Last Updated on November 28, 2023 by Louisa
If your child blasted through The Wings of Fire series and is looking for some similar books, then you’ve come to the right place.
The Wings of Fire series is so captivating and easy to read, those enthusiastic and curious young readers can devour them quicker than you can say “dragon”.
Many of my students loved this wonderful fantasy series because it centers on a world filled with dragons that possess many powers.
Although there are 15 books in the main series, there comes a time when the story must end, but if you don’t want your child to lose their reading momentum, then they may enjoy these other books like Wings of Fire.
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Quick Answer: Top 3 Picks!
Need a book fast and don’t have much time? Here are my top three favs!
Our Favourites!
#1 Best Highly Acclaimed Novel
How To Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell
- A humorous children’s book about a Viking village who learn that dragons are not the enemy but can be useful
- A stunningly illustrated book
- Turned into an animated movie
#2 Best Dragon Rider Book
Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke
- About a boy who befriends a dragon and helps it find its clan
- New York Times Bestseller for 78 weeks
- Turned into a feature film in 2020
# 3 Best Fantasy Book
Dragon Slippers by Jessica Day George
- About a young girl who is offered to a dragon to attract the attention of a knight, only she bargains for her life and wins the dragon’s favor
- A Cinderella story involving dragons and magic
- Winner of the 2017 Whitney Award for Best Novel by a New Author
Summary of Wings of Fire
Before I get into the top similar books to Wings of Fire, I’ll just quickly recap the story so that you have some idea of what to expect from this list. If you’re reading Wings of Fire yourself, don’t worry, I won’t reveal any spoilers.
The Wings of Fire series starts by introducing a dragon named Clay and his friends, who grew up under a mountain and were secretly raised by the Talons of Peace to fulfill a prophecy.
The prophecy said that the five young dragons will one day end the war of the tribes of Pyrrhia, but as the series goes on, we learn that not every dragonet wants to follow their destiny.
When one member of the group is threatened, Clay and his friends must decide whether to try to escape and risk everything or follow the path that was set for them.
The series is action-packed and fast-paced, with lots of adventure thrown in for good measure. It also touches on themes of friendship, empathy, and accepting others for their differences.
Popular Books Like Wings of Fire
Now you have been reminded of the Wings of Fire story, it’s time to take a look at my top similar books!
1. How to Train Your Dragon – Cressida Cowell
A classic, humorous book that any fan of Wings of Fire will enjoy is How to Train Your Dragon. The series is a fantasy adventure tale about Vikings and dragons.
We follow the story of young Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, who is a quiet, delicate boy and the son of the Chief of the Hairy Hooligans.
He has never fit in, but like everyone else, he has to go through the initiation to become a true Viking of his clan.
And as he struggles through these tests, he finds a way to train and befriend dragons, making a name for himself in a new way.
This book is an excellent story for any kid who feels like an outsider.
Even though it’s full of funny, fantastical elements, the heart of the story rings true. The story is action-packed and hilariously illustrated, an excellent read for kids in late elementary and middle school!
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2. The Capture – Kathryn Lasky
The Capture is a beloved children’s series about a mythological world and society of owls who fight evil.
It begins with the young hatchling Soren, who falls out of the nest and is taken to St. Auggies School for Orphaned Owls.
While he struggles with the new world he’s entered, he makes friends and learns there is much more to the wide world than a little owl chick could ever dream of.
This book is adventurous and fun while also teaching the values of loyalty and honesty. It beautifully illustrates the power of the stories we tell ourselves in a way no other book has.
Even if this is a children’s book aimed at ages 8-10, it can also be enjoyed by adults and tweens, and teens too. This is definitely a great read if you love the expansive, magical world of The Wings of Fire. And if you love owls!
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3. Spirit Animals – Brandon Mull
Have you ever wondered what your spirit animal would be? Or have you had conversations like this with your child? Then you can spark that conversation with your child after they’ve read Spirit Animals.
The four main characters from very different backgrounds across the world all go through a miraculous ceremony that conjures up their spirit animal.
Four animals are revealed: a wolf, a leopard, a panda, and a falcon. Just as suddenly as the animals appear, so do the lives of the four children and the world around them.
In this world, the bond between a child and their spirit animal gives them tremendous power, and when a dark force emerges from far-distant lands, they may need to use it.
Like Wings of Fire, the story centers on an incredible band of characters who work together to defend what is good and right.
The story centers on friendship and standing up for the right things, even in the scariest situations. It’s another great read for that middle school reading level.
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4. Dragon Slippers – Jessica Day George
This is one of those amazing fantasy books really brings to light the unique powers of friendship and the special bond between animals and humans.
It begins with Creel, a young girl, sacrificed to a dragon. But instead of being terrified, she bargains with the dragon and receives beautiful, simple slippers.
But they are no normal slippers. She now possesses a powerful tool that could save her warring kingdom or destroy it.
With her new tool, she embarks on an adventure that will include love, war, dragons, and some beautiful slippers.
This witty fantasy story turns the idea of a damsel in distress on its head.
This is the first of a trilogy of books, so if you love the first, don’t fear!
There are more where it came from. I love that it has a strong, three-dimensional female character at the center of it. Creel is passionate and intelligent, using her wit to solve her problems.
A great character for any kid to look up to, just like the brave little dragons in The Wings of Fire.
But definitely for older kiddos rather than elementary and middle school, as the writing style is a bit more challenging for ages under 10.
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Adventurous Books Like Wings of Fire
If you’re looking for a book with more action, then you’ll love these adventurous books Like Wings of Fire...
5. Dragon Rider – Cornlia Funke
A simple, sweeping tale of a boy, a dragon, and their journey in a world full of magic and mystery. If your child is a fan of Harry Potter as well as Wings of Fire, they will love this series.
Ben and his dragon named Firedrake meet a little brownie friend (a fairy) named Sorrel, and together they search for a place where the silver dragons live in peace.
But as they journey, making new friends and encountering surprises (some wonderful and some not), darkness lurks behind them.
An enemy follows them, who has been waiting for some time to kill the last dragon that ever lived.
I absolutely love any dragon rider books, especially the Dragon Rider series. Anything by Cornelia Funke is fantastic because she elegantly combines elevated prose and narrative, then weaves it into a story that anyone could understand.
This is a smaller fantasy world than some of her higher-reading-level works, but it’s just as enjoyable. Friendships are highlighted, as well as being kind to everyone you meet and finding joy in the journey.
This could be a perfect pick if you want a book to satisfy a kiddo’s hunger for more dragon stories!
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6. The Adventurer’s Guild – Zach Loran Clark
If you’re looking for an easy-to-read middle-grade fiction novel then The Adventurer’s Guild is the ideal book.
The story follows two boys who are left in one of the final cities not captured by monsters, and are entering the age where they will become members of a guild.
Zed Kagari, a half-elf, wishes to join the Magnes Guild. His best friend, Brock Dunderfel, a handsome merchant’s son, hopes to continue his family’s legacy in the Merchant Guild.
But through the twists and turns of fate, the boys end up in the Adventurer’s Guild, where few choose to go. Their members often die young.
This is a fast-paced, action-filled story of friendship and fighting the darkest things around you.
The two boys must make friends and do with their new guild until they discover something more dangerous than the Adventurers Guild itself.
If you loved the magic and battles of The Wings of Fire, this book would be perfect. An excellent read for any upper elementary or middle school kiddo.
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7. Gregor the Overlander – Suzanne Collins
Gregor the Overlander is another masterpiece at the hands of Suzanne Collins, writer of The Hunger Games. Although this book is intended for a younger audience than The Hunger Games and would be ideal for a middle-grade kid.
It all begins with Gregor, a young boy who has lost his father, falling through a grate.
He discovers a whole new world in the city of New York. Here, humans, rats, bats, and cockroaches all live, but tensely.
As the war grows stronger on the horizon, Gregor’s arrival is connected to a prophecy that will change his and the future of the Underland forever.
This book is the first in a fantastic series of five and explores some impressive themes for children’s books, especially the last two.
Finding friendship in the darkest of places, the power of goodness, and even themes of death and grief are tackled in this series.
Quit honestly. This one is a bit of a hidden gem. If you loved the adventurous band of The Wings of Fire as they fought against the powerful evils of their world, but are looking for something more subterranean, then this may be a series for you!
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8. Eragon – Christopher Paolini
This book was first published when the author was just nineteen and is the first in an epic quartet.
Although I will be honest, it’s a huge book of 544 pages, and though it’s intended for ages 11+, it’s a bit like The Hobbit in that it’s intended for kids but adults love it more.
It begins with Eragon, a young farm boy, finding what he thinks is a finely polished stone that could bring him and his family food for the winter.
When instead, the “stone” brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon realizes he is encountering a world older than even the Empire he lives in.
Overnight, his world changes as he enters the world of magic, power, and destiny, with nothing but a sword, the words of stories, and a young dragon at his side.
This book is a sweeping story about what it means to follow a different path and find a destiny outside the world you know.
I love Eragon for its beautiful descriptions of nature and action-packed scenes combined masterfully. This is definitely a book for the older kiddo in your life, think upper middle school or teens, as it is pretty wordy at times.
But, the heart of it is a story that anyone could enjoy, especially if you are looking for another exciting world of dragons like The Wings of Fire series.
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Unique Books Like Wings of Fire
Want something a little different? Here are some unique similar books to Wings of Fire…
9. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon – Grace Lin
A carefully woven story in the world of Chinese myths and legends, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is an incredible fantasy story, which is why it was listed as one of TIME Magazine’s best fantasy books of all time.
The story follows a young girl, Minli, who spends her days working hard and her night’s listening to her father’s fantastical tales.
One night, he tells Minli of the Jade Dragon and the Old Men in the Moon until Minli’s mother scolds him.
But the girl is intrigued and sets off on a quest to find the Old Men on the Moon and change her family’s lives forever.
The first time I read this book, I absolutely fell in love. The interweaving of stories is so well done.
I loved the highlighted Chinese myths because that’s not a world of fantasy I had encountered. This is an excellent read for any age, for kids and beyond!
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10. Aru Shah and the End of Time – Roshani Chokshi
Another one of TIME Magazine’s top 100 fantasy novels is Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi.
The story follows Aru, a young girl who is always telling tales, stretching the truth, but it makes sense.
All around her, the kids from her school are setting off on their vacations for a break, and she’s stuck at home in the Museum of Ancient Indian Art.
One day, some of her classmates come to catch her in the lie that the Lamp of Bharata is cursed, so she lights it to prove them wrong.
But instead, she releases the Sleeper, a demon who will awaken the God of Destruction. As the people around her are frozen in time, it is up to Aru to save them and the world.
This great story can introduce you and your kids to a new world of Hindu and Indian mythology. If you loved the wide world and prophecies of The Wings of Fire, this is a great book to add to your list!
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11. The Girl Who Drank the Moon – Kelly Barnhill
Another middle-grade fantasy novel that is loved by not only children, but adults as well, is the Newberry Medal-winning novel, The Girl Who Drank the Moon.
Every year, the town leaves a baby as an offering to the witch in the forest to keep her away.
But the witch, Xan, is kind. And with the help of the Swamp Monster and the Perfectly tiny dragon, Fyrian, with whom she shares her home, she rescues the children and delivers them to a town on the other side of the forest.
But this time, she feeds the new baby moonlight instead of starlight, giving her magical powers.
She keeps the girl, Luna, and hides the magic deep within her. But when the magic appears near her thirteenth birthday, Xan is far away, and the village is looking to kill the witch.
This is a riveting read, with a strong female protagonist and a fast-moving plot.
It feels like a classic fairytale, but like the one, you have never read—an excellent book for kids of all ages, even just kids at heart.
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12. Red Wall – Brian Jacques
This is one of those amazing classic fantasy books that will be loved by children for generations. One of the reasons I love it is because the heroes are all woodland creatures, from shrews, stoats, beavers and mice.
However, it’s more commonly known for the mouth-watering feast scenes and a beautiful abbey where the talking woodland creatures live!
The Abbey is a peaceful place, home to a community of peaceful mice and their friends.
Until the threat of Cluny the Scourge, a rat warlord, destroys their peaceful world. But while they may be peaceful, the Abbey of Redwall isn’t going to go down without a fight.
This was one of the unique fantasy books that I adored growing up. Like in The Wings of Fire, the books’ friendships and worlds draw the reader in.
This series has been adored for decades, and I hope it continues to be enjoyed for years.
If you are looking for a peaceful world to read about and descriptions of food that will make you salivate, this is the series for you! It’s definitely a middle-school reading level, but anyone could enjoy it.
Red Wall is the first book series that centers on Redwall Abbey.
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13. Dragon School – Sarah K. L. Wilson
Dragon School is a series of 12 books by USA Today’s Bestselling author Sarah K.L. Wilson. The story follows the adventures of a disabled teen and her dragon.
Sixteen-year-old Amel has been rejected from society because of her disability. Not wanting to burden her family or peers, she travels to Dragon School for one last chance to gain respect.
She will leave respectfully if she can find a place among the Dragon Riders. If she fails, she dies.
But everything changes when Raolcan, an empathetic dragon, chooses her as his rider.
I love how the main protagonist of this book has a disability as it teaches children that you can still be strong and brave despite having an impairment of some form.
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14. Dragonriders of Pern – Anne McCaffrey
From the New York Times bestselling author Anne McCaffrey, The Dragonriders of Pern is a fantasy series about a world called Pern. The world-building in this novel is amazing and there is so much detail you could almost feel like it’s real.
The story reminds me of Star Wars but with dragons.
The story starts when Pern is under attack.
Only Lessa, an outcast and strong woman who shares a telepathic bond with a dragon, can save the world.
What follows is a 25-book adventure to save the world. And as each book is around 300 pages long, it will keep your child quiet for a while!
The Dragonriders of Pern Series is one of the world’s most beloved science-fiction series about dragon riders and should not be missed off any dragon fans reading list! Although it is aimed at upper middle grade children.
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15. His Majesty’s Dragon – Naomi Novik
Are you looking for a fantasy story with amazing world-building but also has some historical elements? Then His Majesty’s Dragon is for you! The story is set during the Napoleonic Wars, where dragons are flown instead of planes.
The story begins when the HMS Reliant captures a French ship and they find an unhatched dragon egg.
We then meet Captain William Laurence, who forms a bond with the dragon and the dragon then chooses him as his rider.
It is then up to the captain and his dragon, Temeraire, to enter the war. Whilst along the way they learn to understand each other and strengthen their bond.
If you love regency fiction and fantasy, this is a great read. It’s intended for adults more than children though, so if you’re looking for something for your kid then this might be too challenging for them.
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Final Word on Books Like Wings of Fire
So there you have it, those are what I consider to be the best books like Wings of Fire, and as you can see, there are a lot of great and diverse fantasy books on this list.
Although most of them are catered toward middle-grade readers, I’ve also added a few more mature books in there for some of my adult readers.
I hope you found something you’re looking for on this list. If you have any more recommendations or have any questions, feel free to reach out to me in the comments!
