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Books like Fourth Wing (no dragons)

Matches for Fourth Wing (no dragons) by Rebecca Yarros (The Empyrean) - Updated June 2026

You loved Fourth Wing for the enemies-to-lovers tension, the military academy, and the stakes. But maybe dragons are not your thing. These five books deliver the same romantasy energy with different fantasy settings.

How we match. Scores weigh tone, heat, pace and stakes - not just genre. The bars on each card show romance, pace, violence and complexity so you can pick by feel.Contains affiliate links
Maas
Fae courts
1

A Court of Thorns and Roses

Sarah J. Maas - 5 books
94%
match

Fae courts, a slow burn that explodes, and the sequel everyone loses their mind over. The romantasy benchmark.

RomanceVery high
PaceMedium
ViolenceMedium
ComplexityMedium
romantasyfaeslow-burn
Jensen
Political
2

The Bridge Kingdom

Danielle L. Jensen - 4 books
91%
match

A warrior princess sent to spy on her enemy husband. Real chemistry built on deception and trust. No magic creatures needed.

RomanceHigh
PaceHigh
ViolenceMedium
ComplexityMedium
romantasypoliticalenemies-to-lovers
Black
Fae politics
3

The Cruel Prince

Holly Black - 3 books
88%
match

A human girl raised in Faerie plays the political game better than anyone expects. The romance with Cardan is enemies-to-lovers perfected.

RomanceHigh
PaceHigh
ViolenceMedium
ComplexityMedium
fantasyfaeya
Tahir
Military academy
4

An Ember in the Ashes

Sabaa Tahir - 4 books
85%
match

A military academy where students are trained to kill. Forbidden romance across enemy lines. Grittier and less romantic than Fourth Wing.

RomanceMedium
PaceVery high
ViolenceHigh
ComplexityMedium
fantasymilitaryrebellion
Cashore
Strong heroine
5

Graceling

Kristin Cashore - 4 books
82%
match

A woman with a deadly supernatural gift navigates court politics and discovers her own strength. Less romance, more agency.

RomanceMedium
PaceMedium
ViolenceMedium
ComplexityMedium
fantasyyastrong-heroine

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Contains affiliate linksUpdated June 2026