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 for 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
Scholomance is an elite school of magic where only the strongest survive, literally. An unwilling dark sorceress destined to rewrite the rules of magic must team up with another student with a gift for slaying monsters. But is he trying to help or does he have sinister ulterior motives?
Red Sister by Mark Lawrence
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.
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.