3.75 stars

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC for an exchange of my honest opinion!

Dragons, vampires, dark academy in a Harry Potter style? This books is this. I was having high hopes for this book and it definitely meet most of my expectations.

The only problem for me is that some plotlines were longer than it should’ve been. This book could’ve been shorter and still have the same value to the reader.

I’ll definitely be reading the rest of the series!

On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn was such a good book if you love the feels of Harry Potter, while getting dragons and vampires added to the mix! I really enjoyed reading this story, courtesy of the publish and NetGalley, in exchange for my honest opinion. This was a great fantasy story, which was the first in the Bloodwing Academy series. The reader was definitely left on a cliffhanger and I can't wait to read the next book!

What a great sequel Bloodwing Academy is to the series Blood of a Fae! I really enjoyed the author’s writing style in the original series, and I’m not disappointed by this follow-up, which retraces Medra’s journey.

If you liked Fourth Wing and are a fan of vampires, I think you’ll enjoy the world of Bloodwing. The story follows Medra as she arrives in a new world governed by the Highbloods, vampires who see her as the reincarnation of a long-extinct race of dragon riders. She must prove herself, survive the challenges of Bloodwing Academy, and figure out where she’s ended up.

The story is told from the perspectives of Medra and Blake, the Highblood who’s responsible for her. There’s action, a mix of toxic yet adorable romance, and plenty of twists to keep you hooked. I really got into it and immediately dove into the second book!

Thanks to NetGalley, Starwater Press and Briar Boleyn for a chance to read this book for free. I’m leaving this review of my own accord.

I love a good slow burn between the FMC and MMC and I have to say the slow burn in “on wings of blood” was delicious!

I throughly enjoyed the story, the world building and the plot! Excited to keep up with this series !

Thank you to Victory Editing Net- Galley co-op for allowing me to read and review On Wings of Blood. This was an enjoyable read. It was well-paced, had a slight enemy to lovers theme with a slow burn spicy romance. The spice was delicious and left me wanting more. Not gonna lie, I felt like I was promised more than what was delivered though; I was promised Harry Potter meets Fourth Wing. Buuuuut….there was not a lot of magic and not a lot of dragons. However, false promises aside, it was enjoyable and I will definitely continue the series, as well as, recommend them to fellow readers.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher & the author for providing me with an e-ARC in return for my honest review: What a ride! This book was high-paced chaos (in the best way), and I couldn’t put it down. So much was happening that it felt like I was constantly catching my breath, but I was totally here for it.

Let’s talk characters: Medra is such a vivid FMC, and I adored her. She’s fierce, relatable, and just the right amount of messy. The sisterhood between Medra and Florence? Absolutely heartwarming—those two are the dream team I didn’t know I needed. Meanwhile, the rivalry between Kage and Blake? HOT! Give me more of those boys snarking at each other, please 🙏🏻

The setting threw me for a loop at first—dropping into an academic vibe took a hot minute to adjust to—but once I got into it, I loved it! It gave me Vampire Academy energy, complete with an evil mean girl, Regan, who was perfectly hateable.

But can we talk about Medra’s mom? Every time her voice popped up in Medra’s head, I couldn’t stop hearing the Dead Mom song from Beetlejuice: The Musical. (Seriously, “Hey mom, dead mom. I need a little help here…” on loop.) It was an odd subplot that I wasn’t super sold on, but it didn’t detract too much from the overall story.

Speaking of subplots: the Consort Games. I was hooked, but I wish we’d spent more time there—it was so interesting, and I wanted to savor the drama. Oh, and Teacher Rodriguez? Listen, maybe it’s just me, but by the way he was described, I was 100% expecting Medra to ditch the blonde vampire twink and start something with him instead. There’s definitely more to him than meets the eye, and I’m invested!

Overall, this book was a total whirlwind. I can’t wait for the sequel; I need more tension between houses, more dragons, and more Medra being her sassy self. Team Teacher Rodriguez? Team Blake? Let’s go!

All I can say is AMAZING! If you love fantasy, dark academia, dragons, magic, enemy to lovers, vampires, twists, betrayal, and secrets - this is the book for you!

I am a huge Briar Boleyn fan, and I have been since I read her Blood of a Fae series. I knew I had to read this spin off, and book 1 did not disappoint! It flowed perfect from the last book, "Knight of the Goddess." I love how Medra Pendragon continued her story as Fae in a land of vampires. Medra is such a badass and I love how she doesn't let anyone tell her what to think.
The world building was great! I really felt like there was a lot of detail, but it was easy to follow and I could really picture everything. I like how this book still carried over concepts from the Blood of a Fae series, but had its own direction. You do not need to read any prior books, but Medra's previous life is referenced. Reading the Blood of a Fae series will give you a better insight into who Medra really is and where she came from. I liked the dual POV because we got to see things from Blake Drakharrow's point of view. I definitely have a love-hate relationship with Blake. Just when you think you love him, he does something to twist your feelings. I loved him from the beginning, but so many things made me want to scream, "Why would you do that?!?!"
The enemies to lovers theme is strong and well written. I think I like that Medra doesn't just fall head over heels for Blake, even though everyone else worships him. The slow burn is a SLOW BURN and SOO GOOD! I hope book two keeps up the snarky banter and Blake gets it together, because I NEED more between him and Medra (yes it's a need at this point).
This book moves at a good pace and new situations happened often, usually because Medra could see the discrepancies in the blind following of the highbloods. I love how she empowers those around her and helps them see how poorly the blightborn are treated.
I could not put this book down and am going to start book 2 right away. I must know what happened after that ending....and what was that? I found myself gasping in shock. So much happens at the end, but I don't want to give away any details....you'll just have to read it for yourself.
Overall, highly recommend! I hope you like it as much as I have!

Thank you Briar Boleyn and Starwater Press for allowing me to read and review this book via NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and all opinions are my own.

This book is absolutely spellbinding😍 The writing was excellent and the plot keeps you hooked from the first page. I love dark academia books and that combined with the bully vibes, truly immaculate. Oh and did I mention it had dragons?!🐉 And don’t get me started on the forced betrothal, the sizzling chemistry between the FMC and MMC was hot, even though the romance is a slowburn❤️‍🔥 This truly gave Dramione vibes.

Also, I loved that the FMC was strong, smart and independent and did not let the MMC walk all over her. All characters in this book had their own voice and stayed true to it throughout the book, which was refeshing. The world-building and unique magic system were immersive and unique and kept me engaged wanting to know the next plot twist. Cant wait to read the next one!

On Wings of Blood a heat slow burn romantasy
The plot was easy to get in to and world building was easy follow. I also loved Medra MFC and Blake's MMC slow burn relationship. Can't wait to read the next book.

🐉ARC review🐉
On wings of blood by @briarboleynauthor

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🌶️🌶️🌶️

I stayed up way too late last night just to finish this. I couldn’t put it down. I was hooked. For all my #dramione girlies, this one is for you !! Everything about this reminds me of Draco and Hermionie, if Draco was a vampire. There is friendship, love and betrayal! I loved this sooo much and I cannot wait to get into book 2 💥

I adored this book, the main, side and support characters, story and worldbuilding! Its sequel is one of my anticipated reads.

Medra and Blake's connection is hot and dangerous - perfectly written with amazing vibes!
Plus the friendship between Medra and another character is just such a sweetly great thing.

The ending was great as well, loved all the seconds of it and can't wait to continue, diving into their world once more!

Brilliant world, fantastic characters, she improved from her debut books and still kept the skill of her amazing worldbuilding!

Medra is one of the strongest MFC I have EVER read and I enjoyed every minute of her story! This is a true enemies to lovers where he falls first and she keeps on hating him (genuinely) even when she realises the physical attraction is undeniable.
Very interesting and well executed world building and I thought the premise, pace and characterization were strong points. The banter and Medra's comebacks are gold, she is so witty and defiant and assertive, I love her. I thought the way we are thrown into the story was very cleverly devised and the fact that we are learning about this new realm along with Medra makes the worldbuilding seamless. Bloodwing academy is a very atmospheric place and it was fun exploring it along with Medra.I found the supporting characters all realistic and well fleshed out but Medra's character development has been so far brilliant. I hate Blake, he's a true bully and fully entitled! When the spice arrived, it was spicy, took me a bit by surprise but I'm here for it!
One piece of advice would be to have the second book nearby, I was not ready to let go of Bloodwing Academy and was so grateful to have the second book ready to go. For the fans of the genre, I found this a VERY satisfying read and I would 100% recommend, you will not be disappointed. Jumping straight into nook no2!
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for me review copy, all opinions are my own.

Devoured this book over 2 days! A brilliantly lengthy novel with great characters and an intriguing plot. Medra is a strong female lead & I love how she speaks her mind & resists Blake. No weak females here! There is a sad part near the end that I wish hadn't happened but only because I get attached to all the characters. The book had the perfect amount of angst & the dual pov helps you understand certain actions. Great ending, definitely keen to read book 2 when it comes out, hopefully not too long away! Kage was an intriguing character too so I hope we learn more about him & his house

On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn is a delectable dive into a world where dragon lore meets vampire courts, all wrapped up in the deadly drama of a magical academy. This first instalment of the Bloodwing Academy series introduces us to Medra Pendragon, the last of the dragon riders, who is unceremoniously thrown into the viper’s den of Bloodwing Academy. The highblood vampires here are ruthless, and as a so-called blightborn (read: someone they think is beneath them), Medra faces constant danger. Oh, and to make things even spicier? She’s betrothed to Blake Drakharrow, an arrogant and sharp-tongued vampire who seems intent on making her life a living nightmare...or so it seems.

The enemies-to-lovers trope is front and center in this book, and oh, does it deliver. The tension between Medra and Blake is simmering, their verbal sparring filled with just the right amount of heat and venom. Blake walks that deliciously fine line between brooding tormentor and someone who might actually care. Add to that Medra’s inner strength and razor-sharp wit, and you’ve got the makings of a pairing that keeps you flipping pages late into the night.

The world-building is lush and layered, with a gothic medieval vibe that pulls you right into the halls of Bloodwing Academy. I loved the hints of Arthurian legend intertwined with the dragons and vampires - how often do you get such a unique combination? The trials Medra faces are genuinely perilous, with deadly competitions and betrayals lurking at every turn. There’s also a dragon-shaped secret hanging over Medra that I won’t spoil, but trust me, it’s a game-changer.

On the spice scale, it’s a solid 1 chilli for now. The romance simmers rather than explodes, with plenty of tension to keep you hooked. For fans of dark academia with morally grey love interests and intricate power plays, this one is a must-read.

I’d give it 4.5 out of 5 stars - it’s an addictive, slow-burn start to what promises to be a fantastic series. Perfect for fans of From Blood and Ash or Zodiac Academy!

What a fun surprise this book was! A cross between Harry Potter and Fourth Wing, but with vampires.

It's about Medra Pendragon who suddenly wakes up, surrounded by corpses, in a world where vampires rule. When she is found by Prince Drakharrow, she also turns out to be the last dragon rider and this while there are no more living dragons. The prince takes her to Sangratha, the capital, where she is eventually required to attend the Bloodwing academy as a student. And she is also obliged to enter into a relationship with the prince.

In the beginning of the book I really got Harry Potter vibes, as it all came across as somewhat childish. But as the story progresses, it gets more exciting, there are more twists and turns, and a little spice comes in as well. All in all a very fun book to read, I enjoyed it!

🩸 Touch her and die

🗡️ Training scenes

🖤 Villain gets the girl

✨ Dramione vibes but make it dark/adult

💀 Morally gray everything

👑 Political intrigue for DAYS

Okay, friends, this book!! Think dark academia, Harry Potter, and House of the Dragon had a spicy, morally gray love child. The vibes? Immaculate.

Our MFC, Medra Pendragon, wakes up in a realm crawling with vampires and ends up standing before Lord Drakharrow, ruler of one of the four vampire bloodline houses. Turns out, Medra—last of the dragon riders—might hold the key to bringing back dragons. Rather than kill her, Drakharrow binds her by blood to be betrothed to his nephew, Blake, a blonde vampire prince (🚩but it’s fine, I’m picturing him brunette anyway).

Medra is shipped off to Bloodwing Academy as a hostage-student, pretending to be the dragon rider they think she is while secretly plotting her escape. But OH, the banter. The betrayal. The blood-drenched scheming. And THAT SCENE in the Sanctum of the Bloodmaiden on the mezzanine? 🥵🌶️ IYKYK. This book overall spice is probably 1.5 🌶️, but I think we will get more as the series goes on.

Tension. Dragons. Vampires. Fae. Read this book.

Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with an ARC of this incredible book! All thoughts are my own.

This was a great vampire academy story!!! Full of action and slow burn romance… But…. I was told this one gave all the Harry Potter and Fourth Wing vibes and so of course I went in with super high expectations and because of that I feel like it was doomed from the start…
I didn’t get any Harry Potter vibes, maybe some Zodiac Academy vibes with the bullying and such, and Fourth Wing? Are you joking? The one dragon in this book was at the very end… like literally last chapter!!! You are probably thinking well geez why did she give it 4 stars?!?! I gave the book 4 stars because even with going in with the higher expectations and it not delivering on those, it did deliver on being a good book! I loved Medra and her never back down attitude! I loved the side characters, and there is a critter and that for me is an immediate star right there!!! Blake is our typical MMC, broody with a mean exterior but secretly a marshmallow and good man! I am excited to continue with their story in book 2 and finally get to those dragons I was promised!!!!

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On Wings of Blood starts with Medra - a half-fae - being thrown into a foreign world to her. Here she is found by the Drakharrow family. A very powerful family of vampires. Medra has red hair and is told she is a dragon rider. However there are no dragons left in this world or the world that she came from.

To survive she decides to just go with the story that she lost her memories. They take her to the Blackharrow residency where she meets Blake. He is one of the princes and they betroth her to him to gain more power. Because dragon riders in their time were very powerful, so they don’t want any of the other 3 powerful families to gain advantage over them.

Also she is not the only one betrothed to Blake there is another girl called Regan. They are supposed to form a triad (which is normal in this world(, but Regan doesn’t want to share.

They all go to Bloodwing Academy a school à la Harry Potter. Medra quickly makes some friends, but also some enemies. Will she be able to survive? Figure out how to go back home? Will the dragons appear again? Will the vampires ever accept her?

If you love a good mix of fourth wing, Harry Potter, vampires, royal courts and intrigues this book is for you!

Yes! More Kage please. Not a fan of Blake. Never felt or liked their relationship. Excited to read the next book.

Vampires and an academy - say no more, I was intrigued. This story had a really promising, strong start! The writing was clever and witty. The characters had unique POV and seemed easy to root for.

I will say, sadly once we got past the inciting events and story setup, and into school, the story became a little boring for me…and a little too school. I did enjoy the characters, and enjoyed the story enough to keep reading. However, the conflict lacked depth for me. I also found the romance a little toxic at times, I’m hoping this improves in future books. There were definitely many elements of other successful books from the genre put together to make this story. Nothing incredibly original here, but still enjoyable!

Overall, this book holds promise! I loved the world, and dragon aspect. I’m curious to see how that unfolds in the next book! Thank you for this arc Netgalley!