I was very exited with being able to continue the series after the ending of the first book. And this book was amazing, following these character through the many challenges, alongside the twist and turns which occurred made this story amazing. The way in which this characters developed even further throughout this book. With everything in which occurred throughout the book, I was gripped to the book. Wanting to keep reading wanting to find out more. And with how the book ended I am looking forward to to the next book in the series.

The book kicks off where the last one left off, and it's an absolute thrill ride from start to finish. It starts off with a bang, and I was hooked right from the start. I was immediately immersed in the story again. The writing style is incredibly captivating and excellent. The atmosphere draws the reader into the events and the world with ease. I absolutely love Medra, the protagonist. Her character is so vibrant and compelling. She's strong, she's got a mind of her own, and she follows her own path. This volume is jam-packed with fascinating details about the world, making it a great place to dive into the series again. I found the middle part a bit lengthy, but the ending made up for it. I'm super excited for the next book and can't wait to dive into the next adventure!

The continuation of this dark-academia vibed fantasy was just ugh.. exceptional. I just kept WANTING to come back. Delicious tension, fantastic banter, magical plot. Need book 3 like yesterday!

Thank you to NetGalley and Starwater Press (Indie) for the opportunity to read an E-ARC of On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

wow ... just wow

the dramione vibes hehe

The turn this book did was not what I was expecting. To be honest, I had no idea how this book was going to turn out lol All I knew that was going to happen was that Blake was going to regret forcing their bond on Medra and change how he acted towards her. And he did heheh I always love when the bully asshole alpha male becomes apologetic because they know she will never forgive him unless he changes for the better and actually become nice. Because once he did then she freely gave him more blood and more of her hehe Even tho there was still resistance on her part.

But the other parts!! DRAGONS! Well singular. There is only one dragon. A dragon that Medra accidentally woke up. Because how are they supposed to know that the dragon statues in the courtyard are actual dragons from centuries before.

And he isn't happy about being turned into stone from the beginning and learning he is the only dragon roaming the world. But Medra, being known as the rider, can communicate with him. Nyxaris would not bow down to the vampires like they thought he would, but it didn't mean he wouldn't be there for Medra when she needed him.

Then the secrets! There are so many secrets and mysteries in this book! I thought there was enough of those in the last book, but there are more lol. Especially the mystery about what is going on with Blake and how Kage knows what he's going through. But how?

I need to know what happens! Please! Book 3 can't come sooner...

The Bond That Burns is a great follow up and is even better than the first book! Medra is reeling from Blake’s lies and that she now has a new, giant, fiery friend. One that might eat her. One that wasn’t supposed to exist.
I love the dialogue between her and Nyxaris and that Neville is still..Neville. Our cute little neighborhood Fluffin.
I appreciate that Medra doesn’t instantly forgive Blake, and that he has a lot of character growth in this book. There were trials and challenges, with sweet moments and some definite heat thrown in! After that cliffhanger of an ending, I’m excited for the next book!

Wow, where to begin? This one picks up right where book 1 left off. You find out what happens to Medra for waking Nyxaris and then go through her next year of school.
I love love love Nyxaris! Honestly what's better than dragons? And I love mind speak - whether it's an animal you have a bond with or fated mates - I gobble that right up.
Fell in love with Blake even more in this one. SWOON.
The bad guys you hated in book 1 are even worse in book 2. But we learn some new and VERY interesting things!
And the cliffhanger in book 1? Child's play compared to the one we are left with here!
Absolutely fantastic book 2! Even better than book 1! Can not wait for the next one!!

Thank you to Netgalley and Starwater Press for this ARC.

I have genuinely put a reminder on my calendar for the publication of the next book in the series because WHY WOULD YOU END THE BOOK LIKE THAT?? I am in agony - it's just cruel. Especially considering I originally thought this series was a duology for some reason. Unacceptable.

Once again, poor Medra just cannot catch a break. I know red heads don't typically get grey hair but, all the stress has to be shortening her lifespan. I love her loyalty to those she cares about and her feminine rage.

For approximately the first third of the book, I was just annoyed at the MMC's behaviour but, that turned around to pure pining and I am here for it! It's refreshing seeing a character that genuinely did make bad decisions and beliefs have a true change in themself over time. It can't always be a case of allowing themselves to be seen as the bad guy but, secretly protecting everyone. His backstory and family makes me sad (but, does not excuse terrible actions he chose to do).

Aside from the romance and the plot, the grumpy dragon and ridiculous little fluffin? Absolutely love them - scenes featuring them were pure serotonin. Give me more.

I cannot believe I have to wait two months. This is ridiculous.

Medra Pendragon is half mortal, half fae, and is believed to have dragon rider blood. A line that has long since died out, along with all of the dragons. After being thrust into a world of high bloods (vampires) and blight borns (non vampires) she ends up at Bloodwing Academy, an elite school where she is bound to Blake Drakharrow, a powerful vampire heir whose words are just as vicious as his bite.

It’s now year 2 at Bloodwing Academy and there has been new awakenings, shifted loyalties, unraveled secrets and undeniable feelings! A lot happens in book one which continues almost straight on in book 2. Without giving spoilers, I’ll say if you loved book one, you’ll love book two! We get to learn more about some of the secondary characters which I really enjoyed and get to learn a little more on the history of the dragons. There’s still a lot of unanswered questions and the slow burn, enemies to lovers tension. And add in a whisper of a budding love triangle that I was HOPING would happen, but didn’t. Fingers crossed for book 3 because I’m a big fan of one vampire in particular! 😂

The Bond That Burns is a really solid romantasy read, that has a bit of everything! 🥰

Themes and Tropes:

♥️ Dark Academia
♥️ Bully Romance
♥️ Enemies to lovers
♥️ Vampires
♥️ Shifters
♥️ King Arthur legend
♥️ Found family

Dual POV - FMC and MMC
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5

A big thank you to NetGalley and Starwater press for my copy.

Thank you to NetGallery and Victory Editing for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review. All opinions are my own.

This was such a solid second book in the series, and that ending? So good! I definitely enjoyed this one more than the first, though I swear Blake had me wanting to strangle him at every turn. His progress felt like one step forward, twenty steps back, but honestly, that just made him feel more real. He’s trying his best, even if his role models were... questionable (still can’t remember when his dad died, or if it was ever even shared).

I fear Kage is far more compelling, and I want them together—even though I know it’s not happening. But hey, a girl can dream, because I have no idea how she’s choosing Blake over him.

Like the first book, this was such an easy, fun read and perfect for scratching that Fourth Wing itch.

Neville deserves everything good and right, while Marcus and Regan can ROT.

Excited for the next book—it can’t come soon enough! (If you wanna slide the ARC into my inbox, I won’t complain)

Going into this book I wasn’t sure about the series as a whole and really disliked the MMC as a character in the first book. At the beginning of this book I genuinely thought it would be a Tamlin situation and she would be romantically involved with Kage. Blake did grow on me as a character and I didn’t hate the relationship between him and Medra.

If you liked Fourth Wing, Zodiac Academy and Vampire academy I do think you will really enjoy this series.

The things I think that could have been improved: more depth into Aenia and Victor’s deaths as I found this very rushed. Characters such as Lace and Rodriguez seemed to appear and disappear, being important to the plot at points but almost instantly forgotten about. I’m not sure about the dragon shifter idea but… I feel like if more depth is provided I could be on board.

The things I liked: I found the twist unpredictable and I wasn’t expecting it so it was a nice surprise. I enjoyed the dragons and the history around them. Florence and medra have a very heartwarming sweet relationship but would die for each other if needed. I always enjoy close meaningful female relationships in romantasy based books.

Thank you to net galley and Starwater press for the eARC

A definite improvement on the first book. I was hooked straight away with this sequel and could not put it down, I was up until the early hours trying to finish this and then could not sleep because of the ending! The wait for the next book is going to feel like forever!

Ate this up as much as Book 1- I love love love ZA vibes & this series gives that lol. Although, totally unique in its own way w/ the originality of her Vampires & Dragon lore. And OOF- The tension 🔥 The triangle w/ Kage, Medra, & Blake? Why Choose baby- Pls lmfao. Give it to meeee, Rachel. So much yearning, but if I had to pick, I’m still down bad for Blake w/ this whole enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers, baby 🍽️ Feasting. Aside from bully romance, there’s also court & school intrigue, did I mention dragons yet? & so much more 🤍

Overall- A fun series, can’t wait for Book 3 ‘cause that ending?

The character arc for this book has been amazing. This book was intense and the writing was top notch this book def ended on a cliff hanger and left you wanting more. In a good way. It has dragons and academy setting all you could ever hope for

Medra has awoken a dragon. Nyxaris, the Avari dragon, is now her companion. Well, kinda. The vampire Tribunal determines that she has to show control and command of the dragon or else.... 💀. What is a girl to do? Convince the dragon to help her by being sweet? Meanwhile, Blake has his own issues that he is trying to scale. And one of those issues lies in his own flesh. The other is freakin Kage Tanaka and his refusal to leave Medra alone. Is he just a friend or is he a challenger for her affection? And why won't this stinkin fluffin stay put?!

Gosh, I just love these characters and this world. I need a fluffin expeditiously. I cannot wait for the third installment of this series. The ending left SO much going on that I have no idea who is alive, dead, or just giving up. May cannot get here fast enough!

WOW! This book kept me hooked from the first chapter, I couldn't put it down i was they invested.

The tension and chemistry between Blake and Medra was beautifully written and the spice was much appreciated.

I absolutely love Medra's character and how she takes no shit from anyone.

I was shocked at so much that happened, I did not see any of the plot twists coming. This book absolutely played with my heart strings. These cliffhangers are not healthy for me, I already cant wait for book 3!!!

Briar Boleyn’s The Bond That Burns, the second installment in the Bloodwing Academy series, is a captivating continuation of Medra’s journey. This sequel amplifies the dark academia atmosphere, weaving a complex narrative filled with suspense and intrigue. The story delves deeper into the world of Bloodwing Academy, where dragons and vampires entwine in a web of power and politics. Medra’s journey is marked by growth and resilience as she navigates the treacherous landscape. The characters are multidimensional, with compelling arcs that add depth to the narrative. The book explores themes of survival, trust, and power, all set against the backdrop of a richly detailed world. Briar Boleyn’s writing is atmospheric and engaging, capturing the essence of dark academia with vivid descriptions and tense dialogue. The Bond That Burns is an addictive sequel that builds on the foundations of the first book. With its intricate plot, complex characters, and immersive world-building, it will keep you on the edge of your seat. The story is full of twists and turns, making it a must-read for fans of fantasy romance.

Ummmm yeeees!!!!
I have so many questions! I just want the next book. Reading and waiting until the next releases is torture.

Things I want more of: dragons, vampires biting (specifically Blake), the rebellion against his uncle.

The push and pull between our Blake and Medra. I JUST WANT THEM TOGETHER!! The angst! C’mon, I just want them to love loving each other!

Tick tock.. let’s drop the next book! I’m not made for this waiting game when the books are this juicy!

"𝕭𝖚𝖙 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖇𝖗𝖎𝖓𝖌 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖋𝖎𝖗𝖊. 𝖄𝖔𝖚 𝖒𝖆𝖐𝖊 𝖊𝖛𝖊𝖓 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖉𝖆𝖗𝖐𝖓𝖊𝖘𝖘 𝖘𝖍𝖎𝖓𝖊. 𝕰𝖛𝖊𝖓 𝖉𝖗𝖆𝖌𝖔𝖓 𝖋𝖎𝖗𝖊 𝖈𝖆𝖓'𝖙 𝖈𝖔𝖒𝖕𝖊𝖙𝖊 𝖜𝖎𝖙𝖍 𝖙𝖍𝖊 𝖜𝖆𝖞 𝖞𝖔𝖚 𝖇𝖚𝖗𝖓"🩸

Wow, this book was incredible! I was a little hesitant going in because the ending of the first book had me worried it might take a direction I wouldn’t love, but I was SO WRONG. The Bond That Burns beautifully expanded on the story, deepening the world-building and character development in such a satisfying way. I fell even more in love with so many of the characters. Florence is the sweetest baby angel, and of course, Neville and Nyaxis are the bestest boys. I adore them so much!

I especially loved how Medra and Blake’s relationship evolved—watching them slowly begin to trust each other made for such an intense and rewarding journey. The action and tension were non-stop, keeping me hooked from start to finish, and I was shocked at how much was packed into a book that’s shorter than the first. AND THE SPICE was absolutely chef’s kiss!🔥 It was the perfect amount of steamy, intense, and so well-written. And THAT ENDING?! I am absolutely freaking out. I NEED the next book immediately!

✨Thank you to NetGalley and Briar Boleyn for graciously providing me with an ARC. All opinions are my own! ✨

🌶️🌶️🌶️
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
It's been almost a day and I still haven't recovered from the end of this book. I don't know if I will any time soon or until I get my hands on book three. I was expecting everything dialed up from book one, but I think Briar Boleyn may have broken the dials. This was a 6-star read for me so could book three be my first 7-star read this year?


Nyxaris’s roar would seem like nothing compared to mine when I was through with Blake-fucking-Drakharrow.


I spent the first half of the book wanting to throw my kindle at the wall because Blake is thicker than my walls and that still may be understating it. He decides to double down on all his wrong choices and I wondered if we would ever get back to the romance part of this bully romance. At one point, I may have even considered being a traitor and rooting for Medra x Kage, but I stayed true to the end. If I were Medra, I probably would have just fucked around and found out with Kage regardless after some of the things she said to Blake. I would be lying if I denied I cried like a big baby quite a few times and the longest at the end, so you have been warned. This book toys with your emotions and makes you realize book one was just the foreplay. The spice was beautiful, intimate and everything I wanted from this novel. There might be a Visha line that will rent-free in my mind for far too long, and you are free to guess which one it is as I will not be repeating it. Enjoy an excerpt I loved instead.


The warmth of his hand was jarring. His thumb brushed against my pulse and for a moment, I felt my treacherous heart stutter. “This would be easier,” he said, leaning towards me, his voice low. “If you’d stop pretending you hate it.”


Briar continues to build upon this beautiful rich world and bless us with characters I can't help to love or despise with every inch of my being. The character growth is huge for everyone (except those damn mean girls iykyk.) The relationship between Medra and Florence is so damn beautiful and strong and I always love seeing strong female friendships, especially when they have such different strengths that compliment each other. I loved learning more about the four great houses and their important characters. These are the small details I live for. The difficult relationship between Medra and Nyxaris was so enjoyable to read because you really never knew what was going to happen next, and it was unique and full of many emotions. I cannot wait for book three and part of me doesn't want it to end, ever.

He suddenly pushed his chest up against mine, shoving me backwards. His breath was hot against my ear. “Why don’t you just fall in line, like a good little girl?”

🩸 Dark academia
🖤 Dual POV
🩸 Found family
🖤 Unlikely allies
🩸 Dangerous secrets
🖤 Forced betrothal
🩸 Villain gets the girl
🖤 Rival houses

“Mine,” I whispered, the word slipping out before I could stop it.

Thank you Starwater Press via Netgalley for an eARC. All opinions are my own.

What do you do when you read a line like this: 'Sometimes our choices are all we have, Miss Pendragon. They define us, for better or for worse.'?

For me its a simple decision, you brew a good strong cuppa, get in your comfiest chair, put on your Do Not Disturb Socks, and grab your book because The Bond That Burns - Bloodwing Academy Book Two - and get ready to fall into a sweeping saga of a story filled with danger, action, and myth. Boleyn has balanced what makes a strong book for me, with sparkling banter and sizzling chemistry this is a book that will leave you giving advice to Blake because we know him so well and understand all his swirling conflicting feelings.

I cannot tell you how exciting this was to read and how excited I am to stay longer in this series for the next book.

The ultimate compliment, I will be reading books one and two again before book three is released because I don't want to miss any of the clues or hints. And, to be honest I want to note out what I might have missed in my rush to see what happened before I was left hanging on the best cliffhanger I have read in a while.

Thank you NetGalley and Briar Boleyn for sharing this book with me!