This was everything my little fantasy/romantasy heart desired! Boleyn's writing is absolutely superb. There was the perfect balance between plot and romance/spice. The MMC is swoon worthy too! I cant wait to see what comes next!

Unputdownable! On Wings of Blood had me hooked from the first page and kept me curious as to what was going to happen next. It also (without getting spoiler-y) ripped my heart out. The book gave off major Harry Potter vibes, but with vampires. I loved Medra, she's such a strong badass FMC, but UGH I have a love/hate relationship with Blake. He is so soft and sweet sometimes but then he does things that are the biggest, most toxic red flags and I don't know how to feel. The plot, the worldbuilding, the characters were so good. Very interested to see how Blake turns things around in the next book because after that ending (which had me internally screaming) I kind of hate him. Thanks Netgalley for the e-ARC!

I don’t think this one was for me. It very much felt like a Harry Potter fan fiction but with vampires. Theres nothing wrong with that, but I often found myself laughing because the similarities between it and Harry Potter were insane.

If the fact that this book is advertised as like Fourth Wing draws you in, be warned: it isn’t like Fourth Wing in the sense that there’s dragons. There are very, very little dragons in this book. It is very much set up to have dragons in future books, but if they’re what lured you in, you might be disappointed.

I had a hard time getting into this book until somewhere around the 30% mark. It was very slow and full of a lot of world building and descriptions that stopped the story from moving forward.

Pendragon is from another world, and there’s a few little hints dropped about it, but we never really get to hear any details that might be considered important to really tell us who she is. There’s clearly a backstory going on that I’ve learned happens in another series, but some details about it in this book could’ve been crucial.

If you like trials and competitions, a few portions of this book definitely will appeal to you. There’s a few different completions that take place, but one’s near the halfway point and the other is near the end.

This book is dual POV while primarily being in the perspective of the FMC.

Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op, and Briar Boleyn for an ARC of this book.

On Wings of Blood is such a good read! Loved everything about this book. The plot, the characters, everything was so perfect and well put together 👏👏

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!!