Did not finish at 33%.

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

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

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

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

3.5 rounded up.

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

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

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

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

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Rating 4/5 Stars
Spice Level 3/5

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

This is the first book of the Bloodwing Academy series.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you to Netgalley and Briar Boleyn for the arc.

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

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

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

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

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

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

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

4.5 ⭐️

I had such a great time with On Wings of Blood. I mean who doesn’t love a fantasy/magic school with a man that’s hot and just slightly mean?

The vibes of On Wings of Blood are simply immaculate honestly. If you’re looking for something to scratch that Fourth Wing sort of itch, this is the perfect book for you! I really enjoyed the characters in this book. I actually was a bit surprised by how much I liked Medra because I honestly was not her biggest fan in Knight of the Goddess (from the Blood of a Fae series, and yes, in my opinion you absolutely should read that series before Bloodwing because not only are there minor spoilers for the end of the Blood of a Fae series in On Wings of Blood, but it’s also just a good series in general). The friendships Medra forms are really sweet to read.

Blake is a great MMC as well. I loved his banter with Medra and his POV chapters were great. He’s hot. He’s mean. He’s down bad. What else could you possibly want?!

Anyway, I’m dying for the next book which is fantastic because it releases at the end of this month, so it won’t be a long wait. And to that I say, thank you Briar Boleyn for this rapid release schedule. We love you for it.

Thank you to Briar Boleyn for the advance copy of On Wings of Blood. All opinions are my own!

4.5 stars

I was promised a dark academia fantasy romance with vampires, dragons, court and school intrigue with good banter and that is exactly what I got.

When I read the list of tropes I thought this was perfect for me and exactly what I was searching for. I am happy to say I was not disappointed.

We follow Medra Pendragon who wakes up in a foreign world after she fought an epic battle to save her own. She is captured, betrothed and send to Bloodwing Academy. There, she learns about the highbloods - vampires - who govern this world and the blightborns - humans, including herself - who are no more than blood vessels and pawns. Medra has to fight for survival in this new world, all of this while navigating her relationship with her betrothed Blake and the other students at the academy.

Main characters:

- Medra Pendragon
Medra is a true strong FMC. She doesn’t tolerate bullshit. She is feisty, determinate and is not afraid to stand up for her friends or what she thinks is right. She was selfless and felt believable as a character freshly transported into a new dangerous world.

- Blake Drakharrow
He totally gives Draco Malfoy vibes and I loved it. Blake is cold, arrogant and entitled but shows a certain softness throughout the book. Truly a morally gray character and it was really interesting to see him navigate between who he is and who everybody expects him to be.

- Their relationship
This was a true enemies to lovers for me, compared to what we see nowadays. It’s slowburn, and not tied in a pretty bow tie by the end of the book. I liked that their relationship has still room to change and surprise us in the next book.
I got tired of reading “she’s mine” by the end of the book, but with the circumstances, i can understand it. Blake’s pining was soooo good though.
The spice was as slowburn as the romance, but boy, was it good.

Side characters:
There were a lot of side characters, which is something I love. They all felt different from each other and well developed.

- Medra’s side
I loved the relationships between her and Florence, but thought it could have been more fleshed out. Naveen always brought a smile to my face when I read their interactions. He felt like a breath of fresh air in this dark world.

- Blake’s side
Oh boy, I have different feelings for this lot. Theo and Regan. Let’s just say I really liked one and despised the other….

- The others
I loved seeing snippets of other highbloods at the school, especially the other house leaders. I can’t write a review of this book without talking about Kage Tanaka. He adds a lot of tension to the main characters’ relationship. I hope to see more of Catherine and Lysander in the next book.

Atmosphere:
The school setting was really well done. I thought it was ‘believable’ for a vampire school. I love the variety of classes, teachers. It had everything from weird traditions to well described locations. And the ball!! I love a good ball.
I liked the atmosphere change from the school to the tunnels and city.
It was also really dark. The author is not afraid of gruesome treatment and death. I weirdly enjoyed that.

Worldbuilding:
We got a dash of political intrigues with Viktor , family drama, a good amount of world history with a focus on power imbalance between the highbloods and blightborns. I think it gives us a good base to understand the world for a first book in a series.
The vampires are represented as cruel, immoral and entitled. It’s my favourite kind of vampire so I was sold.

Writing style:
It was nothing special. I liked the dialogue and the author gave us great tension when needed. The emotions the characters went through were well described. Overall, it was good.

Pacing:
For the first 15% I was hooked. For the middle of the book, I enjoyed because I love day to day life in a school setting and there were a lot of different events so I didn’t really feel the pages turn. I thought some events were too quick and others dragged on so I could understand why some people would not enjoy the middle section.
The ending was pretty good. I expected something like that to happen but not in the way it did.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It delivered what it promised and it was a good time, even if some moments got pretty dark. I honestly can’t wait for book 2!

A big thank you to Netgalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Read if you wish for: Zodiac Academy without FaeBook/iPads, Harry Potter and the Triwizard Tournament without the teenagers, or Gossip Girl with vampires

Medra Pendragon's (yes, that kind of Pendragon) brush with death thrusts her into an unknown realm filled with vampires. Discovered by a vampire prince who believes she is a member of a long-lost race of dragon riders, she is forced into both an engagement with him and attendance at Bloodwing Academy, the elite school for vampire nobility. Medra must survive the brutal curriculum, as well as the brutality of the other students, while searching for a way to escape her betrothed and return to her past life.

This book was such a good time. It blended everything I've loved from major fantasy and romantasy series, from a school for creatures to trials, and even a touch of Arthurian legend. The beginning of the book is a little jarring, providing a dump of information about Medra's backstory in particular, but it's worth pushing past this. I also wish the second half of the book were extended a bit more, but I understand that the pacing of turning enemies into lovers is a difficult needle to thread. I am really looking forward to book two!

Rating: 4

*RATING 3.50*

** SPOILERS AHEAD **

Summary: Medra Pendragon half fae/half human is found naked under a pile of dead bodies, found by Blake Drakharrow a Highblood Vampire . Medra is considered a long lost dragon rider but in this world dragon’s are extinct but they allow her to become a student in their school, run by different houses. There is trials, prejudices, vampires, slow burn romance.

Okay, I just finished the book, and I have to say Blake did not remind me of Draco at all from my Dramione fics, maybe from “The Auction” but the “The Auction” was not my favorite. In the beginning of the book I liked Medra’s character, but I felt during the book she was not a very good friend to Florence and Naveen. When they needed her the most she either decided to stay behind or she was requested to leave.

The book was very on brand with the houses from Harry Potter, and the schooling it just felt the schooling was just thrown in the back burner. What really turned me off was that Mr. Rodriguez assigned Medra an essay on dragons and she didn’t even bother to study the assignment which is the reason why she was even spared and brought to the school.

It felt as if the author put all her favorite books in one book, The Hunger Games, Fourth Wing, Dramione. There is even a fluffin (a dog like creature in their world) and the fluffin is named Neville.

I did enjoy the found family with Florence and Naveen, and how they were able to confide in eachother. Things for me got interesting in the end when finally she and Blake bonded and she awakens the dragon.

I will read book 2 as I want to know what happens next but I had a really hard time picking it up. I found out that the author has written previous books from this same world and maybe that was my mistake, and this book is just the beginning of a greater plot and this is just setting us up of what’s to come.


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!!!

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.

Harry Potter meets Fourth Wing but throw vampires into it???? Yes please! This book was fantastic. I loved every bit of it. The world building and the history is amazing. I did feel a little lost at first because I felt I needed to read the other series (Blood of Fae) which now I’m going to, but I wasn’t too lost after a bit.

It was fantastic! Thank you for the arc!

Solid 4⭐

On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn is book 1 in the Bloodwing Academy series. It is a slow-burn, forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers fantasy with vampires, magic, fae, and dragons.
The book switches periodically between Maedra Pendragon (FMC) and Blake Drakharrow (MMC) and follows Maedra through her first year at Bloodwing Academy (and Sangratha).

The things I loved:
- Not having read any prior Prior Boleyn novels there was a glimpse into her other series - and I will absolutely going to check out. It sounds very cool.

- The character building was good and the setting was interesting - while still being a fantasy school.

-Medra is a strong, fiery character, she offers up some good banter and sticks up for herself and others despite being new in the realm.

- The story was well paced, I felt like you get a good sense of the world and the characters.

The things I didn't love:
- There were a lot of spoilers for the previous series, I wish there was just a hint without saying how the previous series ended. I do still want to read the Blood of A Fae series, but wish there were less blatant spoilers.

- Book 5 (the last section) felt more rushed, despite the book being over 500 pages. Despite some build up, it did feel like one event was very quick (no spoilers), I assumed there would be more elements than there were.

- I kind of hate that this book is compared to Harry Potter, Zodiac Academy, and Fourth Wing, why? Because it can stand on it's own.
While I can see potentially some character influences from Harry Potter (which weren't unique either), all of these series are just good/ decent fantasy books. I feel like the comparison is more of a detractor.

Excited to see what happens next in book 2 The Bond That Burns.

Thank you to Briar Boleyn, Saltwater Press, and NetGalley for the ARC.

Disclaimer: I received an advance copy but I am leaving an honest review voluntarily.

This book really gave me the same vibes as From Blood and Ash and The Serpent And The Wings Of Night with the amount of attention and detail spent on the world building and magic systems. There was a lot to understand at times, but it was really worth it for how complex and rich this story ended up being.
It has everything in it that i love; dragons, vampires, magic, enemies to lovers and an academy setting! I was hooked right from the very first moment, especially with how Medra wakes up and has no idea where she is and can only remember nearly dying back in her own world. I really did think that this would be more of a romantasy than a fantasy, especially with how things are described, but for me it felt like a much richer fantasy with a little bit of romance sprinkled in. There is no instant chemistry between Medra and Blake, no obvious tropes with neither character being immediately obsessed/enamoured with the other one, but things do happen gradually as they are forced to spend more time together.

i seriously loved how it was dual POV too. i feel like we would have really lost something if it had all been told in Medra's point of view, and just when things started to slow down and become more relaxed, maybe even a little boring/repetitive, we would be given a chapter in Blakes pov!!! I honestly loved when it was his chapters because you really saw a different side to him come out, it was insane!
Blake really isn't the character that i thought he was when i first started reading this. Don't get me wrong, he is still kind of entitled and broody, but he has LAYERS OK.

The ending blew me away! i didn't see it coming at all, and i just can't believe how much happened in that last 10%. some of it was fairly predictable, which i actually really enjoy, but there were still parts that had me shocked and so curious as to what will happen in the next book.

The only real problem that i had with this, is that it might have been a bit long for me. I do enjoy really long books, but usually there are so many mini plots happening throughout that things never get boring. With this one it just felt like there was a ton of info dumping and world building, and sometimes repetitive paragraphs, at least until the 50% mark.
I just feel like all the info dumping could have been spread out more, or that there should have been some more mini plots happening in-between to keep things really interesting while we are still learning about the world.

overall a really good read full of really well thought out and complex characters, an interesting world and plenty of secrets. Just don't go into this one thinking that things are going to be constantly happening, or that there will be tons of action throughout, because like i said there is a lot of world building and info dumping to get through first.

When I got approved for this ARC, I didn’t know what to expect - especially since this is probably one of my favorite reads this year! I don’t think I rated a book 5 stars, but this one has to be. It’s got vampires, dragons, scenes that remind me of the hunger games, action, and a touch of Camelot. The characters were well written - I liked the fact that I learned more about Medra’s character and past throughout the book. Her relationships with Blake, Florence, and the rest of the characters were interesting to read as well. The world-building was great, the pacing was just right, and I really can’t wait for book 2. THE ENDING. Holy cow - I don’t want to spoil but I can’t believe Medra awakened *that* dragon. How interesting, given the relationships with her, Blake, and a certain character. I’m crossing my fingers that I get accepted for the ARC for the next book because I have to know what happens!