Fantasy readers love a good magical academy—whether it's training wizards, warriors, or, in the case of Fourth Wing, dragon riders. Rebecca Yarros' BookTok phenomenon charmed audiences with Violet Sorrengail, a military general's daughter who seems utterly unsuited for the brutal world of Basgiath War College. It's a classic setup: an underdog enters a school, discovers hidden strength, and uncovers a destiny far bigger than herself.
But while Fourth Wing has earned its devoted fanbase, it's hardly the only fantasy novel to turn magical education into an unforgettable adventure. In fact, several other books do it with more originality, deeper world-building, and characters who feel less like tropes and more like real, flawed people. From a reluctant demigod to a war orphan with a dangerous gift, here are five fantasy books that arguably surpass Fourth Wing.
The Poppy War (2018)
R.F. Kuang's The Poppy War introduces Fang “Rin” Runin, a war orphan raised in near-slavery by foster parents in a rural village. Determined to escape an arranged marriage, she studies obsessively to pass the Keju—the empire's brutal national exams—and earns a spot at Sinegard, the elite military academy. But getting in is only the beginning. Surrounded by privileged classmates, Rin must prove her worth while learning to control powers that threaten to consume her.
Where Fourth Wing leans on the familiar dragon-rider motif, The Poppy War draws from Chinese history, weaving in the imperial exam system, military hierarchy, and the devastating role of opium. Rin isn't your typical heroine—she's impulsive, often reckless, and makes choices that lead to catastrophic consequences. Her hunger for power turns her into her own worst enemy, making her journey far more complex than a simple rise-to-glory arc. Kuang's novel is a gripping, morally ambiguous epic that stays with you long after the final page.
The Atlas Six (2020)
If you think school is a place for learning and growth, The Atlas Six will change your mind. While Fourth Wing trains soldiers, Olivie Blake's novel takes a darker, more psychological approach to education. The story centers on the Alexandrian Society, a secretive group of elite magical scholars who guard ancient knowledge. Six gifted individuals—each with unique abilities—are invited to live together in a secluded London estate for a year. The catch? Only five will be initiated, meaning one must be eliminated.
The Society isn't as noble as it seems. As the candidates compete, the selection process becomes a game of manipulation, secrets, and sabotage. Readers are left questioning whether the Society truly wants these magicians to thrive or simply sees them as pawns in an intellectual power play. While Fourth Wing prepares students for physical warfare, The Atlas Six fights a different kind of battle—one waged with wit, betrayal, and mind games. It's a cerebral, addictive read that will keep you guessing until the very end.
A Deadly Education (2020)
Naomi Novik's A Deadly Education drops readers into the Scholomance, a magical school where survival is the only curriculum. There are no teachers, no holidays, and monsters lurk in every corner—from classrooms to ventilation shafts. Galadriel “El” Higgins, a half-Welsh, half-Indian sorceress, is an outcast due to her dangerously destructive powers. She must navigate the school's brutal social hierarchy while trying not to get eaten—or accidentally destroy everything around her.
Both A Deadly Education and Fourth Wing feature students in perilous magical institutions, but Novik takes the danger to another level. The Scholomance is a pressure cooker where wealth and connections can mean the difference between life and death. Students from powerful enclaves have access to better resources and magical protections, while others are left to fend for themselves. It's a sharp commentary on privilege, wrapped in a thrilling survival story. If you want a magical school that feels genuinely deadly, this is it.
Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2005)
Before Fourth Wing made dragon riders cool, Rick Riordan introduced us to Percy Jackson, a twelve-year-old who discovers he's the son of Poseidon. Sent to Camp Half-Blood, a summer camp for demigods, Percy learns that the Greek gods are real—and that he's at the center of a prophecy that could shake the world. His quest to retrieve Zeus's stolen lightning bolt takes him across the United States, battling monsters and uncovering secrets about his past.
While Fourth Wing is rooted in a military academy, Percy Jackson offers a more accessible, witty take on the magical school trope. Percy is a relatable hero—struggling with dyslexia and ADHD, but also brave and loyal. Riordan's world is rich with mythology, humor, and heart, making it a favorite for readers of all ages. It's a series that has stood the test of time, and for good reason.
Uprooted (2015)
Naomi Novik strikes again with Uprooted, a standalone fantasy that blends fairy tale and dark magic. Agnieszka lives in a village near the corrupted Wood, a malevolent forest that steals people and twists them into monstrous forms. The local wizard, known as the Dragon, protects the valley but demands a young woman as payment every ten years. When Agnieszka is chosen, she discovers she has a wild, untamed magic that defies the Dragon's rigid teachings.
Unlike Fourth Wing's structured military training, Uprooted explores magic as something organic and unpredictable. Agnieszka's journey is about embracing her own unique abilities rather than conforming to a system. The Wood is a terrifying antagonist, and the relationship between Agnieszka and the Dragon is complex and compelling. It's a beautifully written, atmospheric tale that proves Novik is a master of the genre.
These five books offer something Fourth Wing doesn't: a deeper exploration of magic, more intricate plots, and characters whose struggles feel genuinely earned. Whether you're looking for historical inspiration, psychological intrigue, or pure survival horror, these novels are sure to satisfy your fantasy cravings. And if you're in the mood for more magical reads, check out our list of cozy fantasy books or dive into epic fantasy sagas that rival Tolkien. Happy reading!
