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
A Bargain So Bloody by Vasilisa Drake Book Discuss [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:01
Welcome back to Reading Under the Covers! This week Francesca is joined by guests Jen and Angela and they are diving deep into A Bargain So Bloody by Vasilisa Drake, a dark fantasy romance featuring vampires, witches, da…
Spooky Reads, New Book Releases and Book Adaptation News [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:02
This week on Reading Under the Covers Podcast, we are sharing our Novel hour replay where we’re dressed for spooky season and ready to talk Halloween books, the latest new releases, and Julie Plec’s next big magic series…
5 Must-Read October 2025 Book Releases [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:13
In this episode of the Reading Under the Covers Podcast, Francesca shares her top five October 2025 romance book releases. These recommended books span a wide range of subgenres, from primal play in the woods to regency…
Is the BDB TV Show Worth Watching? Our Honest Review [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:16
If you’ve ever thrown a book across the room over a bad adaptation, this episode is for you! In this episode of the Reading Under the Covers Podcast, we’re diving deep into the Black Dagger Brotherhood PassionFlix TV ser…
Cozy Paranormal Escapes! 👻 Julia Quinn Backlash + New Book Releases [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:53
This week on the Reading Under the Covers Podcast, we’re stirring up bookish tea and cozy vibes. From the latest Julia Quinn backlash to lighthearted paranormal romcoms, plus the hottest new book releases, there’s plenty…
New Books, Hispanic Heritage Month, NBA, Musical + MORE [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:02
This week on the Reading Under the Covers Podcast, we’re diving into everything from must-read books by Hispanic and Latinx authors to the buzziest new releases and even a bit of bookish gossip you didn’t see coming.Orig…
Alien Romance, New Releases & BDB First Impressions | Novel Hour Replay [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:55
This week on Novel Hour, we went full chaos—in the best way. In this replay from our YouTube live show, we’re talking:👽 Our favorite alien romance reads (some weird, some adorable, all unhinged)📚 10 must-read new release…