This was such a fun read! It quickly became impossible for me to put down. Even though I found her a tad insufferable at times, I became so invested in Medra’s story. I can’t wait to pick up the next book!!!

For fans of all things Potter, Zodiac and Fourth Wing with tones of Hunger games thrown in. Loved loved loved this book! When I don't want to be disturbed because of wanting to read that's an awesome sign. Characters are well developed. Full of action. I encourage everyone to pick this up and read it! Thanks #Netgalley and #Starwaterpress for the eARC in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read Bloodwing Academy.

I enjoyed this book a lot. However, there were times I felt the passing of time was off, things were left unfinished that could have been wrapped up better, and influences from other series were maybe a little too strong. I’m unsure if this started out at fan fiction, but it definitely feels like it. WHICH THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG WITH. Some of these influences though seemed just thrown in there for no reason.

<spoiler>For example, Pendragon’s aging? It’s just mentioned and then nothing of it is said again. When she puts her mom into the dagger by accident, she just throws her on the shelf and forgets about her for what seems like months. </spoiler>

But again, I really did enjoy the book. I’m curious to see where things go for Medra and Blake! I think there’s potential for this to be a great series. I just hope some of the things that seemed thrown in there get an explanation at some point.

I have seen in a few reviews that this book is like a Harry Potter mash up. I don't think that at all.

First of all thank you Netgally for sending me this ARC. And Thank you Briar Boleyn for trusting me to leave my honest review.

I loved this book and I have already started book 2. My only issue with this book is that the dragons took way to long to make their appearance. LOL. With that being said I would have to say that this book is more like Fourth Wing meets The Hunger Games but with vampires and humans.
I am so glad I decided to read this book. I almost passed it up.

It will be a high contender for my top 5 of the year I can tell ya that.

I loved this book! It had everything I love when I read: vampire, fae, dark academia, suspension. I was hooked when I started and read it in about two sittings! The tension and trials had me on the edge of my seat and I really loved how the romance was thought out and well developed. I rooted for Medra the entire time and thought she was a great FMC who was strong, yet sensitive when she needed to be. Will I be reading the next one? Absolutely.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️
IM ABSOLUTELY OBSESSED!! I read that this had Harry Potter, Zodiac Academy, and Fourth Wing vibes and immediately dove right in. Also, the consort games gave me slight hunger games vibes because we didn’t know what any of it would entail until it happened. The vibes did not disappoint one bit.
- bully romance
- vampire/human academy
- dragons
- fae FMC / vampire royalty MMC

Fast paced, the world building was included well throughout the story, but I still have so many questions about the lore here. I still don’t understand how the other consorts knew what to expect from the games? Was it because they’d watched prior years do it, or they knew the customs whereas Medra knew nothing? Just kind of felt like everyone made it seem like this huge secret, yet the other participants had more than enough information to go on than expected. Then the romance, loved the bully romance aspect with the bond refusal from Medra being rightfully warranted and I don’t want to give anything away, but it took me a while to start liking Blake, and now that I kind of do, I can’t stop thinking about Kage. I want to know more about him and I have a feeling he’ll play a bigger role coming up. Actually I’m hoping so, because of how things ended in this book. I stand with Medra’s emotions here and would feel the same. But then that ending!! Excuse me?? What a cliffhanger, I’m glad it didn’t go the cliche way and I can’t wait to see how book 2 turns out.

Medra is a Fae who somehow finds herself in a new world with no memory of how she got there after war broke out in her own realm. Even worse it’s a world full of vampires and the humans who serve them. Immediately forced into a betrothal with the intent to bond her to Blake, the high blood vampire who found, chained, and dragged her before the vampire court who would seal her fate. Once betrothed to Blake in a mere hours of meeting him, she is sent to Bloodwing Academy where she will learn the ways of her new world, and hopefully find a way to escape. Much to her surprise, she also finds herself with a newly formed voice in her mind that clearly doesn’t belong to her. Can she find a way to sever this extra soul in her mind, break from the impending forcing of a bond she doesn’t want, and ultimately escape while fighting off the vampire bullies who clearly have no rules or regulations holding them back from horrifying acts of violence against the human blightborns?

I'm a sucker for a dark academia fantasy romance clearly. The MFC Medra (half fae/dragon rider) wakes up in a strange world full of vampires. She then gets taken back to their Bloodwing Academy and forced to attent this rather prestigious school as vampire Blakes consort. Medra is kind of a bad ass and is easily likeable character while Blake is just an asshole vampire and hard to love in the beginning. We do get both POV's which does encourage us to like Blake after a little bit. The bullies reminded me of somewhere between Harry Potter, Mean Girls and Zodiac Academy. I really liked the MFC and her found family. The side characters and their friendships were amazing. I would've liked more dragons but I'm thinking that's coming in book 2. It was fast paced and I had a hard time putting it down.

Thank you NetGalley, Briar Boleyn, and Starwater Press for giving me the opportunity to read On Wings of Blood.

On Wings of Blood is a solid 4 ⭐️ read. I’ll be honest, when I first started reading this book I wasn’t sure if I could get into it. Next thing I know, I’m finding every opportunity I can to finish the story. I truly did not want to put this book down! The character development, world building and overall plot were all so captivating. Medra Pendragon is a FMC that I can root for. She is strong, sarcastic, determined and kind to those deserving. The banter between Medra and Blake can come off a little too YA, but not enough to make me lose interest. I also really enjoyed the friendships Medra forms with her fellow blightborns (and even occasional highblood) throughout her time at Bloodwing Academy. So often these romantasy stories put all of their focus on the love interest that there isn’t much room for other character development. Briar Boleyn, however, did not fall into this trap. Her characters came to life on the page. I cannot wait to read the next installment in this series and see what happens to these characters I’ve come to love.

On Wings of Blood is an enthralling fantasy novel that introduces readers to Medra, who finds herself in a world with vampires and ancient prophecies. Enrolled in Bloodwing Academy, Medra must navigate a risky environment filled with magic, danger, and complex relationships.

I think it’s important to remember that being the first book in a series, there is a lot of world building which some people may struggle with, but it is easy to follow. The story blends elements of dark academia, vampire lore, and dragon mythology, and is compared to Harry Potter, Zodiac Academy and Fourth Wing. I agree that the dark academia elements are similar to those in Fourth Wing. I would say the main similarity is the world building being a big part of the beginning of the story, with a slight drop of towards the middle of the book to then pick up in the last quarter of the story.

In my opinion, On Wings of Blood is a captivating read for fans of fantasy romance, especially those who enjoy themes of magic, forbidden love, and academy settings. Its blend of familiar tropes with unique twists makes it a good addition to the genre – I’m excited to read the next book in the series and see how the story develops further!

I've been seeing this book all over Instagram and was finally able to grab a copy from NetGalley!

This is the line that had me hook, line and sinker- "What do you get if you mix Harry Potter with Fourth Wing, Zodiac Academy, a dash of Arthurian legend, and lots and lots of vampires? Bloodwing Academy." I absolutely had to pick up a copy and read it. All of this is right up my alley!

From the first page I was hooked on the writing from Briar Boleyn. I found the world building captivated me and I couldn't get enough of it.

Medra is the FMC who takes no sh!t from others. She finds herself in a new world that she is stuck navigating all while dealing with the loss of her powers and the hierarchy of the new world she finds herself in. Let's not forget she also has some insane things happening to her throughout the course of the book.

Blake is the MMC who finds himself struggling with the life he finds himself in. Haunted by the choices he's made as a younger male and the choices forced upon himself. His uncle is the one in the place of power in this world and has plans of his own.

Both of these main characters were exciting characters to read about, and their tension, banter, and chemistry was fantastic. I always found myself wanting more of it.

I will definitely be diving into book two right away and eventually the Blood of a Fae series! I cannot wait to see what book two brings for these characters after that ending!

🐉 Book Review: On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

A captivating dark academia romance that weaves together vampire politics, dragon lore, and magic within the haunting halls of a mysterious academy.

ARC provided by Briar Boleyn and NetGalley, thank you!

Key Elements:

- Enemies To Lovers Romance
- Ancient Dragon Legacy
- Vampire Nobility
- Gothic Academy Setting
- Complex Power Dynamics
- Political Arranged Marriage
- Dangerous Trials
- Exquisite Slow Burn
- Mild Spice but still new adult
- Found Family Bonds

In this masterful blend of dark academia and paranormal fantasy, Briar Boleyn crafts an immersive world where vampire aristocracy rules and the legacy of war-riding dragons echoes through history.

The story follows Medra Pendragon, a fierce protagonist thrust into vampire society and betrothed to the enigmatic Blake Drakharrow, whose cold exterior masks deeper wounds. Their path leads them to the prestigious Bloodwing Academy, a ruthless institution that shapes future leaders through strategy, combat, and magical arts. While peace currently reigns, ancient tensions simmer beneath the surface, threatening to ignite at any moment. Do yourself a favour and read this book :)

I just know the next book is going to be amazing!

Wow this was a fun read. I thoroughly enjoyed it and cannot wait to read the second one. I loved Medra and to think there's still more about her they don't know lol I love it. Absolute 4.5 stars from me. Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the ARC in return for an honest review. Love, love loved it

This book! Oh my goodness! The cover is what drew me in but once I started reading the words I could not put it down! Ready to jump into the next one

A truly amazing book, fantastic characters, unbelievable plot and story. The world building was amazing

On Wings of Blood is the first book in Briar Boleyn's dark academia fantasy romance series, Bloodwing Academy. My attention was captured from the very first sentence, and I enjoyed the dynamic between Medra and Blake. Although the bones of a spectacular opening novel were present, my biggest problem was the need for some condensing. If scenes were edited that weren't necessary to maintain the plot integrity, I believe that the flow events would have had more impact and not felt forced or dragged. The ending was set up perfectly for the continuation of the series. I am eager to discover what the future for Medra and Blake.

Medra is a half fat in the school of vampires, she is also the last of the dragon riders but there are no dragon riders left. Still she is taken and trapped in the school with the vampires. Blake has been tormented her since they met and due to an ancient ritual they are betrothed. At this school you either fight for power or you die. There are deadly competitions and even deadlier secrets and Medra needs to survive them all.

This book is really focused on the world building and allows you get immersed in the setting and lay the groundwork for the rest of the series. There is also a strong slow burn romance between the two main characters. I loved the Medra is willing to stand up for herself and will not take crap from anyone. Blake is secretly a softie which is my absolute favorite type of MMC. The found family is strong in this book and I loved it.

This was such a fun fantasy romance! I'm still newer to the genre but this was so easy to follow and beginner friendly! I can't wait to continue the series and read more from the author!

This book had me captivated from start to finish. Briar Boleyn's writing, storytelling, and world building was impeccable. Between the tension in this slow burn and the academy setting, I could not put the book down.

✨📚 I was immediately drawn into this story. Briar Boleyn has truly brought the best of dragons, vampires, and the Academy experience.

❤️‍🔥 Bonded Mates
🗡️ High Stakes Challenges
🔥 Enemies to Lovers
💖 Found Family
✨ Magic
🌶️🌶️🌶️ Desire & Spicy Scenes

Running to read The Bond That Burns!!

*received a digital copy from NetGalley so thank you to them and thank you to the author*

*4.25* so much fun. It really reminds me Zodiac Academy but it also gives me a little of Crave by Tracy Wolff not gonna lie. I enjoyed it however I was bored a little in some parts and I was tired of Medra saying you are monsters without having a second thought. And honestly a lot of people are just cruel here. Too cruel. Annoyed. Even the teachers were mean to her when the teachers suppose to be there for students. Not like Medra asked to be there. Rodriguez is okay though. I love Medra but I disagreed a little with some of her decisions. Blake just pissed me off a little in the book. The ending shocked me so I can't wait to see what happens next