REVIEW

Book: On Wings of Blood
Author: @briarboleynauthor
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is the first book by Briar that I have read.

I have to say when I requested this from Netgalley, I had not realised it had just recently been released.

 Before I even finished the first chapter I knew I wanted a copy of this for my bookshelves. 

This is the first book in the Bloodwing Academy series.  This is a dark academia book with House of Dragons meets Hogwarts with a touch of The Hunger Games vibes.

Medra Pendragon thought she had died and woke up in the afterlife.  However instead of waking up in the afterlife, she finds herself in an entirely new realm to the one she left behind.

Medra is captured by Blake Drakharrow, who drags her into the high court where she discovers this new realm is ruled by vampires.

There are four ruling vampire houses, House Drakharrow, House Avari. House Orphos and House Mortis.

Blake's uncle, Victor Drakharrow is the vampire high lord is convinced that our Medra is a descendant of extinct dragon rider lineage.

To make sure she becomes loyal to House Drakharrow, he binds her to Blake as his betrothed and second consort.

Medra is made to attend Bloodwing Academy, where she must learn their rules and also learn to survive the brutal new world she has found herself in, especially when it comes to taking part in the Consort Games.

After the ending I can't wait for book 2.

When reading the beginning of this book it is clear Medra has had her own history and I found she is first introduced In The Blood of a Fae series, which I have had on my TBR for some time now.  After reading On Wings of Blood I definitely need to hurry up and read that series.

This book was FUN.
I truly enjoyed the plot and the way that it kept me on my toes. I LOVED the fmc and mmc. More than I could ever describe. This book is GREAT and definitely recommend it to others!

I loved literally every second of this. Blake is such an ass and we love him anyway. Medra is a little badass who is going to give the high bloods a rude awakening. I just cant handle them. I’m also obsessed with Kage and hope we see more of him!

Wow, just wow! Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of the first book in this series. This is a very strong start to the series, I haven’t been blown away and taken into a world like this in a very long time, I read this book in two days, couldn’t put it down. This is my first Briar Boleyn book but I am about to go and do a deeeppp dive on her others!

The characters are amazing, giving off Zodiac Academy vibes. The academy itself is very much like Harry Potter. Then the trials remind me of Hunger Games. It was like the perfect melting pot. I loved the world building, the bullying, the angst. All of it fit together so, so well! On top of it all- there was just the right amount of spice added into the plot,

All I can say is wow! I have already recommended this book to multiple fellow readers because it blew my mind! Ready for February and book two!

4 ⭐️
Overall I enjoyed this book, it wasn’t something I will continue to think about or rave about. Plot for me was the best part of the book. The tropes and academy setting is one of my favorites and I did think the author managed to keep the story unique from something it could have too closely resembled (Harry Potter / Fourth Wing mix)

I will say I didn’t really like the characters or more I found them very bland and generic. Typical FMC who is confident and sassy. Brooding male who is mean and conceited. Somehow abruptly realize they’re obsessed with each other. Was weird pacing in regards to their relationship and overall they just felt very generic and I didn’t find myself caring much about them. Was more into the overall plot

Tropes:
Vampires, Academy, Dragon Rider, Arranged Marriage, Trials, Enemies to Lovers, Animal Friends

Plot
Plot was kind of slow at some points but overall I really enjoyed it. It was surprisingly unique,

World building
The history, and overall world building of the vampire clans and dragon riders was very well thought out and well done. I will say sometimes it felt like too much of an info dump that wasn’t necessary

Medra:
Was the typical fierce and confident and “unique” female main character, but nothing different than most FMC that are supposed to be that type of girl. I didn’t find anything unique about her or really find myself rooting for her at all

Oh my gosh. This is definitely my favorite work of Briar’s. I was hooked IMMEDIATELY. The world building and story is so unique. The characters are all deep and I loved how fleshed out they all are. I loved that we got a spin off on the Blood of a Fae series. My only complaint is that we have to wait for book 2. I can’t wait to see where this story takes us. I had to pick my jaw up off the floor at the end.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. Briar Boleyn has done it again! Left me speechless ! I loved this ! I was upset the last series ended but here we are with a spin-off! I love everything about this book! The characters, the story - all of it ! I can’t wait for book 2!!

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.


Here is the Goodreads review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6971415879

I purchased the physical book on Amazon and it is coming Friday!! So I plan to make a TikTok video with the physical one ❤️❤️

On Wings of Blood has been a rollercoaster ride of frolicking emotions, and there are reasons for that.

""The leaves were turning color when he found me""

When it starts with lines like these, you know you're in for one hell of a ride. Medra Pendragon's journey from being a free captive betrothed without her consent to someone who finds her footing in a strange place where all of her worst nightmares have come alive was exhilarating, to be frank.
The book started with Blake finding Medra in a heap of dead bodies and after bringing her before their council of sorts, ends up getting betrothed to her. They hate each other. Medra wants to be free, but Blake can't let that happen. His world sees highbloods like him as the ultimate power, his own uncle being the unspoken leader of such.
Medra has rider blood in her, which the people recognize in an instant. Despite her being blightborn, which essentially means non-vampire, the riders had a respected place in their society, which is why Blake's uncle deemed her too important to be wasted away, engaging her to Blake. Following which she was admitted to the Bloodwing Academy, the academy attended by every highblood and chosen blightborn.

"Fate is a cruel thing."

But as is evident from the first few chapters, written in Medra's perspective, everyone in the whole Academy, if not this society, hates her. They want her gone. People are trying to kill her. The Academy is loyal to their highbloods, who can get away with anything, and these highbloods are the ones who see Medra as a threat, some as a curse.
And yet she perseveres, and from the small, informative tidbits of Blake's povs, we see how much he wants the betrothal to Medra to be real.
But the issue lies with the system itself. It's unforgivingly racist, sexist and plain authoritatian. Highbloods can control blightborn minds, they can feed from them if they wanted to. Blightborns are treated like scum, while these people worship their highbloods like gods. The system benefits only the highbloods, and Medra sees what these disillusioned blightborns wont admit. The highbloods are the problem.
The best part of the book might be the possibility of dragons and vampires strewn into the same world, the two factions growling for complete power. Though the dragons don't make an entrance until the last scene, setting the sequel for an amazing start, the power and glory of the dragons are talked about enough.
The different noble houses of these highbloods, the races of dragons, the enriching history, all of completes the plot into a dark pit of magic and infamy. The diversity in the book is outstanding, though I would have preferred at least one of the main romantic leads to be not white.
Everything considered, On Wings of Blood delivers a promising read, packed with intrigue, betrayals, violence and swoonworthy romance.

dragons & vampires. i’m sold.

arc rating & review:

4 ★ 1🌶️

this was actually so good. where has this kind of stuff been my whole life?!? VAMPIRES AND DRAGONS?!? like hello?!?!?

i actually really liked this book. the plot was well developed and it was easy to follow. i’ll say waiting for some of the reveals was soooo aggravating! it was in a good way of course but man was i stressed!!!! i also liked the world building as well. it wasn’t super complicated but it was also well thought out and really interesting. some of the plot points were hard to follow and were a bit confusing at times but overall they were fun!

i will say the relationship was a bit off for me. blake was down fucking BAD for her and she barely gave him the time of day so that tension was THICK!! i did like that it was a super slow burn and it barely started by the end of the book so i cant wait to see what book two has in store. what he did in the end actually had my blood BOILING. like how can you go from one thing to the next in less then a day?!? that had me messed up. but i did like how in love he was with her and getting his pov from time to time was *chefs kiss*

i liked all the characters to be honest. expect reagan. you can die in a pit ma’am. besides that, i really liked all the side characters and the little found family we got to see!!! it was really refreshing to have a lengthy book that felt important in its length and also built up the tension and slow burn between the characters!!! OH and the little pet, nevi (as i call him) was so adorable. he was the highlight of the book fr. i genuinely cannot wait for the next one and am so greatful i was sent an arc!

overall was a great read. this series has so much potential and i can’t wait to see what it has in store! thank you netgalley for the arc! ❤️‍🩹

🔥On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn had me hooked from the first heartbeat to the last dragon roar!

This book isn’t just a read—it’s a full-on experience packed with highblood drama, dangerous games, and that oh-so-irresistible enemies-to-lovers tension.

Medra Pendragon? Absolute queen. Fierce, rebellious, and caught between destiny and survival, she’s a powerhouse of grit.

Watching her navigate Bloodwing Academy, where highborn vampires feast on power and blightborns fight for every breath, kept me glued to the pages.

Her bond with Florence and the meddling with Naveen’s love life? Chef’s kiss—the kind of found family vibes that make you root for every victory.🩸👑

And let’s talk about Blake Drakharrow. The snark, the swagger, the everything. From brooding prince to that possessive anti-hero who will scorch the world before letting anyone touch his girl? Yes, please. 😈🔥

Their banter is electrifying, and the moments where Blake’s “cold” facade cracks? Pure gold.

I’m already preparing my heart for book two—Blake better be groveling on those perfectly toned knees!

Blake is absolutely magnetic, but I've got to admit: I’m rooting hard for Kage!💥 The way he surprises her with that breathtaking dress and the necklace (that claim, swoon) was next-level romance. And when Kage said, “You know he’s only going to break your heart, right? When that happens...Remember you have other friends,” my heart did a full somersault. 💘🔥

With epic trials, shadowy secrets, and a lore-soaked world that’s part Arthurian legend, part vampiric elite, this book is what happens when Fourth Wing, Zodiac Academy, and Vampire Academy have an intense love child. There’s no shortage of adrenaline, mystery, and dragon-sized twists. 🐉✨

If you love sharp, resilient heroines, morally grey princes with Draco Malfoy energy, and a story that blends dark academia with jaw-dropping magic, then On Wings of Blood is your next obsession.

Briar Boleyn has done it again, and I’m here, fully enchanted and ready for the chaos to continue.
💬 Favorite line: “It’s not protection, little dragon. It’s a claim.” (Cue heart-stopping tension. 😳)

Final thoughts? Add this to your TBR if you haven’t already. And to Medra and Blake: may your bond be as fierce and unbreakable as your will to defy the odds.🖤

This had such a cool concept and I was hoping to love it more than I did. Something about the flow of the writing wasn't working for me - it felt like it was trying to be something that was not achieved in my view. There were definitely some moments in there that I enjoyed it, but not enough to make me love the book.
I would recommend this book to other readers though, as there is clearly an element here that a lot of people seem to love. Personally, it wasn't for me.

Thank you so much to the author and NetGalley for the arc and for giving me the opportunity to share my honest views on the book.

thank you to netgalley for the e-book arc!

erm. EXCUSE ME? this was genuinely so good. i thought the reviews were exaggerated but I literally ate this whole thing up.
The main characters were pretty likeable but Theo and Florence have my heart. I loved the diversity in the characters' personalities and also that there were so many pocs!
At times I didn't like the writing style because it felt a bit bland but then the plot would hit and all was fine again. I'll be so honest, the ending was VERY predictable because of the prologue but the prologue kept me on my toes because I already knew how it would end but as the story progressed, I felt myself hoping that the prologue would be just a prophecy that never came true. I wouldn't say that Blake was Draco Malfoy-esque but he did have that vibe. I feel like this took a little bit of all the 2010-ish YA/dystopian hits (e.g. the hunger games) and mashed it all up into this.

I am beyond grateful that I got to read this, and honestly, I think you should too!

I absolutely loved this book. It surprised me in the best ways! It felt like a cross between Harry Potter, Hunger Games, Fourth Wing, Divergent plus hot vampires.

I felt so much for Medra, the FMC. Thrust into a completely new world and at the whims of an entirely different species, Medra is trying to navigate both her personal safety and trying to fit in to this new society, whilst getting betrothed against her will to the prince. It's a lot to deal with! She makes friends and Florence is one of my favourite supporting characters throughout the book.

Blake is our MMC and he. is. grumpy. I love a grumpy MMC because they always are a little soft under that gruff exterior. And when they pull out "she's mine"? SWOON. When we got to Neville I was done for. He's also BLONDE and very Draco Malfoy coded. It is a nice change from the dark haired shadow wielders that are very prevalent in fantasy novels currently.

The surprise games and political elements were really interesting parts of the book which I felt advanced plot lines and character development. I can't wait for the next book! This will be a re-read for sure.

Thanks to Netgalley and Briar Boelyn for the ARC!

Thank you to NetGalley and Briar Boleyn for giving me the opportunity to review this book. All opinions are my own.

4 stars -

Fourth Wing meets Harry Potter and Hunger Games.. This book is sure to be the next big hit in the Romantasy genre.

This book captured my attention right from page 1. The FMC Medra Pendragon is fierce, brave, and daring. She's not afraid to raise her voice or protect those she cares about. She has strong moral values, but still gets caught up in the love hate game between her and the MMC Blake Drakharrow. He gives major Draco Malfoy vibes. Testing Medra from the very beginning and watching as other students bully her. He secretly has a caring side, but he is cold and heartless at times. The enemies to somewhat lovers trope is not really my personal favorite, but the author did a good job of giving Blake just enough redeeming qualities to know he has a redemption arc in the future. I definitely enjoyed the book, though some of the plot was a little lackluster at times. I'm intrigued and ready to find out what happens in book 2. Cliff hanger at the end of book 1 alone makes it worth the read.

Something to note - there is a trigger warning list in the book, including bullying, murder, torture, graphic violence.

#OnWingsofBloodBloodwingAcademy #NetGalley

What do you get when you mix Harry Potter (the latter, more darker storylines), Zodiac Academy, Dragons and Vampires? On Wings of Blood.
This was one of the easiest 5 stars I've ever given. I gave it 5 stars at 40% - that's how good this was for me.

Medra Pendragon wakes up in a foreign world, naked, surrounded by dead bodies and before she even has a chance to catch her breath, there is someone sniffing at her neck, desperate to drink her. The blood hungry male is swiftly told to leave her alone but before she can even thank this mysterious, handsome, silver-haired male, he swiftly binds her and frogmarches her back to his castle to be sneered at, sniffed at, and openly chided by his family, a family of Vampires. Lucky for them, and unlucky for her, she has the telltale mark of a Dragon Rider, fiery red hair. The dragons are long since gone from Sangratha, but unable to let her go, they betroth her to her captor, much to the chagrin of him and his consort Regan, and send her to Bloodwing, the school for highborn vampires, and their prey, the Blightborns. Looking for a way back home, Medra has to start again, with no magic or powers, and no and learn to survive not only the school and her predators, but her dangerous feelings for Blake Drakharrow, her betrothed and the calling of the Dragons that are no longer in existence.

If that isn't enough to make you read this incredible book, I don't know what is. Medra is a perfect FMC, stubborn, prideful and determined. You feel her pain, her misery, her despair but you also revel in her joy, her determination, her sass and her victories. Blake Drakharrow is so, so wrong, on so many levels that he is just so right. This silver haired vampire cannot control himself, his jealousy, his disdain or his lust for Medra.

"I could kill you right here, right now, little dragon"

The story is incredibly fast paced for a long book that keeps you hooked from start to finish, 700+ pages flew by in an instant thanks to Briar Boleyn's incredibly captivating descriptions and ability for each sentence to keep holding on in a sort of reverie. The world is fleshed out quickly, but so descriptively that you can feel the chill in the air of the long corridors of the school. Medra's relationship with her only few friends is so heartwarming that I wish to attend so I can sit in the common room with Florence and Naveen helping plot Regan Panserra's demise.
I need book 2, character art, a Neville novella (iykyk) STAT.

Absolutely get this on your TBR, immediately. Deliciously decadent, bloodlustingly fierce, quick-paced atmospheric academia read that will have you praying to the Bloodmaiden to sacrifice yourself immediately.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This was so good and I must immediately read the backlog of Briar Boleyn’s work immediately. I did feel like I missed some lore by not reading her Blood of a Fae series first but not enough to affect my reading of this book first if it feels more like your cup of tea. It was really good and has everything you could want, enemies to lovers, tension, and a unique world that brings a whole new life to the word vampire.

Medra Pendragon is really having an unideal day. Waking up in a different world, naked on a pile of corpses and then having a Vampire Prince drag you before his uncle just to get put into a deadly academy, and betrothed to that same prince and his other consort who hates your guts is my idea of a bad time. Medra must learn how to survive in this new world and prove her usefulness, meanwhile the chief reason they kept her alive was for her dragon riding characteristics but no one has seen a dragon in for hundreds of years. Oh and not fall in love with her bully betrothed.

I absolutely demolished this book so quickly it wasn’t even funny. So easy to read and I could feel the stakes and tension. Blake is honestly so hot, and I kept wanting Medra to get closer and closer to him. The book ended on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to see what happens in book 2!

In this book you will find: vampires, fae, dwarves, dragons, murder, blood depictions, betrayal, depictions of death, female friendships, political intrigue, misogyny, powerful FMC, morally grey MMC, touch her and die, and so much more!

On Wings of Blood is an amazing addition to the fantasy genre, especially for readers who enjoy complex political intrigue, use of dark magic and themes, and character driven plots. This story was engaging and immersive, with characters that many readers will relate to. This novel explores themes of survival, betrayal, and identity. Medra, the FMC, and her friends are seen as outsiders and less then because they were not born as "highbloods", but as mortals whose only purpose is to serve the "high bloods". Blake, the MMC, struggles with his own instincts as a "high blood" once Medra is bound to him and has to figure out a way to protect her and himself. Readers who enjoy complex world building will appreciate the depth that is brought to the setting. The world itself is developed, with details about its history, cultures, and beliefs. If you enjoy high dark fantasy novels with intricate world - building On Wings of Blood is definitely worth the read!

This was a brilliant book over all and I’m really looking forward to the second one. I’m generally not much into bulky romances but every now and then if the description is captivating enough I’ll give it a try and this book definitely delivered. However, I do wish there’d been more emotional intimacy and dialogue between Medra and Blake, it feels as if there’s so much reading between the lines with them that it’s hard to capture that there could be anything more than what blood gives them. But book two may surprises me!

Set against the backdrop of Bloodwing Academy, a school governed by highblood vampires, the story follows Medra Pendragon, a half-fae and the supposed last of the dragon riders. This introductory installment beautifully balances an intriguing plot, complex characters, and a vivid setting that brings depth to the narrative.
Boleyn has skillfully crafted a protagonist who embodies resilience and defiance; Medra is constantly challenged by the elitist highbloods who see her as nothing more than a pawn in their games. Her internal struggle, compounded by the external threats of the academy, makes for an exhilarating read. Boleyn perfectly captures the feeling of being an underdog in a cruel environment, and her voice feels both authentic and relatable.
The relationship between Medra and Blake Drakharrow, the cold and arrogant highblood vampire, is at the heart of the story. Their dynamic is charged with tension and complexity; Blake is as infuriating as he is captivating, and the betrothal ritual that binds them adds layers to their interactions. Boleyn navigates this relationship with finesse, allowing it to evolve amidst the intense backdrop of high-stakes competitions and political machinations.
Boleyn has crafted a universe teeming with magic, hierarchies, and dark secrets. The lore surrounding the dragon riders and the various factions within the academy adds richness to the story, making readers hunger for more information about the history and rules that govern this place. Each competition at Bloodwing Academy serves as a catalyst for character development while escalating the stakes and deepening the plot.
Completely recommend for readers who enjoy dark fantasy with strong character development and a touch of romance will find themselves completely enthralled.