On Wings of Blood is Briar Boleyn’s second fantasy series, featuring Medra Pendragon who has landed cluelessly in a new world filled with vampires and mortals called blightbornes. Unfortunately for her, she is immediately found by a vampire prince and bound to him, against both their wills. Fighting to survive the bloodthirsty adult acedemy they attend together, she has many enemies: those who are jealous, those who want her power, those who want her blood, and those who just hate her, aka her betrothed. Medra makes friends along the way as she finds her new place in this strange world, without her magical abilities.

What I loved about this series are the strong vibes of Harry Potter, especially the Dramione fan fic fandom, mixed with Fourth Wing and Quicksilver. If you like the romantasy genre, this will be a pretty quick and easy read for you.

The book could have done a better job with world building in general, there are some details but it feels pretty flat. The character development was not very strong for the leads, and by the end it was confusing, and possible regression for the sake of future plot?

There were also a few plotholes about Medra’s identity. She is from another world, but she never thinks about it, misses it, or is even questioned about it. She is learning to shield her mind, and still the professor/ tutor sees things from her other world and never brings it up. It really bothered me that she dropped into a new world and never had complicated feelings or tough interrogations. She also apparently lost her powers but she never thinks of it. She even starts self-referencing herself in Bloodwing terminalogy, as a dragon rider, which really just points to her being half Fae. It kind of became my pet peeve. Hopefully this is partially addressed in the next book.

Despite all of this, I really recommend the book. I inhaled it pretty quickly and the vibes are spectacular. While it isn’t necessary the most original book, if you like the genre, you will certainly love this. And that is a pretty crazy cliff hanger to leave us on. Luckily the next book is out soon!

Also points for Orcades. I just freaking love her.

Dark Fantasy book with: Forced bonding, bully romance, vampires, academy, deadly competitions, dragon rider , strong FMC, possessive MMC. I enjoyed diving into this word. I loved learning more about our fiery red-headed heroine and cannot wait to discover more about her mysterious background. While the school year ended, we are left on a cliff hanger wondering what will happen in the next book - thank goodness it comes out at the end of this month!

The only reason this book did not get 5 stars is because it felt like a LOT of tropes were brought into this book instead of focusing on just a few. Regardless the story was entertaining, and I appropriately hated and liked the characters as I should. :-)

So, I was a little confused coming into this because I hadn't read Briar's other series, Blood of Fae, but this was quickly forgotten about once fiery Medra got going at Bloodwing Academy. I won't say too much because once I was immersed I loved that I was blind to this world and the magic systems, it made everything so much more intense. This was the perfect cross between the Empyrean series and Harry Potter so if you like forbidden romance, forced proximity, dragons and you've read copious amounts of Dramione fanfic, this is for you!!

“In my dreams, she wanted me just as much as I wanted her.”

What to expect
🩸Fantasy
🩸Dark Academia
🩸Found family
🩸He falls first
🩸Vampires
🩸FMC is the last dragon rider in a world with no dragons
🩸MMC with Draco Malfoy vibes
🩸Dragons?!
🩸Magic school
🩸Dual POV
🩸Bully romance
🩸Trials
🩸Forced Betrothal
🩸Touch her and Die … literally

As soon as I saw this book featured vampires, a morally complex MMC with Draco Malfoy energy, dragons, and the vibes of Zodiac Academy, I knew I had to read it.

I devoured it in under 24 hours and was hooked from the very first page. The pacing was spot-on, and the world-building was rich yet easy to follow. I absolutely loved our FMC, Medra—she’s fiery, strong, and doesn’t take any nonsense. That said, I wish we had gotten more of our MMC Blake’s perspective. He’s such a layered character! Yes, he’s morally grey and egocentric, but he’s also deeply misunderstood. After meeting Medra, it’s clear he’d do anything for her and always prioritizes the people he loves. Oh, and I loved his nickname for her—“Little Dragon.” Sometimes nicknames can feel off, but this one worked perfectly.

Overall, this was such an enjoyable read, and I’m already counting down the days for book 2. Can we please, please have more of Blake’s POV in the sequel?

Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op, and Briar Boleyn for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

At first I really loved this book and flew through it.
It’s a really easy read and gave me major Harry Potter vibes even to the point with one female and one male best friends where the male likes the female friend. This is a lot darker though.

What made me reevaluate my feelings towards this book was the ending. I felt that the MMC acted a bit weird at the last scene. To the point that that he felt lika a Tamlin. There are other factors that makes me think that he is endgame but it just rubbed me the wrong way. And I read a lot of dark romance and like my MMC morally black.

I think I will give the second book a chance though since I really liked it apart from the ending.

Another thing that threw me off was that the cover seems to be made with AI. You can clearly see it on the dragon. This also makes me question if I should read the next book.

I know all the reviews raved about it, but I just didn't like it. I wasn't pulled in and I was left with more questions as the story established itself than I would have liked. Overall, not my cup of tea.

Thank you Briar for an earc of this! I kept seeing this all over tik tok.

For fans of | Fourth wing | Enemies to Lovers | Villain gets the girl | Romantasy |

Between dragons, and vampires. A war academy, bullies and touch her and die. This kept me wanting more.

The plot was phenomenal. Where a lot of books don't hook me as quickly this one drew me in fast and kept me hooked! Medra was such a badass from the start! I loved her! I can't wait to see what happens next!!

This is the perfect mix of Fourth Wing, Harry Potter and Zodiac Academy. It has hot and scary vampires, dragons, magic and other mythical creatures. If you love all of these things, this book is for you!
Medra Pendragon is, allegedly, the last of the dragon riders... but there are no dragons left. The vampires capture her and she is forced to attend Bloodwing Academy. There she meets the arrogant, cold (and beautiful) vampire Blake Drakharrow 🖤

I absolutely loved this story! It took me a few chapters to get into the plot and the writing, but after that I was completely hooked. This book gave me the ✨️5 star feeling✨️ because I just couldn't put it down and I was so interested in the plot!

Medra is such a strong and caring FMC! She's a badass! Her friendship with two other classmates is amazing to read about! There are also some verrryyy unlikable characters that made some parts are a bit hard to read 😡 I really liked the balance between humorous, heartwarming moments and difficult and angering moments! The plot has some very high stake moments, which I loved!

And the ending!!! Omg I'm actually shocked. I did see it coming from the beginning tbh, but that didn't make it less shocking. I can't wait for the second book to come out, because I know I'm reading it immediately!

Thanks you so much NetGalley and Briar Boleyn for providing me with this arc! ✨️

When Medra wakes up in a land that is not her own, she quickly realizes that she is in trouble. Captured by Vampires, she is told she is the last of the dragon riders, not that any dragons have been seen in years. She is sent to Bloodwing Academy, where she soon learns she is at the bottom of the hierarchy. Betrothed to a man who acts like he owns her and seeks to control her, Medra soon learns it will take everything she has to survive.

Briar did it again! I really loved this book and I can't wait for book two! I really loved that this followed Medra's story after Knight of the Goddess. The tension between Medra and Blake was perfect and I loved the enemies to lovers story line with this one. I can't wait to see what comes next for this story!

Did not finish at 33%.

I tried for a few months to get through this but it’s the first book in years that I couldn’t bring myself to finish when I was enjoying it.

The main problem was the dialogue. The way the characters spoke was so unrealistic and cringey, I very often could never imagine someone actually saying things out loud in a conversation the way it was written.

The love interest also was marketed as very Draco Malfoy but I couldnt really see that coming through. Smelling like green apples is not really enough for me.

The plot was ok, it just wasn’t worth reading because of the writing style.

3.5 rounded up.

When I read the blurb for this book, I couldn't wait to dive in. Harry Potter is a lifestyle, and to add vampires and dragons to the mix was on a whole new level!

But it fell short on some of these aspects, most importantly, the Dramione vibes. There was nothing with Medra and Blake's story that had me feeling this. I honestly never felt that Blake was a bad person towards Medra in the first place. It was more that she made it up in her head just to try having a reason not to like Blake.

Overall, I thought this was a pretty well written story. There's quite a few things to be rounded out still, but I'm sure that will come up in the next installment. I do look forward to book two and what comes of Medra and Blake, the history of the dragons, the voice in her head, and whatever it is Rodriguez expected her to learn from her history books.

On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn Review
Firstly thank you to the author Briar Boleyn, NetGalley and Starwater Press for allowing me to read this book as an ARC! This is book 1 for the series, Bloodwing Academy and is a fantastic fantasy read.
This is an unforgettable journey into the fantasy world with features of enemies to lovers, dark magic, vampires and a touch of dragons. From the first chapter, I was captivated by the author's style of writing and ability to create such a vivid and detailed world with rich characters that sinks its talons into you, making this unforgettable.
As the story unfolds with a seamless blend of intrigue and mystery, it kept me hooked until the very end, leaving me anticipating the next book in this series. The FMC is both fierce and vulnerable as she navigates the complexities and power struggles of the world, making her character resonate on an emotional level. The supporting characters are also very well written, each with their own secrets, motivations that make them vital for the plot. The romance throughout the book is also enthralling, passionate, complex and heart-wrenching.
A favorite of mine is the author's ability to weave intricate world-building with a plot that maintained momentum throughout. Every chapter was rich with tension and atmosphere with moments that had my emotions running wild.
If you enjoy dark fantasy with well-written characters and an epic plot, this book is a must-read! This book will linger in your mind long after you have turned the final page, and I cannot wait to read the remainder of the series.

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Rating 4/5 Stars
Spice Level 3/5

On Wings of Blood is a dark fantasy romance written in an academia setting. Medra is a half-fae thrown into a world of vampires who she has only read about. She is charged with being a dragon rider and sent to a school where mortals are considered lesser beings and are there to serve the vampires. Blake a powerful vampire is her betrothed and her tormentor.

This is the first book of the Bloodwing Academy series.

I flew through this book! Wow! Can definitely say I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Medra is full of fire and restraint while also being vulnerable and willing to change. Blake is everything we want in a villianous book boyfriend (fierce protector hiding behind a bully facade).

The writing was a little immature especially during spicier content with some repetitive scenes and phrasing however, it did not take away from the story.

Briar really melded together a lot of different elements here. I definitely felt some Fourth Wing, Zodiac Academy, and Hunger Games vibes.

If you want a book with some spice, vampires, and enemies to lovers this is for you.

I do wish it had more dragons in it, but I have hopes for the next book!

Thank you to NetGalley, the Publisher, and Briar Boleyn for the ARC and opportunity to read and review this book.

I was provided an arc of this book but I also plan to purchase it. I love Brian Boleyn. I love her books. This one was great. If you like zodiac academy, Harry potter, and vampires, you will love this. However, I do not believe i should be read prior to ue Blood of the Fae series.

A dragon rider, without a dragon, is forced to go to an academy where the highbloods (like Blake) run everything. Medra is betrothed to Blake. Secrets and competitions loom around every corner.

I happen to be reading Zodiac Academy at the same time. If you liked Zodiac Academy, you will enjoy this book. This book was full of world building. I can’t wait for the next installment. Oh the cliffhanger!

Thank you to Briar Boleyn, Starwater Press, and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

On Wings of Blood by Alexcia Knight is such a fun and intense read! It’s the perfect mix of action, mystery, and just the right amount of romance. The story takes you to Bloodwing Academy, a school full of secrets where students with dangerous powers fight to survive.

The world-building is so vivid it feels like you’re right there, walking the academy’s dark halls. The characters are super intriguing, especially the protagonist, who’s dealing with all kinds of challenges and growing stronger with each page. And those morally grey side characters? You’re constantly second-guessing who’s an ally and who’s out to get her.

The pacing is great—there’s never a dull moment—and the romance is a slow burn that keeps you hooked without overpowering the story. Some parts were a little predictable, but the twists made up for it and left me excited for what’s next.

If you’re into dark academia, magic, and high-stakes drama, you’ll love this book. Can’t wait for the next one!

This book is insane!! Absoulty ticks all the boxes for action packed enemies to lovers dragon 🐉 lovers this. This came highly recommended and I can understand why 5* read for me faes vampires dark academia setting what more can a girl wish for. Bring on book 2!!

This book surprised me. Some of the writing feels a little young. But I really enjoyed this. I loved the tension. I also loved how it felt very Harry Potter esq. truly kept me on my toes the entire time. I finished this in 24 hours. Can’t wait for book 2!

Thank you to Netgalley and Briar Boleyn for the arc.

I absolutely loved Medra in the Blood of a Fae series, so naturally, I was thrilled when I found out she was getting her own story.

The forced betrothal at the start honestly threw me off, but the world-building completely won me over. It’s been a while since I’ve read a truly great academic-setting book, and this one delivered. I couldn’t put it down! Blake was basically Draco Malfoy incarnate, and considering the circumstances, I think he handled things the best he could.

This is how you write an enemies-with-benefits trope—pure chef’s kiss! It was so good, I devoured it in just two days. But that ending? It left me with one overwhelming reaction: WHAT THE HECK!? Now, I’m counting down the days until book two!

Let me start off by saying thank you to the publisher, author, and netgalley for the chance to read this book!

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

When you throw together and enemies to maybe acquaintances who have a few benefits and possibly some hidden feelings, a forced betrothal, a little other women drama when said forced betrothal always has a betrothed, a Harry Potteresque academy setting… oh and lots and lots of vampires you get On Wings of Blood. An interesting romantasy that will keep you flipping pages desperate to know what’s going to happen next.

I enjoyed the plot of On Wings of Blood, and the first part of the story was so interesting and had me desperate to know what was going to happen next, but then at least for me it was like I hit a bit of a snag and things started to slow down and I felt like I really had to push through until we got close to the end where things began to pick up again leaving me on the edge of my seat to know what’s to come. And I will say I enjoyed the characters. Merda was strong, resilient and caring in her own way, even if that meant pushing people away. She was always striving to be better, do better, and always stay one step ahead. I also loved Blake’s character, how he was willing to fight for the ones he loved, as well as just how he was protective even if it was from the background. Overall On Wings of Blood was an interesting read that I’m excited to see more of!!