3 Underrated Books Like Fourth Wing (That Aren't Just More Dragon Academies)

3 Underrated Books Like Fourth Wing (That Aren't Just More Dragon Academies)

Author: Under the Covers Book Blog December 19, 2025 Duration: 7:58

If you loved Fourth Wing but you're tired of seeing the same book recommendations everywhere, today on Reading Under the Covers, a romance novel podcast, we are sharing 3 underrated fantasy romance books will give you that addictive enemies-to-lovers, high-stakes magic energy WITHOUT being carbon copies. From dragon shifters to star-powered warriors, these hidden gems deliver everything you crave about Rebecca Yarros' world with fresh twists you won't see coming.

Watch the video: https://youtu.be/KblbB7qwqSI

In this episode, I'm sharing three fantasy romance books that capture the magic, tension, and swoon-worthy romance of Fourth Wing without being obvious copycats. Whether you're craving brutal training academies, morally gray love interests, or epic world-building with dragons (or dragon shifters!), these underrated reads belong on your TBR. Plus, I break down what makes each book similar to Fourth Wing AND what makes it deliciously different, so you know exactly what you're getting into.

📖 BOOKS MENTIONED:

• A Fire in the Sky by Sophie Jordan: https://rstyle.me/+z0elwdHwV9d08XUXRgYhuw

• The Starlight Heir by Amalie Howard: https://rstyle.me/+gz8dJq9EET-UOz8V6XuMWA

• The Seventh Champion by Sylvia Mercedes: https://rstyle.me/+oaxzKb9fR8WtqwTOCqgL6w

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 Introduction: Tired of the Same Old Recommendations?

00:40 Book 1: A Fire in the Sky by Sophie Jordan - Dragon Shifters Meet Game of Thrones

02:31 Book 2: The Starlight Heir by Emily Howard - Craft Weapons with Star Magic

04:19 Book 3: The Seventh Champion by Sylvia Mercedes - The Slowest Burn Fantasy Romance

05:55 Conclusion: Your Next Read and More Recommendations

Loved the episode?

Follow Reading Under the Covers wherever you listen and leave a quick review. It helps more romance readers find us (and lets me know what you’re loving). 💕

💌 Talk to Me:

Got a rec, trope request, or hot take? → Drop me a voice message.

Support the Show:

Enjoyed hanging out? Leave us a tip. Even a dollar keeps the mics on and the coffee flowing.

📚 Stay Connected:

  1. Blog: reviews, book lists, and seasonal reading inspo.
  2. YouTube: book chats, reading lifestyle and recs.
  3. Newsletter: join our insider for the latest updates.

💖 This episode may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting the show!


If you've ever stayed up far too late, utterly lost in the world of a romance novel, you're in the right place. Reading Under the Covers: A Romance Novel Podcast is that feeling, turned into a conversation. Hosted by the two friends behind the Under the Covers Book Blog, this podcast feels like pulling up a chair in your favorite bookstore café. Each episode is a deep, often hilarious, and always heartfelt dive into the books they can't stop thinking about. You'll hear genuine, spoiler-filled discussions that dissect everything from beloved tropes and character chemistry to the sheer craft of storytelling. It's a celebration of the genre in all its forms-historical, contemporary, fantasy, and everything in between. More than just reviews, it's about the shared experience of reading: the anticipation of a new release, the comfort of a re-read, and the joy of finding a perfect book boyfriend. This is a space for fellow enthusiasts who understand that a great romance novel isn't just a story; it's an escape, a comfort, and a source of genuine delight. Tune in for passionate recommendations, thoughtful analysis, and the kind of enthusiastic fangirling that only true friends and book lovers can share.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Reading Under the Covers: A Romance Novel Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Reading The Flame and the Flower for the First Time (Ch. 1–2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:23
Welcome to the very first episode of Ripped & Ravished Book Club, your deep dive into vintage "bodice ripper" romances that helped shape the romance genre as we know it. In this episode of Reading Under the Covers, a rom…
26 Books to Read in 2026 [ 13 Picked by Friends ] [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:10
I asked 13 friends to choose my reading fate for 2026... and added 13 of my own backlist books to make the ultimate 26-book challenge spread. If I don't make it look pretty in my journal, I won't do it...so let's set thi…
Virginia Kantra discusses Meg & Jo | Book Club LIVE [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:49
Novel Hour sits down for a chat with Virginia Kantra to discuss our January book club pick: Meg & Jo.Drop your thoughts in the chat - we want to hear from you!Watch the video: https://youtube.com/live/x1822eXaxpgBooks Me…
Your Guide to Book Genres Beyond the Marketing Labels [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:55
Let’s settle the "Romantasy" debate once and for all. (And yes, we need to talk about Bride by Ali Hazelwood).Does anyone else feel like book genres have gotten completely out of hand lately? We’re throwing around terms…
January Book Haul | Book Mail & eBooks + Outlander Season 7 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:24
Welcome to the Reading Under the Covers podcast. On today's replay of our Novel Hour live show, come for a chat about the latest books we've added to our shelves. Physical and digital.Tune in EVERY THURSDAY at 12 PM ET,…
I'm Documenting Every Read 8 Different Ways in 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:15
Is it excessive? Probably. Do I regret it? Absolutely not. 😅Welcome to the maximalist reading tracking setup of your dreams (or nightmares). In this video, I'm breaking down exactly how, and WHY, I use 8 different system…
January TBR, Reading Goals & Harlequin's AI Drama [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:40
We're back for 2026 with a January TBR stack, some spicy reading goals (or non-goals...we see you, mood readers), and a book club launch that kicks off with Meg and Jo by Virginia Kantra. Plus, we react to the news that…
Top 10 NEW Kindle Unlimited Authors I Found in 2025 (Hidden Gems!) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 14:08
Tired of downloading the same 5 hyped Kindle Unlimited authors from BookTok? Today I’m ranking my Top 10 best new-to-me KU authors of 2025, the hidden gems I had to actually go looking for.We’re talking everything from c…