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Xaden is one ofFourth Wing ’s most recognizable characters , mainly due to his regretful boy image , sarcastic humor , and overall " ca n’t be trouble " attitude . And judging by theEmpyrean Series ' continued success , it ’s safe to say Xaden has become one of readers of the romantasy genre ’s all - time favorite book - boyfriends . However , Xaden ’s characteristics are n’t inevitably alone . There are several other lineament from dozens ofpopular romantasy booksthat describe male protagonists with very similar attributes and personality , but thankfully , they all take on their own unique character .
If you ’ve been looking for abook similar to that ofFourth Wing , but more specifically the romance find between Violet and Xaden , you ’ll find this list to be some of the best variety of option — ranging from more well - known romantasy authors , to a few hidden muffin . While not every character on this list can wield shadows , or is as mysterious and brooding to the same extent as Xaden , they all portray similar characteristic in how they interact with the book ’s chief protagonist . And if you find yourself craving another complex , morally hoary character , do yourself a favor and take these next .
8Throne of Glass
Dorian Havilliard & Rowan Whitethorn
Both Rowan and Dorian are probably two of the most popular romantasy love interests on the internet , but there are still those who have n’t yet take Sarah J. Maas ' best - sellingThrone of Glassseries yet — and they are missing out . Maas does an incredible chore at differentiate between her manly protagonists throughout the seven - leger - foresighted saga , and somehow manages to drop a line not one , but two , swoon - worthy MMCs without it feeling too repetitive . Throne of Glass ' charactersare know for their complex emotional depth and well - planned arcs , butboth Dorian and Rowan have an extra - special " oomph"about them .
Each of the two characters enter the narrative in intense agency , but rather different from the other . Where Dorian is bring out in the very first novel , can of Glass , and proves himself to be the wanton - hearted and caring prince , Rowan does not make an appearance until the third novel , Heir of Fire — and his entry is a little less glamorous . Dorian is celebrated for spout some of the best and most romantic linesthroughout the total series , and Rowan , while he is gruff and careless at the start , bring so much to the storyline and overall meter reading experience .
7Quicksilver
Kingfisher
Kingfisher is the male chief character fromCallie Hart’sQuicksilver — which quickly grew in popularity on BookTok after its release in July 2024 , and has since create some competitor forFourth Wing ’s Xaden . Kingfisher is the epitome of a morally grey character , willing to do whatever it takes to protect those he lie with , and , similarly to Xaden , can wield shadows , is broody , and is covered in tattoos .
Many chemical element will go into create the perfect adaptation of Quicksilver , and the actor who plays Kingfisher is a vital part of the series ' succeeder .
To start , Kingfisher is very short - tempered , ill-bred , and inconsiderate of the novel ’s main protagonist , Saeris Fane , but it ’s quickly clear to all be an act to outstrip himself from her . After annul her presence for quite some clip , he finally opens up and part more about his tragic past times — which make his already attractive character even more so . The two characters , while they get off on the wrong foot , finally have a poignant love affair .
6Powerless
Kai Azer
Kai Azer , from Lauren Roberts’Powerlesstrilogy , is another character that has grow to become a fan - favorite book boyfriend in late years . His kinship with Paedyn throughoutPowerlessandRecklessis full of yearning , tension , and witty raillery . The two do n’t even share a candy kiss in the first novel — soif you really savor a deadening - burn romance , then this one is for you .
His kinship with Paedyn throughoutPowerlessandRecklessis full of hungriness , tenseness , and witty banter .
Kai is the secondly - born prince in the kingdom of Ilya , who holds the title of the King ’s Enforcer , otherwise have it off as someone tasked with hunt down and do Oridinaries — or humans with no wizardly ability . This is what makes his love story with Paedyn so intriguing , as she is an Ordinary , masked in plain sight . Their moral force only becomes even more complex as the series cover , and is certain to reach all new heights inLauren Roberts ' upcoming release ofFearless — the third and last novel in the trilogy .
5Daughter Of No Worlds
Maxantarius Farlione
Maxantarius Farlione , from Carissa Broadbent’sThe War of Lost Heartstrilogy , embody the classic " friend - to - lovers " original . His character is n’t an precise replica of Xaden ’s inFourth Wing , but I call up he ’d be a great improver to the lean , given how his and Tisaanah ’s human relationship moral force first kick off . When he is introduced to the narrative , Max acts as Tisaanah ’s teacher , trail her to wield her magical ability — albeit quite begrudgingly .
Max is at first grumpy , raring , and loth to condition Tisaanah , but the two finally build a strong , endear friendship , before that evolves even further into a romantic connection . Their human relationship is so fun to watch wager out throughout the first volume , andBroadbent even giving readers with a classic " who did this to you " moment , which I think really earns him this fleck on the list . This serial publication is in conclusion getting the love it deserves , and I hope that Max as an MMC will begin to as well .
4A Court of Thorns and Roses
Rhysand
This may seem like an obvious addition to this list , but if there ’s anyone who has show and lovedFourth Wingbecause of Xaden , and has n’t yet experiencedA Court of Thorns and Roses , then they will equally enjoy translate about Rhysand . Rhysand does n’t really become a primary focussing of the narrative until the secondACOTARbook , A Court of Mist and Fury , but he does play a small role in the first novel , which assist to introduce his character . And from the start , his mysterious and dark nature is incredibly challenging to both reader and the novel ’s main protagonist .
Feyre and Rhysand ’s word of farewell at the end of the first ACOTAR novel perfectly sets up a plot of ground twist that changes the course of the serial .
I do n’t require to say too much without spoiling the storyline for unexampled readers , but I ’ll say thathe ’s one of the best male independent characters if you ’re looking for a character like Xaden . For one , he ’s secretive , but he also establish himself to be a loyal friend and ally — one who is unforced to sacrifice himself time and time again if it means protecting those he bed . Rhysand ’s story inA Court of Thorns and Rosesadds so much to the overall story , and is a truly baffling plot of ground wrench when first introduced .
3The Cruel Prince
Cardan Greenbriar
WhileThe Folk of the Airseries , by Holly Black , is n’t necessarily categorized as a romantasy , its small-scale love affair subplot creates a tumid enough shock to warrant tot up its male protagonist , Cardan Greenbriar , to the inclination . Cardan is the youngest prince in the land of Faerie , whohas an undesirable but obsessional attraction to the novel ’s main character , Jude . She is a human , so she is mostly reviled by the common people in Faerie , but Cardan is attracted to her strength and tenacity , and truly hat that he does .
enemy to lovers is one of the most popular figure of speech in phantasy novels , and these are the good Koran with lover who ab initio dislike each other .
Their relationship inThe Cruel Princeand its subsequent novel is a true enemies - to - lovers dynamic , and while it ’s not the main focal point of the narration , it add so much to the overall story . The romance inThe family line of the Airis incredibly slow - burn , so I ’d suggest establish this a shot if you do n’t take never-ending chemistry between characters , but honey hungriness and tenseness . However , I highly recommend founder this story a endeavour , as the bribe at the oddment of the series is super satisfying and rewarding .
Custom image by Yeider Chacon
2One Dark Window
Ravyn Yew & Elm Rowan
Ravyn Yew and Elm Rowan from Rachel Gillig’sThe Shepherd Kingduology are two of the most severely underratedBookTok book boyfriends . While both make for an important character inOne Dark WindowandTwo Twisted Crowns , the first novel primarily revolve about around Ravyn and his romance with Elspeth , with the second focalize on Elm and Ione ’s relationship . And while their romances are certainly not the main plot focus of each novel , Gillig does an incredible chore at adding depth to each .
Both Ravyn and Elm obligate many similarities to Xaden , each defend their making love interest to get word their honest potential and oftentimes mirroring his wit and sarcasm . The two have gone largely undiscussed online as solid rival againstFourth Wing ’s Xaden thus far , though they genuinely should be . The Shepherd Kingduology ’s dark fancy allure bring even more mystery to its characters , and Ravyn and Elm are no exception .
1Once Upon A Broken Heart
Jacks
Jacks fromStephanie Garber’sOnce Upon A Broken Heartseriesisone of the best examples of a virtuously ambiguous character . He consistently acts according to his own design and oftentimes cares short for those he may have bruise in the process . Jacks , also sleep with as the Prince of Hearts , is a fate — a superman who is bound to a deck of cards called the Deck of Destiny and has various magical power . Being a fate , Jacks is very possessive , selfish , and regardless — at least until he gather Evangeline .
While Jacks does n’t wield shadows , or even fit the physical description of a typical MMC in today ’s romantasy landscape , his demeaner and personality hold many similarities toFourth Wing ’s Xaden .
Being cursed to kill anyone he snog except his one true dearest , Jacks , when introduced to the narrative , has intelligibly generate up on the estimate of love entirely . This makes his relationship with Evangeline even more complex , have they are bound together by a deal . While Jacks does n’t handle apparition , or even fit the physical description of a typical MMC in today ’s romantasy landscape painting , his demeanor and personality hold many similarities toFourth Wing ’s Xaden . Do n’t be deterred by the Young Adult categorization in this romantasy series , because the Latinian language found throughout is nothing short of brilliant .
Custom Image by Yeider Chacon
Custom Image by Yailin Chacon
Art byAnna Shoemaker
Art by @frostbite.studios
