The 'Fourth Wing' Phenomenon

All about the latest "it" series, plus 7 books to read while you wait for the sequel

Ever since Fourth Wing's May release, it's been taking the world by storm, captivating readers, even many who don't usually go for fantasy romance. Book one in The Empyrean Series by Rebecca Yarros has been described as a cross between The Hunger Games and A Court of Thorns and Roses—with dragons!

The story centers on twenty-year-old Violet Sorrengail, who has grown up thinking that, like her father, she will enter the Scribe Quadrant, pursuing a quiet life among books and history. But when her father dies, the commanding general, aka her tough-as-nails mother, orders Violet to join the hundreds of candidates competing to become dragon riders, the elite soldiers of the wartorn Navarre. But, unlike her competitors, Violet is small and frail so she'll have to fight extra hard not only to succeed, but to survive. If the dragons don't kill her, her fellow cadets just might.

Get ready for the sequel!

Iron Flame, the second book of the five-book series is available for preorder now. While supplies last, there's even a limited first print run featuring spray-painted edges with gorgeously detailed map endpapers. Here's what we know about the continuing story.

Everyone expected Violet Sorrengail to die during her first year at Basgiath War College—Violet included. But that was just the beginning and now the real training begins. The new vice commandant has put Violet in an impossible position, as he tries to bully her into betraying the man she loves. But although Violet's body might be weaker and frailer than everyone else's, she still has her wits—and a will of iron.

What to read in the meantime

If finishing Fourth Wing left a dragon-sized, romantasy hole in your heart and two months is too long to wait for your next addictive read, consider some of these similar titles to help tide you over. 

Fireborne by Rosaria Munda
Part one of The Aurelian Cycle, this YA fantasy is set amidst a brutal revolution. Orphans Annie and Lee may come from totally different backgrounds, but they are both vying for the top spot in the regime's dragonriding fleet.

Joust by Mercedes Lackey
The first book in this thrilling Atlantis-inspired series introduces readers to Vetch, a young slave with dreams of becoming a Jouster, a warrior who rides a flying dragon. The story is set in a wonderfully realized ancient Egyptian-like world.

The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
A world divided. A queendom without an heir. An ancient enemy awakens. Dragon riders, forbidden magic, and secret assassins are all a part of this romantic saga about an embattled queen and a realm on the verge of destruction. 

A Promise of Fire by Andrea Bouchet
If you loved the slow-burn enemies-to-lovers romance of Fourth Wing, this Greek mythology-inspired series will definitely appeal. Cat is a woman in disguise, hiding from her dangerous destiny—and the magic humming in her blood.

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
In a brutal world inspired by ancient Rome, Laia is a young slave forced to join a military academy. There, she finds herself pitted against Elias, the school's finest soldier, but they soon realize that their destinies are intertwined.

The Last Namsara by Kristen Ciccarelli
Book one in the Iskari series, this fantasy explores an intricately woven world of deception, inner darkness, and dragons. Asha may be the daughter of the king and a fierce dragon slayer. But none of this frees her from the shackles that await her.

His Majesty's Dragon by Naomi Novik
Inspired by the Napoleonic wars, this historical fantasy is the first installment of the Temeraire series. Will Laurence is a ship captain conscripted into airborne battle when he forms an unexpected kinship with an extraordinary dragon.

If you haven't read Fourth Wing yet, it's a ride you won't want to miss! And don't forget to get your preorder in for Iron Flame! And, in the meantime, keep yourself occupied with one of these enchanting alternatives. As always, we love hearing from you. So let us know if you have any faves to add!

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Read more by Ashly Moore Sheldon