On Wings of Blood is book one in the Bloodwing Academy series by Briar Boleyn.
I love her Blood of a Fae series so I was I thrilled to start this one.
This book really surprised me with how good it is. I truly hope it blows up because it absolutely deserves to. Hands down the best fantasy Netgalley book I've read so far! The characters are so well developed, the pacing is perfect, and it is well written.

OH MY DAYS I LOVED THIS BOOK.

If you love dark academia fantasy romance with vampires featuring a bully villain, this is the book for you.

The academic setting is a mix of fourth wing and harry potter. Its called Bloodwing Academy and there are 4 houses which are further split into squads. Students are allocated into houses by a "Selection Stone" which totally reminded me of the sorting hat. Students study to become warriors, arcanists, healers, strategists, scouts, etc... so its basically a war-academy. You also learn about some really unique vampire & dragon lore.

For those who like Draco Malfoy and Jacks (from Once Upon A Broken Heart) the MMC, Blake, is right up your street! (He also happens to smell like apples) He gives off alot of "touch her and die" energy.

The banter between the FMC, Medra, & Blake is immaculate. Its witty and fluid, I couldn't get enough.

This book also had me thoroughly hooked from page ONE. On page 1 you find out Medra dies trying to defeat an evil god and in doing so she needs to sacrifice herself to save her loved ones. She defeats this god and dies but instead of dying she wakes up in this new land (called Sangratha) which is ruled by Vampires. She looks nothing like the other humans and vampires that live there are she strangely has the mark of a dragon rider, but all the dragons are long dead! I mean..nothing in the world would have stopped me from reading on.

I was also obsessed with Medra's mind. She isn't this sad little 18-year-old who is still figuring out who she is. She obviously lived a whole life before finding herself in Sangratha and instead of being like "oh no, poor me.." her attitude is more like "who the fuck are these weird vamps and how do I get the hell out of here?" Its so refreshing and was a joy to read.

I could keep going on with the rave review but I think you get the point. This book was superb and I'm so excited for the next one.

Thank you to Briar Boleyn, Starwater Press and NetGalley for providing me with an arc.

I felt like I relived some of my favorite books in On Wings of Blood but in a new way! Perfect for fans of shippers of Dramoine, HP, Fourth Wing, and ACOTAR. This book takes the reader on a journey to Bloodwing Academy, where Merda and Blake are forced into a relationship, much to the disappointment of both of them. Merda finds this new land she was cast into is full of corruption from the ruling vampires, but she finds her footing as she forges bonds with friends and a few frenemies, too. Thank you, Briar Boleyn and NetGalley, for an ARC of On Wings of Blood!
I am looking forward to Book 2 in the series after that amazing cliffhanger!

Oh my God I loved everything about this and I'm already desperate for the next book. Briar Boleyn is a phenomenal author whose writing and world-building are just magical. The plot was addictive, full of angst and I enjoyed every second of it.

Medra is an amazing main character who is thrown into this unknown world alone and immediately finds herself bethrothed and forced to attend Bloodwong Academy. She's feisty, strong-willed and stands up for what she believes is right. I loved watching Medra grow as a character and I loved seeing the friendships she made with Florence and Naveen.

I really liked that we got to see from Blake's perspective as it definitely gave him more depth and allowed us to see a different side to him. He's the morally grey character you know you shouldn't love but you do anyway. I honestly lived for how protective and oven obsessed with Medra he was. He is very much a 'touch her and you die' character and I was all here for it.

On Wings of Blood is definitely one of my top books of 2024. I love the slow-burn romance, the rich world-building and it's widely developed characters. I have loved every book I've read of Briar's and I cannot wait for the next book as I'm so eager to know what happens next!

Thank you so much to Briar for sending me a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

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.