Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros has quite literally taken over BookTok — and every fantasy lover’s mind — the past few weeks. This New York Times best seller follows Violet, a young scribe, who is thrust into an elite war college and joins hundreds of candidates who are trying to become dragon riders — in which you either graduate or die in the process. Fourth Wing is filled with high fantasy, amazing world-building, romance, and everyone’s favorite element — spice!

This book is part of a huge and buzzing genre that’s been evolving like crazy, known as romantasy. Romantasy fulfills readers with amazing plots revolving around intense circumstances, usually life or death, and exquisite world-building to take your mind into a different realm. At the same time, books in this genre intertwine romantic relationships along the way that will have you swooning. Fourth Wing has definitely had readers feigning for more romantasy books that match the same blueprint as Fourth Wing, but with different elements of fantasy. 

So, if you’ve finished Fourth Wing (and its sequel, Iron Flame) and are looking for something else to add to your TBR, I’ve got you covered with some of the best and trendiest romantasy books to keep you satiated.

The Cruel Prince By Holly Black
https://www.tiktok.com/@cassandrarosegold/video/7129525956259204358?q=cruel%20prince%20recommendation&t=1701191197076

This book is a great option for my fae and enemies-to-lovers girlies. The Cruel Prince follows protagonist Jude, and her journey to save her sisters who were stolen from the Fae High Court. After her sisters were stolen 10 years ago, Jude wants to join the Fae court to save her sisters, and can only do so by defying the cruel Fae prince and risking her life. This book has so many mixed reviews on TikTok, but I think it’s definitely worth a shot. Just a heads up that the main plot is filled with more fantasy and action, while the romance acts as a subplot!

Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas

Calling all A Court of Thorns and Roses lovers, because I am recommending another Sarah J. Maas classic. I recently finished Throne of Glass, the first book in the series,  and am currently on the second book, and all I can say is please get your hands on this book! This series follows assassin Celaena Sardothien and her competition for freedom against other criminals. Her journey also involves mysterious happenings within the castle she’s forced to live in, and includes romantic subplots along the way. 

Shatter Me Series by Tahereh Mafi

This series has been on my TBR list forever, but all I hear about it is that it’s pure perfection. The Shatter Me series is the perfect YA romantasy for those just starting to read the genre or for those in a reading slump after reading a book that you can’t get out of your head (Fourth Wing, duh). This series follows protagonist, Juliette, who has a touch that can kill, and the gorgeous and appealing male character she meets as the story progresses. And the romance in this book? Top tier from every person who’s reviewed it.

Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

Divine Rivals was ranked one of the best books in 2023, and rightfully so, according to the BookTok community. This book is an intense story about two rival journalists and a war of the Gods, leaving mankind in shambles. A connection between the two rivals brews into something more after exchanging anonymous letters to one another. I cannot wait to grab a copy during my next Barnes and Noble run.

From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Another best seller on this list is From Blood and Ash, a twisty, dreamy, and addictive book that follows Poppy, a maiden whose whole life is dedicated to being solitary, but suddenly has the fate of a fallen kingdom on her shoulders. The storyline also includes an unexpected and enticing romance.

A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair

This book is a modern retelling of Persephone, the Goddess of Spring, and Hades, God of the Dead, intertwined in a dark, spicy romance. If you’re someone who loves Greek mythology and forbidden romance tropes, this read will have you addicted!

Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Assistant to the Villain is the perfect romantasy palette cleanser when you’ve been reading intense fantasy plots. This book is filled with humor and romance that will have you kicking your feet in the air. This book gives enemies-to-lovers and forbidden romance tropes, as the protagonist Evie is desperate for work and has to take a job with one of the most infamous villains, who is very handsome. If you need a fun and spicy read, I definitely recommend this.

Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

Legendborn is a contemporary YA fantasy that tells the story of Bree Matthews, a bright high schooler who escapes to UNC Chapel Hill for a residential program and witnesses a magical attack by a demon on her very first night on campus. The only people who can hunt down these creatures are the secret society “Legendborn” students, and Bree — if she chooses to unlock her newly found magic. This story also includes romance (duh) and a newfound family element that will warm your heart.

Lady of Darkness by Melissa K. Roehrich

I have seen Lady of Darkness all over my FYP lately, and for good reason! This book is about Scarlett Monrhoe, an assassin who has the chance to complete an assignment that could lead her to revenge against a Fae prince who is responsible for the death of her mother. She ends up finding herself on a separate quest as children from her home go missing, and she decides to work with old friends and a possible lover to solve the mystery. 

The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
@bethsbooktok

Replying to @linda <3 These fantasy books are perfect for reading after Fourth Wing or Iron Flame and will hook you from the first page đź–¤ #booktok #fantasybooktok #fantasybooks #fourthwing #ironflame #singmetosleep #onedarkwindow #onceuponabrokenheart #fallofruinandwrath #serpentofwingsandnight #bookrecs #fypage

♬ original sound – immie

The first book in the Crowns of Nyaxia series, The Serpent and the Wings of Night follows Oraya, who is a human who was adopted by a vampire king. Oraya must enter the Kejari, a tournament held by the goddess of death, with warriors from various vampire houses. In order to live, she finds herself making an alliance with a dangerous, yet alluring, rival.

Brooklyn Frederes is a Her Campus Writer for the Culture and Entertainment section. She writes content about a range of topics, such as pop culture, beauty, fashion, relationships, and self-help. Brooklyn recently graduated from the University of Iowa with a bachelor's degree in Journalism and English with a publishing track, where she focused on fiction and creative writing. She also was a writer and editor for the University of Iowa's Her Campus Chapter, writing and reflecting on personal experiences. In her free time, you can find Brooklyn reading romance novels, brainstorming book ideas, binging time period dramas, spending her money on makeup and skincare products, or hanging out with her sisters. She also is a day-one Swiftie who loves talking about anything Taylor Swift related and obsesses over her music.