What a wonderful second book! I wasn't sure how this would live up to the first which I adored, but this was a great read.

The most important thing to me was to see how Medra and Blakes relationship developed after the ending of book 1. I was pleased things weren't simple and it was a satisfying resolution. Now I need to know how they cope with the ending of book 2!

And the dragons obviously. Dying to find out what's going on, and what happens next. The plot moved along really well here, with plenty of surprises! Aenia broke my heart a little bit and I adore Florence and Theo.

A great second book, can't wait to continue this series.

Book two in the Bloodwing Academy series is far more fun where romance is concerned. Readers will definitely be able to scratch that romantic itch and dear old Blake’s emotional progress is well structured. I do miss the class time that was so prolific in book one but I suspect we will be able to enjoy a big learning curve regarding the dragons (I do love a good training montage) and the uncovering of further political machinations.
There are a lot of loose ends still to tie up! I look forward to reading book three.

this book includes:
badass fmc
obsessive mmc
dark academia
found family
bully romance
enemies to lovers
hate to love

The bond that burns picks up where On wings of blood left off with that cliffhanger. Which for me is one of the best things that can happen with the 1st book leaves on a cliffhanger ending.

Medra is even better in this book compared to the 1st book. She takes no shit whatsoever. One of my favourite things about her is that she stands up for whoever needs help. I absolutely hate when reading a book and the main characters can see someone needs help and they can help them but they don’t for whatever reason. Well Medra is not that type of character. If someone needs help she is the one to stand up and help them which is something I really appreciate.

Blake becomes even more obsessive in this book which you wouldn’t think is possible but it is which to me is swoon worthy 😍.

The bond that burns is full of twist and turns that will keep you on your toes and needing book 3.

This book is written beautifully in a way that draws you in and I can’t wait to read book 3 just to experience it again.

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

The best way I could describe these books is Harry Potter meets Fourth Wing but with vampires.

These books had me hooked from page one!

Medra Pendragon is the last of the dragon riders in a world where dragons no longer exist. Yet to the vampires, she is a threat, and therefore, she is forced to attend Bloodwing Academy. There, she has to face a battleground of not only competitions but the alluring Blake Drakharrow, who is now her betrothed and slowly stealing her heart.

Book one is a lot of world building, and I found it a bit draining, especially when this book was flagged as a Dramione, and I sort of just wanted to get to that part... I would say it's a low dose Dramione, like just sprinkles on your ice cream at night time.
You can see the book one build up. You can see what it's doing, and then a cliffhanger slaps you in the face. Honestly, I shouldn't be surprised that cliffhangers exist, but they still get me.
Book two was so much better than book one, and I think it's because the back story was set up extensively prior. Medra develops so much as a character in this one. Blake somehow is more shirtless, and then the cliffhanger (yes, also hurt me again) was somehow better than book ones 🤦‍♀️

I can't wait for book 3!

Thank you NetGalley and Starwater Press for this eCopy to review

From the very first page, I was hooked by the dark, seductive world Briar Boleyn created in 'The Bond That Burns.' It's a fantasy romance with a definite edge, and I found myself completely swept away.

The story centres on our heroine, Medra who, let's be honest, gets thrown into the deep end from page one. She accidentally awakens a dragon, a mythical creature of immense power, and suddenly, she's the centre of everyone's attention. Every powerful house at Bloodwing wants to control her, and by extension, the dragon's legacy she now carries. The catch? She has absolutely no idea what she's doing. She's basically winging it, trying to keep everyone from realising she's not the one in control. I was on the edge of my seat, wondering how long she could keep up the charade.

And then there's Blake Drakharrow. Oh, Blake. He's the epitome of the 'bully villain with Draco Malfoy energy,' and I was here for it. He starts off betraying her, which, okay, not cool, but then he becomes her blood source, creating this intense, tangled bond between them. The tension was palpable! I was practically fanning myself. The author really knows how to build that slow-burn, enemies-to-lovers dynamic, and it was so satisfying.

The world-building was fantastic. I loved the unique blend of vampires and dragons, and the lore felt fresh and original. Bloodwing Academy itself was a character, with its dark, gothic atmosphere and its treacherous power dynamics. I was completely immersed in this world, and I couldn't get enough.

The plot was fast-paced and action-packed, with plenty of twists and turns to keep me guessing. I loved the balance between the romance and the fantasy elements. The action scenes were thrilling, and the romantic moments were heart-pounding. I was completely invested in Medra's journey, and I was rooting for her to survive and find her place in this dangerous world.

I'm eagerly anticipating the next book in the series. If you're a fan of dark academia fantasy romance with strong characters and intense chemistry, 'The Bond That Burns' is definitely a must-read!"

<b>Actual Rating: 3.5⭐</b>

I love the first book, and I was very excited to read the sequel, The Bond that Burns which started right after the ending of Book 1, On Wings of Blood.
Truthfully, I have mixed feelings about this book.

Plotwise, it was fascinating. I was intrigued as Medra set out on a mission to uncover the hidden history of the dragons and their riders, as well as secrets kept from the public by the Four Houses. Not only that, but another shocking secret finally came to light.

Medra is doing her best under the immense pressure and expectations of being the only dragon rider. I admired the way she stands up for herself and her dragon, and her friendship with Florence.
And who could forget the adorable Neville ? It’s impossible not to love him; his cute antics always liven up the story!

While I enjoyed the storyline and love the characters, the direction of the romance wasn’t what I expected.
I spend most of the time hating Blake (Medra’s love interest) due to his attitude and action toward Medra, which angered me so much!
Initially, I was rooting for Medra and Blake, but after this book, I no longer feel the same way. I don’t’ get the Dramione vibes anymore and I think Medra deserves better than Blake…

The last few chapters were quite intense, with twist after twist, some of which were left unanswered. This left me wishing I had the next book in the series.

Overall, this was still a pretty good sequel. The easy-to-read writing style, short chapters, epic world building and loveable characters kept my eyes glued to my Kindle.

⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: blood, death, violence, sexual content

Overall I really enjoyed this book. It picks up right where book 1 ends and doesn't mess around getting straight back into the story.

I loved the dynamic between Medra and Nyxaris and getting to know the dragons character throughout the book. I liked getting to know more about Visha too and really love her character. I am not being dramatic when I say I would die for Neville. I did struggle a little but with Blake at the start of the book and quite frankly wanted him to get a grip.

I am really excited to see where this series goes and will definelty be diving right into book 3 when its released. This book kept me on my toes trying to figure out everyone's intentions and true allegiances and I still don't think I have it figured out.

The ending!!! You have dark academia, enemies to lovers, dragons, vampires

Trials to test how far Medra can go before she breaks. She is the only dragon rider is existence. Her and her friends fight for survival.

This is the second book in the Bloodwing academy series and highly addicting! Briar has kept the same level of suspense, tension and drama as in On Wings Of Blood. So if you love vampires, dragons, magic in a world where Harry Potter meets Zodiac Academy and Fourth Wing... put this book on your TBR! I can tell you: I can't wait for the third book!

Wow, the world-building in The Bond That Burns continues to grow richer and more complex, especially with the intricate dynamics between dragons, highbloods, and dragon riders. While I enjoyed the story, I really wanted more of Blake, and I was relieved that his bullying didn’t drag on for too long. However, some of the decisions both Blake and Medra make weren’t exactly what I hoped for. Still, the political intrigue and deeper understanding of family motivations kept me hooked. Can’t wait for book 3!

The Bond That Burns is the second book in the Bloodwing Academy series. It picks up right after the end of book one in the courtyard of dragon statues.

I absolutely loved it and devoured this book faster than book one. Although the beginning is fairly slow on the pacing, were just kind of waiting for time to pass (no spoilers), the pacing does pick up part way through and then kicks into overdrive in the last 60 pages.

I love how much some of the characters develop in this book, it's nice to see some considerable character growth.

The relationship between Blake and Medra does develop further. I'm curious to see whether or not this develops further in book 3.

The interactions between Nyraxis and Medra were fun, I appreciate the snarky dragon attitude. I appreciate that Neville is still up to his shenanigans, but I feel like we see him less in this book.

Once again, we end on a doozy of a cliffhanger. I'm dying to know what happens next and am really excited to see what happens in Book 3 - can't wait for The Wings That Bind this spring!

Thank you to Briar Boleyn, Saltwater Press (Indie), and NetGalley for the advance copy.

Disclaimer: I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

Wow, wow, woooooow Briar does it again and I couldn't put this book down. A must read author from me (and I will probably re read this too)

4.5 ⭐️

”She was a storm of contradictions, all fragility and fire. If she let me, I’d be the one who held her through every storm and tempest on the horizon.”🖤

I loved this book so much more than the first. I was at the edge of my seat at times and couldn’t put the book down. There were certain things that drove me a little crazy, the biggest was the constant back and forth between Medra and Blake. Now, I loved the banter between them in book 1, but I think by the time I got to reading this one, I just really wanted them to make up and be together. I think I just got tired of how much they hated one another, and it was only because they never actually talked to each other to understand one another and instead tormented each other

Blake reminds me so much of Draco Malfoy, where he resorts to bullying, disrespect, and hurting people with his words when he himself feels some kind of hurt or rejection. And Medra is such a badass & strong charcter, that she isn’t afraid of anyone or easily intimidated by them, so she very easily will put Blake in his place. Or atleast try to. She is strong & independent, but the people she cares about are her weaknesses.

“For the first time in a long time, I fell asleep believing that maybe, just maybe, I was capable of something better. Because of her.” 🖤

Eventually Medra & Blake’s relationship and understanding of one another gets better, but other challenges begin to arise. Blake will do anything for Medra, and has tried to keep her safe, but there are many secrets between them, and she doesn’t know if she can trust him.

“When you’re in danger, I feel like I’d gladly give up my life and everything in it to keep you safe.”♥️♥️

Medra is also working hard, trying to find answers for the dragon she woke, Nyxaris, who can’t remember much of his previous life. Which is pretty cool, following along as she tries to put the pieces together.

Overall, this was a great read for me, and I cannot wait until the third one comes out, because the ending was a bit insane! It left me with so many questions and I need answers! So excited to follow these characters as the series continues to develop ♥️

Thank you to NetGallery for an ARC copy of this amazing book in exchange for an honest review!!

I read this series to cute my Onyx Storm hangover, but now I have another hangover from this book!

I LOVED IT!!! Addicting from page one, i could not put this book down! A fantastic unique dragon rider story! Also, it is the first book with vampires that I have actually liked!

- University college vibes
- Dragonheart style lore
- Subtle Arthurian legend
- Harry Potter, Dracula, and Fourth Wing vibes!
- very morally grey, yet super men who have some very interesting secrets that I did not see coming! Massive 👏👏👏 for that as this plot was not at all as predictable as I thought it would be!

Damn the cliffhanger at the end as well was a massive 💣💣💣

Like WAHT!!

Cant wait for book 3!!!

Medra is ready to start her second year at Bloodwing Academy: with a fiancé she can't trust and a dragon she is supposed to tame - no pressure! Not to mention that she's hiding the secret that she's from another world. Turns out second year won't be any easier than her first.

The Bloodwing Academy series really combines some elements of Iron Wings (a dragon rider at school) and Dramione dynamics. I really enjoyed Medra's relationship with her female classmates. In a world where a lot of adult men seem to be arguing over her fate, the bonds she develops with her friends Florence and Visha are really heartwarming. I loved the scenes of the three of them brainstorming how to survive and supporting each other, despite the vast differences in their backgrounds. The ending of this book made me incredibly excited to see how their friendship develops in the next book. As I noted in my review of On Wings of Blood, Boleyn also draws the teachers at Bloodwing Academy very well, giving them own perspectives and personalities. Perhaps it is because I am reading these books as an adult, but I really enjoyed that the adults felt so well drawn.

But I also really enjoy seeing Medra take her love interest, Blake, down a peg. Too many books treat controlling behaviour as romantic, and I really enjoy that Medra understands when Blake is being toxic and makes it clear that she won't tolerate it. It was great to have a character agreeing with the thoughts that I was yelling at her - and it does feel like Blake listened.

I'm excited to read the next book in this series - Sarah J Maas and Rebecca Yarros fans will love it.

We pick up pretty much where book one left off and continue through with similar vibes from the first instalment. We went from enemies to lovers and then back to enemies again so we all want to know where that is going, but this time we chuck in another hopeful candidate just to make it interesting.

There’s plenty of scary people with power, dragons, vampires and little fluffy creatures to provide some much needed relief from all the stress. I have no idea how these kids get any schoolwork done with all the other drama going on. Do they actually learn anything?

There’s clearly more to come in this series, so I’m climbing on the back of a dragon and going along for the ride.

Thanks to #netgallery for access to this arc.

Genre: Romance/Fantasy FM
Format: Digital
POV: Multiple
Tropes: dragon riders, vampire school, creepy ruling families, how to train a dragon, mysteries to uncover, love triangle-ish, shifters, mated bonds, soul bonds.
Ending: Unresolved
Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
Age suggestion: 18+

This book doesn’t waste any time—right from page one, we’re thrown back into the chaos, and I loved every second of it! All the dark academia, slow-burn tension, and magical intrigue I was hoping for, plus plenty of vampires, dragons, and even a werewolf.

Medra is really coming into her own this year, finding her footing in a world that feels both thrilling and treacherous. And speaking of treacherous… I still have no idea who the good guys are and who might not be so good—which makes the story all the more addictive. The Harry Potter-esque boarding school vibes are just as strong as in the first book, with an atmosphere that’s equal parts enchanting and ominous.

Oh, and let’s not forget: “A prince in the keep, a dragon in the sheets.” Enough said.

The only downside? That cliffhanger! I need the next book ASAP.

The Bond That Burns has been my top read of 2025 thus far and I do not say that lightly! This dark academia fantasy romance has claimed my heart in its grip since the start. After reading Of Wings and Blood, I was eagerly awaiting this release - Briar is the queen of intense cliffhangers - and both books fed them on silver platters! I had no idea how you-know-who would be able to earn back Medra’s trust after he did what he did (iykyk) but somehow throughout the second book, my heart softened for him. That scene in the library 🥵 and what he goes through at the end ? I don’t know how to wait for the next release to see what happens after that INSANE ENDING! Ahhh!! Anyways, if you haven’t read this series - get on it, I promise it won’t disappoint!

Thank you so much h to Briar Boleyn and NetGalley for the gifted ARC ❤️

This series is truly unique and Briar’s writing is incredible. It’s very easy to get hooked and immerse yourself in the chaos of Bloodwing Academy

The character development in this book is amazing. And the characters are so morally grey it’s hard to know who’s trustworthy and who might be a wolf in sheep’s clothing. One second you hate someone and the next they’re making you melt like a puddle. These characters are truly a work of art.

I still love Medra, she’s sassy, she’s a badass, and she has a heart of gold. I fell in love with Blake during book one, fell out of love with him in the beginning of this book, and fell back in love with him by the end (he definitely keeps you on your toes). I love the side characters in this book also. Theo and Florence are so easy to love. And if you like books with a cute animal companion, Neville is everything you’re looking for.

The twists and turns in this book were never predictable and even when I tried to speculate what was coming I never see the next plot twist before it smacks me in the face.

The spicy scenes in this book are PERFECTION! If you want a book with an amazing plot that also gets you feeling all warm and tingly this one is 10000% for you!

The last 50 pages were heart-wrenching, I’m still pretty speechless about what just happened. There’s so many crazy plot lines that have unraveled in this book and I’m so excited to see where the next book takes us!

Okay, so this book definitely had some familiar elements—weak student at a specialized academy, gruff dragon who speaks in their mind—but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. It worked for me in book one, and I was curious to see where this would go.

Blake, though… wow. If the chapters weren’t labeled, I would have been hoping for a MMC switch because he sucked at first. But honestly? By the end, I didn’t hate him. He genuinely thought he was doing the right thing, and while it was frustrating, it made sense for his character. There was some actual growth, which I appreciated.

The romance? Kinda just happened out of nowhere. Like, okay, guess we’re doing this now. It wasn’t bad, just not super convincing. The pacing overall was a little slow—at times it felt like nothing was really happening—but then the last 10% absolutely took off. Chaos. So much chaos.

Some reveals were super obvious, but a couple actually caught me off guard, which I appreciated. Not my favorite, but still enjoyable enough to finish.

⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️