On wings of Blood is a fantastic read, pleasantly surprised as I knew I’d like it but didn’t expect to love it quite so much.

I cannot fully emphasise how amazing this book was, I was hooked from page one and literally finished this in 3 days despite the size. The plot was medium paced, packed full of action and apprehension. If you love slow-burn enemies-to-lovers, a magic world and dark academia this book is for you.

This was one of my top reads of 2024 and my new favourite novel by Briar Boleyn. The level of frustration I felt after the ending of this book and not being able to read the following one straight away was immense. In other words - I gobbled this book straight up.

Thank you NetGalley and Starwater Press for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Although I did really enjoy reading the first series prior to this, at this point in time I need to admit to myself that it's not the right fit for me anymore. It's a bit too much of everything, which perhaps will interest me again one day - so I'm not completely writing it off just yet - but that will be for future me to decide if I ever revisit this. For now, it wasn't for me.

Rating 4 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐


🐉 Dramione vibes
🐉 Exntinct Dragon riders ?
🐉 War college
🐉 Hidden Identity
🐉 Half Fae
🐉 Bully romance
🐉 Dragons
🐉 Forced Betrothal
🐉 Dark Academia
🐉 He falls first
🐉 Vampire MMC

You know me I would definitely eat up anything that has Dramione dynamics! Medra Pendragon is from another plane of existence and forced to be betrothed by a vampire? Well I wouldn't say no myself but these vampires have another agenda. However, dragons don't exist anymore in this world. She is half-fae tho so she has to survive in this academy where life is a battlefield.

I have read a book by Briar where Medea where one of her siblings is from, but I haven't got to where I met her yet? But the book was definitely giving more of a Fourth Wing vibe than a Harry Potter. The Vampire do look down on the FMC because she was different however the Blake does have this undeniable hate/lust attraction so I will definitely go with the next book and excited to see how book 2 develops with the story~!

This book took me a long time to get through, not because it was bad, but because it was dense. Lots of characters and quick world building it was sometimes hard for me to remember everything. This is a SLOW BURN bully romantasy very similar to Zodiac Academy. I’m excited for the dragons in book 2 and to learn more about the world of Sangratha.

This book pulled me right out of a hangover just to throw me right back into another one. On Wings of Blood was very well written, easy to follow along with, and nearly impossible to put down. I loved how much it lingered in my mind even when I wasn’t reading. The MMC completely stole my heart, and I always looked forward to his POV.

It truly had everything I wanted and needed in a book: dragons, vampires, and fae. Overall, I would absolutely recommend this book to others. Solid 5 stars from me.

Thank you so much for the ARC, and my apologies for the delay in getting this review out, life was happening, and things were difficult, but I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read this book.

I loved this! I loved the vampire school setting and dark academia vibes. I wasn't a fan of all the bullying and it was a little slow in the middle but otherwise I'd definitely recommend this for fans of romantasy and vampires + dragons!

Firstly. I read this awhile but took me forever to review! Let's just say I loved this book so much I bought it immediately after reading plus preordered the deluxe version to be pretty as a shelf trophy.

This has all the tropes, Dark Academia Check, Forbidden love Check, more plot over spice check! . If you want a kick butt female character this one is probably for you. Immediately draws you in, I am trying not to spoil it because I could easily because to me this book was everything of Fourth wing but MORE. Plus a brooding shadow daddy in all his glory. The tension was nice and the academy setting was brilliant.

This book started out so good! I mean, I originally thought they were older and then it went into this dark academia plot but that was still okay. It was a little reminiscent of Twilight to me...the girl who is just different then anyone...smells better...is at risk for her life all of the time...and then the moody MMC who is working his butt off to resist his bodies call to her. Then it turns into Fourth Wing, which again, another very entertaining read so we're looking good. It felt original in its blending of ideas and plot lines. We're 60% in and I'm thinking this is a 4.5 star read. Then it becomes Interview with the Vampire/Hunger Games (which hey, 2 more stories I love so I'm thinking we're still on the right track) but suddenly it just tanks. If it's trying to be a slow burn, then do that. If were trying to build yearning and hold it, do that. Instead it just kind of wishy washy jumps between the two. 60% in when they finally kiss and then suddenly he's fingering her and then that whole plot line just drops off. Suddenly he doesn't know her at all. Suddenly this sweet hearted core of a man doesn't understand what consent is or why its important? It got cringy, repetitive, horrific and twisted without cause or advancement of the plot. It just turned into a hot pot mess that felt like so many other stories just cut and pasted and reworked into trying to rush through and finish this novel. It dropped from a 4.5 star to closer to a 3. Was I still entertained? Yes. Will I read the next one? Eventually...but I'm not in any rush. Honestly bummed out because how was it so good for so much of the book and then just had 0 follow through or focus? Well... no regrets on reading, but the potential felt tangible.

On Wings of Blood is a fast-paced, addictive dark fantasy that blends academy drama, forbidden magic, and a fierce enemies-to-lovers romance. Medra Pendragon, a half-fae outcast and supposed last dragon rider, is thrust into Bloodwing Academy where vampires rule and danger lurks behind every beautiful face. Briar Boleyn delivers sharp banter, brutal politics, and a brooding love interest in Blake Drakharrow. With deadly rituals, explosive secrets, and a heroine who refuses to be tamed, this book is a thrilling ride from start to finish. Perfect for fans of dark academia and slow-burn fantasy romance.

I really liked this book! It was exciting and kept me interested the whole time. The characters were cool and the story moved fast. Definitely a good read if you like action and fantasy.

I thought i was going to love this as I really enjoyed his other series but I struggled to get into it.

The pacing felt slightly off and it felt like there was too much being packed into the story.

Overall it was still an enjoying read but just didnt compare to the other series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Starwater Press for providing me with this arc

On Wings of Blood had all the ingredients to completely hook me: vampires (one of my favourite lores), a brooding atmosphere, and a premise that promised high stakes and seduction. Add to that the hype surrounding the book online, and I went in with high expectations.

The story delivered moments of intrigue and darkness, and I can absolutely see why it’s gained so much attention. However, while it had its strong points, it didn’t fully land for me.

It wasn’t a bad read, but it didn’t blow me away either. I’d say it sits somewhere in the middle, a solid introduction to what could be a gripping series. I’m definitely curious enough to pick up the second book and see where things go from here.

Overall, On Wings of Blood was a mixed bag: some tropes I love, a few pacing issues, and a vibe that kept me intrigued, if not completely enchanted.

Brilliant beginning to this series. Fantastic world building, interesting characters. Engaging dark academia at its finest.

I am completely obsessed with this series.

I went into the blind without really knowing much about it. And it was SUPERB.

It didn’t have to break my heart the way it did.

Blake needs a good punch to the throat and I will fully support Medra to do it.

Creepy uncle needs to calm down.

Creepy sister also needs to calm down.

Vampires, Dragons, Fae?! Sign me the eff up.

I really enjoyed this book.
It would seem I am reading a lot of vampire books lately (totally by accident!) and this was a good one to continue the 'blood streak'.
Loved the world building, the characters and the pacing continued well. I'll look forward to the next one!

This was such a great read! I picked it up because it kept popping up on my feed and wow... Blake Drakharrow is definintely morally black and I'm here for it. Medra Pendragon is a half fae who is forced to attend a school of highblood vampires and has to fight to keep from etting toppled and tormented. Unfortunately, she's been targeted by Blake Drakharrow and somehow gets bethrothed to him.

It's such a great epic romantasy that somewhat ends in a cliffhanger because why not? Along the way, Medra forgets who Blake is beacuse the banter and tension gets really good and sucks you into thinking that Blake might just be different. When it's every man/woman for themselves, Medra has to remember that not everything is as it seems and she has to fight her way through and show them that she's not one to be pushed around. She'll burn everything to the ground.

4.5/5 - rounded up to 5

this book!! this genuinely gave me everything i went into the book expecting AND MORE!
I usually find that it takes me a while to get immersed in a new world and properly acquainted with the characters but something about this way this book is written dragged me straight into it immediately!
Truly if I didnt have a job then I could've so easily sat down and read this book in one sitting - I'm 100% absolutely obsessed! I cant wait to pick up book 2 and then (try to) patiently wait for book 3!

Thank you so much for the opportunity to read this book - I can't wait for you future releases!

Umm hello best read of 2025! Seriously 6 stars! Absolutely cannot wait to read the rest of the series! Where has Briar Boleyn been and why am I just now reading her work? Can’t wait to read the prequel series!

I see why people compare this to Zodiac Academy- forced proximity in a magical academy with multilayered characters where you end up liking people you know are flawed and not always the greatest humans. Overall I liked but didn’t love, didn’t feel invested in the characters & relationships enough YET (as always, the MMC being blonde is probably effecting this 🤷🏼‍♀️) but I see the potential and am READY for the groveling and yearning to continue in book 2. 3.75 ⭐️