. To Bleed a Crystal Bloom by Sarah A. Parker

• Genre: Fantasy Romance
• Publication Date: August 3, 2021
• Pages: 400
• Goodreads Rating: 3.85/5 (around 25,000 ratings)

This book by Sarah A. Parker is a solid pick if you’re coming off Fourth Wing and looking for something dark, romantic, and a little twisted—but in its own way.

It’s not a dragon story, but it gives off that same slow-burn intensity, with a strong, emotionally guarded heroine and a mysterious, powerful male lead. Think Rapunzel meets dark academia, with heavy Gothic vibes and lots of hidden layers.

The dynamic between Orlaith and Rhordyn is all tension and slow reveal. There’s an age gap, and Rhordyn fits the “ancient, brooding protector” type—but Parker handles it with care.

The prose leans lyrical, sometimes a bit dense, but it matches the haunted, dreamy feel of the world. It’s not fast-paced or action-heavy like Fourth Wing. This one takes its time, building mood and mystery more than momentum.

But if you’re into emotional complexity, dark fairytale energy, and characters with secrets, it’s absolutely worth the read.

Favorite line from the book- “He raised her in shadows. But she was made to bloom.” — Sarah A. Parker,

9. Scorched by Mari Mancusi

• Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
• Publication Date: September 3, 2013
• Pages: 352
• Goodreads Rating: 3.75/5 (3,800 ratings)

I selected this book because I thought it would be a fun and fast read. Surprisingly, this one impressed me. Scorched mixes dragons with time travel, dystopia, and a bit of chaos in a way that actually works.

It starts in the present day with a girl who inherits a dragon egg, which sounds simple enough… until soldiers from the future show up.

One wants to protect the dragon. The other wants to destroy it. That tension pulls you in fast. The story doesn’t go heavy on worldbuilding right away, but it builds as you go.

It’s more modern YA than epic fantasy, so the tone is quicker and more character-focused. There’s action, a dash of romance, and just enough mystery to keep you turning pages.

If you’re into books like Fourth Wing with dragons but want something lighter, with a sci-fi twist and younger leads, Scorched brings a unique combination. It’s not trying to be deep—it’s just a ride. Sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.

I personally liked it; the book has received mixed reviews—some readers like it, while others do not. If you are more into a dragon theme, you can try it. Scorched has 3 books in a series-

1. Scorched
2. Shattered
3. Smoked

Favorite line from the book- “It’s a dragon egg, all right.” — Mari Mancusi

10. A Natural History of Dragons by Marie Brennan

Genre: Fantasy, Historical Fantasy
Publication Date: February 5 (US) / October 29 (UK), 2013
Pages: 336 (Paperback edition)
Goodreads Rating: 4.3/5 (around 44,523 ratings)

This one reads like a memoir from another world, and that’s part of what makes it so refreshing. A Natural History of Dragons focuses on Lady Trent, a determined woman who refuses to be boxed in by the expectations of her time.

Told in her own voice, it feels like you’re reading the life story of a Victorian-era scientist, except she’s chasing dragons instead of fossils.

It’s not a usual high-action fantasy; the focus is more on discovery, fieldwork, and what it means to study something powerful and wild.

There’s a quiet tension throughout, both in the environment and in the social rules she keeps challenging. The world is detailed without being dense, and the dragons feel like real creatures—beautiful, dangerous, and unknown.

If you enjoy books like Fourth Wing with dragons but want something more thoughtful and more grounded in character and science, this is a great shift in tone. It reads like history, but with teeth—and wings.

Favorite line from the book- “Before she became a legend, she dared to question the wild.” — Marie Brennan

Final Thought-

So, in this post, we covered books similar to Fourth Wing, or you can say it gives a similar vibe. Many readers like me are searching for new books after reading Fourth Wing.

I know many of the books we listed in this list are known or popular, or maybe I think you guys have already read them, but this post is especially for newcomers.

I will try to add more books like Fourth Wing. I hope you liked it; you must share it with your reader friends.

Today Question- Do let us know in the comments on what basis you choose a book and what attracts you the most.