Summary: In this article, I've compiled 20 of the best books I find similar to Iron flame that will surely keep you thrilled, here are my top 3 picks:
- A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
- From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
- The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
Books like Iron Flame captivate with their mix of epic fantasy, high-stakes romance, and bold characters discovering their strength amidst danger and betrayal. For fans, these novels offer thrilling adventures, emotional depth, and richly imagined worlds that celebrate resilience and passion.
TOP 20: Best Books Similar to Iron Flame
- A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
- From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout
- The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent
- Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
- The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
- An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
- Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
- The Iron King by Julie Kagawa
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
- His Majesty's Dragon by Naomi Novik
- The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon
- Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard
- Graceling by Kristin Cashore
- The Shadows Between Us by Tricia Levenseller
- Serpent & Dove by Shelby Mahurin
- The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
- The Bridge Kingdom by Danielle L. Jensen
- The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
- The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty
- Crown of Feathers by Nicki Pau Preto
1. A Court of Thorns and Roses
- Author: Sarah J. Maas
- About: Feyre, a mortal huntress, is drawn into the faerie realm after killing a wolf, discovering a world of magic, danger, and unexpected love.
- Style of Writing: Lush and descriptive, with a focus on character development and intricate world-building.
- Length: Approximately 130,000 words.
- Year Written: 2015
- Emotional Impact: High; the novel evokes deep emotions through its romantic and adventurous narrative.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; suitable for young adult and adult readers.
- Why Read It: Offers a captivating blend of romance and fantasy, reimagining classic fairy tales with a modern twist.
2. From Blood and Ash
- Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
- About: Poppy, a Maiden chosen from birth, grapples with her destiny and forbidden desires in a world on the brink of war.
- Style of Writing: Engaging and fast-paced, balancing dialogue and descriptive narrative.
- Length: Approximately 170,000 words.
- Year Written: 2020
- Emotional Impact: High; the story evokes strong emotions through its romantic and suspenseful elements.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible to both young adult and adult audiences.
- Why Read It: Combines fantasy, romance, and intrigue, with well-developed characters and a richly imagined world.
3. The Serpent and the Wings of Night
- Author: Carissa Broadbent
- About: Oraya, a human adopted by a vampire king, enters a deadly tournament to secure her freedom, forming unexpected alliances along the way.
- Style of Writing: Dark and atmospheric, with detailed world-building and complex character dynamics.
- Length: Approximately 150,000 words.
- Year Written: 2022
- Emotional Impact: High; explores themes of identity, power, and sacrifice, leaving a profound impact.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; suitable for mature young adult and adult readers due to thematic content.
- Why Read It: Delivers a gripping tale of survival and self-discovery within a unique fantasy setting.
4. Throne of Glass
- Author: Sarah J. Maas
- About: Celaena Sardothien, an assassin, is offered freedom if she can defeat her opponents in a competition to become the king's champion.
- Style of Writing: Descriptive and character-driven, with intricate plotting and world-building.
- Length: Approximately 100,000 words.
- Year Written: 2012
- Emotional Impact: High; readers experience a range of emotions through the protagonist's journey.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; suitable for young adult readers.
- Why Read It: Combines action, intrigue, and romance in a richly developed fantasy world.
5. The Priory of the Orange Tree
- Author: Samantha Shannon
- About: An epic standalone novel that weaves together the tales of a queen under pressure to produce an heir, a lady-in-waiting guarding a forbidden secret, and an ancient enemy awakening.
- Style of Writing: Expansive and detailed, with multiple perspectives and deep world-building.
- Length: Approximately 270,000 words.
- Year Written: 2019
- Emotional Impact: High; explores themes of duty, love, and sacrifice.
- Difficulty Level: Advanced; complex narrative suitable for adult readers.
- Why Read It: Offers a richly imagined world with strong female characters and a fresh take on dragon lore.
6. An Ember in the Ashes
- Author: Sabaa Tahir
- About: Set in a world inspired by ancient Rome, a slave and a soldier find their destinies intertwined as they fight against tyranny.
- Style of Writing: Fast-paced and immersive, with alternating perspectives.
- Length: Approximately 110,000 words.
- Year Written: 2015
- Emotional Impact: High; intense and gripping, with themes of resistance and hope.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; suitable for young adult readers.
- Why Read It: Combines action, romance, and political intrigue in a compelling setting.
7. Children of Blood and Bone
- Author: Tomi Adeyemi
- About: Set in a West African-inspired fantasy world, this story follows Zélie, a young girl on a quest to restore magic to her oppressed people while confronting a ruthless monarchy and her own personal struggles.
- Style of Writing: Vivid and lyrical, with rich cultural influences and a strong focus on emotions and character development.
- Length: Approximately 120,000 words.
- Year Written: 2018
- Emotional Impact: High; the book leaves a lasting impression with its themes of loss, resilience, and the fight for justice.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Why Read It: This book offers a powerful story of rebellion, identity, and hope, all set in a beautifully imagined world inspired by African culture and mythology.
8. The Iron King
- Author: Julie Kagawa
- About: Meghan Chase discovers her heritage as the daughter of a faery king and embarks on a dangerous journey into the magical world of the Nevernever.
- Style of Writing: Fast-paced and imaginative, with a touch of whimsy and suspense.
- Length: Approximately 100,000 words.
- Year Written: 2010
- Emotional Impact: Moderate; a fun and adventurous read with heartfelt moments.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate; suitable for young adult readers.
- Why Read It: Offers a whimsical dive into faerie lore with action and romance.
9. The Hunger Games
- Author: Suzanne Collins
- About: Katniss Everdeen volunteers for a televised death match in a dystopian world, challenging the oppressive regime.
- Style of Writing: Tense and action-packed, with a focus on survival and rebellion.
- Length: Approximately 100,000 words.
- Year Written: 2008
- Emotional Impact: High; explores deep themes of sacrifice, morality, and resistance.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible for young adult and adult readers.
- Why Read It: Combines intense action and moral dilemmas in a dystopian setting.
10. His Majesty's Dragon
- Author: Naomi Novik
- About: A British naval captain bonds with a rare dragon during the Napoleonic Wars, altering the course of his life and the war.
- Style of Writing: Elegant and historical, with a focus on character relationships and adventure.
- Length: Approximately 150,000 words.
- Year Written: 2006
- Emotional Impact: Moderate; offers a heartwarming and adventurous story.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; appeals to fans of historical and fantasy fiction.
- Why Read It: A unique blend of historical fiction and dragon lore.
11. The Bone Season
- Author: Samantha Shannon
- About: Paige Mahoney, a clairvoyant in a dystopian London, is captured and discovers a hidden society where she must harness her abilities to survive.
- Style of Writing: Complex and layered, with rich world-building and intricate plots.
- Length: Approximately 135,000 words.
- Year Written: 2013
- Emotional Impact: High; explores themes of oppression, identity, and rebellion.
- Difficulty Level: Advanced; suitable for adult readers who enjoy intricate narratives.
- Why Read It: A thought-provoking dystopian fantasy with unique lore.
12. Red Queen
- Author: Victoria Aveyard
- About: Mare Barrow's world is divided by blood—common Reds and elite Silvers with magical powers. When Mare discovers her own abilities, her life changes forever.
- Style of Writing: Fast-paced and engaging, with twists and political intrigue.
- Length: Approximately 130,000 words.
- Year Written: 2015
- Emotional Impact: High; keeps readers invested with its suspense and romance.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; suitable for young adult readers.
- Why Read It: Combines action, romance, and power struggles in a dystopian setting.
13. Graceling
- Author: Kristin Cashore
- About: Katsa, a young woman with a deadly grace, becomes embroiled in a conspiracy that could destroy the seven kingdoms.
- Style of Writing: Thoughtful and descriptive, with strong character focus.
- Length: Approximately 115,000 words.
- Year Written: 2008
- Emotional Impact: High; leaves a lasting impression with its themes of empowerment and justice.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; appeals to young adult and adult readers.
- Why Read It: Features a strong heroine and a richly developed fantasy world.
14. The Shadows Between Us
- Author: Tricia Levenseller
- About: Alessandra plans to seduce, marry, and kill the Shadow King, but her feelings complicate her ambitions.
- Style of Writing: Dark and witty, with a focus on romance and intrigue.
- Length: Approximately 95,000 words.
- Year Written: 2020
- Emotional Impact: Moderate; entertaining and seductive with clever twists.
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate; suitable for young adult readers.
- Why Read It: A refreshing take on antiheroes and romantic fantasy.
15. Serpent & Dove
- Author: Shelby Mahurin
- About: A witch and a witch hunter are forced into a reluctant alliance and an arranged marriage, leading to a story of forbidden love and danger.
- Style of Writing: Humorous and dramatic, with rich dialogue and character dynamics.
- Length: Approximately 115,000 words.
- Year Written: 2019
- Emotional Impact: High; combines humor, romance, and heartfelt moments.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; accessible for young adult and adult readers.
- Why Read It: Delivers a perfect mix of romance, magic, and action.
16. The Cruel Prince
- Author: Holly Black
- About: Jude, a mortal girl, becomes embroiled in the treacherous politics of the Faerie Court, striving for power and acceptance.
- Style of Writing: Lyrical and sharp, with a focus on dark intrigue and relationships.
- Length: Approximately 100,000 words.
- Year Written: 2018
- Emotional Impact: High; a compelling exploration of power and ambition.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; suitable for young adult and adult readers.
- Why Read It: An addictive tale of power, betrayal, and faerie lore.
17. The Bridge Kingdom
- Author: Danielle L. Jensen
- About: Lara, trained as a spy, is sent to destroy the Bridge Kingdom but finds herself questioning her mission as she grows closer to its king.
- Style of Writing: Romantic and suspenseful, with detailed world-building.
- Length: Approximately 105,000 words.
- Year Written: 2019
- Emotional Impact: High; combines political intrigue and heartfelt romance.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; appeals to fans of romantic fantasy.
- Why Read It: Perfect for readers who love slow-burn romance with high stakes.
18. The Poppy War
- Author: R.F. Kuang
- About: Rin, a war orphan, discovers her connection to an ancient power and must decide how far she will go in a brutal war that threatens her world.
- Style of Writing: Gritty and intense, with a focus on military strategy and moral complexity.
- Length: Approximately 190,000 words.
- Year Written: 2018
- Emotional Impact: Very high; deeply impactful with its exploration of war, power, and trauma.
- Difficulty Level: Advanced; suited for mature readers due to dark themes.
- Why Read It: Offers a unique blend of historical and mythological fantasy with complex characters.
19. The City of Brass
- Author: S.A. Chakraborty
- About: Nahri, a con artist in 18th-century Cairo, accidentally summons a djinn warrior and is swept into the magical world of Daevabad.
- Style of Writing: Rich and immersive, with lush descriptions and intricate political intrigue.
- Length: Approximately 200,000 words.
- Year Written: 2017
- Emotional Impact: High; leaves a lasting impression with its themes of loyalty, identity, and power struggles.
- Difficulty Level: Advanced; appeals to readers who enjoy detailed world-building and complex plots.
- Why Read It: A beautifully crafted tale of magic, politics, and adventure in a Middle Eastern-inspired setting.
20. Crown of Feathers
- Author: Nicki Pau Preto
- About: Veronyka, a girl who dreams of becoming a phoenix rider, disguises herself as a boy to join their ranks in a tale of rebellion and sisterhood.
- Style of Writing: Emotional and vivid, with alternating perspectives and rich descriptions.
- Length: Approximately 140,000 words.
- Year Written: 2019
- Emotional Impact: High; explores themes of loyalty, family, and resilience.
- Difficulty Level: Moderate; suitable for young adult readers.
- Why Read It: A compelling story with strong female characters, phoenix lore, and a well-crafted fantasy world.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for your next fantasy obsession after Iron Flame, I think A Court of Thorns and Roses, From Blood and Ash, and The Serpent and the Wings of Night are absolute must-reads. These books hooked me with their thrilling adventures, unforgettable romance, and richly crafted worlds, and I’m sure they’ll do the same for you. Whether you’re drawn to faerie magic, forbidden love, or epic battles for survival, these stories capture all the intensity and heart that made Iron Flame so addictive. Trust me, you won’t want to put them down!
