Bully dark fantasy romance.
Vampires
Dragons
In an academy setting
With some trials


I really enjoyed this story and can't wait to see where it goes from here.

Gosh this was good! I'm a huge fan of the Blood of a Fae series and was incredibly excited when this connected series was announced. Medra was a character who intrigued me in BOAF and it was great to get more insight into her character. The enemies to lovers trope was brilliantly executed and this alluring but dangerous world of the highbloods drew me in right from the start. I' excited for the next book!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this book. This is my fifth book I have read by Briar Boleyn and it is my favorite so far. On Wings of Blood is the first book in the Bloodwing Academy series. This book is told from two points of view. This book follows Medra Pendragon on a journey into a strange new world and Blake Drakhorrow. This book is set in a school that trains the future leaders and the courts of this land. The book does have the vibe of Hogwarts for vampires. The twist at the end of this book was amazing. I cannot wait until the next book in this series is available

In this new series, we follow one of the secondary characters from Briar Boleyn's Blood of a Fae series. Medra Pendragon finds herself thrown into a new world where vampires reign and where her red hair marks her as one of the extinct class of dragon riders. Bethrothed to a vampire against her will, she is sent to Bloodwing academy where she will learn more about this new world and make friends and enemies alike.

I enjoyed the concept of this new series but some elements of the story didn't really work with me. I am really intrigued by the final cliffhanger though and can't wait to read the sequel!

Thank you to Netgalley and Starwater Press for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The description of academy, vampires and dragons with some romance sparked my interest. The book is so much more. Even with some grammatical flaws, by far the core of the story, world building and character development made this an easy 5 star read for me.

You have a fae woman who finds herself somewhat reborn after having beastly died in another world… that happened to include Camelot. The academy comes in quickly. There’s a ton for Medra (FMC) to learn. She makes friends, is bullied, trains, and barely escapes dying on repeat. The vampires are top tier in society. The political and societal struggles are delved into creating a rich environment throughout the book.

Dragons are almost mythical and mentioned as part of their history only. Heavy foreshadowing for the series starting in this book. No real romance until halfway through and the relationships are still under development until the end.

Overall, I truly enjoyed the journey starting at chapter one. Didn’t want to put it down and every time I picked up I was captivated once again. The pacing was excellent. It may not be for everyone but I loved it. One of my favorite reads of 2024.

"On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn is a dark fantasy masterpiece! This book is packed with rich world-building, fierce characters, and a plot that kept me hooked from start to finish. The romance is steamy and perfectly balanced with the intense action and high-stakes twists. Boleyn’s writing draws you right into a world of magic, power struggles, and forbidden love, and the heroine is both strong and relatable. If you’re a fan of dark fantasy with a touch of spice and unforgettable characters, *On Wings of Blood* is a must-read! Five stars!"

Arc review:
5/5 ⭐️

Medra Pendragon sacrificed herself for Aercanum, but she did not die. She awoke in an unfamiliar world, ruled by vampires. Her flaming red hair sets her apart, she is a blightborn and dragon rider. She is forced into a bond with the Highblood Blake Drakharrow, by his uncle, she is whisked away to Bloodwing Academy. Throughout her first year at the academy she encounters many challenges, fosters friendships and gains enemies.

Firstly, I devoured the Blood of Fae books and was so thrilled to have another series coming. I was even more so excited when it was announced it would revolved around Medra. I’d recommend reading the Blood of Fae series if you haven’t but Bloodwing Academy can stand alone, enough of the backstory is given throughout the book to understand Medra.

The second I got my greedy little hands on this book I knew I’d devour it too. I flew through the first 35% of the book. The characters, the world building, the magic, so totally different from the Blood of Fae, drew me in. While the pacing did slow a little in the middle, I could not put it down! I didn’t just want to know how it would end I NEEDED to know! And that ending was…. Well, let’s just say I can’t wait for the next one.

This was like a grown up Harry Potter, mixed with Crave (because this is currently at the forefront of my brain) and Fourth Wing. Magic, vampires, dragons, and a school with secrets. What is there to not love!

I absolutely adore Medra I have since she was first introduced- I laughed so hard at her for falling for a few of the tricks. She is this cunning badass female character, so seeing her gullible was funny to me. She hurt heart briefly and I won’t go into why because no spoilers, but she also redeemed herself.

Blake- he wasn’t as charming as most MMCs in fantasy books but I think that’s what sold me. The charisma, the sass, the good looks were all there but he is a much darker, much more troubled character than I was expecting. While I wouldn’t call him the bully of Medras story he didn’t do a lot to stop it. However, I loved the development of his story. Draco Malfoy tortured spirit meets vampire for sure!

Theo- my first impression was: I love this character he’s like both Weasley twins in one person, but then I didn’t love him, maybe channeled a little too much Ron in early GOF. But as the book progressed he won me over again.

Regan-She takes the cake for a mean girl bully type. I’d love to see her and Regina George go head to head.

Florence- oh my goodness I love love love Florence. She is a gentler but still bad ass female. Them small glimpse of the dynamic between her and her mother made my heart so happy. I cannot wait to see more.

Naveen- my fantasy loving heart is so happy for his character. He is a phenomenal portrayal of Dwarf lore. He was such a nice rounding of the friendship triad.

Neville- 😍 enough said.

The theme of a mother’s love made my heart swoon. It wasn’t done in the way that was expected and it really stood out to me.

I will stop there because I am not spoiling characters or plot for anyone. This book had really great nods to some of my favorite characters and themes across the fantasy genre.

Briar Boleyn does it again!!

Thank you Briar, publisher and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review

I was a huge fan of Briar Boleyn's Blood of a Fae series and book 1 of this new spin off series has me HOOKED once again!

If you read the previous series, you'll be familiar with Medra and it was great to get to know her more. The setting itself is giving off Fourth Wing x Hogwarts x Zodiac Academy x Game of Thrones vibes. There is a dark, gothic feel.

Medra ends up in a new world run by four Vampire houses and she doesn't take sh*t from anyone. She ends up betrothed to a vampire named Blake who gives off Major Draco Malfoy energy. She also finds out she has dragon rider blood (even though there are no dragon's left in this world).

She ends up in an elite academy and this a major slow burn x bully vibes book, but it all pays off. I really really enjoyed it and am dying for the next book!

Following the end of the Blood of Fae series we follow Medra as she finds herself in another world from her own.
I loved it! Vampires and Dragons, morally grey mmc, what more can you ask for.
A bit spicy, it is a dark academia with different powerful houses and an oppressive society for those considered weaker.
I loved the characters, the way everything unfolded and the powerful ending leaving me wanting more.

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!

"Let it be known that this bond is unbreakable, as enduring as the strength of our realm. By my will and the power of our ancient rites, Blake Drakharrow and Medra Pendragon are now bound together in fate and duty, forever unyielding, irrevocably united. As the dragon flies and the blood endures, so shall your destinies be intertwined. Your bond is forged. Through fire and shadows, you shall be one. What is spoken is unbroken. What is bound cannot be unbound."

"It's not protection, little dragon. It's a claim." His gray eyes darkened as they flicked down to my exposed neck, an unspoken reminder hanging between us.
"You're mine. No one touches what belongs to me."

"Medra," she said. "Sometimes the problem is that we don't see ourselves the way others do.”

Absolutely amazing !!! Wow !!! This book was a welcomed surprise and an absolutely thrill in my tbr!!!! Medra Pendragon, the little girl whom we have seen already in the Blood of a Fae series (just remembering her there makes me want to ugly cry) is now thrown into a world of dragons long gone - as well as dragon riders - and vampires. An Academy for highbloods and blightborns. And where she is thrown into an arranged marriage through bonds with the descendant of one of the most powerful houses !!! This book was Harry Potter - dramione fanfic specifically - mixed with Vampire Academy, mixed with From Blood and Ash !!! And it was magnificent!!! Starting from the very beginning, I felt enchanted by the narrative and what the author managed to do with the exciting characters’ dynamic and thrilling and magical storyline. Seeing Medra living the life she never had in the first series was riveting and when characters from that series were mentioned … I found myself looking back at those moments and those people with nostalgia but so much love. Now she is the firecracker we knew she could have become had she has the chance. And Blake … hot damn it, he is exactly the Draco Malfoy we wanted !!!! Blond haired, tattooed and morally grey but obsessed with her in a way none of them expected not wanted really. Their dynamic was as addicting as it was complicated and from start to finish you are not sure whether you want them to work things out or not!!! And the found family trope here … it’s not in depth yet but I expect it will be as we move forward with the story!!! Dragons and vampires are an odd mix for a book, but help me, if I was’t intrigued !!! If I could, I definitely would get the whole thing early !!!! I’m absolutely invested and I can’t wait for more !!!

“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.”

“Medra Pendragon was mine. And I was prepared to die before I let any harm come to her.
She was mine before we'd even met. Even when she hadn't known it yet. She was mine and I was hers.
It didn't matter if she believed it. If she accepted it. It didn't matter if she hated me. I'd believe it enough for both of us. She was mine and she always would be.
My heart might have been black, my deeds as dark as night, but she was mine to protect, mine to keep safe, with everything I had to give.”

3.75 stars ⭐️

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!!

I just want to start out by saying thank you to Briar Boleyn and NetGalley for an arc!

Rating: 5 stars ⭐️
2/5 Spice 🌶️

My thoughts: I couldn’t put this book down and need the next book now!! This is one of my favorite books that I’ve read this year. Medra as the main female character had a strong and great badass attitude from her (smash the patriarchy vibes). Plus the chemistry between her and Blake had me yelling at her to stop being so stubborn.
Plot wise this book was quick with world building and main story actions then slowed down and picked back up again nearing the end.
I hope we get more of Medra’s backstory and Blake begging for forgiveness in the next book.


Things to expect:
- Touch her and you die
- Enemies to lovers
- Dragons and Vampires
- Arranged marriage
- Fourth Wing x Harry Potter x Vampires

4.5 ⭐

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Thank you to Briar Boleyn, Starwater Press & NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The first book in the new series thats a spinoff of the Camelot-inspired Blood of a Fae series, this time Dramione + vampires + dragons vibes at a magical school in a new world!

Medra had to grow up too fast, and lived a life that was cut way too short- except that it absolutely was not!! She finds herself in a new world, is quickly taken captive by the tough and angsty and powerful Blake Drakharrow, a highblood (vampire) prince- and forced into a betrothal to him within hours of meeting him and is seen as a prize. Dragons and their riders haven't been seen in Sangratha in ages, but Medra just happens to fit the type- if only they had a dragon for her!

Throughout the school year, Medra is forced to learn more about this world she was thrust into, survive combat classes, learn to protect herself from vampire magic (very similar to occlumency...), and form friendships with the right people (aka those who do not want to kill her)! Blake is her number one nemesis, but there is a special draw pulling together through a betrothal bond...

I thought this was a great start to a new series. It was ambitious in getting a whole lot of world building set out for the readers, but luckily had some of those familiar Harry Potter-esque connections that made it easier, and fun to find the easter eggs. Medra was a great lead, and I felt we really got to know her and her motivations. Blake, on the other hand, I still have questions about and am itching to learn more about what makes him tick in the next book. This was great fun if you're looking for a magical school, vampires, and some good enemies to lovers (enemies to interested parties) vibes!

Thank you so much to Briar Boleyn and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review.

This was such an amazing read!! I loved the world that this was set in and the characters were very well written. I loved everything about this book. I can not wait until book 2.

On Wings of Blood is incredible! It’s starts off with you on the edge of your seat as we see from Medra’s perspective as she wakes after what she believes was her death saving her people from a great evil. Only she is alive and in a strange land with no idea how she got there and oh she is captured by vampires who decide she has special blood and is immediately betrothed to the cruel vampire Prince who captured her. Little does Medra know that dangers lurks around every corner as she is also forced to attend Bloodwing Academy it’s fight or die as every day is fraught with new perils as she tries to navigate a world she does not understand. Nit knowing who is friend or foe.

The world building is exceptional and the characters are both likable and hate-able depending on who they are. Showcasing a storyline that is fraught with danger, found family and resilience. I absolutely cannot wait to see what happens in the next installment I was blown away by the ending and I need more stat!

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!

★ ★ ★ ★ 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”, enemies to lovers maybe???, bully romance, HP/FW

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.

A big thanks to NetGalley, publisher and Boleyn for providing me with this ARC!

This hit such a sweet spot for me! A mix of Merlin and Harry Potter with the best slow-burn romance slipped in! I've been looking for a book to bring back the fall 2010 feeling when you get a good book and can't wait for the school day to end so you can get back to it, and this hit the bullseye! It's the first time I read this author, and I didn't feel I was missing anything by not reading the other books. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to get lost in a great fantasy series, and I can't wait to read more from this author!