What To Read After Fourth Wing For More Romantasy Fun

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Few books have taken hold of the fantasy landscape quite like Rebecca Yarros' book "Fourth Wing." Since exploding onto the scene, it's become a viral BookTok sensation, introducing countless readers to the addictive world of romantasy — the sword-wielding, spice-filled subgenre that perfectly pairs high-stakes danger with slow-burning desire. Between majestic dragon rides, deadly war college trials, and total book boyfriend Xaden Riorson, it's easy to see why so many book lovers pulled all-nighters to finish it. 

With hit sequels "Iron Flame" and "Onyx Storm" dominating our nightstands, "The Empyrean" fantasy romance book series has officially cemented its place as one of the defining pop culture franchises of the decade. Our collective appetite for magical intrigue and swoon-worthy romance shows absolutely no signs of slowing down, and this massive surge in reader obsession hasn't gone unnoticed by the industry either. Due to the astronomical impact of the series, Publishers Weekly officially named Entangled Publishing CEO Liz Pelletier their 2024 Person of the Year. Fellow publishing insiders praised her trend-spotting approach, highlighting her 'almost prescient ability to know what readers will want next.'

Thanks to her keen eye, major publishers everywhere are now rapidly expanding their fantasy romance lists. Romantasy is officially publishing's fastest-growing category, ushering a wave of new readers into speculative fiction who may have never picked up a fantasy novel before. Whether you're utterly obsessed with dangerous magical academies, the enemies-to-lovers trope, or complex world-building, these recommendations capture the exact same elements that made "Fourth Wing" impossible to put down.

If there's one series nearly every "Fourth Wing" fan ends up reading, it's Sarah J. Maas' "A Court of Thorns and Roses." The story follows nineteen-year-old Feyre Archeron after she's taken to the magical land of Prythian as punishment for killing a wolf that turns out to be far more than it seemed. What begins as a loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast quickly evolves into an epic fantasy filled with political intrigue, dangerous magic, found family, and unforgettable romance.

Like Rebecca Yarros' "Empyrean" series, Maas builds an expansive fantasy world populated by morally complex characters whose loyalties constantly shift. Readers who fell for Xaden Riorson's mysterious, brooding personality will likely appreciate the similarly layered romantic dynamics that develop throughout the series.

Many longtime fans also recommend sticking with the series even if the first book doesn't completely hook you. Across Reddit's r/fantasyromance community, readers frequently note that the world expands dramatically from the second novel onward, introducing many of the characters and storylines that turned the series into a global bestseller.

If the deadly Basgiath War College trials were your favorite part of "Fourth Wing," Carissa Broadbent's "The Serpent & the Wings of Night" should be next on your reading list. The novel follows Oraya, the adopted human daughter of the vampire king, as she enters the Kejari — a brutal tournament where survival depends on strength and strategy, and trusting the wrong person could mean certain death.

Like Violet Sorrengail, Oraya is physically outmatched by many of her competitors and must rely on intelligence, resilience, and determination instead of brute force. The romance also develops through a tense enemies-to-allies dynamic that keeps readers questioning everyone's true motives until the very end.

On Reddit's r/fantasyromance thread, readers regularly recommend Broadbent's series to fans of "Fourth Wing," praising its emotional depth, compelling romance, and high-stakes competition. While there are no dragons, the atmosphere of constant danger and slow-burn attraction feels remarkably familiar.

Readers who loved the political maneuvering and hidden agendas in "Fourth Wing" may find their next obsession in Danielle L. Jensen's "The Bridge Kingdom." The novel follows Lara, a princess secretly raised as an assassin before being sent to marry the king of a rival kingdom she's been trained to destroy.

The central romance develops through distrust, deception, and gradually earned respect rather than instant attraction. Much like Violet and Xaden's relationship, both protagonists carry secrets that threaten not only their relationship, but the future of their kingdoms.

Across BookTok and Reddit, readers frequently praise the series for balancing romance with genuinely compelling political intrigue. While the magic system is more understated than in "Fourth Wing," the emotional stakes and character development are equally satisfying for readers who enjoy fantasy driven by relationships as much as by action.

Lauren Roberts' "Powerless" has often been described by readers as one of the closest recent reads to "Fourth Wing" in terms of tone and pacing. Set in a kingdom where only the magically gifted hold power, the novel follows Paedyn Gray, an ordinary woman forced to compete in dangerous trials while hiding a life-changing secret.

The similarities are easy to spot: a determined heroine underestimated by everyone around her; deadly competitions; simmering romantic tension; and a charismatic love interest whose loyalties remain uncertain. Yet "Powerless" still develops its own distinct mythology and emotional arc.

BookTok readers frequently recommend the novel immediately after "Fourth Wing," and Reddit discussions often highlight its fast pace and addictive romance. For anyone experiencing a "Fourth Wing" reading slump, it's one of the most commonly suggested follow-up reads.

For readers who can't get enough dragons, Sarah A. Parker's "When the Moon Hatched" offers another richly imagined fantasy world filled with magic, romance, and breathtaking creatures. The novel follows Raeve, an assassin with a mysterious past whose fate becomes intertwined with ancient dragons and a kingdom hiding centuries-old secrets.

Rather than focusing on military training like "Fourth Wing," Parker leans into lyrical world-building and emotional storytelling. The romance unfolds slowly, with layered characters whose histories are gradually revealed throughout the novel.

Readers on Reddit's r/fantasyromance often recommend the book to fans craving dragon lore after finishing Rebecca Yarros' series. While many note that the prose is denser and more atmospheric than "Fourth Wing," they also praise its immersive setting and emotionally satisfying payoff for readers willing to invest in its sprawling world.

If what captivated you most about "Fourth Wing" was its unique magic system and darker atmosphere, "One Dark Window" by Rachel Gillig deserves a place on your TBR. The gothic fantasy follows Elspeth Spindle, who shares her mind with an ancient, dangerous spirit after becoming infected by forbidden magic as a child.

Unlike many romantasy novels, the romance develops alongside an intricate magical mystery rooted in cursed cards, eerie forests, and political conspiracies. The result feels darker and more atmospheric than "Fourth Wing" while still delivering the emotional tension romantasy readers crave.

Readers across Reddit and Goodreads frequently recommend "One Dark Window" for those looking to branch into more gothic fantasy without sacrificing romance. Its inventive magic system, memorable characters, and haunting setting make it an ideal next step for anyone eager to explore the wider world of romantasy beyond dragons and war colleges.