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Bloodwing Academy #1
On Wings of Blood
What do you get if you mix Harry Potter with Fourth Wing, Zodiac Academy, a dash of Arthurian legend, and lots and lots of vampires? Bloodwing Academy.
I didn't sign up for this.
A half-fae in a school of highblood vampires? That's a recipe for torment.
I'm Medra Pendragon—last of the dragon riders, or so they tell me. Funny thing is, there are no dragons left. Not a single one. But somehow, that hasn't stopped the vampires from deciding I'm worth capturing. Now I'm stuck at Bloodwing Academy, where the highbloods run everything and blightborn like me? We're just blood in their veins, pawns in their games.
But that's not even the worst part. Enter Blake Drakharrow. Cold, arrogant, and way too gorgeous for his own good. He's been tormenting me since the moment we met, and now, thanks to some ancient ritual, we're betrothed. He acts like he owns me, but I'm not going down without a fight.
Bloodwing isn't just a school—it's a battlefield. Highbloods fight for power, and if you're weak? You're dead.
Between deadly competitions, lies that could get me executed, and a dragon-shaped secret looming over my head, all I have to do is survive. Easy, right? Except I'm starting to think the real danger isn't the academy—it's what I'm becoming in this twisted game of power.
And Blake? He might just be the one who pushes me over the edge.
They think they can control me. They think they can use me.
But they have no idea what they've awakened.
Bestselling epic fantasy author Briar Boleyn returns with a new series perfect for fans of hate to love romance, heart-pounding action, and dark magic.
On Wings of Blood is a dark academia fantasy romance featuring a bully villain with Draco Malfoy energy who (eventually) gets the girl, all the tension and banter, and a tantalizingly dangerous blend of court and school intrigue all set in an intricately crafted world with unique vampire and dragon lore. Bloodwing Academy may have crossover characters from the world of Blood of a Fae, but can be read completely independently. If you're a fan of original mythology, unique world-building, and character-driven romantasy books such as Crowns of Nyaxia, From Blood and Ash, and A Court of Thorns and Roses, you won't want to miss out on this riveting new saga.
I didn't sign up for this.
A half-fae in a school of highblood vampires? That's a recipe for torment.
I'm Medra Pendragon—last of the dragon riders, or so they tell me. Funny thing is, there are no dragons left. Not a single one. But somehow, that hasn't stopped the vampires from deciding I'm worth capturing. Now I'm stuck at Bloodwing Academy, where the highbloods run everything and blightborn like me? We're just blood in their veins, pawns in their games.
But that's not even the worst part. Enter Blake Drakharrow. Cold, arrogant, and way too gorgeous for his own good. He's been tormenting me since the moment we met, and now, thanks to some ancient ritual, we're betrothed. He acts like he owns me, but I'm not going down without a fight.
Bloodwing isn't just a school—it's a battlefield. Highbloods fight for power, and if you're weak? You're dead.
Between deadly competitions, lies that could get me executed, and a dragon-shaped secret looming over my head, all I have to do is survive. Easy, right? Except I'm starting to think the real danger isn't the academy—it's what I'm becoming in this twisted game of power.
And Blake? He might just be the one who pushes me over the edge.
They think they can control me. They think they can use me.
But they have no idea what they've awakened.
Bestselling epic fantasy author Briar Boleyn returns with a new series perfect for fans of hate to love romance, heart-pounding action, and dark magic.
On Wings of Blood is a dark academia fantasy romance featuring a bully villain with Draco Malfoy energy who (eventually) gets the girl, all the tension and banter, and a tantalizingly dangerous blend of court and school intrigue all set in an intricately crafted world with unique vampire and dragon lore. Bloodwing Academy may have crossover characters from the world of Blood of a Fae, but can be read completely independently. If you're a fan of original mythology, unique world-building, and character-driven romantasy books such as Crowns of Nyaxia, From Blood and Ash, and A Court of Thorns and Roses, you won't want to miss out on this riveting new saga.
Kindle Edition
First published November 30, 2024
About the author
Briar Boleyn
8 books1,394 followers*** I am most active on Instagram!
Please Note: Goodreads won't let me follow any more people, but please feel free to add me as a friend! :) ***
Briar Boleyn is the fantasy romance pen name of USA TODAY bestselling author Fenna Edgewood. Briar rules over a kingdom of feral wildling children with a dark fae prince as her consort. When she isn't busy bringing new worlds to life, she can be found playing RPG video games, watching the birds at her bird feeder and pretending she's Snow White, or being sucked into a captivating book. Her favorite stories are the ones full of danger, magic, and true love.
Please Note: Goodreads won't let me follow any more people, but please feel free to add me as a friend! :) ***
Briar Boleyn is the fantasy romance pen name of USA TODAY bestselling author Fenna Edgewood. Briar rules over a kingdom of feral wildling children with a dark fae prince as her consort. When she isn't busy bringing new worlds to life, she can be found playing RPG video games, watching the birds at her bird feeder and pretending she's Snow White, or being sucked into a captivating book. Her favorite stories are the ones full of danger, magic, and true love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 530 reviews
November 7, 2024
3.25 stars ⭐️
⤷ spoiler-free review!! ⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪
this book gave off harry potter vibes and had lots of vampires, that’s for sure!
the worldbuilding was easy to follow and intriguing. i was fully engaged during the first 30% of the book, but the next 55% felt dragged on and lackluster. however, the last 15% picked up again.
ᡣ𐭩.ᐟ medra
medra is tough, self-sufficient, and determined, and i absolutely loved her no-nonsense attitude.
ᡣ𐭩.ᐟ blake
blake is actually a softie beneath his cold and arrogant facade, and i loved how he always looked out for medra. i wasn’t a fan of his possessiveness though. i mean… she IS his betrothed, but the number of times he said “she’s mine” felt a bit excessive imo 😭
ᡣ𐭩.ᐟ medra and blake
if you know me, you know i hate insta-love/lust, so i really appreciated the slow burn between them. however, it was hard to fully feel their connection and tension since we barely got blake’s pov, which made their dynamic feel somewhat incomplete.
ᡣ𐭩.ᐟ other characters
i adored the found family, especially florence and naveen. they were welcoming and supportive of medra, and i loved how they all looked out for one another and found comfort in each other’s company 🥹💗
overall, i think this book focused more on worldbuilding and laid the groundwork for the rest of the series. i fairly enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next book!! i would definitely recommend it, and i can’t wait to hear everyone else’s thoughts on it <3
thank you netgalley and victory editing netgalley co-op for providing me with an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!!
pre-read 🧛🏻♀️🐉🩸:
OH EM GEE I GOT THE ARC!!!!! PUTTING MY CURRENT READS ON HOLD AND DIVING RIGHT INTO THIS BOOK.
”What do you get if you mix Harry Potter with Fourth Wing, Zodiac Academy, a dash of Arthurian legend, and lots and lots of vampires? Bloodwing Academy.” THIS SOUNDS RIGHT UP MY ALLEY 🤌🏻 IT BETTER NOT DISAPPOINT 😭🙏🏻
⤷ spoiler-free review!! ⋆౨ৎ˚⟡˖ ࣪
this book gave off harry potter vibes and had lots of vampires, that’s for sure!
the worldbuilding was easy to follow and intriguing. i was fully engaged during the first 30% of the book, but the next 55% felt dragged on and lackluster. however, the last 15% picked up again.
ᡣ𐭩.ᐟ medra
medra is tough, self-sufficient, and determined, and i absolutely loved her no-nonsense attitude.
ᡣ𐭩.ᐟ blake
blake is actually a softie beneath his cold and arrogant facade, and i loved how he always looked out for medra. i wasn’t a fan of his possessiveness though. i mean… she IS his betrothed, but the number of times he said “she’s mine” felt a bit excessive imo 😭
ᡣ𐭩.ᐟ medra and blake
if you know me, you know i hate insta-love/lust, so i really appreciated the slow burn between them. however, it was hard to fully feel their connection and tension since we barely got blake’s pov, which made their dynamic feel somewhat incomplete.
ᡣ𐭩.ᐟ other characters
i adored the found family, especially florence and naveen. they were welcoming and supportive of medra, and i loved how they all looked out for one another and found comfort in each other’s company 🥹💗
overall, i think this book focused more on worldbuilding and laid the groundwork for the rest of the series. i fairly enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next book!! i would definitely recommend it, and i can’t wait to hear everyone else’s thoughts on it <3
thank you netgalley and victory editing netgalley co-op for providing me with an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!!
pre-read 🧛🏻♀️🐉🩸:
OH EM GEE I GOT THE ARC!!!!! PUTTING MY CURRENT READS ON HOLD AND DIVING RIGHT INTO THIS BOOK.
”What do you get if you mix Harry Potter with Fourth Wing, Zodiac Academy, a dash of Arthurian legend, and lots and lots of vampires? Bloodwing Academy.” THIS SOUNDS RIGHT UP MY ALLEY 🤌🏻 IT BETTER NOT DISAPPOINT 😭🙏🏻
Shelved as 'lost-interest'
July 9, 2024"... a dark academia fantasy romance featuring hate to love, slowburn to steam, villain gets the girl, all the tension and banter, an antihero FMC, a villain-to-morally-gray MMC with Draco Malfoy energy..."
Bold claims, I'm intrigued
Bold claims, I'm intrigued
December 23, 2024
2 ⭐️ in theory, on wings of blood should have been exactly my cup of tea. unfortunately, i really didn’t enjoy this book nearly as much as i hoped i would. the synopsis for this book seems really out of touch with what the book actually delivers.
on wings of blood is compared to fourth wing, zodiac academy and harry potter, and said to deliver dramione vibes. truly, the only comparison i can kinda see is fourth wing being that it’s a dark academia fantasy romance with dragon lore. a side from blake drakharrow, our mmc, having blonde hair and hailing from a prominent family, i’m not sure how this man can be compared to draco malfoy. blake wasn’t even a bully as the synopsis claimed - not really when everything he did was intended to be in medra’s best interest. our fmc, medra pendragon, does not give hermione vibes in the slightest (in my opinion). i’m not really sure i’ll ever understand why authors/publishers try to draw these similarities. i get that maybe it’ll draw in a similar audience base but wouldn’t you want your own book to stand on it’s own two feet without needing to compare your work to other successful series to interest people and ultimately disappoint them when the book fails to compare?
on another note, i found this book really difficult to push through. it started off alright but then just became filler up until the end chapter. i really couldn’t even tell you anything substantial that happened during the middle of the book. i can respect that the world building was extensive but, i’m never going to enjoy a book that is 5% character development, 10% plot and 85% world building. very little was overcome or resolved, it felt very stagnant, mundane and way too many chapters were dedicated to following medra attend classes that majority of the time did not contribute to the storyline or let us get to know medra more intimately.
i am going to continue the series and read the next book. purely because all the world building maaaay have set up a great next book? i do hope that is the case.
many thanks to netgalley, starwater press and boleyn for providing me with this arc. all thoughts are my own honest opinions.
on wings of blood is compared to fourth wing, zodiac academy and harry potter, and said to deliver dramione vibes. truly, the only comparison i can kinda see is fourth wing being that it’s a dark academia fantasy romance with dragon lore. a side from blake drakharrow, our mmc, having blonde hair and hailing from a prominent family, i’m not sure how this man can be compared to draco malfoy. blake wasn’t even a bully as the synopsis claimed - not really when everything he did was intended to be in medra’s best interest. our fmc, medra pendragon, does not give hermione vibes in the slightest (in my opinion). i’m not really sure i’ll ever understand why authors/publishers try to draw these similarities. i get that maybe it’ll draw in a similar audience base but wouldn’t you want your own book to stand on it’s own two feet without needing to compare your work to other successful series to interest people and ultimately disappoint them when the book fails to compare?
on another note, i found this book really difficult to push through. it started off alright but then just became filler up until the end chapter. i really couldn’t even tell you anything substantial that happened during the middle of the book. i can respect that the world building was extensive but, i’m never going to enjoy a book that is 5% character development, 10% plot and 85% world building. very little was overcome or resolved, it felt very stagnant, mundane and way too many chapters were dedicated to following medra attend classes that majority of the time did not contribute to the storyline or let us get to know medra more intimately.
i am going to continue the series and read the next book. purely because all the world building maaaay have set up a great next book? i do hope that is the case.
many thanks to netgalley, starwater press and boleyn for providing me with this arc. all thoughts are my own honest opinions.
November 7, 2024
In my dreams, she wanted me just as much as I wanted her.
A CLIFFHANGER !?
I AM DECEASED.
My chest tightened. She’d attacked me with murder in her heart. And yet, idiot that I was, it was her I couldn’t take my eyes off.
Well, this was *entertaining*
None of this felt real. If I accepted that this was real, then it meant I was alive. I was betrothed. I was a hostage of vampires. And I was a student.
4.5 stars
This was a great romantasy in an academic setting! It had tension, angst, full back and neck tattoos, romance, spice, politics, DRAGONS, vampires, otherworldly aspects. Yes, I quite enjoyed this 🫡
Pride? I have plenty of pride. Pride didn’t arm me. Pride didn’t give me a blade with which to slit his throat, I retorted.
Ah, but you wished to. That is something at least. Good. Hold on to that. Hold on to your rage.
I really enjoyed Medra, her personality and demeanour, and her friendship with Florence and Naveen (love a good friendship). Blake was also a good character, I say good in the sense that the tension was good, not in the sense he was a good character, it is a minor bully romance lol. I am untrusting and wondering about Tamlin-syndrome in book 2 but we shall see lmao.
The cold steel was pressed against Blake’s throat before his hand could reach me. His eyes widened, ever so slightly, surprise flickering over his face. Then his smirk widened. My heart sank.
I’m looking forward to book 2 IMMENSELY. I need to know what happens next, I’m looking at you ending-that-was-a-cliffhanger, and I neeeed to know how the bonding/pairing plays out now that things have happened and have been revealed.
Medra Pendragon was mine. And I was prepared to die before I let any harm come to her.
Overall, super enjoyable, lil trashy, but we love trash here 💅
Thank you to R&R Book Tours and the author for an eARC and physical copy (hasn’t arrived yet but figured I’d add my thanks now anyway lol)
“You're mine, Pendragon. Let another man touch you like I just did and you’ll find out just how much of an asshole I can really be.”
A CLIFFHANGER !?
I AM DECEASED.
My chest tightened. She’d attacked me with murder in her heart. And yet, idiot that I was, it was her I couldn’t take my eyes off.
Well, this was *entertaining*
None of this felt real. If I accepted that this was real, then it meant I was alive. I was betrothed. I was a hostage of vampires. And I was a student.
4.5 stars
This was a great romantasy in an academic setting! It had tension, angst, full back and neck tattoos, romance, spice, politics, DRAGONS, vampires, otherworldly aspects. Yes, I quite enjoyed this 🫡
Pride? I have plenty of pride. Pride didn’t arm me. Pride didn’t give me a blade with which to slit his throat, I retorted.
Ah, but you wished to. That is something at least. Good. Hold on to that. Hold on to your rage.
I really enjoyed Medra, her personality and demeanour, and her friendship with Florence and Naveen (love a good friendship). Blake was also a good character, I say good in the sense that the tension was good, not in the sense he was a good character, it is a minor bully romance lol. I am untrusting and wondering about Tamlin-syndrome in book 2 but we shall see lmao.
The cold steel was pressed against Blake’s throat before his hand could reach me. His eyes widened, ever so slightly, surprise flickering over his face. Then his smirk widened. My heart sank.
I’m looking forward to book 2 IMMENSELY. I need to know what happens next, I’m looking at you ending-that-was-a-cliffhanger, and I neeeed to know how the bonding/pairing plays out now that things have happened and have been revealed.
Medra Pendragon was mine. And I was prepared to die before I let any harm come to her.
Overall, super enjoyable, lil trashy, but we love trash here 💅
Thank you to R&R Book Tours and the author for an eARC and physical copy (hasn’t arrived yet but figured I’d add my thanks now anyway lol)
“You're mine, Pendragon. Let another man touch you like I just did and you’ll find out just how much of an asshole I can really be.”
October 27, 2024
Thank you to Briar Boleyn and NetGalley for providing me with an arc!
Actual rating: 6 i-need-the-next-book-now ⭐️’s
What to expect:
- Dragons and Vampires
- Enemies to lovers
- Academy
- Bullies, including mmc
- Trials
- Arranged marriage
- Fourth Wing vibes
- Touch her and you die… literally
- Spice 1/5 🌶️
My Thoughts:
I think this might be my favorite book of the year—actually, it probably is! From the enticing plot to the angst-filled relationship, everything about it was perfect. I loved the female main character, Medra! She was a strong, badass character that I immediately enjoyed. The connections she forms with Florence and Naveen are super sweet. It was adorable to see her help with Naveen’s love life! A shout-out to Florence for always sticking by Medra’s side—truly the definition of a wingwoman.
The male main character, Blake, was HOT! Especially the descriptions of him shirtless; I have to love that combat training. 😏 While he came off as a bit whiny at the beginning, he quickly transformed to have the classic arrogance found in your typical mmc. I appreciated having his point of view throughout the book, as it provided much-needed insight into his life. The way the author reveals his teddy bear nature, especially through his interactions with Neville and his evident love for his sister, made me swoon.
Plot-wise, this book was phenomenal. It hooked me from page one. The pacing was excellent; I never felt bored and was always eager to pick it up! The passing of time was very well done, and the time jumps felt perfect. I loved the four different houses and the history behind the world. We don’t get much information about Medra’s homeworld, but I believe we will learn more in future books.
I swear to god, Blake better be on his knees begging for forgiveness in the next book.
This is a must-read for romantasy lovers!
Actual rating: 6 i-need-the-next-book-now ⭐️’s
What to expect:
- Dragons and Vampires
- Enemies to lovers
- Academy
- Bullies, including mmc
- Trials
- Arranged marriage
- Fourth Wing vibes
- Touch her and you die… literally
- Spice 1/5 🌶️
My Thoughts:
I think this might be my favorite book of the year—actually, it probably is! From the enticing plot to the angst-filled relationship, everything about it was perfect. I loved the female main character, Medra! She was a strong, badass character that I immediately enjoyed. The connections she forms with Florence and Naveen are super sweet. It was adorable to see her help with Naveen’s love life! A shout-out to Florence for always sticking by Medra’s side—truly the definition of a wingwoman.
The male main character, Blake, was HOT! Especially the descriptions of him shirtless; I have to love that combat training. 😏 While he came off as a bit whiny at the beginning, he quickly transformed to have the classic arrogance found in your typical mmc. I appreciated having his point of view throughout the book, as it provided much-needed insight into his life. The way the author reveals his teddy bear nature, especially through his interactions with Neville and his evident love for his sister, made me swoon.
Plot-wise, this book was phenomenal. It hooked me from page one. The pacing was excellent; I never felt bored and was always eager to pick it up! The passing of time was very well done, and the time jumps felt perfect. I loved the four different houses and the history behind the world. We don’t get much information about Medra’s homeworld, but I believe we will learn more in future books.
I swear to god, Blake better be on his knees begging for forgiveness in the next book.
This is a must-read for romantasy lovers!
November 30, 2024
‧₊˚✧final review✧˚₊‧
start on: 11.12.24
end on: 11.24.24
❝"Sanguis et Flamma Floreant."❞
‧₊˚🖇️✩₊housekeeping˚🎧⊹♡
·˚ ༘₊·꒰➳: ̗̀➛ spoiler free/all spoilers covered review
·˚ ༘₊·꒰➳: ̗̀➛ Content/Trigger Warnings for this book include: graphic Violence/death; bullying; child abuse; non-consensual mind control and blood feeding; threat of sexual assault; Suicidal ideation; homophobia; strong sexual tension; EXCESSIVE second-hand embarassment. Seriously guys, there were point's where I couldn't keep reading).
·˚ ༘₊·꒰➳: ̗̀➛ release date: 11.30.24
🫧𓇼𓏲rest of review✩‧₊˚🎐
·˚ ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳ prompt jar
➳ ARC Review --> thank you to netgalley and Startwater Press for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
➳ well, the synopsis says 'a Draco Malfoy like love interest' so suffice it to say I was morally obligated to read it.
·˚ ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳ genre
➳ Fantasy Romance
➳ Dark Romance
·˚ ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳ what to expect*
➳ Dark academia boarding school
➳ enemies to lovers bully romance
➳ vampires
➳ slowburn
➳ arranged marriage
➳ found family + unlikely alllies
➳ villain gets the girl
➳ steamy
➳ LGBT representation
*full list can be found on netgalley
·˚ ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳★★★★.25
·˚ ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳ ᰔᩚ/5 (spice rating)
·˚ ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳ 0.5/5 (fluff rating)
「 ✦ On Wings of Blood ✦ 」
(noun) what you get when you mix Harry Potter, Fourth Wing, and From Blood and Ash, and add in a hint of fae and Arthurian lore.
Way Down We Go
↻ ◁ II ▷ ↺
1:35 ───ㅇ───── 3:47
❝Do you dare to look him right in the eyes?❞
☁️ . . . ⇢ ˗ˏˋ overall thoughts
╰┈➤ ❝"What harm could you do to a vampire, anyhow?"❞
This book was a rollercoaster, to say the least. It was fun but very nerve-wracking, and made me angry really really easily. I rated it pretty high because I think it was good, but it wasn't a perfect 5 stars for me. Personally, the ending of a book can make or break my rating, but this ending didn't because I felt like it wasn't really filled out enough to even affect my rating. But overall, it was a good book!
The Harry Potter vibes for this one were out of control. Like, I'm serious. 4 houses, common rooms, the idea of a school in the castle...if there were ever a book to compare every character to a Harry Potter character, it's this one.
˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧˚.🎀༘⋆ writing style
╰┈➤ ❝"Some say she was a human. Others say a vampire. Still many more say she was not of this world at all."❞
Honestly, and I'm not saying this to be rude, but in my opinion Briar Boleyn's writing style isn't anything special. It reads like a lot of other books. I'm not complaining, because the book is written well, I personally just like it when a book/author's writing has a unique feel to it. And that's not to say that Boleyn isn't a good author - she is, otherwise I most likely wouldn't have liked the book. I personally just feel like the writing was missing a certain magical aspect to it. It was rugged and dark, which is good for this book, but any dark academia book could be written that way. A book like this, with a main character like Medra, might call for a little more fire to the way its written - a little more umph.
♡₊˚ 🦢・₊ ♪ ✧ plot
╰┈➤ ❝It's different, serving people who are superior when they really are.❞
So, the overall plot is this: Medra Pendragon died to save her world. Then, she wakes up in a new one. Blake Drakharrow, prince of House Drakharrow, finds her, and they are betrothed. Medra is suddenly thrust into studies at Bloodwing Academy, where the highbloods (aka vampires) are looked up at by the blightborns (anyone who isn't a highblood).
But that's just the overall! There is SO MUCH to this book (and y'all know that I love when a book is like that). Boleyn wove together aspects of every character and created not only plots to fit their arcs, but characters to fit the plot she wanted the book to follow, and I LOVE it!
˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚ ꕥ plot twists
╰┈➤ ❝'You're playing with fire, Miss Pendragon. And I think you're likely to get burned.'❞
WHY. WHY DID IT HAVE TO BE THIS WAY BRIAR??? WHY, BY THE END OF THE BOOK, WAS I MOURNING ONE DEATH AND SEPARATION?? PLEASE BOLEYN WHAT THE HELL?? 😭😭😭
♥*♡∞:｡.｡ head explosion moments
╰┈➤ ❝"There have not been dragons in our lands in more than one hundred years."❞
I find it very interesting that Like, why was it that one? Hello? Something's up with this.
✧˖*°࿐ world building
╰┈➤ ❝'Don't tell me you haven't heard of highbloods where you come from or I really will wonder if you fell from the sky.'❞
I think the things that Boleyn wants us to know about, we know about. It's a bit hard to explain but like, yeah, that's the vibe I get. We don't know a lot about Arcaenum (although that might be because there's a whole other series...i'm not sure). But we sure do know a lot about the high bloods (or at least, we think we do. Boleyn did a very good job ensuring that we have a sense of doubt in how true the history that Medra learns at school is).
˖◛⁺⑅♡relationship plots♡⑅⁺◛˖
╰┈➤ ❝The two men's eyes met, just for a heartbeat, but something passed between them.❞
Guys. LISTEN UP. ESPECIALLY HUMNS AND JAS, LISTEN. THEIR RELATIONSHIP IS QUITE GENUINELY DRAMIONE. IN THE TROPES ON NETGALLEY IT LITERALLY SAYS 'DRAMIONE VIBES'.
Aaaanyways, for those of you who AREN'T dramione obsessed, let's get serious for a second. Medra and Blake are really, truly enemies to lovers. And like, its SLOW. Trust me, if you make through the book, you'll understand HOW slow. It's...it's an enemies to lovers slow burn that will have you out of your mind. It's a real slow-burn and it's written REALLY well.
➶-͙˚ ༘✶ characters
╰┈➤ ❝"You're the last person who belongs at this school as far as I'm concerned."❞
Main Character 「 ✦ Medra Pendragon ✦ 」
·˚ ༘₊·꒰➳: ̗̀➛relatability?
[■■□□□□□□□□] 20%
She's fiery and fierce, and she's also pretty smart, but I personally didn't relate to her that much. I do relate to her attraction to people who look like Draco Malfoy, though. And, she loves her friends, and hates the people who mess with them, which is SOOOO legit, like geez Boleyn, did you stare into my soul to write this aspect of your character?
·˚ ༘₊·꒰➳: ̗̀➛how much i liked them
5/10
She's got a good spirit, she's kind, she's funny...overall, she's the kind of person I'd like to be associated with. She may be in a Dramione kind of relationship, but she gives me Ginny x Harry's child vibes honestly. And it's not just cause of the hair.
·˚ ༘₊·꒰➳: ̗̀➛ Speaking of her hair...I personally got really annoyed when it was pressed upon that her hair was red, but whatever, that's just the way its written - her hair is important. Ok, Rapunzel, we understand.
Main Character 「 ✦ Blake ✦ 」
·˚ ༘₊·꒰➳: ̗̀➛relatability?
[□□□□□□□□□□] 0%
no offense, Blake, but ur not that relatable. that being said...please don't hurt me.
·˚ ༘₊·꒰➳: ̗̀➛how much i liked them
9/10
I will love any man who looks and acts like Draco Malfoy. A bleached blond boy with daddy/father figure issues and a superiority complex? sign me UP, baby. Oh, and don't even get me STARTED on how he's an overprotective asshole...never in real life, ALWAYS in books.
Side Characters「 ✦ Florence, Naveen, Theo, Regan, Visha, Rodriguez, Viktor ✦ 」
➳ Florence: A regular old Hermione, this one. Blake x Medra may give Dramione vibes, but Florence is the true Hermione of this golden trio.
➳ Naveen: I present to you: the Ronald Weasley of the group! He's funny, he's in love...? Love you, Naveen
➳ Theo: A silly character who happens to be not straight? sign me up! or rather, sign him up as my favorite character from that book (yes, even more than the morally grey love interest)
➳ Regan: I-I can't. I wish you had died in the Hunger Consort Games. Sorry, is that mean?
➳ Visha: I never, EVER thought I could go from hating a character so fast...although anyone is a friend of mine.
➳ Rodriguez Oh, to have a love-hate relationship with a character.
➳ Viktor: PLEASE the implied pedophilia and perversion is too real oh my goodness please no. Also bro is giving Lucius Malfoy frfr.
୧ ‧₊˚ 🍮 ⋅ ☆ moments
╰┈➤ ❝The air was cooler hear and tinged with the aromas of old parchment, leather bindings, dust, and melted candle wax.❞
➳ not exactly a moment but the description of Medra's dress 😩 oh my lord
➳ meeting Theo
➳ the ball
➳ the bonfire? kiernan? hello?
🪼⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ casting
╰┈➤ ❝In comparison, my hair seemed to have settled into a dull, rusty red.❞
➳ Medra: Sadie Sink
➳ Blake: all I can think is young Tom Felton as Draco malfoy
➳ Regan: Jade Pettyjohn
➳ Theo: Xolo Mariduena
✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ final thoughts
I really liked it! I hope the next books are better, but overall I can't wait to read them (hopefully I get approved for their ARCs, whenever it comes around that I can apply). This was definitely the longest review I've ever written bc I'm reviewing an ARC, anyways I hope you enjoyed.
⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ please comment or pm me if I missed anything, especially tropes!
ʚɞ˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚ Love y’all. Let’s go light it up and rattle some stars! Mwah ♡
‧₊˚✧pre-review✧˚₊‧
*blinks**blinks again**falls over, crying* r-rtc...??
‧₊˚✧pre-read✧˚₊‧
I'm drowing in ARCs but its FINE because I'm GETTING THEM??? like I'm so happy! I'm diving right into this bc it comes out really soon.
release date: 11.30.24
start on: 11.12.24
end on: 11.24.24
❝"Sanguis et Flamma Floreant."❞
‧₊˚🖇️✩₊housekeeping˚🎧⊹♡
·˚ ༘₊·꒰➳: ̗̀➛ spoiler free/all spoilers covered review
·˚ ༘₊·꒰➳: ̗̀➛ Content/Trigger Warnings for this book include: graphic Violence/death; bullying; child abuse; non-consensual mind control and blood feeding; threat of sexual assault; Suicidal ideation; homophobia; strong sexual tension; EXCESSIVE second-hand embarassment. Seriously guys, there were point's where I couldn't keep reading).
·˚ ༘₊·꒰➳: ̗̀➛ release date: 11.30.24
🫧𓇼𓏲rest of review✩‧₊˚🎐
·˚ ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳ prompt jar
➳ ARC Review --> thank you to netgalley and Startwater Press for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
➳ well, the synopsis says 'a Draco Malfoy like love interest' so suffice it to say I was morally obligated to read it.
·˚ ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳ genre
➳ Fantasy Romance
➳ Dark Romance
·˚ ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳ what to expect*
➳ Dark academia boarding school
➳ enemies to lovers bully romance
➳ vampires
➳ slowburn
➳ arranged marriage
➳ found family + unlikely alllies
➳ villain gets the girl
➳ steamy
➳ LGBT representation
*full list can be found on netgalley
·˚ ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳★★★★.25
·˚ ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳ ᰔᩚ/5 (spice rating)
·˚ ༘₊· ͟͟͞͞꒰➳ 0.5/5 (fluff rating)
「 ✦ On Wings of Blood ✦ 」
(noun) what you get when you mix Harry Potter, Fourth Wing, and From Blood and Ash, and add in a hint of fae and Arthurian lore.
Way Down We Go
↻ ◁ II ▷ ↺
1:35 ───ㅇ───── 3:47
❝Do you dare to look him right in the eyes?❞
☁️ . . . ⇢ ˗ˏˋ overall thoughts
╰┈➤ ❝"What harm could you do to a vampire, anyhow?"❞
This book was a rollercoaster, to say the least. It was fun but very nerve-wracking, and made me angry really really easily. I rated it pretty high because I think it was good, but it wasn't a perfect 5 stars for me. Personally, the ending of a book can make or break my rating, but this ending didn't because I felt like it wasn't really filled out enough to even affect my rating. But overall, it was a good book!
The Harry Potter vibes for this one were out of control. Like, I'm serious. 4 houses, common rooms, the idea of a school in the castle...if there were ever a book to compare every character to a Harry Potter character, it's this one.
˚˖𓍢ִ໋🌷͙֒✧˚.🎀༘⋆ writing style
╰┈➤ ❝"Some say she was a human. Others say a vampire. Still many more say she was not of this world at all."❞
Honestly, and I'm not saying this to be rude, but in my opinion Briar Boleyn's writing style isn't anything special. It reads like a lot of other books. I'm not complaining, because the book is written well, I personally just like it when a book/author's writing has a unique feel to it. And that's not to say that Boleyn isn't a good author - she is, otherwise I most likely wouldn't have liked the book. I personally just feel like the writing was missing a certain magical aspect to it. It was rugged and dark, which is good for this book, but any dark academia book could be written that way. A book like this, with a main character like Medra, might call for a little more fire to the way its written - a little more umph.
♡₊˚ 🦢・₊ ♪ ✧ plot
╰┈➤ ❝It's different, serving people who are superior when they really are.❞
So, the overall plot is this: Medra Pendragon died to save her world. Then, she wakes up in a new one. Blake Drakharrow, prince of House Drakharrow, finds her, and they are betrothed. Medra is suddenly thrust into studies at Bloodwing Academy, where the highbloods (aka vampires) are looked up at by the blightborns (anyone who isn't a highblood).
But that's just the overall! There is SO MUCH to this book (and y'all know that I love when a book is like that). Boleyn wove together aspects of every character and created not only plots to fit their arcs, but characters to fit the plot she wanted the book to follow, and I LOVE it!
˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚ ꕥ plot twists
╰┈➤ ❝'You're playing with fire, Miss Pendragon. And I think you're likely to get burned.'❞
WHY. WHY DID IT HAVE TO BE THIS WAY BRIAR??? WHY, BY THE END OF THE BOOK, WAS I MOURNING ONE DEATH AND SEPARATION?? PLEASE BOLEYN WHAT THE HELL?? 😭😭😭
♥*♡∞:｡.｡ head explosion moments
╰┈➤ ❝"There have not been dragons in our lands in more than one hundred years."❞
I find it very interesting that Like, why was it that one? Hello? Something's up with this.
✧˖*°࿐ world building
╰┈➤ ❝'Don't tell me you haven't heard of highbloods where you come from or I really will wonder if you fell from the sky.'❞
I think the things that Boleyn wants us to know about, we know about. It's a bit hard to explain but like, yeah, that's the vibe I get. We don't know a lot about Arcaenum (although that might be because there's a whole other series...i'm not sure). But we sure do know a lot about the high bloods (or at least, we think we do. Boleyn did a very good job ensuring that we have a sense of doubt in how true the history that Medra learns at school is).
˖◛⁺⑅♡relationship plots♡⑅⁺◛˖
╰┈➤ ❝The two men's eyes met, just for a heartbeat, but something passed between them.❞
Guys. LISTEN UP. ESPECIALLY HUMNS AND JAS, LISTEN. THEIR RELATIONSHIP IS QUITE GENUINELY DRAMIONE. IN THE TROPES ON NETGALLEY IT LITERALLY SAYS 'DRAMIONE VIBES'.
Aaaanyways, for those of you who AREN'T dramione obsessed, let's get serious for a second. Medra and Blake are really, truly enemies to lovers. And like, its SLOW. Trust me, if you make through the book, you'll understand HOW slow. It's...it's an enemies to lovers slow burn that will have you out of your mind. It's a real slow-burn and it's written REALLY well.
➶-͙˚ ༘✶ characters
╰┈➤ ❝"You're the last person who belongs at this school as far as I'm concerned."❞
Main Character 「 ✦ Medra Pendragon ✦ 」
·˚ ༘₊·꒰➳: ̗̀➛relatability?
[■■□□□□□□□□] 20%
She's fiery and fierce, and she's also pretty smart, but I personally didn't relate to her that much. I do relate to her attraction to people who look like Draco Malfoy, though. And, she loves her friends, and hates the people who mess with them, which is SOOOO legit, like geez Boleyn, did you stare into my soul to write this aspect of your character?
·˚ ༘₊·꒰➳: ̗̀➛how much i liked them
5/10
She's got a good spirit, she's kind, she's funny...overall, she's the kind of person I'd like to be associated with. She may be in a Dramione kind of relationship, but she gives me Ginny x Harry's child vibes honestly. And it's not just cause of the hair.
·˚ ༘₊·꒰➳: ̗̀➛ Speaking of her hair...I personally got really annoyed when it was pressed upon that her hair was red, but whatever, that's just the way its written - her hair is important. Ok, Rapunzel, we understand.
Main Character 「 ✦ Blake ✦ 」
·˚ ༘₊·꒰➳: ̗̀➛relatability?
[□□□□□□□□□□] 0%
no offense, Blake, but ur not that relatable. that being said...please don't hurt me.
·˚ ༘₊·꒰➳: ̗̀➛how much i liked them
9/10
I will love any man who looks and acts like Draco Malfoy. A bleached blond boy with daddy/father figure issues and a superiority complex? sign me UP, baby. Oh, and don't even get me STARTED on how he's an overprotective asshole...never in real life, ALWAYS in books.
Side Characters「 ✦ Florence, Naveen, Theo, Regan, Visha, Rodriguez, Viktor ✦ 」
➳ Florence: A regular old Hermione, this one. Blake x Medra may give Dramione vibes, but Florence is the true Hermione of this golden trio.
➳ Naveen: I present to you: the Ronald Weasley of the group! He's funny, he's in love...? Love you, Naveen
➳ Theo: A silly character who happens to be not straight? sign me up! or rather, sign him up as my favorite character from that book (yes, even more than the morally grey love interest)
➳ Regan: I-I can't. I wish you had died in the Hunger Consort Games. Sorry, is that mean?
➳ Visha: I never, EVER thought I could go from hating a character so fast...although anyone is a friend of mine.
➳ Rodriguez Oh, to have a love-hate relationship with a character.
➳ Viktor: PLEASE the implied pedophilia and perversion is too real oh my goodness please no. Also bro is giving Lucius Malfoy frfr.
୧ ‧₊˚ 🍮 ⋅ ☆ moments
╰┈➤ ❝The air was cooler hear and tinged with the aromas of old parchment, leather bindings, dust, and melted candle wax.❞
➳ not exactly a moment but the description of Medra's dress 😩 oh my lord
➳ meeting Theo
➳ the ball
➳ the bonfire? kiernan? hello?
🪼⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ casting
╰┈➤ ❝In comparison, my hair seemed to have settled into a dull, rusty red.❞
➳ Medra: Sadie Sink
➳ Blake: all I can think is young Tom Felton as Draco malfoy
➳ Regan: Jade Pettyjohn
➳ Theo: Xolo Mariduena
✩₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺₊✧ final thoughts
I really liked it! I hope the next books are better, but overall I can't wait to read them (hopefully I get approved for their ARCs, whenever it comes around that I can apply). This was definitely the longest review I've ever written bc I'm reviewing an ARC, anyways I hope you enjoyed.
⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ please comment or pm me if I missed anything, especially tropes!
ʚɞ˚ ༘♡ ⋆｡˚ Love y’all. Let’s go light it up and rattle some stars! Mwah ♡
‧₊˚✧pre-review✧˚₊‧
*blinks**blinks again**falls over, crying* r-rtc...??
‧₊˚✧pre-read✧˚₊‧
I'm drowing in ARCs but its FINE because I'm GETTING THEM??? like I'm so happy! I'm diving right into this bc it comes out really soon.
release date: 11.30.24
October 26, 2024
Welp!! Briar Boleyn has done it AGAIN! Book 1 of this dark academia series is amazing!
Harry Potter, Hunger Games/Divergent, Fourth Wing vibes galore BUT with vampires, dwarves and dragons. Yes ma’am… I’m here for it!
It’s full of hate, feistiness, witty banter, slow burn, found family and more!!! It’s runs the full gambit. A romantasy that hits on all the bullet points you could want.
I love reading a book that has me saying “oh no” out loud or that pulls audible gasps from me and this one had me doing both.
Put this on your TBR now!! Actually, if you haven’t read the Blood of Fae series then you should! You’ll see Medra in it first and can get a better grasp of her and her storyline. It’s not a necessity to read it prior to this but it’s a great series too and can fill in some blanks for Wings of Blood.
ARC read, thanks to Booksprout!
Harry Potter, Hunger Games/Divergent, Fourth Wing vibes galore BUT with vampires, dwarves and dragons. Yes ma’am… I’m here for it!
It’s full of hate, feistiness, witty banter, slow burn, found family and more!!! It’s runs the full gambit. A romantasy that hits on all the bullet points you could want.
I love reading a book that has me saying “oh no” out loud or that pulls audible gasps from me and this one had me doing both.
Put this on your TBR now!! Actually, if you haven’t read the Blood of Fae series then you should! You’ll see Medra in it first and can get a better grasp of her and her storyline. It’s not a necessity to read it prior to this but it’s a great series too and can fill in some blanks for Wings of Blood.
ARC read, thanks to Booksprout!
November 22, 2024
"On Wings of Blood" is a dark academia fantasy romance filled with vampires, fae, and dragon lore. It reminded me of ACOTAR/Fourth Wing, and I was here for it. Medra Pendragon is believed to be the last of the dragon riders, as no dragons are left. When vampires notice Medra's distinctive red hair, they resolve to capture her. At Bloodwing Academy, Medra, alongside other blightborns, must battle for survival. She is coerced into marrying Blake Drakharrow, a haughty vampire, as part of an age-old ritual. Yet, Medra is ready to fight, concealing a lethal secret—a secret shaped like a dragon. All she needs to do is endure. They believe they can dominate and exploit me, but they are unaware of what they have stirred. This dark academia romance is brimming with suspense and enchantment. I adored the character-driven narrative, balanced with the perfect blend of tension and angst. I eagerly anticipate the sequel.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
November 5, 2024
FANS OF ZODIAC ACADEMY / FOURTH WING / ROMANTASY / ENEMIES TO LOVERS / VILLAIN GETS THE GIRL / SLOW BURN / MORALLY GREY GATHER ROUND AND 👏 LISTEN 👏 TO 👏 ME
YOU NEEEEED TO READ THIS!
IM OBSESSED
I can't wait for more in the series! I flew through this
YOU NEEEEED TO READ THIS!
IM OBSESSED
I can't wait for more in the series! I flew through this
November 4, 2024
˖ ࣪ ⟡˚ 3 stars ˚⟡ ࣪ ˖
⤷ ARC review! ⋆ˎˊ˗
this book is if ‘Zodiac Academy’, ‘Fourth Wing’, and ‘Harry Potter’ had a baby in a vampire world.
ᝰ writing ⊹.˚
it wasn’t the best, but it also wasn’t the worst.
i’ve kind of given up on having any expectations at all for writing in romantasy books at this point, because despite most of them being set in medieval times, the author makes the characters use internet slang.
ᝰ world building ⊹.˚
i feel like this book was more focused on the world building than the plot or romance so i was pretty shocked and impressed by that.
ᝰ plot ⊹.˚
however, because of what i’ve mentioned above, i must say the plot was pretty lack luster. the first 100 pages were incredibly interesting, but after that i found myself bored until the last 150 pages.
the middle chunk was very repetitive and made me feel like nothing was actually happening.
ᝰ characters ⊹.˚
⭒ Medra, i low-key really liked her character. she was the confident and badass FMC all the other popular BookTok book FMC’s wish they were. despite going through all the terrible stuff she has, she never changed her character and never let herself be manipulated or used by others.
her friendship with Florence was my favorite thing ever!
⭒ Blake, he is your typical possessive romantasy vampire MMC (personality-wise, because looks-wise he is a blonde… shocking!). he has a snarky personality and loves shitting on the FMC. however, he did go through a lot of character development, so in the end i didn’t absolutely hate him.
i also liked that although their relationship was insta-lust (she found him attractive immediately), they didn’t get together or have a physical relationship until later into the book. it was a pretty good ‘enemies-to-lovers.’
ᝰ tropes ⊹.˚
⭒ fae FMC x vampire MMC
⭒ 1st person dual POV
⭒ lost princess
⭒ dragons
⭒ magic school
⭒ found family
⤷ spice level: 🌶️🌶️.5
ᝰ final thoughts ⊹.˚
i might have given this 3 stars, but believe me, i did like this. i just can’t give it a higher rating because of the writing, plot, and other problems i had.
if the tropes of this sound like something you would like, i would definitely recommend!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this digital ARC.
⤷ ARC review! ⋆ˎˊ˗
this book is if ‘Zodiac Academy’, ‘Fourth Wing’, and ‘Harry Potter’ had a baby in a vampire world.
ᝰ writing ⊹.˚
it wasn’t the best, but it also wasn’t the worst.
i’ve kind of given up on having any expectations at all for writing in romantasy books at this point, because despite most of them being set in medieval times, the author makes the characters use internet slang.
ᝰ world building ⊹.˚
i feel like this book was more focused on the world building than the plot or romance so i was pretty shocked and impressed by that.
ᝰ plot ⊹.˚
however, because of what i’ve mentioned above, i must say the plot was pretty lack luster. the first 100 pages were incredibly interesting, but after that i found myself bored until the last 150 pages.
the middle chunk was very repetitive and made me feel like nothing was actually happening.
ᝰ characters ⊹.˚
⭒ Medra, i low-key really liked her character. she was the confident and badass FMC all the other popular BookTok book FMC’s wish they were. despite going through all the terrible stuff she has, she never changed her character and never let herself be manipulated or used by others.
her friendship with Florence was my favorite thing ever!
⭒ Blake, he is your typical possessive romantasy vampire MMC (personality-wise, because looks-wise he is a blonde… shocking!). he has a snarky personality and loves shitting on the FMC. however, he did go through a lot of character development, so in the end i didn’t absolutely hate him.
i also liked that although their relationship was insta-lust (she found him attractive immediately), they didn’t get together or have a physical relationship until later into the book. it was a pretty good ‘enemies-to-lovers.’
ᝰ tropes ⊹.˚
⭒ fae FMC x vampire MMC
⭒ 1st person dual POV
⭒ lost princess
⭒ dragons
⭒ magic school
⭒ found family
⤷ spice level: 🌶️🌶️.5
ᝰ final thoughts ⊹.˚
i might have given this 3 stars, but believe me, i did like this. i just can’t give it a higher rating because of the writing, plot, and other problems i had.
if the tropes of this sound like something you would like, i would definitely recommend!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this digital ARC.
November 13, 2024
On Wings of Blood is the first book of the spin-off series of the Blood of a fae series.
Tropes:
🖤 Draco Malfoy but make him a sexy vampire MMC
🖤 Villain gets the girl
🖤 Dragons
🖤 Vampires
🖤 A vampire academy
🖤 A cute pet sidekick
🖤 Feisty FMC
🖤 He calls her little dragon
🖤 He falls first
Zodiac Academy meets Harry Potter in this first installment and we follow Medra Pendragon as she survived the events in the last book in the Blood of a Fae series ( I recommend reading that series first for better understanding) and ends up in Sangratha, a vampire territory.
Believed to be the last of a line of dragon riders, she’s forced to bound with Blake Drakharrow, an handsome yet unsufferable prince and must attend a vampire academy full of highbloods who want nothing but taste her or kill her for what she is, a mortal…
This was certainly a ride! The setting was really interesting and I’m curious where the plot is going to take us. A Vampire Academy full of bullies, Medra having some kind of powers we don’t know about and the political moves behind Viktor’s actions.
The tension between Medra and Blake was really palpable like a true enemies to lovers and it was well done.
I liked the friendship between Medra, Florence and Naveen, it was really sweet and they kinda reminded me of Ron Harry and Hermione.
I loved every minute of it and was invested to the point I lost sleep over it 😅
I really wonder where that ending would led to in the next installments though? I look forward to read it!
Thank you so much Briar Boleyn and NetGalley for this early copy!
Tropes:
🖤 Draco Malfoy but make him a sexy vampire MMC
🖤 Villain gets the girl
🖤 Dragons
🖤 Vampires
🖤 A vampire academy
🖤 A cute pet sidekick
🖤 Feisty FMC
🖤 He calls her little dragon
🖤 He falls first
Zodiac Academy meets Harry Potter in this first installment and we follow Medra Pendragon as she survived the events in the last book in the Blood of a Fae series ( I recommend reading that series first for better understanding) and ends up in Sangratha, a vampire territory.
Believed to be the last of a line of dragon riders, she’s forced to bound with Blake Drakharrow, an handsome yet unsufferable prince and must attend a vampire academy full of highbloods who want nothing but taste her or kill her for what she is, a mortal…
This was certainly a ride! The setting was really interesting and I’m curious where the plot is going to take us. A Vampire Academy full of bullies, Medra having some kind of powers we don’t know about and the political moves behind Viktor’s actions.
The tension between Medra and Blake was really palpable like a true enemies to lovers and it was well done.
I liked the friendship between Medra, Florence and Naveen, it was really sweet and they kinda reminded me of Ron Harry and Hermione.
I loved every minute of it and was invested to the point I lost sleep over it 😅
I really wonder where that ending would led to in the next installments though? I look forward to read it!
Thank you so much Briar Boleyn and NetGalley for this early copy!
November 25, 2024
"Medra Pendragon’s life is turned upside down when she’s dragged to Bloodwing Academy, a brutal school ruled by highblood vampires who believe her to be the last dragon rider. Forced into an unbreakable bond with Blake Drakharrow, her bitter enemy, Medra must navigate deadly rivalries and magical tests, risking everything to uncover the academy’s darkest secrets. But as her power grows, so does her dangerous connection to Blake, and soon her heart and fate are on the line."
Well, I really wanted to like this, the list of tropes called to me and made me request this book with some passion. Unfortunately, my experience and personal opinion of this book is that the author tried to cram everything she liked about fantasy into one story and make it as unnecessary long as possible.
- First chapters: I started this book already confused, lacking context (could have been for dramatic effect), not understanding the POV, and feeling like it was already all over the place. It didn't help that it suddenly resembled a bit too closely a specific scene of Harry Potter set in Tom Riddle's house.
- It's my understanding this book is a spin-off: I think this is important to mention as I went into this book not knowing the author had already published a series, and thought the writing style felt a bit amateurish because it was a debut. Other than making me more tolerant of things that would otherwise annoy me in the writing style, the fact that there is a WHOLE series before this had some impact on my reading experience. While someone who likes this book can make themselves ignore the part where another series is mentioned, mentions of it are quite frequent and are quite surely part of my confusion right on chapter one. Unfortunately, it became obvious to me enough to check only at about 19%. Either strongly recommend reading that at the beginning of the book (or provide a summary) or don't reference it so often.
- At about 30% I was already getting a bit fed up with Medra's whining, but more importantly, that's when this book started to read like a pile of fillers, where despite all the tropes I realized I read a whole bunch of nothing, that could have been implied, but instead was dragged for hundreds of unnecessary pages.
- I gave up on this book at the 57% mark. I really didn't want to DNF an ARC, but at this point, I don't know what could possibly change my mind on the writing style or get me back to being interested in it, and I had to admit this was not an enjoyable experience.
I don't know if this might be better received by other kinds of readers, but in my opinion, all the good ideas should be put in a blender, shaved off of the excess tropes, and the whole book rewritten with a different structure and pace.
I received an ARC of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own honest opinions.
Well, I really wanted to like this, the list of tropes called to me and made me request this book with some passion. Unfortunately, my experience and personal opinion of this book is that the author tried to cram everything she liked about fantasy into one story and make it as unnecessary long as possible.
- First chapters: I started this book already confused, lacking context (could have been for dramatic effect), not understanding the POV, and feeling like it was already all over the place. It didn't help that it suddenly resembled a bit too closely a specific scene of Harry Potter set in Tom Riddle's house.
- It's my understanding this book is a spin-off: I think this is important to mention as I went into this book not knowing the author had already published a series, and thought the writing style felt a bit amateurish because it was a debut. Other than making me more tolerant of things that would otherwise annoy me in the writing style, the fact that there is a WHOLE series before this had some impact on my reading experience. While someone who likes this book can make themselves ignore the part where another series is mentioned, mentions of it are quite frequent and are quite surely part of my confusion right on chapter one. Unfortunately, it became obvious to me enough to check only at about 19%. Either strongly recommend reading that at the beginning of the book (or provide a summary) or don't reference it so often.
- At about 30% I was already getting a bit fed up with Medra's whining, but more importantly, that's when this book started to read like a pile of fillers, where despite all the tropes I realized I read a whole bunch of nothing, that could have been implied, but instead was dragged for hundreds of unnecessary pages.
- I gave up on this book at the 57% mark. I really didn't want to DNF an ARC, but at this point, I don't know what could possibly change my mind on the writing style or get me back to being interested in it, and I had to admit this was not an enjoyable experience.
I don't know if this might be better received by other kinds of readers, but in my opinion, all the good ideas should be put in a blender, shaved off of the excess tropes, and the whole book rewritten with a different structure and pace.
I received an ARC of this book from the author. All thoughts are my own honest opinions.
November 17, 2024
Wow. This was like the ultimate emotional rollercoaster, with a twist of magic, dragons, and spice that had me clutching my heart and turning pages late into the night.
Let’s start with the plot—because where do I even begin? Forced betrothal? Check. Forced mating? Oh, you bet. Betrayal? Buckle up, buttercup. The stakes are high, the emotions are intense, and every twist feels like it’s pushing you into a deeper, more thrilling abyss.
The FMC Medra is a total badass. I absolutely loved how she channeled that simmering female rage (my fellow rage-filled feminists will feel seen!). The way she battles against the confines of a world that constantly underestimates her—pure fire. And the MMC Blake, A perfect balance of swoon-worthy intensity and a well-earned redemption arc that kept me on the edge of my seat. Their chemistry is off-the-charts, and the spicy moments? Let’s just say...they definitely deliver.
But let’s talk about the fluffins. These adorable little puppy-like creatures? I can’t even! I need one in my life. They’re pure magic, adding a lighthearted, heartwarming touch.
And don’t get me started on the world-building—magic, vampires, dragons, and plenty of intrigue. The fantastical elements are rich and vibrant, with a deeply immersive setting that pulls you right in.
One thing I would suggest, though: Read the trigger warnings before diving in. The book doesn't shy away from darker themes, and it’s always better to go in prepared.
Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend On Wings of Blood to anyone who loves intense romance, epic world-building, and characters that feel like they're fighting for something bigger than themselves. It’s a powerful exploration of passion, power, and equality, and it definitely speaks to the fire within. I CAN’T WAIT FOR BOOK TWO. IFYKYK - no spoilers here.
***thank you NetGalley and Briar Boleyn for the ARC. All opinions are my own and this review is voluntary
Let’s start with the plot—because where do I even begin? Forced betrothal? Check. Forced mating? Oh, you bet. Betrayal? Buckle up, buttercup. The stakes are high, the emotions are intense, and every twist feels like it’s pushing you into a deeper, more thrilling abyss.
The FMC Medra is a total badass. I absolutely loved how she channeled that simmering female rage (my fellow rage-filled feminists will feel seen!). The way she battles against the confines of a world that constantly underestimates her—pure fire. And the MMC Blake, A perfect balance of swoon-worthy intensity and a well-earned redemption arc that kept me on the edge of my seat. Their chemistry is off-the-charts, and the spicy moments? Let’s just say...they definitely deliver.
But let’s talk about the fluffins. These adorable little puppy-like creatures? I can’t even! I need one in my life. They’re pure magic, adding a lighthearted, heartwarming touch.
And don’t get me started on the world-building—magic, vampires, dragons, and plenty of intrigue. The fantastical elements are rich and vibrant, with a deeply immersive setting that pulls you right in.
One thing I would suggest, though: Read the trigger warnings before diving in. The book doesn't shy away from darker themes, and it’s always better to go in prepared.
Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend On Wings of Blood to anyone who loves intense romance, epic world-building, and characters that feel like they're fighting for something bigger than themselves. It’s a powerful exploration of passion, power, and equality, and it definitely speaks to the fire within. I CAN’T WAIT FOR BOOK TWO. IFYKYK - no spoilers here.
***thank you NetGalley and Briar Boleyn for the ARC. All opinions are my own and this review is voluntary
December 2, 2024
Many thanks to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and the author for letting me have an E-ARC of this book. Al opinions expressed down below are what I think of the novel. Many thanks for the opportunity to give my honest review of this book.
Rating- 5 stars
(E-ARC)
As soon as I saw the cover and the blurb of this book, I knew I had to apply on Netgalley for the book. On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn is a dark fantasy romance book with bully elements (check additional trigger warnings) which follows a half-fae called Medra Pendragon who falls into another world. Medra is told that she has dragon blood and is quickly made to marry Blake Drakhallow. A family who everyone looks towards. Medra is then forced to study at Bloodwing Academy- a school full of vampires where the vampires rule everything and the blightborns (humans) are just the pawns. But there are no dragons left. Not even a single one.
This book was everything. This book was rich with world building throughout and really explored the history and the way the world worked. I really enjoyed learning about the different houses, the classes they took and the history behind how the world came to be. The amount of notes and theories I made about whilst reading was great. I really was able to get my teeth into this book and I can not wait to read more in the series. I can not wait for it to be expanded on in future books.
As this was my first book by this author, I did find at times that I was confused about the main character. She had came from another world and I quickly established that the author had done a series called Queen of Roses. I learnt quite a lot about what had happened in the previous world. I felt confident that I could read this book without knowing what happened in that series. I did also feel like I was spoiled way too much for the series beforehand. It was not mentioned when applying for the book- so please be aware that the character is from a previous series but can be read if you haven't read it.
The banter between Medra and Blake was so funny at times. Before getting properly in the book, the first few scenes they both had I just knew that I would come to love both of them. The banter and the way they just spoke to each other. He was so whipped throughout the novel and I was so happy that we got to see his POV at times. It did only feel like a sprinkle but I wish we had more and poteinally other characters such as Theo and Visha. The way he had a little nickname called little dragon made me melt so much.. I was not expecting the twist at the arena and vouch never to trust the quiet ones ever again. The emotions that went through me at that scene and the way I felt so sorry for Blake. He is so misunderstood by so many people.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book and I am super excited for book 2. From the world building, relationships and friendships, from vampires and other supernatural elements I am excited to jump back into this world. I am already obsessed and need more of this world.
Rating- 5 stars
(E-ARC)
As soon as I saw the cover and the blurb of this book, I knew I had to apply on Netgalley for the book. On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn is a dark fantasy romance book with bully elements (check additional trigger warnings) which follows a half-fae called Medra Pendragon who falls into another world. Medra is told that she has dragon blood and is quickly made to marry Blake Drakhallow. A family who everyone looks towards. Medra is then forced to study at Bloodwing Academy- a school full of vampires where the vampires rule everything and the blightborns (humans) are just the pawns. But there are no dragons left. Not even a single one.
This book was everything. This book was rich with world building throughout and really explored the history and the way the world worked. I really enjoyed learning about the different houses, the classes they took and the history behind how the world came to be. The amount of notes and theories I made about whilst reading was great. I really was able to get my teeth into this book and I can not wait to read more in the series. I can not wait for it to be expanded on in future books.
As this was my first book by this author, I did find at times that I was confused about the main character. She had came from another world and I quickly established that the author had done a series called Queen of Roses. I learnt quite a lot about what had happened in the previous world. I felt confident that I could read this book without knowing what happened in that series. I did also feel like I was spoiled way too much for the series beforehand. It was not mentioned when applying for the book- so please be aware that the character is from a previous series but can be read if you haven't read it.
The banter between Medra and Blake was so funny at times. Before getting properly in the book, the first few scenes they both had I just knew that I would come to love both of them. The banter and the way they just spoke to each other. He was so whipped throughout the novel and I was so happy that we got to see his POV at times. It did only feel like a sprinkle but I wish we had more and poteinally other characters such as Theo and Visha. The way he had a little nickname called little dragon made me melt so much.. I was not expecting the twist at the arena and vouch never to trust the quiet ones ever again. The emotions that went through me at that scene and the way I felt so sorry for Blake. He is so misunderstood by so many people.
All in all, I really enjoyed this book and I am super excited for book 2. From the world building, relationships and friendships, from vampires and other supernatural elements I am excited to jump back into this world. I am already obsessed and need more of this world.
October 25, 2024
★ ★ ★ ★ 4.25 Stars
THE ENDING.
I am a huge Briar Boleyn fan as I absolutely adore her Blood of a Fae series with Morgan and Draven. I was so excited when she announced she was releasing another book, and I had no idea it would be following Medra!
I loved that On Wings of Blood started off exactly where Knight of the Goddess left off in Medra’s story. I thought her character was over, but I’m so glad that we get to see more of it!
🚨I recommend reading the Blood of a Fae series prior to starting this book! It is not “necessary”, but it gives so much added insight into our FMC.
.˳·˖✶𓆩𓁺𓆪✶˖·˳.٠ ࣪⭑
I am 100% obsessed with this world we are plopped into. It’s dark, greedy, luscious - filled with vampires with secrets and bloodlust. We get to attend Bloodwing Academy side by side Medra (and sometimes Blake), and gosh, why do I want to go to this school so bad? Even as a blightborn I’d happily oblige 😅
We see Medra learn the ways of this new world and their magic system (mostly only vampires have magic), how to thrallwield and thrallguard, and we also discover some very dark secrets with her.
Did I mention there’s DRAGONS?
.˳·˖✶𓆩𓁺𓆪✶˖·˳.٠ ࣪⭑
So basically, Medra falls into a new world ran by vampires. She is bonded to a vampire prince named Blake by his powerful uncle, Lord Drakharrow, to ultimately be Blake’s consort (due to Medra being believed as a “dragon rider” [something that is extinct in this world]). Despite Medra being weaker than the highbloods since she is not a vampire, she is enrolled into Bloodwing Academy where she learns the history, magic, and fighting of the world. We also get a surprise “game” during the story which is an exciting addition to the plot!
.˳·˖✶𓆩𓁺𓆪✶˖·˳.٠ ࣪⭑
Our characters are just as good as Morgan and Kairos Draven 🤭
Medra: If you read Blood of a Fae, you knew Medra was born to be a badass. Raised by Morgan and Draven with Odessa as her fighting instructor, Medra lived a really weird, quick life up until she sacrificed herself for all of Aercanum. Somehow, her dead mother Orcades manages to latch on to Medra in death and land up in a new world run by vampires.
Medra is just as arrogant and strong willed in this book as I hoped she would grow up to be in Camelot/Siabra. I absolutely adored her character in this book and can’t wait to read more on her in the next.
Blake: I mean, we all love a morally grey vampire right? Blake struggles with showing both sides of who he is, as behind closed doors his uncle’s brutality marks him if he does not succumb to his wishes. Despite this, Blake wishes to show Medra who he really wants to be.
.˳·˖✶𓆩𓁺𓆪✶˖·˳.٠ ࣪⭑
We get found family, forced proximity, “forced arrangement”, bully romance, enemies to lovers maybe???, HP House vibes mixed with Fourth Wing and Zodiac
The vibes: dark, brutal, bloodshed, elite vampire school with dragons, strong FMC, deep secrets in everyone’s past
.˳·˖✶𓆩𓁺𓆪✶˖·˳.٠ ࣪⭑
What can I say: I’m obsessed with Briar Boleyn’s writing. This book was another win, and I can’t wait for the next. Will officially be buying a physical copy!
A big thanks to NetGalley, publisher and Boleyn for providing me with this ARC!
THE ENDING.
I am a huge Briar Boleyn fan as I absolutely adore her Blood of a Fae series with Morgan and Draven. I was so excited when she announced she was releasing another book, and I had no idea it would be following Medra!
I loved that On Wings of Blood started off exactly where Knight of the Goddess left off in Medra’s story. I thought her character was over, but I’m so glad that we get to see more of it!
🚨I recommend reading the Blood of a Fae series prior to starting this book! It is not “necessary”, but it gives so much added insight into our FMC.
.˳·˖✶𓆩𓁺𓆪✶˖·˳.٠ ࣪⭑
I am 100% obsessed with this world we are plopped into. It’s dark, greedy, luscious - filled with vampires with secrets and bloodlust. We get to attend Bloodwing Academy side by side Medra (and sometimes Blake), and gosh, why do I want to go to this school so bad? Even as a blightborn I’d happily oblige 😅
We see Medra learn the ways of this new world and their magic system (mostly only vampires have magic), how to thrallwield and thrallguard, and we also discover some very dark secrets with her.
Did I mention there’s DRAGONS?
.˳·˖✶𓆩𓁺𓆪✶˖·˳.٠ ࣪⭑
So basically, Medra falls into a new world ran by vampires. She is bonded to a vampire prince named Blake by his powerful uncle, Lord Drakharrow, to ultimately be Blake’s consort (due to Medra being believed as a “dragon rider” [something that is extinct in this world]). Despite Medra being weaker than the highbloods since she is not a vampire, she is enrolled into Bloodwing Academy where she learns the history, magic, and fighting of the world. We also get a surprise “game” during the story which is an exciting addition to the plot!
.˳·˖✶𓆩𓁺𓆪✶˖·˳.٠ ࣪⭑
Our characters are just as good as Morgan and Kairos Draven 🤭
Medra: If you read Blood of a Fae, you knew Medra was born to be a badass. Raised by Morgan and Draven with Odessa as her fighting instructor, Medra lived a really weird, quick life up until she sacrificed herself for all of Aercanum. Somehow, her dead mother Orcades manages to latch on to Medra in death and land up in a new world run by vampires.
Medra is just as arrogant and strong willed in this book as I hoped she would grow up to be in Camelot/Siabra. I absolutely adored her character in this book and can’t wait to read more on her in the next.
Blake: I mean, we all love a morally grey vampire right? Blake struggles with showing both sides of who he is, as behind closed doors his uncle’s brutality marks him if he does not succumb to his wishes. Despite this, Blake wishes to show Medra who he really wants to be.
.˳·˖✶𓆩𓁺𓆪✶˖·˳.٠ ࣪⭑
We get found family, forced proximity, “forced arrangement”, bully romance, enemies to lovers maybe???, HP House vibes mixed with Fourth Wing and Zodiac
The vibes: dark, brutal, bloodshed, elite vampire school with dragons, strong FMC, deep secrets in everyone’s past
.˳·˖✶𓆩𓁺𓆪✶˖·˳.٠ ࣪⭑
What can I say: I’m obsessed with Briar Boleyn’s writing. This book was another win, and I can’t wait for the next. Will officially be buying a physical copy!
A big thanks to NetGalley, publisher and Boleyn for providing me with this ARC!
November 6, 2024
5 ⭐️
1 🌶️
A week and a half later, and I’m still dreaming about this book 🤩 I have no idea why this book hasn’t blown up because it had me in a chokehold!
What you can expect from this epic series debut:
* Hot-headed/ capable FMC
* Majorly morally grey/ possessive MMC
* Enemies to partners with benefits
* Forced betrothal
* Academy setting
* Compelling plot
* Banter 👏🏼
* Vampires & mortals
* Easily distinguishable secondary characters
* Burning tension between our main couple
* Dragons 🐉
🩸Medra Pendragon was supposed to be dead. Or so she thought. Instead of waking up in the afterlife, she finds herself lost to an entirely new realm— and it just so happens to be ruled by vampires. Upon awakening in a confused state, Medra is captured by a brutish prince (Blake) who drags her into the high court for interrogation. The brutal vampire high lord is convinced that our FMC is a descendant of extinct dragon rider lineage. In order to keep her within his grasp, he binds her to his nephew as his betrothed. Now that she’s set to be Blake’s consort, she must learn their ways and attend their astute
academy. And that is where the story begins!
This is a hefty series debut (760 pages on KU), but I ate this up in less than 48 hours 😅 I was completely captivated by Medra’s situation and the new world she has to navigate. She’s everything I long for in an FMC—hot-headed, physically capable, and loyal to the ones she holds close! I was truly entertained by her temper during the entire read!
Would I say Medra & Blake qualify as ‘enemies to lovers’? The enemy part, 100%! But I wouldn’t say lovers as much as partners with benefits! These two are just fire + gasoline for 85% of this journey, and I ate up every one of their interactions 😍 Blake is a complete brute who primarily looks after himself and his close circle, but BOY DOES HE TURN POSSESSIVE FOR HIS FMC ON A DIME! 👏🏼 I had to stop and giggle a few points throughout this read!
The world building was descriptive and not overbearing. The action / buildable plot was clear to follow throughout the entire read. And boy oh boy was this tension building… I know we will receive more in the next read, and when it does, I’m going to need a drool bucket! There was so much going on, but I could not put this book down! I was captivated by everything Boleyn threw at me! On Wings of Blood was an excellent read, and I HIGHLY recommend it!
1 🌶️
A week and a half later, and I’m still dreaming about this book 🤩 I have no idea why this book hasn’t blown up because it had me in a chokehold!
What you can expect from this epic series debut:
* Hot-headed/ capable FMC
* Majorly morally grey/ possessive MMC
* Enemies to partners with benefits
* Forced betrothal
* Academy setting
* Compelling plot
* Banter 👏🏼
* Vampires & mortals
* Easily distinguishable secondary characters
* Burning tension between our main couple
* Dragons 🐉
🩸Medra Pendragon was supposed to be dead. Or so she thought. Instead of waking up in the afterlife, she finds herself lost to an entirely new realm— and it just so happens to be ruled by vampires. Upon awakening in a confused state, Medra is captured by a brutish prince (Blake) who drags her into the high court for interrogation. The brutal vampire high lord is convinced that our FMC is a descendant of extinct dragon rider lineage. In order to keep her within his grasp, he binds her to his nephew as his betrothed. Now that she’s set to be Blake’s consort, she must learn their ways and attend their astute
academy. And that is where the story begins!
This is a hefty series debut (760 pages on KU), but I ate this up in less than 48 hours 😅 I was completely captivated by Medra’s situation and the new world she has to navigate. She’s everything I long for in an FMC—hot-headed, physically capable, and loyal to the ones she holds close! I was truly entertained by her temper during the entire read!
Would I say Medra & Blake qualify as ‘enemies to lovers’? The enemy part, 100%! But I wouldn’t say lovers as much as partners with benefits! These two are just fire + gasoline for 85% of this journey, and I ate up every one of their interactions 😍 Blake is a complete brute who primarily looks after himself and his close circle, but BOY DOES HE TURN POSSESSIVE FOR HIS FMC ON A DIME! 👏🏼 I had to stop and giggle a few points throughout this read!
The world building was descriptive and not overbearing. The action / buildable plot was clear to follow throughout the entire read. And boy oh boy was this tension building… I know we will receive more in the next read, and when it does, I’m going to need a drool bucket! There was so much going on, but I could not put this book down! I was captivated by everything Boleyn threw at me! On Wings of Blood was an excellent read, and I HIGHLY recommend it!
November 14, 2024
Briar does it again!!!! I was so excited to see the FMC get her own series(no spoilers here lol). This book was absolutely incredibly good!!! The characters are written and developed well, the plot is fun and easy to follow, with enough twists, turns, happiness and heartbreak to keep you on your toes. The ending is such a WTF moment- you have been warned!!! I cannot wait to continue this series!!! I will be stalking the author to be on her ARC team for sure! As a street team member I will be posting tons of stuff about this series!!!
Want to read
July 8, 2024The author said "Dramione vibes" 😍 Can't wait!!! ❤️
December 25, 2024
Read if you like:
Harry Potter / fourth wing / anything vampires
This was an absolute pleasant surprise! I will say the first 10% started off slow burn and I had my doubts but then things completely turned around for me and I absolutely fell in love with this series!
So much action, angst, sexual tension, fun fantasy and magical related scenes.
The plot follows Medra who finds herself in a world unknown to her, is discovered by a Highblood vampire and paired to be a consort to a vampire whilst being sent to a supernatural academy not for the faint of heart.
I loved how we got clips and details from actual classes, it irks me when the book is set in a school but we get no insight to their schooling. This book had plenty along with training, rituals, competitions and trials.
You will definitely grow to love the side characters, my favourite is Florence, she is fiercely loyal and kind and towards the end of the book stepped into her confidence which I loved seeing. On the opposite side I also loved the drama with Medras enemies, “the mean girls”. It’s so fun to watch how it all plays out especially as Medras abilities and skill set improves over the duration of the book.
I loved the enemies to lovers build up tension, everytime you think you can get behind Blake he goes and does something more dumb than the last time 😂😂
I am very excited for book two to get to learn more about the dragons!
Tropes:
Enemies to lovers
Love triangle
Bully romance
Nerdy best friend
Stubborn mouthy FMC
Human / vampire
Dark academia
Supernatural school
Dragon riders
Thank you to saltwater press and Briar Boleyn for the EARC!
Harry Potter / fourth wing / anything vampires
This was an absolute pleasant surprise! I will say the first 10% started off slow burn and I had my doubts but then things completely turned around for me and I absolutely fell in love with this series!
So much action, angst, sexual tension, fun fantasy and magical related scenes.
The plot follows Medra who finds herself in a world unknown to her, is discovered by a Highblood vampire and paired to be a consort to a vampire whilst being sent to a supernatural academy not for the faint of heart.
I loved how we got clips and details from actual classes, it irks me when the book is set in a school but we get no insight to their schooling. This book had plenty along with training, rituals, competitions and trials.
You will definitely grow to love the side characters, my favourite is Florence, she is fiercely loyal and kind and towards the end of the book stepped into her confidence which I loved seeing. On the opposite side I also loved the drama with Medras enemies, “the mean girls”. It’s so fun to watch how it all plays out especially as Medras abilities and skill set improves over the duration of the book.
I loved the enemies to lovers build up tension, everytime you think you can get behind Blake he goes and does something more dumb than the last time 😂😂
I am very excited for book two to get to learn more about the dragons!
Tropes:
Enemies to lovers
Love triangle
Bully romance
Nerdy best friend
Stubborn mouthy FMC
Human / vampire
Dark academia
Supernatural school
Dragon riders
Thank you to saltwater press and Briar Boleyn for the EARC!
October 25, 2024
4.5 ⭐
“As the dragon flies and the blood endures, so shall your destines be intertwined…Through fire and shadows, you shall be one. What is spoken is unbroken. What is bound cannot be unbound”(CH2/37).
Welcome to Bloodwing Academy where only the elites of society Highborn and blightborn attend. Medra Pendragon didn’t sign up for this. Neither did the cold-blooded Prince Blake Drakharrow. It was the only option when Medra was thrown into this world at his feet. Discovered to be the only Dragon Rider in existence, the Council betrothed her to the heartless Prince and is whisked away for training. Will she sink or swim under the pressure? These elegant halls are filled with cruel, trecherous enemies and you never know who may be lurking in the shadows.
“Only blood and flame may flourish in these halls. From blood comes unity. From blood comes strength. From blood, legacy. From blood, power” (CH24/241).
The world was utterly fascinating. You get glimpses of Arthurian legends/landscapes then you have this juxtaposition to Veilmar. There is so much lore from the significance of the BloodMaiden to the Dragon wars. Briar's prose really brings everything to life. Im really interested in if the story continues just in Bloodwing/Veilmar or if the reader will get to see more of the world in a large scope.
“That glimmer of rebellion in her eyes, like a light that promised to never go out” (CH35/313).
Medra Pendragon. Scrappy, fierce princess lunged straight into a blood thirsty vampire world. I found myself really rooting for her especially when it came to dealing with Regan. Sometimes I did have some issues with Medra that I hope will get smoothed out since it’s a bit coming of age. Her anger was so all consuming she just didn’t care or wouldn’t listen to reason or would jump to conclusions. She seems to see everything in one way or the complete opposite of the spectrum as opposed to understanding grey areas. One prime example I can give is how she views Aenia for the majority of this.
“If I breathed in, I knew exactly what I’d smell. Green apples. A faint hint of mint. Something underlying it all, like the pages of an old book" (CH8/100).
Prince Blake Drakharrow. Bloodwing’s Draco-esque morally grey Hero. Oh, you did not disappoint in the slightest. I had that gut feeling Blake was going to have deep multiple layers on layers to him. OVERLY possessive would be putting it very lightly here. He will devour anyone and anything that so much as looks at Medra suspiciously. The banter was electric between the two of them. There aren’t many spicy scenes but when they do occur, get ready for an enthralling experience.
I won’t linger too much on the other academy students but will say Kage caught much of my attention. I wish we could explore more of the feud there and really deep dive. Theo had me dying of laughter and has this high energy that’s intoxicating.
"Blood is the beginning just as blood is the end. Blood will have blood" (CH2/38).
I would recommend this to readers who are interested in a dark academia fantasy sprinkled with lightly spiced romance. Very fast paced chosen one story that will have you entertained from the start. I look forward to seeing how Medra, Blake & the rest of the Bloodwing Academy students evolve in the continued series.
“Bondage is freedom. The sooner you accept that, the happier you’ll be" (CH2/37).
Thank you to Briar Boleyn, Starwater Press & NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
“As the dragon flies and the blood endures, so shall your destines be intertwined…Through fire and shadows, you shall be one. What is spoken is unbroken. What is bound cannot be unbound”(CH2/37).
Welcome to Bloodwing Academy where only the elites of society Highborn and blightborn attend. Medra Pendragon didn’t sign up for this. Neither did the cold-blooded Prince Blake Drakharrow. It was the only option when Medra was thrown into this world at his feet. Discovered to be the only Dragon Rider in existence, the Council betrothed her to the heartless Prince and is whisked away for training. Will she sink or swim under the pressure? These elegant halls are filled with cruel, trecherous enemies and you never know who may be lurking in the shadows.
“Only blood and flame may flourish in these halls. From blood comes unity. From blood comes strength. From blood, legacy. From blood, power” (CH24/241).
The world was utterly fascinating. You get glimpses of Arthurian legends/landscapes then you have this juxtaposition to Veilmar. There is so much lore from the significance of the BloodMaiden to the Dragon wars. Briar's prose really brings everything to life. Im really interested in if the story continues just in Bloodwing/Veilmar or if the reader will get to see more of the world in a large scope.
“That glimmer of rebellion in her eyes, like a light that promised to never go out” (CH35/313).
Medra Pendragon. Scrappy, fierce princess lunged straight into a blood thirsty vampire world. I found myself really rooting for her especially when it came to dealing with Regan. Sometimes I did have some issues with Medra that I hope will get smoothed out since it’s a bit coming of age. Her anger was so all consuming she just didn’t care or wouldn’t listen to reason or would jump to conclusions. She seems to see everything in one way or the complete opposite of the spectrum as opposed to understanding grey areas. One prime example I can give is how she views Aenia for the majority of this.
“If I breathed in, I knew exactly what I’d smell. Green apples. A faint hint of mint. Something underlying it all, like the pages of an old book" (CH8/100).
Prince Blake Drakharrow. Bloodwing’s Draco-esque morally grey Hero. Oh, you did not disappoint in the slightest. I had that gut feeling Blake was going to have deep multiple layers on layers to him. OVERLY possessive would be putting it very lightly here. He will devour anyone and anything that so much as looks at Medra suspiciously. The banter was electric between the two of them. There aren’t many spicy scenes but when they do occur, get ready for an enthralling experience.
I won’t linger too much on the other academy students but will say Kage caught much of my attention. I wish we could explore more of the feud there and really deep dive. Theo had me dying of laughter and has this high energy that’s intoxicating.
"Blood is the beginning just as blood is the end. Blood will have blood" (CH2/38).
I would recommend this to readers who are interested in a dark academia fantasy sprinkled with lightly spiced romance. Very fast paced chosen one story that will have you entertained from the start. I look forward to seeing how Medra, Blake & the rest of the Bloodwing Academy students evolve in the continued series.
“Bondage is freedom. The sooner you accept that, the happier you’ll be" (CH2/37).
Thank you to Briar Boleyn, Starwater Press & NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Want to read
March 31, 2024just finished knight of the goddess and i NEED a full description for this book ‼️‼️ dark academia and fantasy?? sign me upppp ‼️‼️
November 4, 2024
This book is Fourth Wing meets Zodiac Academy plus Dramione fanfiction. If anything has ever felt like it was specifically written for me, this has to be it. It’s a dark academia romantasy filled with danger, vampires, dragons, court politics, a magical school, and found family. Medra is an excellent protagonist. She’s strong, stubborn, loyal, has an unwavering sense of justice, and has a smart mouth that gets her into trouble. She’s not afraid to attack first and ask questions later. Blake is the book boyfriend of all of our dreams. He’s a morally grey vampire who’s a bit of a bully and has Draco Malfoy energy. He’s possessive, broody, damaged, gives “touch her and 💀” vibes, and is completely obsessed with her. This is a slow burn romance, and I could barely handle the tension, banter, pining, and angst. They despise each other so much, but they’re forced to be around each other. It was immaculate. If you’re a fan of any of these things, and want a new romantasy obsession that gives you mythology, compelling characters, a scorching hot romance, and a unique world, go read this right now!
🗡️
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
🗡️
Read if you like:
▫️dragons, fae, and vampires
▫️dangerous magical academy
▫️enemies to lovers
▫️arranged marriage
▫️deadly trials
▫️dual POV
🗡️
Thank you to Briar Boleyn for the ARC. I received an advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
🗡️
Connect With Me
https://instagram.com/shanisshelves?i...
https://www.tiktok.com/@shanisshelves
🗡️
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
🗡️
Read if you like:
▫️dragons, fae, and vampires
▫️dangerous magical academy
▫️enemies to lovers
▫️arranged marriage
▫️deadly trials
▫️dual POV
🗡️
Thank you to Briar Boleyn for the ARC. I received an advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
🗡️
Connect With Me
https://instagram.com/shanisshelves?i...
https://www.tiktok.com/@shanisshelves
December 15, 2024
This is a hard book for me to rate because the storyline was 3.5 maybe 4* the writing was really rough though. It feels terrible to say, I’m never critical of writing and editing but this was really hard for me to overlook.
The book has everything you want in fantasy romance, enemies to lovers, trials, academia setting, slow burn with immense tension and of course the lovable best friends. I really enjoyed the characters and the world building was plentiful (maybe too much.)
The book ended on a cliffhanger and with villains still left in play which I think works well for leading into the rest of the series. Very little was resolved in this book which I appreciated.
While reading I learnt this was a story branched off from another series by Briar. I managed to read this just fine without the backstory so I don’t think reading the other series is a requirement.
I think mentoring and proper editing would do Briar’s work wonders as the creative is there. The book uses more adjectives than I ever thought possible. Descriptions are needlessly long, sometimes entire pages are spent describing a person before we even know why they’ve entered a scene.
From a storyline perspective I do want to continue the series when the new books are released and I think it’s something book lovers will get behind it they can withstand the writing.
Thank you to NetGalley, Star Water Press, Victory Editing and Briar Boleyn for letting me read and review this book.
The book has everything you want in fantasy romance, enemies to lovers, trials, academia setting, slow burn with immense tension and of course the lovable best friends. I really enjoyed the characters and the world building was plentiful (maybe too much.)
The book ended on a cliffhanger and with villains still left in play which I think works well for leading into the rest of the series. Very little was resolved in this book which I appreciated.
While reading I learnt this was a story branched off from another series by Briar. I managed to read this just fine without the backstory so I don’t think reading the other series is a requirement.
I think mentoring and proper editing would do Briar’s work wonders as the creative is there. The book uses more adjectives than I ever thought possible. Descriptions are needlessly long, sometimes entire pages are spent describing a person before we even know why they’ve entered a scene.
From a storyline perspective I do want to continue the series when the new books are released and I think it’s something book lovers will get behind it they can withstand the writing.
Thank you to NetGalley, Star Water Press, Victory Editing and Briar Boleyn for letting me read and review this book.
November 25, 2024
The first taste of her blood hit me like a drug. Sweet and rich and powerful. She was everything I’d been craving. More.
From the prologue I was instantly hooked. The world building and character introductions in Book 1 had my full attention. But by the end of Book 1 I was questioning if we’d ever get a Blake POV chapter?
The middle of the book (basically Book 2-4) was a bit lackluster for me. There was both a lot going on and nothing going on at the same time. And while I was always excited to start reading again, it was easy to put down in this section.
The end perfectly sets us up for the second installment and I’m genuinely excited to read it! I hope we get more interactions between the main characters in that one!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
From the prologue I was instantly hooked. The world building and character introductions in Book 1 had my full attention. But by the end of Book 1 I was questioning if we’d ever get a Blake POV chapter?
The middle of the book (basically Book 2-4) was a bit lackluster for me. There was both a lot going on and nothing going on at the same time. And while I was always excited to start reading again, it was easy to put down in this section.
The end perfectly sets us up for the second installment and I’m genuinely excited to read it! I hope we get more interactions between the main characters in that one!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for an honest review!
October 30, 2024
e-ARC from NetGalley.
I requested this book because it promised enemies to lovers, Dramione vibes, and forbidden love. Unfortunately, I did not feel that those buzzwords were actually representative of the content of these pages.
We follow Medra Pendragon, who, after sacrificing herself in her land of Camelot to kill a monster, awakens in another world - one full of vampires. Immediately captured by Prince Blake, Medra is brought before the court of this new world and promptly declared a dragonrider before being betrothed to Blake (unwillingly on both their parts). From there, Medra is thrust into the dangerous Bloodwing Academy, where she must withstand enemies, build friendships, and figure out what's going on if she wants to survive.
From the beginning, very little is done to make the "enemies" aspect of the Medra/Blake dynamic believable. Blake is rarely there, and Medra is always her worst self. We get a lot of her lusting after Blake, but it's always paired with "I hate him so much! Why am I staring?" It just wasn't compelling or believable. And, like, Blake mostly seems like a good dude?
Maybe if the story hadn't been dual POV, I might have been able to believe the animosity, but seeing how rational Blake was as a character when it didn't matter, only for the author to randomly take away that rationality to create conflict even though it didn't make sense for his character? It was honestly infuriating.
Beyond that, I'm not sure where the Dramione comparisons come from. Is it because he's blonde? And why say it's forbidden love when they're literally betrothed and expected to at least try to get along.
This book will be good for people who unironically love Zodiac Academy, enjoy difficult characters, and don't have their hearts set on the tropes listed in the description of this story. I think fans of Powerless and other recent romantasy releases are in for a treat.
The writing isn't bad, and there were elements of this story that almost worked for me, but the false advertising ruined it for me and I'm very sad and quite bitter about it.
I requested this book because it promised enemies to lovers, Dramione vibes, and forbidden love. Unfortunately, I did not feel that those buzzwords were actually representative of the content of these pages.
We follow Medra Pendragon, who, after sacrificing herself in her land of Camelot to kill a monster, awakens in another world - one full of vampires. Immediately captured by Prince Blake, Medra is brought before the court of this new world and promptly declared a dragonrider before being betrothed to Blake (unwillingly on both their parts). From there, Medra is thrust into the dangerous Bloodwing Academy, where she must withstand enemies, build friendships, and figure out what's going on if she wants to survive.
From the beginning, very little is done to make the "enemies" aspect of the Medra/Blake dynamic believable. Blake is rarely there, and Medra is always her worst self. We get a lot of her lusting after Blake, but it's always paired with "I hate him so much! Why am I staring?" It just wasn't compelling or believable. And, like, Blake mostly seems like a good dude?
Maybe if the story hadn't been dual POV, I might have been able to believe the animosity, but seeing how rational Blake was as a character when it didn't matter, only for the author to randomly take away that rationality to create conflict even though it didn't make sense for his character? It was honestly infuriating.
Beyond that, I'm not sure where the Dramione comparisons come from. Is it because he's blonde? And why say it's forbidden love when they're literally betrothed and expected to at least try to get along.
This book will be good for people who unironically love Zodiac Academy, enjoy difficult characters, and don't have their hearts set on the tropes listed in the description of this story. I think fans of Powerless and other recent romantasy releases are in for a treat.
The writing isn't bad, and there were elements of this story that almost worked for me, but the false advertising ruined it for me and I'm very sad and quite bitter about it.
October 25, 2024
Currently screaming into the void that I need book 2 ASAP. I get that this book just released but OMG!! Beautifully written.
The style is engaging, quick, and enTHRALLing (you'll think that's funny once you read this book).
If you read the Blood of the Fae series, you get to be with Medra again (yay!). If you didn't, you'll get bits and pieces of that series, but nothing that would leave you not understanding this book..it can be read separately from that series, but it's definitely nice to have some background in your back pocket.
I'll say this....I was indifferent to Medra in Blood of the Fae series but absolutely love her in On Wings of Blood. She deserves all of the good things, even though life really just keeps knocking her down. She is strong, smart, cunning, and brave. So, so brave!
Blake. You want to hate him...you do. And I think I still might? But I'm also not sure? But also I'm hoping he can be that morally grey MMC? I know he wants to be, but I also know that he is born, bred, and raised to believe he is superior and that he can do no wrong. His entitlement knows no bounds, but also maybe there is someone who wants to do good deep deep down there? He is very much a one step forward, two steps back MMC. You'll be in for a ride with him
This series is going to be epic. I can feel it. I'm excited to see where it goes. There are so many layers established here. From the vampires, to the dragons, to Medra you know....not even being of that world....I can feel Briar pulling back all of those layers and I'm so ready to see what she does with them!
This book was a grown up Harry Potter, but make it vampires, and add some dragons and a fae. It is a perfect mesh of everything that makes Romantasy, Romantasy and I am HERE for it!
Overall: highly recommend!
The style is engaging, quick, and enTHRALLing (you'll think that's funny once you read this book).
If you read the Blood of the Fae series, you get to be with Medra again (yay!). If you didn't, you'll get bits and pieces of that series, but nothing that would leave you not understanding this book..it can be read separately from that series, but it's definitely nice to have some background in your back pocket.
I'll say this....I was indifferent to Medra in Blood of the Fae series but absolutely love her in On Wings of Blood. She deserves all of the good things, even though life really just keeps knocking her down. She is strong, smart, cunning, and brave. So, so brave!
Blake. You want to hate him...you do. And I think I still might? But I'm also not sure? But also I'm hoping he can be that morally grey MMC? I know he wants to be, but I also know that he is born, bred, and raised to believe he is superior and that he can do no wrong. His entitlement knows no bounds, but also maybe there is someone who wants to do good deep deep down there? He is very much a one step forward, two steps back MMC. You'll be in for a ride with him
This series is going to be epic. I can feel it. I'm excited to see where it goes. There are so many layers established here. From the vampires, to the dragons, to Medra you know....not even being of that world....I can feel Briar pulling back all of those layers and I'm so ready to see what she does with them!
This book was a grown up Harry Potter, but make it vampires, and add some dragons and a fae. It is a perfect mesh of everything that makes Romantasy, Romantasy and I am HERE for it!
Overall: highly recommend!
October 23, 2024
5/5 Star ⭐
3/5 Spice 🌶️
✿ Enemies to Lovers
✿ Forced Proximity
✿ Feisty FML
✿ Vampires & Dragons
Review:
After finishing the Blood of Fae series, I was super intrigued to see how Briar would go about a Vampire Academia romance and I WAS NOT DISSAPPOINTED. We follow Medra who has been transported to another plan of existence with no memory of how or why she is there. She's found by Blake, the soon to be love interest, who is full of himself but is to be expected as he's Prince to a royal bloodline of vampires. I won't spoil too much but they have a complicated relationship involving bullying, power dynamics, hatred and LOTS of sexual tension. The worldbuilding outside of this romance is fascinating. I enjoyed the new politics and family tree we're introduced to as it provides a change from the previous books I've read by Briar. There is also DRAGONS? But you'll have to read the book to find out about that.
If you enjoy Vampire Academy, Forth Wing or Zodiac Academy, you will love this!
3/5 Spice 🌶️
✿ Enemies to Lovers
✿ Forced Proximity
✿ Feisty FML
✿ Vampires & Dragons
Review:
After finishing the Blood of Fae series, I was super intrigued to see how Briar would go about a Vampire Academia romance and I WAS NOT DISSAPPOINTED. We follow Medra who has been transported to another plan of existence with no memory of how or why she is there. She's found by Blake, the soon to be love interest, who is full of himself but is to be expected as he's Prince to a royal bloodline of vampires. I won't spoil too much but they have a complicated relationship involving bullying, power dynamics, hatred and LOTS of sexual tension. The worldbuilding outside of this romance is fascinating. I enjoyed the new politics and family tree we're introduced to as it provides a change from the previous books I've read by Briar. There is also DRAGONS? But you'll have to read the book to find out about that.
If you enjoy Vampire Academy, Forth Wing or Zodiac Academy, you will love this!
December 21, 2024
⭐️ 4/5
🌶 2/5
This felt like a mix of Fourth Wing, Harry Potter, and Immortal Dark.
🩸 Bully Vampire MMC
🩸 Dragon Rider FMC
🩸 Dark Academia
🩸 Forced Bond
🩸 Dragons
🩸 Deadly Games
This was a good but odd read. I absolutely LOVE Briar's work, but I felt like this book had some parts that felt forced and jarring - some scenes and topics felt like they were randomly thrown in there.
Other than that, I really love Blake. Kind of feel sorry for him in the end.
ENDS OF A CLIFFHANGER. Which was seriously unexpected.
🌶 2/5
This felt like a mix of Fourth Wing, Harry Potter, and Immortal Dark.
🩸 Bully Vampire MMC
🩸 Dragon Rider FMC
🩸 Dark Academia
🩸 Forced Bond
🩸 Dragons
🩸 Deadly Games
This was a good but odd read. I absolutely LOVE Briar's work, but I felt like this book had some parts that felt forced and jarring - some scenes and topics felt like they were randomly thrown in there.
Other than that, I really love Blake. Kind of feel sorry for him in the end.
ENDS OF A CLIFFHANGER. Which was seriously unexpected.
November 6, 2024
On Wings of Blood: Bloodwing Academy Book 1
By Briar Boleyn.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Always read the trigger warnings!
This a dark academia fantasy romance featuring a bully villain with Draco Malfoy energy who (eventually) gets the girl, all the tension and banter, and a tantalizingly dangerous blend of court and school intrigue all set in an intricately crafted world with unique vampire and dragon lore.
Tropes/Triggers:
🖤Dramione Vibes
🖤The Weirdest Found Family
🖤Hogwarts Meets House Of The Dragon
🖤Bully Vibes Meet Touch Her & ☠️
🖤Villain Gets The Girl
🖤Forced Betrothal
🖤Autumn School Vibes
🖤Killer Final Exams
🖤Hogwarts meets House of the Dragon meets Zodiac Academy meets Fourth Wing
🖤A bully MMC with Draco & Damon vibes
🖤Dark magic academy setting
🖤Dragon rider underpowered FMC
🖤Forced betrothal
🖤Forced back to school!
🖤Vampires & blood rituals
🖤Slooowburn dragons
🖤Dual POV
🖤Found family
This new series from Briar Boleyn is without a doubt my favourite new series and number one in my top ten.
On Wings of Blood is my absolute favourite read of the year! With its spectacular world building that is so vast and epic it’s downright phenomenal.
We have dragons, vampires and so much more. There is a little bit of everything from Harry Potter, Fourth Wing, Zodiac Academy with a dash of Blair‘s favourite…Arthurian legend. Plus, my favourite, I’ll say it again. Vampires and of course Dragons… Could you want any more! Well how about enemies to lovers or epic love, fated mates? Hate to love, romance, slow burn to steam… we really are truly spoiled!
This book was so much more than I was expecting!! I’m completely blown away with the continuation of this storyline all be it a completely different saga. We have come from Blood of a Fae series. Which is one of my absolute favourite series of all time. But now…The Blood Wing Academy has proudly taken its place as my new absolute favourite! I can tell this entire series is going to be supremely epic!!! Yes I’m going to use that word a lot in this review.
I could not put this book down. Briar has got a winner with this series! The phenomenal storyline the angst filled relationships, the found family and friends, the devious enemies and fake friends.
I’m completely obsessed with our MMC, Blake Drakharrow. He is misunderstood, cold and arrogant, a vampire but with a squishy soft side! His character was brilliantly constructed and he has a well of depth you do not expect! How could you not fall for him!? he is tantalisingly dangerous. Again…I am obsessed.
Medra. Our FMC. She is half fae and thought she had died after her sacrifice but awakens to a whole new and dark world where she has to navigate to keep her own life! She is a fierce and strong character that is reluctant to trust or let anyone see who she really is!
Their relationship explosive, filled with angst and we have a lot of push and pull throughout the story, mistrust and longing.
The supporting characters were amazing and well developed throughout the storyline, Florence and Naveen Were Wonderful friends to Madra. I loved the dynamic and how their relationship developed throughout their journey.
The High Bloods. What can I say. Most are an arrogant bunch that look down their noses at all the normal humans: blightborn and well, any other beings below their calibre.
This is an amazing and quite spectacular world derived from the brilliant mind of Briar Boleyn! I am in awe…
The narrative is flawless and weaves beautifully around a fantastical and timeless dark world. We have brilliant banter and scenes that will make you laugh out loud. You will laugh, cry… Even succumb to sobbing happy tears as you traverse your way through this epic New series…
Briar is an absolute genius, a visionary and a master in her field with her epic show-stopping worldbuilding that can transport you straight into the story with brilliantly devised characters that possess such a depth of emotion it will not only pull at your heartstrings but will have you feeling every emotion as if it were your own…
This should not be missed! Pure brilliance and a true masterpiece!
Quote:
She was mine before we’d even met. Even when she hadn’t known it yet. She was mine and I was hers.
But today? I wasn’t so sure. That feeling of powerlessness I’d had when I woke up was dissipating. Did I have Blake to thank for that?
“You could try. But I doubt you’d succeed. You see, Blake and I have enjoyed a lot of time together. He loves getting me alone. To practice.”
“But don’t forget that everything you have, everything you are, is because of me. I made you, Blake. You know it. Your mother knows it. I can unmake you just as easily.”
By Briar Boleyn.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Always read the trigger warnings!
This a dark academia fantasy romance featuring a bully villain with Draco Malfoy energy who (eventually) gets the girl, all the tension and banter, and a tantalizingly dangerous blend of court and school intrigue all set in an intricately crafted world with unique vampire and dragon lore.
Tropes/Triggers:
🖤Dramione Vibes
🖤The Weirdest Found Family
🖤Hogwarts Meets House Of The Dragon
🖤Bully Vibes Meet Touch Her & ☠️
🖤Villain Gets The Girl
🖤Forced Betrothal
🖤Autumn School Vibes
🖤Killer Final Exams
🖤Hogwarts meets House of the Dragon meets Zodiac Academy meets Fourth Wing
🖤A bully MMC with Draco & Damon vibes
🖤Dark magic academy setting
🖤Dragon rider underpowered FMC
🖤Forced betrothal
🖤Forced back to school!
🖤Vampires & blood rituals
🖤Slooowburn dragons
🖤Dual POV
🖤Found family
This new series from Briar Boleyn is without a doubt my favourite new series and number one in my top ten.
On Wings of Blood is my absolute favourite read of the year! With its spectacular world building that is so vast and epic it’s downright phenomenal.
We have dragons, vampires and so much more. There is a little bit of everything from Harry Potter, Fourth Wing, Zodiac Academy with a dash of Blair‘s favourite…Arthurian legend. Plus, my favourite, I’ll say it again. Vampires and of course Dragons… Could you want any more! Well how about enemies to lovers or epic love, fated mates? Hate to love, romance, slow burn to steam… we really are truly spoiled!
This book was so much more than I was expecting!! I’m completely blown away with the continuation of this storyline all be it a completely different saga. We have come from Blood of a Fae series. Which is one of my absolute favourite series of all time. But now…The Blood Wing Academy has proudly taken its place as my new absolute favourite! I can tell this entire series is going to be supremely epic!!! Yes I’m going to use that word a lot in this review.
I could not put this book down. Briar has got a winner with this series! The phenomenal storyline the angst filled relationships, the found family and friends, the devious enemies and fake friends.
I’m completely obsessed with our MMC, Blake Drakharrow. He is misunderstood, cold and arrogant, a vampire but with a squishy soft side! His character was brilliantly constructed and he has a well of depth you do not expect! How could you not fall for him!? he is tantalisingly dangerous. Again…I am obsessed.
Medra. Our FMC. She is half fae and thought she had died after her sacrifice but awakens to a whole new and dark world where she has to navigate to keep her own life! She is a fierce and strong character that is reluctant to trust or let anyone see who she really is!
Their relationship explosive, filled with angst and we have a lot of push and pull throughout the story, mistrust and longing.
The supporting characters were amazing and well developed throughout the storyline, Florence and Naveen Were Wonderful friends to Madra. I loved the dynamic and how their relationship developed throughout their journey.
The High Bloods. What can I say. Most are an arrogant bunch that look down their noses at all the normal humans: blightborn and well, any other beings below their calibre.
This is an amazing and quite spectacular world derived from the brilliant mind of Briar Boleyn! I am in awe…
The narrative is flawless and weaves beautifully around a fantastical and timeless dark world. We have brilliant banter and scenes that will make you laugh out loud. You will laugh, cry… Even succumb to sobbing happy tears as you traverse your way through this epic New series…
Briar is an absolute genius, a visionary and a master in her field with her epic show-stopping worldbuilding that can transport you straight into the story with brilliantly devised characters that possess such a depth of emotion it will not only pull at your heartstrings but will have you feeling every emotion as if it were your own…
This should not be missed! Pure brilliance and a true masterpiece!
Quote:
She was mine before we’d even met. Even when she hadn’t known it yet. She was mine and I was hers.
But today? I wasn’t so sure. That feeling of powerlessness I’d had when I woke up was dissipating. Did I have Blake to thank for that?
“You could try. But I doubt you’d succeed. You see, Blake and I have enjoyed a lot of time together. He loves getting me alone. To practice.”
“But don’t forget that everything you have, everything you are, is because of me. I made you, Blake. You know it. Your mother knows it. I can unmake you just as easily.”
December 19, 2024
THIS. BOOK. I was HOOKED from the very first line: "I think I was drunk. Drunk on power, drunk on her blood." This book absolutely BLEW ME AWAY. It has everything I grew up loving about fantasy, and everything I love about it now as an adult. I'll be thinking about this story and these characters until the sequel releases later this month (thank the Bloodmaiden, because I needed it yesterday).
What do you get when you mix Harry Potter, Fourth Wing, Vampire Academy, House of the Dragon, and sprinkle in some lore & a heaping dose of vampires? Bloodwing Academy. It's the perfect recipe for dark academia fantasy romance brimming with betrayal, vampires, fae, dragons, political intrigue, and a magical school filled with complex characters you can't help but love (and maybe sometimes hate). Throw in a TORTUROUS and DELICIOUS slow-burn romance, and you've got a book I couldn't put down.
The FMC, Medra Pendragon, is a half-fae, half-human badass who's thrown into a world she doesn't understand - a world that doesn't understand her either. She's the last of the dragon riders (or so they claim), and stuck in a school full of highblood vampires who see her nothing more than blightborn (a mortal), and a pawn in their games. Oh, and she's also betrothed to the worst of the worst - Prince Blake Drakharrow.
Speaking of our MMC... our morally grey prince with Draco Malfoy energy and a touch her & die attitude? I couldn't help but fall for him, even as I questioned whether I was being gaslit as much as Medra was. He's the perfect match to Medra's fiery spirit. Their dynamic? Electric. The tension, the banter? Chef's kiss.
But this story isn't just about romance. It's a battlefield of lies, deadly competitions, and a world that drips with original mythology. The stakes are high, the twists are mind-blowing, and the dragons leave a shadow over the narrative that feels alive. The school itself, Bloodwing Academy, is a character in its own right - as haunting as it is captivating & magical.
This book perfectly balances character-driven storytelling with epic world-building, creating an experience that feels like coming home to everything I’ve ever loved about fantasy while still offering something fresh and exciting. The friendships are heartwarming, the professors are each so unique, and the political scheming keeps you guessing at every turn. I could go on forever about how much I loved this book, but I’ll leave you with this: do yourself a favor and read it.
What do you get when you mix Harry Potter, Fourth Wing, Vampire Academy, House of the Dragon, and sprinkle in some lore & a heaping dose of vampires? Bloodwing Academy. It's the perfect recipe for dark academia fantasy romance brimming with betrayal, vampires, fae, dragons, political intrigue, and a magical school filled with complex characters you can't help but love (and maybe sometimes hate). Throw in a TORTUROUS and DELICIOUS slow-burn romance, and you've got a book I couldn't put down.
The FMC, Medra Pendragon, is a half-fae, half-human badass who's thrown into a world she doesn't understand - a world that doesn't understand her either. She's the last of the dragon riders (or so they claim), and stuck in a school full of highblood vampires who see her nothing more than blightborn (a mortal), and a pawn in their games. Oh, and she's also betrothed to the worst of the worst - Prince Blake Drakharrow.
Speaking of our MMC... our morally grey prince with Draco Malfoy energy and a touch her & die attitude? I couldn't help but fall for him, even as I questioned whether I was being gaslit as much as Medra was. He's the perfect match to Medra's fiery spirit. Their dynamic? Electric. The tension, the banter? Chef's kiss.
But this story isn't just about romance. It's a battlefield of lies, deadly competitions, and a world that drips with original mythology. The stakes are high, the twists are mind-blowing, and the dragons leave a shadow over the narrative that feels alive. The school itself, Bloodwing Academy, is a character in its own right - as haunting as it is captivating & magical.
This book perfectly balances character-driven storytelling with epic world-building, creating an experience that feels like coming home to everything I’ve ever loved about fantasy while still offering something fresh and exciting. The friendships are heartwarming, the professors are each so unique, and the political scheming keeps you guessing at every turn. I could go on forever about how much I loved this book, but I’ll leave you with this: do yourself a favor and read it.
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