If you’re waiting for this or the sequel, Iron Flame, to pop up on your hold shelf, worry not! This list contains read-alikes for this series. Whether you’re looking for epic fantasy world-building, dragons, strong female characters, enemies to lovers romance, or a combination of it all, there’s a book for you here.
Fireborne by Rosaria Munda
After a brutal revolution opens the ruling dragonrider classes everyone, two orphans jockey for the position of Firstrider. Anne, who’s family was executed under the old regime is the top contender but carries a secret about her contender and close friend Lee. When survivors of the old regime rise up to start a war, the two must examine their loyalties to family, friend, self, and city.
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
Based off the legend of George and the dragon from the sixteenth century, Shannon tells the story of a queen who would survive assassination attempts to continue her ruling line. The queen decides to protect her line by forbidden magic by a court outsider. Meanwhile, a secret society does their best to prevent a dragon war. Told through four narrators, she explores the relationship between religion, custom, and territory.
A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik
Red Sister by Mark Lawerence
Charged with attempted murder, Nona is saved from the noose by a nun. She’s taken to a convent where girls are selected to train in either religion, combat, or magic. While she hones her abilities, she makes friends at the convent. However, Nona soon finds herself in the center of an epic battle for empire.
Child of Light by Terry Brooks
Remembering nothing before being imprisoned by goblins in the middle of a wasteland, nineteen-year-old Auris dreams of her past. Before she is required to move to the adult prison, her and several other prisoners enact a bold escape. After escaping Auris meets a handsome stranger who claims to be a member of a magical race and insists that she is too. She’ll follow the stranger to a strange land to learn of her past and unlock her future.
A Crown of Ivy and Glass by Claire Legrand
Gemma is the only person in her family born without possession of magic. It makes her physically sick. She upholds a glittering façade but is deeply sad. After a harrowing trip to visit her exiled sister, she meets a kind and handsome Talan. The pair team up, masquerading as a couple, to defeat the forces aligning against her family and to return honor to Talan’s fallen family.
Heartstone by Elle Katherine White
In this fanciful retelling of Pride and Prejudice, the residents of Merybourne Manor undergo constant attacks from monstrous creatures. Aliza Bentaine agrees when the people of Merybourne want to hire Riders to fight these creatures; she lost her sister in an attack afterall. The only thing she’s not sure of is the dragon-rider Alastair. The two find an unlikely attraction in each other, as the ever-present danger around them increases.
From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Poppy’s life has never been her own. She was chosen from birth to user in a new era, and the entire kingdom’s future rests on her shoulders. While grappling with what she truly wants, she meets Hawke and duty and destiny combine with desire and need. They’ll both be put to the test when a fallen kingdom rises from its ashes to take back what they believe is theirs through vengeance and violence.