Fourth Wing

A Court of Thorns and Roses

Sarah J. Maas

When huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature demands retribution, dragging her to a treacherous magical land. As she discovers her captor's true identity as a powerful faerie, Feyre's feelings for him transform from hostility to passion. Like Fourth Wing, it features a strong female protagonist navigating a dangerous fantasy world with elite warriors, forbidden romance, and political intrigue.

The Way of Kings

Brandon Sanderson

In a world of magical storms and complex social hierarchies, multiple characters pursue different paths of survival and discovery. Intricate magic systems, detailed worldbuilding, and epic-scale conflicts define this expansive fantasy narrative. Characters from varied backgrounds must confront personal challenges and larger societal transformations. Unique magical technologies and profound philosophical questions underpin the story's complexity. The novel explores themes of honor, redemption, and personal growth.

The Poppy War

R.F. Kuang

Rin, a war orphan, shocks everyone by acing the Empire-wide test to enter the most elite military school. At Sinegard, she faces discrimination and discovers she possesses a lethal, prohibited power that might be her only hope against a looming war. Like Fourth Wing, this novel features a brutal military academy, a physically underestimated protagonist, and a world on the brink of war with dark secrets at its core.

Throne of Glass

Sarah J. Maas

Celaena Sardothien, an imprisoned assassin, is offered freedom on the condition she serves as the king's champion in a deadly competition. Like Violet in Fourth Wing, Celaena must navigate a brutal training environment where competitors would gladly see her dead. The novel features a physically vulnerable yet mentally strong protagonist, forbidden romance, and hidden magical elements that expand throughout the series.

The Dragon Republic

R.F. Kuang

A dark and complex fantasy following a powerful protagonist navigating political warfare and magical conflict. The story explores themes of revolution, identity, and the consequences of power. Brutal training sequences and high-stakes conflicts drive the narrative forward. Intricate world-building and morally complex characters create a rich, immersive experience. The protagonist must confront personal and political challenges in a dangerous, magical world.

The Lies of Locke Lamora

Scott Lynch

In a complex, Venice-like city, a group of skilled con artists navigates dangerous criminal underworlds and elaborate heists. The protagonist, Locke Lamora, leads a band of talented thieves through increasingly dangerous schemes. Intricate worldbuilding, sharp dialogue, and unexpected plot twists characterize this dark fantasy adventure. The story blends elements of crime narrative with rich magical and political intrigue. Complex characters and morally ambiguous situations drive the compelling narrative.

The Priory of the Orange Tree

Samantha Shannon

In this epic fantasy, three women—a queen, a dragonrider, and a mage—must unite against the rising threat of dragons that could destroy their world. Set in a matriarchal society with complex political systems, the novel features dragon riders and magical academies similar to Fourth Wing. Readers will appreciate the strong female characters, intricate world-building, and the blend of romance with high-stakes adventure.

Red Rising

Pierce Brown

Darrow, a lowly miner from Mars, infiltrates the ruling Gold class at their elite institute where students fight to the death for dominance. This brutal training academy mirrors the life-or-death stakes at Basgiath War College, featuring a protagonist who must hide weaknesses while navigating deadly politics. The blend of military training, class warfare, and revolution will resonate with Fourth Wing readers.

The Burning Kingdoms

Rebecca Roanhorse

A high-stakes fantasy that follows a young warrior navigating a world of political intrigue and magical conflict. The protagonist must survive a brutal training system while uncovering dark secrets about their society. Complex magic systems and intense character development drive the narrative. Political tensions and personal challenges create a gripping, immersive experience. The book explores themes of survival, power, and transformation.

The Jasmine Throne

Tasha Suri

An epic fantasy centered on two women fighting against oppressive political systems in a richly imagined world. Magical abilities and personal rebellion drive the complex narrative. The protagonists must navigate treacherous political landscapes while discovering their true power. Themes of colonialism, resistance, and personal transformation are central to the story. Intricate world-building and compelling character arcs create an immersive experience.

The Rage of Dragons

Evan Winter

In a world where some can transform into dragons during battle, a young man seeks revenge against a system that killed his family. The story follows Tau, who becomes obsessed with becoming an elite warrior to exact his vengeance. The book features intense combat, dragon warfare, and a protagonist's relentless pursuit of power and justice. It explores themes of class struggle, systemic oppression, and personal transformation through martial prowess.

The Waking Fire

Anthony Ryan

In a world where dragon blood grants extraordinary abilities, different factions vie for power and survival. The story follows multiple characters whose lives intersect in a complex narrative of political intrigue and dragon-based magic. Adventurers and warriors must navigate treacherous landscapes and deadly conflicts while uncovering ancient secrets. The novel blends epic fantasy with intense action and intricate worldbuilding. Dragon riders and blood-magic users face overwhelming challenges in a richly imagined universe.

The Traitor Baru Cormorant

Seth Dickinson

A brilliant protagonist uses economic and political strategy to resist colonial oppression from within a powerful empire. The novel explores themes of cultural resistance, personal sacrifice, and systemic manipulation. Complex political intrigue and psychological depth characterize this unique fantasy narrative. The protagonist must navigate treacherous political landscapes while maintaining her ultimate goals of liberation. Intense strategic maneuvering and emotional complexity drive the story.

An Ember in the Ashes

Sabaa Tahir

In a brutal empire inspired by ancient Rome, a young woman named Laia goes undercover as a slave at the empire's greatest military academy to spy for rebels holding her brother prisoner. Like Fourth Wing, it features a deadly training environment, forbidden attraction between people from opposing factions, and a protagonist who must use her wits to survive when physically outmatched by her peers.

Nevernight

Jay Kristoff

Mia Corvere, a daughter of an executed traitor, escapes death and joins a school of assassins to seek revenge against the powerful figures who destroyed her family. The brutal training at the Red Church mirrors Basgiath's deadly environment, where students regularly die during training. Fourth Wing readers will appreciate the dark academy setting, morally complex characters, and a protagonist who must overcome physical limitations with cunning.

Iron Widow

Xiran Jay Zhao

A revolutionary science fantasy that subverts traditional power structures in a world of mecha pilots and gender dynamics. The protagonist fights against a brutal system that sacrifices young women in combat. Intense training sequences and political rebellion form the core of the narrative. The book combines elements of science fiction, fantasy, and social commentary. A powerful exploration of individual agency and systemic oppression.

Gideon the Ninth

Tamsyn Muir

A unique science fantasy following a swordswoman navigating a complex magical universe of necromancers and political intrigue. Intense combat training and dark humor define the narrative. The protagonist must survive a deadly competition while uncovering deep secrets. Unique world-building and unconventional character dynamics create a distinctive reading experience. Themes of survival and unexpected friendship drive the story.

Jade City

Fonda Lee

Set in a modern fantasy world inspired by Asian urban landscapes, the story follows a powerful family controlling a city through magical jade and martial prowess. Clan dynamics, political intrigue, and magical combat intertwine in a complex narrative of power and survival. The book explores family loyalty, systemic violence, and personal transformation in a richly detailed setting. Intense action and sophisticated worldbuilding define this urban fantasy epic.

The Sword of Kaigen

M.L. Wang

A mother and son defend their traditional martial community against modern technological warfare. The story blends intense martial arts combat with magical elements and deep family dynamics. Themes of tradition, sacrifice, and personal honor are explored through complex character relationships. The narrative offers a unique take on fantasy warfare and cultural conflict.

Kings of the Wyld

Nicholas Eames

A group of retired mercenaries reunites for one last dangerous mission to rescue a daughter in peril. The story reimagines fantasy adventurers as aging rock-star-like warriors with a rich, comedic approach to epic fantasy tropes. Humor, heart, and high-stakes adventure blend seamlessly in this unconventional narrative. Characters face overwhelming odds with wit, skill, and deep camaraderie. The novel subverts traditional fantasy expectations while delivering emotional depth and exciting action.

The Mirror Empire

Kameron Hurley

In a multidimensional world where parallel realities intersect, characters from different versions of reality struggle for survival. Complex magic systems and innovative worldbuilding characterize this challenging fantasy narrative. Characters must confront alternate versions of themselves and navigate complex political and magical conflicts. The novel explores themes of identity, power, and dimensional complexity. Unique narrative structures and profound philosophical questions drive the story.

The Name of the Wind

Patrick Rothfuss

Kvothe, a legendary figure, recounts his transformation from a gifted young boy to a notorious wizard at a prestigious magical university. Similar to Fourth Wing, this novel features an academic setting where knowledge is power, a protagonist who must overcome physical limitations with intelligence, and a richly detailed magic system. The immersive world-building and coming-of-age elements will appeal to Fourth Wing fans.

Skyward

Brandon Sanderson

A science fantasy novel about a young woman determined to become a pilot in a world where humanity fights for survival against alien threats. The protagonist faces rigorous training and systemic obstacles while pursuing her dream of flying. Intense aerial combat scenes and a compelling character journey define the narrative. The book blends military science fiction with personal growth and rebellion against societal constraints. Themes of perseverance and individual potential are central to the story.

The Atlas Six

Olivie Blake

A dark academic fantasy following six powerful magicians competing for a place in a secret magical society. Intense magical training and complex interpersonal dynamics define the narrative. The book explores themes of power, knowledge, and moral ambiguity. Intricate magic systems and psychological depth create a unique reading experience. Competitive and morally complex characters drive the story forward.

Legendborn

Tracy Deonn

A contemporary fantasy exploring magical lineages and secret societies through a young protagonist's journey. Intense magical training and personal discovery drive the narrative. The book combines elements of urban fantasy and historical magic systems. Themes of identity, resistance, and personal power are central to the story. A compelling exploration of magic, ancestry, and individual potential.

The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms

N.K. Jemisin

A young woman is suddenly thrust into a complex royal court where enslaved gods are political weapons. Yeine Darr must navigate deadly palace intrigue while uncovering her own mysterious heritage and potential power. The narrative explores themes of colonialism, divine politics, and personal agency in a richly imagined fantasy world. Intricate mythology and complex character relationships drive the compelling storyline.

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue

V.E. Schwab

A woman makes a Faustian bargain to live forever but is cursed to be instantly forgotten by everyone she meets. Over centuries, she navigates human history, leaving no trace until a remarkable encounter changes everything. The narrative explores themes of memory, identity, and the human desire for significance. Magical realism and profound emotional depth characterize this unique story.

Sufficiently Advanced Magic

Andrew Rowe

A young protagonist enters a magical tower that tests individuals and grants them unique magical abilities through a complex progression system. The world features intricate magic mechanics and strategic combat reminiscent of role-playing game structures. Students must prove their worth and develop their magical skills through challenging trials. The narrative explores themes of personal growth, magical education, and individual potential. Detailed worldbuilding and innovative magic systems drive the compelling storyline.

Master Assassins

Robert V.S. Redick

Two half-brothers become accidental assassins in a harsh desert world filled with political intrigue and survival challenges. Their journey involves complex relationships, unexpected alliances, and dangerous encounters. The narrative explores themes of brotherhood, survival, and personal transformation in a richly detailed setting. Characters must navigate moral ambiguity and overwhelming external pressures. Unique worldbuilding and character dynamics distinguish this fantasy adventure.

Shadow and Bone

Leigh Bardugo

Alina Starkov discovers she possesses rare magic when her regiment is attacked while crossing the Shadow Fold, a swath of unnatural darkness filled with monsters. Whisked away to the royal court to train as a member of the magical elite, she finds herself navigating dangerous politics and unexpected romance. Fourth Wing fans will appreciate the military fantasy elements, magical training, and a protagonist discovering hidden powers while facing deadly threats.

The Bone Shard Emperor

Andrea Stewart

A complex fantasy following a young ruler navigating political intrigue and magical challenges. The protagonist must master a unique magic system while fighting to maintain control of their empire. Intricate world-building and character development drive the narrative. The book explores themes of power, identity, and personal transformation. Political machinations and magical conflicts create a gripping reading experience.

The Starless Crown

James Rollins

An epic fantasy following a group of unlikely heroes fighting against a prophesied apocalypse. Intense training and personal growth define the narrative. The protagonists must overcome systemic challenges and personal limitations to save their world. Complex world-building and character development create an immersive experience. Themes of destiny, rebellion, and personal transformation are central to the story.

The City We Became

N.K. Jemisin

In a unique urban fantasy, New York City comes alive through human avatars who must defend the city against an ancient, malevolent force. Each borough is represented by a human champion with unique abilities and personalities. The story blends magical realism, contemporary social commentary, and epic confrontations. It reimagines urban life as a living, breathing entity with its own magical ecosystem and survival instincts.

Black Sun

Rebecca Roanhorse

Set in a pre-Columbian Americas-inspired fantasy world, the story follows multiple characters facing a prophesied apocalyptic event. Complex political intrigue, magical systems, and cultural richness define the narrative. Characters from different backgrounds converge in a high-stakes magical conflict. The book offers a unique perspective on fantasy worldbuilding with rich cultural inspiration.

The Wolf of Oren-Yaro

K.S. Villoso

A queen renowned for her ruthlessness must navigate political betrayal and personal survival in a complex fantasy world. Her journey involves unexpected alliances, political intrigue, and personal transformation. The narrative challenges traditional fantasy tropes with a complex, flawed female protagonist. Rich worldbuilding and intense character development drive the story.

The Dragon's Path

Daniel Abraham

In a complex fantasy world with multiple human subspecies and ancient dragon-influenced civilizations, political intrigue and personal struggles intertwine. Characters from different backgrounds navigate a landscape of shifting alliances and emerging conflicts. The novel explores themes of power, survival, and cultural diversity in a richly detailed setting. Multiple perspectives reveal the intricate machinations of different factions and characters. Epic worldbuilding and nuanced character development distinguish this fantasy narrative.

The Black Witch

Laurie Forest

Elloren Gardner, granddaughter of the last Black Witch, attends Verpax University despite having no magical power in a world that expects her to follow her grandmother's powerful legacy. At the university, she confronts her people's prejudices and discovers hidden truths about herself and her world. Fourth Wing fans will enjoy the magical academy setting, political intrigue, forbidden relationships across enemy lines, and a protagonist discovering unexpected strengths.

The Winter King

C.L. Wilson

A fantasy romance featuring a powerful elemental king and a woman with unexpected magical abilities. Their relationship develops against a backdrop of political conflict and magical warfare. The narrative blends romantic tension with high-stakes magical confrontations and complex world-building. Themes of personal growth, magical discovery, and political intrigue drive the story forward.

The Black Tides of Heaven

JY Yang

In a world where prophecy and magical abilities intersect, siblings navigate complex political and personal transformations. The narrative explores gender, power, and destiny through a unique magical system. Characters must confront societal expectations and personal challenges in a richly imagined setting. Innovative worldbuilding and nuanced character development distinguish this fantasy novella. The story blends speculative elements with deep philosophical exploration.

Spinning Silver

Naomi Novik

A reimagining of Rumpelstiltskin that follows three women who challenge magical and societal constraints. The narrative weaves together stories of a moneylender's daughter, a peasant girl, and a noblewoman, each facing supernatural challenges. Magic, folklore, and female agency blend in a complex fantasy world with high stakes and intricate character development. The book explores themes of power, transformation, and resilience against overwhelming odds.