Forget the damsels in distress and knights in shining armor. Let’s talk books like Fourth Wing that will keep you hooked while you wait for the next installment!
We’re so used to seeing dragons as creatures that hoard treasure and scorch villages, but what if they were more than that? Dragons have evolved beyond their traditional roles in fantasy novels. These fire-breathing beasts are no longer just villains or background characters, but complex beings with their own motives, struggles, and epic tales to tell. As I wait for the next Fourth Wing book (because let’s face it, I’m counting down the days), I’ve rounded up some of my favorite dragon-centric books that range from young adult (YA) to new adult (NA), all featuring dragons in unexpected, thrilling ways.
Whether you’re into steamy enemies-to-lovers tropes, political intrigue, or fast-paced action, these books like Fourth Wing will more than fill the void while you’re waiting for your next dragon fix.
Also, if you are feeling guilty for nerding out and taking time for your hobbies, I have two posts that may help. The first is about why digging into your hobbies is important, titled How Hobbies Boost Self-Esteem: Embracing Passions for Personal Growth. The second is about time management and being a busy woman who thrives, titled, Work-Life Balance Tips for Women Who Want to Thrive.
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First Let’s Talk about The Empyrean Series by Rebecca Yarros
Let me just start by saying that The Empyrean series is top-tier. There aren’t a lot of books like fourth wing, that drew my attention and held it! This series has a special place on my bookshelf and has given me so much joy!
The story follows Violet, a girl with a rare condition that makes her bones break easily. Despite this, Violet is forced by her mother to attend Basthegythic, a brutal war college where she’s trained to be a dragon rider. But these dragons? They’re not friendly, peaceful creatures. These are dragons that have no problem burning their riders if they don’t bond with them.
What’s so captivating about this series is the tension between Violet and Xadan, a fellow student with a complicated past and a rebellious streak. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between them is slow-burn, so you’re not just getting a quick fix. Trust me when I say it’s worth it. The world-building is phenomenal, full of political intrigue and hidden agendas that will keep you guessing with each turn of the page.
This series blends fantasy, romance, and grit in a way that’s hard to ignore. There’s danger, betrayal, and dragons that are anything but predictable. If you’re a fan of stories where the heroine has to fight for her survival while navigating a complicated romance, then The Empyrean series should definitely be on your list.
I honestly love this series so much, even though book 3 wasn’t the best to me. I highly recommend it to everyone.
Also if you are a book lover and an anime lover, I have a post titled, Best Romance Anime Series & Their Perfect Book Pairings, that gives the best book/anime pairings.
1. Eon: Dragoneye Reborn (Duology) by Alison Goodman
If you love books like Fourth Wing but want a more politically driven plot, Eon: Dragoneye Reborn is an absolute must-read. The story follows Eona, a young woman who disguises herself as a boy to pursue her dream of becoming a Dragoneye—an elite individual with the power to wield dragons. But in a world where women aren’t allowed to have such power, Eona’s secret is a dangerous one.
When the long-lost Mirror Dragon chooses Eon as its apprentice, the political system is turned upside down, and Eona’s life becomes one of intrigue, danger, and deception. She has to navigate the complexities of court politics, while also dealing with her own inner struggle to remain hidden as a girl in a world that would destroy her if her secret is discovered.
What I loved about this book was how well it mixes traditional fantasy with themes of gender, power, and identity. Eona has a secret that could destroy her, but she also has a power that could change the world. It’s a thrilling, heart-pounding adventure with a dash of forbidden romance thrown in. If you’re into books where the protagonist has to break all the rules to succeed, you’ll love this one.
2. Talon the Black by Melissa Mitchell
Now, let me tell you about Talon the Black. This book has a personal connection for me, not just because of the storyline, but because of its journey. Talon the Black started as a Wattpad story—meaning it was once just a rough draft shared with readers for feedback. Thanks to reader engagement and Mitchell’s hard work, it’s now a full-fledged series that has captivated many.
The story centers around King Talon, a battle-hardened warrior who’s seen the worst of what his kingdom has to offer. He’s not your fairytale prince—he’s broken, tortured by his past, and struggling with the pressure to find a mate and secure an heir. Enter Claire Evans, a small-town girl who stumbles upon an injured dragon and gets pulled into a world she never could have imagined.
What makes Talon the Black so compelling is the chemistry between Claire and Talon. Their connection is unexpected, considering their vastly different backgrounds, and the slow-burn romance that develops between them is intense. The book offers multiple points of view, which gives it an added layer of depth, and the combination of action, adventure, and heartfelt emotions makes it a must-read for fans of epic fantasy romance.
3. Promised in Fire (Of Dragons and Fae Book 1) by Jasmine Walt
Let me be upfront—Promised in Fire is a bit lighter than the others on this list, but don’t let that stop you from picking it up. The book follows Adara, a water fae with a dangerous secret—she has uncontrollable fire magic. When she accidentally awakens Einar, the last dragon, their fates become intertwined as a dark magic spreads across the kingdom. The power-hungry king kidnaps Adara’s mother, hoping to use her abilities to his advantage, and Adara must team up with Einar to save her world.
This book is a fun ride, full of dragons, fae, dark magic, and a reluctant partnership that turns into something more. Sure, it’s a bit more juvenile in tone than some of the others, but that doesn’t take away from the adventure or the charm of the characters. If you’re in the mood for a lighter, yet still captivating, fantasy, Promised in Fire might just be what you’re looking for.
4. Talon by Julie Kagawa: Dragons in Disguise
For anyone who enjoys YA fantasy, Talon by Julie Kagawa is a thrilling ride. In this world, dragons walk among us, hidden in plain sight. Ember Hill is a dragon hatchling sent to California to blend in with humans, but it isn’t long before she discovers that Talon, the organization she’s bound to, has much bigger plans—plans for world domination.
The catch? Ember doesn’t want any part in it. What makes this book stand out is the tension between Ember and Garret, a dragon hunter who is tasked with hunting her down. As their paths collide, Ember and Garret must confront their beliefs about dragons, loyalty, and identity. This is a fast-paced adventure full of danger, suspense, and a dash of romance. If you like stories where the protagonists are on opposite sides but develop a connection anyway, this one will keep you hooked.
5. Firelight by Sophie Jordan
If you’re looking for books like Fourth Wing with a mix of forbidden romance, shape-shifting dragons, and a fast-paced story, Firelight by Sophie Jordan is a must-read. This book introduces Jacinda, a girl who comes from a long line of draki—descendants of dragons who can shift between human and dragon form. But Jacinda isn’t just any draki; she’s one of the last fire-breathers, making her a prized asset to her clan.
When Jacinda’s rebellious streak puts her family in danger, they flee to the human world, forcing her to suppress her true nature. But then she meets Will, a mysterious and alluring boy with secrets of his own—secrets that could put them both at risk. Torn between her duty to her people and the pull she feels toward Will, Jacinda must navigate a dangerous world where hunters seek to destroy the draki.
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy a mix of romance, fantasy, and adventure with a strong female lead. If you loved Fourth Wing for its intense relationships and high-stakes action, Firelight will definitely keep you turning the pages.
If you’re in the mood for an epic standalone fantasy, The Priory of the Orange Tree is a must-read. This book has everything—royalty, ancient dragons, an order of female dragon riders, and a powerful, slow-burning romance.
The story weaves multiple perspectives, from a queen desperate to protect her kingdom to a dragon rider uncovering secrets from the past. The lore is rich, the writing is stunning, and if you want a book that fully immerses you in a world of magic and intrigue, this is the one.
6. Eragon by Christopher Paolini
Okay, I’ll be honest—I didn’t finish the Eragon series because the slow burn was killing me, and as a big romance girly, I need my tension to move a bit faster. BUT if you love political intrigue, expansive world-building, and an epic fantasy journey, you’re going to love this one.
Eragon follows a farm boy who stumbles upon a dragon egg, unknowingly setting off a chain of events that will change his destiny. With its classic hero’s journey, deep lore, and intense battles, this book is a must-read for fantasy lovers who want to immerse themselves in a richly developed world. It’s full of dragons, ancient prophecies, and powerful magic.
While this book doesn’t have the intense romance like Fourth wing, the reason why I put it on my books like fourth wing list is because of the high stakes adventure and intricate world-building.
While the romance is subtle and slow to develop, the sheer depth of the story makes it worth the read. If you’re someone who loves complex plots and deep lore, Eragon belongs on your shelf.
Closing Thoughts
These are just a few of the fantastic dragon books like Fourth Wing out there, each offering something a little different—whether you’re into YA or New Adult, dragons are the perfect creatures to bring drama, intrigue, and adventure to your reading list.
So, while you wait for the next Fourth Wing book, dive into one of these stories. You won’t regret it.
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