15 Must-Read Books for Fans of 'Iron Flame' and the Empyrean Series: Epic Fantasies and Dystopian Adventures Await

Nov 14

by Jessica Jones

For readers who have been captivated by the enthralling narratives and rich fantasy worlds of "Iron Flame" and the Empyrean series, the quest for similar books can be as exciting as the stories themselves. The allure of these series lies in their blend of mystical elements, intricate world-building, and the profound journeys of their characters. The following list of 15 books is curated to resonate with fans of these series. Each book, with its unique charm and narrative style, promises to transport readers into realms filled with magic, dragons, heroic struggles, and intricate political machinations. From epic high fantasies to gripping dystopian tales, these recommendations are tailored to echo the themes you loved in the Empyrean series, ensuring that your reading adventure continues with the same fervor.

1. "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas

This fantasy series features a strong female protagonist and a detailed fantasy world, similar to the Empyrean series. It blends elements of magic, intrigue, and action.

"Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas is a captivating fantasy novel that follows the story of Celaena Sardothien, a young assassin serving a life sentence in the salt mines of Endovier. Her fortunes change when she is offered a chance at freedom by competing as the Crown Prince's champion in a tournament to find a new royal assassin. Set in a richly detailed world filled with magic, intrigue, and betrayal, the book combines elements of action, romance, and adventure, presenting a strong female protagonist on her journey to reclaim her freedom and confront her past.

2. "Divergent" by Veronica Roth

A dystopian novel with a strong young female lead, dealing with themes of societal divisions and personal identity, akin to the challenges faced in the Empyrean series.

"Divergent" by Veronica Roth is a gripping dystopian novel set in a future world where society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to cultivating a particular virtue. The story follows Beatrice "Tris" Prior, who faces the challenge of choosing her faction and grappling with her identity in a society that demands conformity. As she uncovers the underlying conflicts and secrets of her seemingly perfect society, Tris also confronts questions of courage, loyalty, and love. The novel is known for its strong young female lead and themes that explore the complexities of choice and individuality.

3. "A Game of Thrones” by George R.R. Martin

Known for its complex characters and intricate political plotlines, this series shares the epic scope and depth of world-building seen in the Empyrean series.

"A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin is an epic fantasy novel set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos. The story is known for its complex characters and multi-layered plot, involving noble families vying for the Iron Throne and control of the Seven Kingdoms. With intricate political intrigue, dynamic character relationships, and a vast world rich in history and lore, the novel introduces readers to a realm where summers and winters can last years, and where danger and deceit lurk in every corner. The book is the first in a series celebrated for its realistic portrayal of power struggles and moral ambiguity.

4. “His Majesty’s Dragon (Temeraire)" by Naomi Novik

Combining historical fiction with fantasy, this novel explores human-dragon bonds, resonating with the dragon-centric themes in the Empyrean series.

"His Majesty’s Dragon" by Naomi Novik is a unique blend of historical fiction and fantasy set during the Napoleonic Wars. The novel introduces an alternate history where dragons are real and used in aerial combat. The story centers around Captain Will Laurence, a member of the British Navy, who discovers a rare dragon egg that hatches into a dragon he names Temeraire. The bond between Laurence and Temeraire grows as they train to become part of the Aerial Corps, facing both the challenges of war and the complexities of a society reshaped by the presence of these magnificent creatures.

5. "Joust: Dragon Jousters Book #1" by Mercedes Lackey

This series is centered around dragons and their riders, offering a similar blend of fantasy and adventure as the Empyrean series.

"Joust" by Mercedes Lackey is a fantasy novel set in a world where dragon jousting is a central aspect of society. The story follows Vetch, a young serf who escapes a life of servitude when he is chosen to become a dragon boy, responsible for the care of these magnificent creatures. As he learns about dragon care and the art of jousting, Vetch discovers a deeper connection to these dragons and embarks on a journey that will challenge his beliefs and his place in the world. The book weaves themes of freedom, loyalty, and the bond between human and dragon in a richly imagined setting.

6. "Children of Blood and Bone (Legacy of Orisha, #1)" by Tomi Adeyemi

A fantasy novel rich in magic and mythology, it explores themes of oppression and rebellion, much like the Empyrean series.

"Children of Blood and Bone" by Tomi Adeyemi is a fantasy novel set in the world of Orïsha, where magic once flourished. The story follows Zélie Adebola, who remembers a time before magic was brutally suppressed and its practitioners persecuted. When she has a chance to bring back magic and strike against the oppressive monarchy, Zélie embarks on a dangerous journey, aided by unlikely allies. The book combines West African mythology with a rich narrative, exploring themes of oppression, resistance, and the struggle to reclaim one's heritage and power.

7. "The Atlas Six" by Olivie Blake

This book delves into a world of magic and secret societies, offering a complex narrative and morally ambiguous characters, akin to the Empyrean series.

"The Atlas Six" by Olivie Blake is a dark fantasy novel centered around the secretive Alexandrian Society. Every ten years, the society invites six exceptional individuals, each a prodigy in their field of magic, to join their ranks. The chosen six are faced with the opportunity of a lifetime, but there's a catch: only five will be initiated. The novel delves into the complexities of magic, secrets, and morality, weaving a story where the characters must navigate alliances, power struggles, and their own ambitions. It's a tale filled with intrigue and the dark allure of hidden knowledge.

8. "Ninth House" by Leigh Bardugo

Known for its dark academia setting and supernatural elements, it shares the same sense of mystery and depth of world-building as the Empyrean series.

"Ninth House" by Leigh Bardugo is a dark fantasy novel set in the prestigious Yale University, where the ancient secret societies guard sinister, magical secrets. The story follows Galaxy "Alex" Stern, a young woman with a troubled past, who is given a full scholarship to Yale because of her unique ability to see ghosts. As she delves into the unseen world of these societies, Alex uncovers mysteries and conspiracies that stretch far beyond the university's Gothic walls. The novel combines elements of dark academia, mystery, and the supernatural, exploring themes of power, privilege, and the cost of ambition.

9. "A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J. Maas

A blend of fantasy and romance with a strong female lead, this book parallels the intricate relationships and character development found in the Empyrean series.

"A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J. Maas is a fantasy novel that intertwines elements of romance and adventure. It's a reimagining of the classic "Beauty and the Beast" tale set in a magical world divided between humans and faeries. The story follows Feyre, a young huntress who is taken to the magical faerie lands as punishment for a crime she commits. As she adapts to her new life, she finds herself entangled in the political intrigues and ancient curses of the faerie world. The novel explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the journey to self-discovery.

10. "Storm and Fury" by Jennifer L. Armentrout

This novel features paranormal elements and strong character dynamics, echoing the themes of power and conflict seen in the Empyrean series.

"Storm and Fury" by Jennifer L. Armentrout is a fantasy novel that tells the story of eighteen-year-old Trinity Marrow, who has a unique ability to see and communicate with ghosts and spirits. Her gift is part of a secret so dangerous that she’s been hidden away in an isolated compound fiercely guarded by Wardens—gargoyle shape-shifters who protect humankind from demons. The story unfolds as Trinity's safe world is shaken and dark truths about her past emerge, leading her into a battle filled with forbidden feelings, deceit, and a need to find her true strength.

11. "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins

A dystopian novel with a strong young protagonist facing immense challenges, it shares the theme of survival against overwhelming odds found in the Empyrean series.

"The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins is a dystopian novel set in Panem, a country consisting of the wealthy Capitol and 12 poorer districts. The story follows 16-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who volunteers to participate in the Hunger Games in place of her younger sister. The Hunger Games are an annual televised event where one boy and one girl from each district fight to the death until only one survivor remains. The novel explores themes of survival, societal inequality, and the effects of war and violence on those who are forced to participate in them.

12. "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini

A young adult fantasy novel centered around dragons, it resonates with the dragon-focused aspects and the coming-of-age journey in the Empyrean series.

"Eragon" by Christopher Paolini is a fantasy novel that follows the journey of a young farm boy named Eragon, who discovers a mysterious stone that turns out to be a dragon egg. When the egg hatches, Eragon becomes the first Dragon Rider in centuries, thrusting him into a world of magic, power, and a looming struggle against an evil king. Alongside his dragon, Saphira, Eragon must navigate a path filled with danger and intrigue, learning about his heritage and the ancient legacy of the Dragon Riders. The book blends themes of destiny, heroism, and the bond between dragon and rider.

13. "An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir

This novel presents a richly detailed world and a story of resistance, similar to the themes of rebellion and personal growth in the Empyrean series.

"An Ember in the Ashes" by Sabaa Tahir is set in a brutal, Rome-like world. The story alternates between two perspectives: Laia, a slave fighting for her family, and Elias, a soldier for the empire, internally battling with his role. When Laia's brother is arrested for treason, she turns to the rebels for help and agrees to spy within the empire's greatest military academy. There, she meets Elias, and their destinies intertwine. The novel explores themes of freedom, resistance, and the struggle against oppressive systems, painting a world where choices can change the fate of empires.

14. "The Raven Boys" by Maggie Stiefvater

A story of friendship and supernatural elements, it offers a mix of mystery and adventure comparable to the Empyrean series.

"The Raven Boys" by Maggie Stiefvater is a novel blending elements of fantasy and mystery. It centers around Blue Sargent, a young woman from a family of psychics, who becomes involved with a group of boys from the local private school, known as the Raven Boys. Led by the enigmatic Gansey, they are on a quest to find a lost king. As Blue becomes entangled in their adventure, the story explores themes of friendship, destiny, and the supernatural, set against the backdrop of a small Virginia town. The novel is known for its atmospheric setting and complex characters.

15. "A Curse so Dark and Lonely" by Brigid Kemmerer

This is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast with a unique twist, offering a blend of romance and fantasy that fans of the Empyrean series might enjoy.

"A Curse So Dark and Lonely" by Brigid Kemmerer is a modern retelling of the classic "Beauty and the Beast" tale. It follows Prince Rhen, the cursed heir of Emberfall, who must repeat the autumn of his eighteenth year until he can convince a girl to fall in love with him. However, the story takes a twist with the introduction of Harper, a young woman from our world who is snatched away to Rhen's world. Harper, who is not your typical damsel in distress, brings a fresh and determined perspective to the cursed kingdom. The novel interweaves themes of bravery, loyalty, and the challenge of changing one's destiny.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these 15 books are not just stories; they are gateways to worlds as enchanting and complex as those found in the Empyrean series and "Iron Flame." Each book offers its unique flavor of fantasy, adventure, and character depth, ensuring a rich and varied reading experience. Whether you're seeking the thrill of dragon-riding, the intrigue of political machinations, or the depth of character-driven narratives, this list promises a captivating journey for every reader. Embrace these worlds, and let your imagination soar as you explore realms where magic, courage, and destiny intertwine. Happy reading!

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