🚨 STOP WHAT YOU’RE DOING 🚨 Because On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn just ate, left no crumbs, and flew straight into my “Top Reads Ever” list 🩸🦇🐉.

Okay, imagine this: Harry Potter vibes with the deadly politics of Fourth Wing, the drama of Zodiac Academy, a sprinkle of Arthurian legend (hello, Pendragon 🐉✨), and VAMPIRES. Like, a LOT of vampires. Welcome to Bloodwing Academy, where being a half-fae blightborn is basically a death sentence. Medra? She’s our girl, and she’s not just surviving—she’s SERVING.

Medra's the last dragon rider in a world with no dragons. The vibes are immaculate. She’s fierce, sassy, and doesn’t take crap from anyone—even Blake Drakharrow, who’s basically Draco Malfoy but hotter, meaner, and somehow impossible not to simp for. 😏🔥 Their enemies-to-lovers tension? CHEF’S KISS. Every glare, every insult, every forced proximity moment had me screaming into my pillow like, “JUST KISS ALREADY!”

Blake, though… OMG, the layers. He’s the guy you love to hate until suddenly you’re rooting for him harder than you should be. The man owns the villain-to-lover arc. 🖤 And don’t even get me started on the twisty, intense betrothal thing. Who gave Briar Boleyn the right to write this much sexual tension?!

The world-building? Unreal. It’s got court drama, deadly competitions, dragon lore, and enough betrayals to make your head spin. Regan, Uncle Victor, and Marcus? Absolute trash villains, 10/10 would throw into a dragon’s mouth. But Florence and Naveen as Medra’s found family? LOVE THEM. Theo? Suspicious but fun—this man is hiding something, mark my words. 👀

And THAT ENDING. Like, I saw some of it coming, but then Briar hit us with a plot twist left hook, and I was SCREAMING. The setup for book two? ICONIC. I need it, like, yesterday.

TL;DR: If you love dark academia, epic slow-burn romance, and dragons (or the hope of dragons 🐲), RUN don’t walk to pick this up. Blake and Medra are the chaotic duo of my dreams, and this book has ruined me for anything else. 5 stars, no notes, just vibes. 💀🩸

I went on such a rollercoaster with this book! I really wasn;t feeling it until about the 30% mark, and then once we hit around the 60% mark, I was fully in it.

The beginning of the story was a bit slow and bland. Whether it was just too much worldbuilding, or just a slow plot, but I felt like there was an entire backstory I was missing. Medra kept mentioning fighting a fae god and mentioning events from her past, and even though I'm sure we will learn more about her in the coming books, it felt like backstory was missing, not being hinted at.

It took me a little while to get on board with Blake, but seeing his pov as well was so nice and absolutely made me like him a lot more. And I was SOO glad that he ended up making that decision after the Consort Trial.

Overall, I am definitely intrigued, especially with the dragons, and I'm hoping there won't be an overload of different plots and stories going on in the upcoming books. Would absolutely recommend to romantasy lovers!

On Wings of Blood had a lot of potential and offered an intriguing premise, but it didn’t fully meet my expectations. The concept seemed like it would be right up my alley, with an interesting world and the promise of compelling character dynamics. However, I struggled to connect deeply with the main characters. Medra, while stubborn and determined, could have been more fleshed out in terms of personality. Her relationship with Blake also felt a bit underdeveloped, as their chemistry didn’t come across as strongly as I had hoped.

That said, the book had some redeeming qualities. The world-building was rich and layered, offering a fascinating backdrop for the story. Although much of the political complexity was explained rather than experienced by Medra, it still added depth to the narrative. The school setting provided an interesting exploration of social hierarchies, with Blake’s attempts to quietly support Medra adding some nuance to his character, even if I wished he had taken a stronger stand.

While the story didn’t quite resonate with me as much as I’d hoped, it’s clear that a lot of thought went into crafting the world and its dynamics. With some more character development and a stronger emotional connection between the protagonists, this book could truly shine. For readers who enjoy intricate world-building and stories set in schools rife with tension, On Wings of Blood might still be worth exploring.

4.5 STARS

Medra Pendragon arrives in a strange land and is immediately captured by highblood Blake Drakharrow and brought into vampire society. Believed to be a dragon rider, Medra is forced to attend Bloodwing Academy, though there are no dragons left and the highborn aren't accepting of her.

I was interested to read this book, I love vampire stories and the addition of dragons sounded like a great combination. I wasn't sure about this being described as a bully romance but was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed the story. Medra doesn't fit in at Bloodwing but she still finds a way to form bonds with her fellow blightborns (humans) and discovers that despite herself, she finds the classes interesting and enjoyable. Though she struggles with how she is treated by the highbloods, she stands up for herself and proves her worth. Her relationship with Blake changes and develops through the story and while I still don't really like him yet, Briar Boleyn writes him as a sympathetic character and I can understand why he is the way he is.
The plot was well paced and I enjoyed the magical academic setting. The school is well described, I could picture the courtyard where the dragon statues are built and imagine Medra's room and classrooms. I loved the addition of Neville the fluffin!
Looking forward to reading the next book!

Another book for all of us romantasy fans! Hands down a must read if you enjoy dragons, enemies to lovers, possessive mmcs, and strong female leads. Could not put this one down.

When a fantasy book is written good it is a must read. This book is just that. What makes a fantasy book even better? Romance! Briar did such an amazing job writing this book. It is the perfect romantasy book. Enemies to lover? Got it! Possessive MMC? Got it! Great Magic? Definitely! This book is written so well and keeps you hooked the whole time! I would definitely recommend this book to any romantasy book lover! Could not put this book down!

I loved Briar boleyns first series. They were my top reads of 2023 and I didn't think I'd find a book I liked more. Until I read this one!
It has everything. Dragons, magic, vampires, morally grey characters. I couldn't put it down. I've already downloaded the next book in the series, and I can't wait to start it. Briar Bolyne is the queen of cliffhangers!

For context I adored Briars first series of books 'Blood of a Fae'.
I was so excited to jump into this new, connected series (Still hoping for a Draven appearance!)
I was apprehensive of an academic setting, it's not usually my go to, but Briar has done it again.

Medra has grown into a powerful woman her mother and aunt would be proud of! I loved the school setting and witnessing all through Medras eyes, being new to the world (The Dual POV really helped with details Medra would not understand), the political intrigue, the found family were all *Chefs Kiss*, the book combines it all into a perfect mix of fantasy, suspense and romance.

The story follows Medra Pendragon, a half-fae who finds herself at Bloodwing Academy, a school dominated by highblood vampires. Medra, the last of the dragon riders, faces numerous challenges, including deadly competitions and a complicated relationship with Blake Drakharrow, a cold and arrogant vampire whom she is tied to. Can Medra figure out how to survive bloodthirsty Bloodwing? Can she uncover who is friend or foe? Can she fulfill her destiny?

The tension, pace and suspense were all perfect, and what an ending! Thankfully I'm diving straight into Volume 2!

Thank you Briar and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

When Medra wakes up in an unfamiliar land, she quickly realizes she’s in deep trouble. Captured by Vampires, she’s told she’s the last of the dragon riders—though no one’s seen a dragon in years. Sent to Bloodwing Academy, she quickly learns she’s at the bottom of the pecking order. To make things worse, she’s betrothed to a man who treats her like property and is determined to control her every move. It doesn’t take long for Medra to realize that surviving this new life will take everything she’s got.

This book had its moments, but the writing style wasn’t entirely my cup of tea. The dialogue felt repetitive at times, and the pacing dragged, especially in the first three-quarters. I couldn’t help but feel the story would have been much tighter and more engaging if it were a bit shorter.

That said, I absolutely loved the fierceness of the female main character and the found family dynamic. Those aspects were the heart of the story for me and kept me invested. The character growth—especially Blake’s—was well done. The cliffhanger ending has definitely piqued my interest, and I’m curious to see where the next book takes things.

Books written by Briar Boleyn should come with a warning. Because honestly, don’t have anything planned when you start reading one of her books. They will suck you in and keep you hooked until you have finished it, then leave you heartbroken knowing that you have to wait for more. THEY WILL CONSUME EVERY WAKING MINUTE. This book was no exception, and after having devoured the Blood of a Fae series in no time at all and loving each minute, I loved coming back to the worlds that she creates. On Wings of Blood loosely carries on from the previously mentioned series and I didn’t know how much I needed this in my life. Medra, our FMC, is brilliantly written and I was with her 100% of the way, and it all felt so natural the way she evolved, as well as the MMC, as you get to know them.
This was unputdownable, and in my eyes, Briar Boleyn can do no wrong when creating these worlds and the characters that inhabit them. I am part of their world now.

5 stars
3 spice

- enemies to lovers
- dark academia
- he falls first
- Bullying
- Found family
- Romantasy

Thank you to NetGalley, Briar Boleyn and Starwater Press for the eARC in return for my honest review

On Wings of Blood had me hooked from the very first page. Dragons, vampires, a badass FMC, and a forced betrothal? For context, I haven't read Briar Boleyn's other books, so I went in blind to this series.

The world building is so vivid, and Bloodwing Academy is dripping with danger, magic and intrigue. I couldn’t stop reading and devoured this book in a few days. Think Harry Potter x Fourth Wing with Vampires.

I loved Medra's strength and resilience, even when everything was stacked against her. I don't blame her for letting herself fall weak to Blake though because damn... that spice chapter was one of the best I've ever read. Thank you Briar for actually writing spice that doesn't make you cringe as you read it.

If you’re into fantasy with all the tropes that make you weak (dragons, forbidden romance, high-stakes drama), this is an absolute must-read.

Vampires, Fae, magical realms and so many questions. Medra wakes upon a pile of bodies with no clue how she got there. Immediately, she is attacked, saved, and taken in to meet the rulers of this corrupt new world. There, they claim she is the last dragon rider in a land where there are no dragons left. Medra is determined to survive her brutal new environment, and the friendships she forges tug at my heartstrings.

Probably an unpopular opinion, but I don’t know if I like Blake? I LOVEEE every single character and their personalities, minus him. He’s a bullying villain-esque character, which I usually enjoy. His love for Neville, the Fluffin, gave a softer aspect to him that gives me some hope for more character development in the next books. I don’t dislike him, but I’m curious to see where their relationship will go and his actions moving forward. This book combines the vibes of Fourth Wing, From Blood and Ash, and ACOTAR. I’m excited to read more of this series and see where it takes me! Can’t wait to read more about our fiery Medra and her friends.

This scene was pretty…hot, if I do say so myself:
“With one swift, merciless motion, Blake hurled the other highborn into the bonfire.”

A big thank you to Starwater Press, Briar Boleyn, and NetGalley for the review copy!

I really enjoyed this book. I have recently been delving into fantasy and stepping up from more cosy fantasy reads. I loved the suspense and constant movement of the book, there was never a dull moment. The ending was a whirlwind of emotions and I am definitely keen to read the next in the series! Thanks Netgalley.

Medra Pendragon is the last of the dragon riders in a vampire-dominated academy. The book starts strong, thrusting the reader into a high-stakes environment at Bloodwing Academy, where power struggles, rivalries, and a forbidden betrothal create plenty of tension. They all want a piece of her or her blood.

Medra was a standout character, especially with her fiery defiance and no nonsense attitude. Similarly, the MMC, Blake Drakharrow, her rival to lover, comes off as distant but softens over time, making their attraction a slow burn with intriguing complexity. While the beginning pulls you in, the middle lags with too much exposition and a lack of engaging action. The plot picks up again toward the end, but the inconsistency leaves the story uneven. The middle is bogged down and doesn't propel the story forward. The ending is the most exciting part of the story. Alliances have been made, and enemies are trying to outsmart Medra at every turn. The technicalities of the story come across as more important than the characters, creating an emotional disconnect for me. The book prioritizes explaining the traditions and practices that leave Medra's personal growth or her dynamic with Blake lacking.

Still, the themes of power, survival, and transformation shine through. The ending hints at a more intense sequel, which could redeem some of the issues in the first installment.

I received an ARC ebook for my honest review. Thank you, NetGalley and Starwater Press

If you’re a fan of fae, vampires, and dragons, then Briar Boleyn’s ‘On Wings of Blood’ is the perfect book for you. It’s got all the magical elements of Harry Potter, but with vampires. The story is a mix of dark magic, academy life, and ancient vampire secrets. The plot is fast-paced and full of suspense, with a surprising twist that’ll keep you guessing until the very end.

I thoroughly enjoyed this vampire romantasy book. It’s the first of its kind, and I’m eager for more. Briar Boleyn’s writing is superb, and I was intrigued by the female protagonist and the world-building. Despite feeling a bit old for the genre, I couldn’t put it down.

On the Wings of Blood, has a wonderful in depth world building filled with politics, lore, and tension. The dark fantasy academia vibes created a gritty yet vividly decadent setting.

The Fmc was likable and sassy, she had strength and wit with a great resiliency and I found myself genuinely liking her.

Our mmc was the sexy morally grey shadow daddy we all adore but inside had fluffy golden retriever vibes.

The last 20% of the book really picks up and the ending will grab you and get you excited for the next.

*full review on Goodreads shelved as NetGalley

It's kind of giving Vampire academy meets Fourth Wing kind of dark academia vibe. There's quite a bit going on but it all works so well.

If there's one thing Briar is gonna do, it's build a freaking world. I loved the worldbuilding in this book. Even though it felt like we were kind of plopped right in the middle of something it was easy to pick up on magic system (I say magic system but I really just mean like the rules and lore of the setting of the book. I can't really describe it differently.)

The beginning of the book moves quite quickly as we're meeting all the characters and get into the thick of the plot, the middle (to me) kind of drags a bit, but then we get into some action and the ending of the book is where it gets good again.

Another thing I loved about this book (but also Briar's writing in general) is the characters. Medra is such a good mix of independent and no BS, but also still someone you want to root for, i.e doesn't fall into the pick-me girl category. Blake is broody on the outside, soft on the inside which I love in a man (I could overlook how possessive he was after barely knowing her but I guess that's the whole bonding/mate type situation speaking. Also, not as much of a bull/a-hole as I was anticipating which kind of threw me off). I think we definitely should have gotten more of Blake's POV. I felt less attached to him in a way.

I also love the side characters, especially Medra's little girl gang.

All in all I think that it was a good first book in the series, as it focused mainly on worldbuilding (which is like the entire point of the first book of any series) however, I think that we could have gotten just a bit more plot driven action. I just feel like there wasn't a lot to really sink my teeth into. I'm really intrigued to see where the second book goes because the set up of this book suggests that the next one is going to be really incredible. We'll see.

Thank you to Netgalley, Starwater Press and Briar for the ARC of this book.

This was really good! I didnt realise there was another series before this one so I was a bit confused when the book was referencing to certain things.

The story itself was jam packed full of action which I loved!! The romance was really good and so.many.vampires!!! 😍

I will read anything Briar writes.
This book drew me in from the first chapter, and I just couldn't put this book down. I knew I was going to love this book bc I absolutely adored the Blood of a Fae series, and I am SO excited for the second book in this series.
Also, Naveen WHAT LOL