This is the second book in the Bloodwing Academy series and I was not able to put it down! Blake and Medra had such character growth in this one NYXARIS is such a grumpy old dragon, and I loved his relationship with Medra. The cliffhanger has me begging for the next book asap! This book has dragons, vampires, tension, drama, and spice. It reminds me of a mix between Harry Potter, and Fourth Wing! If you love, dark academia, enemies to lovers, banter, and spice, you will love this one!

This book was a rollercoaster full of emotions and mystery and I can’t wait to read the next one!

The book starts with the fallout from the first book and our FMC Medra has now a sassy dragon who she needs to bond with, all while dealing with school and house politics and trying not to be used as a pawn in everyone elses games. Also I love the added tension in the romance in form of Kage, this brings a whole new layer to the already interesting plot.

The characters have grown since the first book and I specially loved to hate Blake more in this book than the first. May I even say that this book almost surpasses the first book, it was that good.

I rate this book a solid 4,5⭐️

If you are a fan of dark academia with dragons, vampires, enemies-to-lovers romance and chosen family, this is the book for you!

Such a pleasure to be back at Bloodwing academy. I love coming back to this and seeing whats in store next for our young heroine.

After finishing book two, I couldn’t wait to dive into this one! Watching the characters grow throughout the story was such a highlight, though it took me a while to warm up to a certain character again (seriously, I wanted to slap him for half the book 😂).

The beginning completely caught me off guard. I wasn’t expecting it at all, and I loved being genuinely surprised. The tension between our two main characters was incredible, keeping me hooked the entire time. And Kage? I loved seeing more of his character, even if he remains an enigma.

Florence and the dragon are two of my favorite characters so I can’t wait to see more of them in the next book. And that ending? It absolutely floored me. I had so many theories, but I never saw that coming.

Thankfully, Briar Boleyn is releasing book three in just a few months because I need to know what happens next! This series just keeps getting better and better.

Thank you Net Galley and Briar Boleyn for providing me with an arc, this is my honest review.

Dark Fantasy Romance with Dragons and Vampires—what more could you want?

✨ Tropes You’ll Obsess Over ✨
🖤 Vampire Academy Aesthetic
🖤 Awakening a Dragon
🖤 Brooding Vampire MMC with Draco Malfoy Energy
🖤 Steamy Enemies-to-Lovers Tension
🖤 Found Family Feels
🖤 Dual POV Storytelling
🖤 Adorable Animal Sidekick
🖤 Mean Girl Rivalries
🖤 Bonded Mates

Welcome to a vampire academy steeped in dark history and dragon lore. If you love enemies-to-lovers angst, friends who become family, and incredible world-building, this series is for you.

Medra starts her second year at Bloodwing Academy under even more stressful circumstances. The pressure is on for her to control her dragon.

Okay, so Blake is the worst—like, really the worst. But we can’t help loving him. He’s trying to protect Medra from his uncle while learning how to support her in a way that still allows her to be her own person (even though it doesn’t come naturally to him).

This book delivers more swoon-worthy Tanaka, the endearing Florence, and the lovable Fluffin. These side characters are such a delight, and I can’t wait to see what happens to Florence in Book 3!

Bloodwing Academy would be a perfect setting for a movie or mini-series. This one was hard to put down. I need Book 3 ASAP!

Thank you, NetGalley, Briar Boleyn, and Starwater Press, for sending this book for review consideration.

I liked this one better than book one. Better character progression. Still like Kage better and hope for a Tamlin situation or a triad.

The tie in from the first series Briar wrote is amazing!!!

This series is so different but just as entertaining!!
I LOVE the internal dragon conversations. Never truly knowing whats going on and who is on whos side.

The twists and turns and suspense is everything!!
Cannot wait to continue this series!

I throw myself on the alter of all thing Briar Boleyn. I loved her other alter ego's Victorian works but her writing as Briar is PHEMONOMAL!!!!!

A very tall task to carry through the story from book 1 but this book is everything (and i LOVED book 1, so that says a lot)! The pace remains fast, the author has a very clear idea of where she's going with the story and I massively enjoyed how well thought this feels as a whole. Medra and Blake have both great ARCs and the transition into dual POVs works really well, as I can't see how we would ever warm up to this man otherwise, he is so good at making us hate him and every step forward is two steps back in how their relationship is developing.
The plot is very satisfying, with realistic characters and every now and then we get a plot twist to push the narrative further. I can't describe enough how much a appreciate Medra as a main character, her strength, courage, resistance are amazing and she is so level headed and principled, you can't help but root for her and feel invested in her journey. Blake is really struggling with his feelings for her and as the story unfolds realises how many of his preconceptions he has to shed and how skewed his reality and idea of self are. Brilliant ARC.He by no means deserves Medra, but maybe, just maybe there is hope he redeems himself.
I am so upset I have to wait so long for the next installment, the cliffhanger left be breathless and I can't wait to be transported back to Bloodwing academy and Sagratha! Make sure you have read the 1st book before picking this up, I think it's essential to understanding the characters and to be able to fully enjoy the progressions of the story.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my review copy, all opinions are my own.

(4.5) Okaaaaaay, this had everything I loved in the first book and more dragon action that I was desperately looking for!

All of the main characters came back strong. I loved the character development that we saw in this book and some of the vulnerabilities.

There were some unexpected surprises in this book that had my jaw on the floor and the cliffhanger at the end...you can't leave me with that!!!

Thank you to Briar Boleyn, Starwater Press (Indie), and NetGalley for the ARC!

The Bonds that Burn is the second installment in the Bloodwing Academy! Medra and Blake’s story continue n holy crap is it a thrill ride! Nyxaris Is magnificent feirce and intelligent and I love how slowly Medra forms a relationship with the less than trusting dragon who was trapped in stone alive slowly loosing who he was. It’s heartbreaking and yet as Medra searches to no avail there is literally next to nothing to find about what happened to the dragons or riders. Secrets abound and the dangers to Nedra and her friends escalate with each passing day. As usual no one is safe and lives are lost drastically measures are taken. This book has shocking betrayal, dark conspiracies and evil doers at every turn and as each day passes it’s hard to know who is friend or foe. Blake is making massive strides in learning to be humble admit his faults and show himself to Medra who both hates and is deeply drawn to him. Tanaka is a fascinating enigma but is he what he seems? Or just another enemy moving pieces on the board? In the end what happens is mind blowing and heart stopping. I would never have thought in a million years things would end on the note that it did and it shows enemies can be allies. Allies may not be what they seem an unlikely alliances can be forged in the heat of battle. N Holy dang dang Orcades oh my gosh I legit have got to know what’s next… Coolest thing EVER! Just buy it you know you want too it’s so worth it!! Get bold totally read in order n hang on the edge of your seat with me for book three!!! 10/10 if it were possible.

This book was amazing. It was dark, adventurous, and emotional. That ending, though! I am not okay. I need book three immediately.

The Bond That Burns is book two in the Bloodwing Academy series. If you haven't read On Wings of Blood yet, seriously, add it to your TBR!

Medra has awakened the dragon, Nyxaris. She is lucky that she and Blake escaped with their lives because he is a grumpy dragon. He is not the only one angered, though. Blake's uncle Viktor is furious that Nyxaris flew away and is about to do whatever it takes to gain control over Medra and the most powerful being in all of Sangratha.

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

Medra and Blake are back to being enemies after Blake destroyed the small amount of trust they were extremely slowly building in book one. Medra is rightfully fuming at Blake, and instead of apologizing, he acts like an even bigger bully than in the first book. But Blake's character development in this book is just wow. I am obsessed with Blake Drakharrow. Kage Tanaka makes a larger appearance as well, which makes Blake even more jealous and volatile. But Medra can try as hard as she likes to hide those uncomfortable feelings toward Blake, but only for so long. There is one specific scene where Medra walks into Blake's room and secretly watches him while he is in the bathroom. 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶

Our sweet, book girly Florence even has a few chapters from her perspective. The trauma this poor girl endures is brutal; she will never be the same girl who showed Medra around the academy.

Let's not forget about Nyxaris. My favorite moody FMC now has an incredibly moody dragon. Of all the dragons Medra could have awakened, she awakened the grumpy one, who is not about to take any shit from any Highblood. They are both so stubborn. Medra was meant to be Nyxaris's rider.

bully romance • dark academia • dark fantasy • dark romance • dragons • enemies to lovers • fae • magic • multiple pov • romantasy • vampires

This book had everything that I love about romantasy! I have nothing negative to say about this series. The spice is immaculate. Love the plot and that characters. THE BETRAYAL. Insane. Can't wait for book 3!

Thank you to Netgalley and Briar Boleyn for the arc.

Given that I was late to read this, I ended up risking all my other ARC deadlines—and I have no guilt about it whatsoever. Nyxaris might just be my new favorite dragon—I loved how sassy he was. Medra was as badass as ever, and Blake had some noticeable character development. This book was just as good as the first one, if not better. I absolutely did not expect the ending to be as chaotic as it turned out to be. Now, I can’t wait for book 3! I have a feeling it’s going to outdo both book 1 and book 2.

Medra has awoken Nyxaris and now must prove to the Highbloods that she controls the dragon - as in turn, they wish to control her and through her, Nyxaris.
Nyxaris however, does not remember before he was turned to stone and so the two of them must work together to recall his history and also make it seem like she controls him.
But something is happening to Blake, strange symptoms/marks are appearing on his body, and secrets threaten to disrupt the entire academy and everyone Medra cares for.
Throw in some bad ass friends, a cute little fluffin and of course magic, and undoubtedly trouble is brewing.

I like Blake's redemption arc and Neville the little fluffin is soo cute.
The story ends on a pretty big cliffhanger so now I'm hanging for book 3!

Thank you Briar Boleyn and Victory Editing Netgalley Co-op for the #gifted ARC.

The Bond that Burns is book 2 in the Bloodwing Academy series.

Medra arrived into this world in book one and was brought into Bloodwing Academy with a bethrothal to the Black Vampire prince Blake. The bethrothal is done to protect Medra with selfish interests on Blake's unlce's part, who looks at every transaction as a way to gain more power.

Medra is a strong, independent half-fae who is keeping her past as a princess in her lands a secret for the time being. Medra fights against the "protection" betrothal and her inability to make her own choices every step of the way, making this a true enemies-to-lovers.

It's a fast-paced story that sucked me in quickly and I just couldn't put down. The bonds that are forming between the friend group are one of my favorite parts of the story, as well as the growth of the MMC throughout the story.

There are deadly competitions, politics at play, secrets, and an awakened dragon.

This is considered a dark romantacy and the story won't be for everyone as it has violence, vampire feeding, spice, and language.

Book 3 of the series is published this spring.

Romance Content: 3 Open-door scenes and language

The Bond that Burns (Bloodwing Academy #2) by Briar Boleyn

At Bloodwing Academy, blood is currency, but a dragon's legacy is priceless–and as dangerous as fire.

I thought surviving my first year in Bloodwing's deadly halls would be enough. I was wrong.

Rating: *****
Feels: Anticipation, Challenged, Surprise
Style: Fantasy, Romantasy, Dark Academia, Vampires, Dragons , Magic, High Fantasy
First published Published December 27, 2024 : 583 pages, Kindle

I was so happy to get my hands on book 2 and then I didnt want it to end. Loved this book !!! The way the characters progressed and we got to see more of Medra coming into her own, growing and bonding with her found family. I also am loving the little fluff ball Neville !!! There is definitely more tension in this book, more revelations about the past and why things are the way they are now which I love. The pace in the story and world building way just amazing. I was not ready for it to be over. When do I get book 3 !!!

Favorite quote: I looked away from her, my jaw clenching. “When you’re in danger, I feel like I’d gladly give up my life and everything in it to keep you safe.”

This book has:
Strong FMC (Stabby)
Morally Gray MMC
Enemies to Lovers
Vampires vrs Humans
Touch her and die
Dark Academia
Found Family
Revenge Plot
Politics
Magic
**Bully Romance

This is such a great continuation of a great series! If you enjoy academia, dragons, and world building goodness then this fantasy series (and all of Briar’s books!) is for you.

Thank you to Briar Boleyn, NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.5/5⭐️
2/5🌶️

“You will not fall. I will not allow it. I will not permit you to humiliate me in such a ridiculous way.”

“Sometimes our choices are all we have Miss Pendragon. They define us, for better or worse. Obedience dosnt absolve anyone of guilt.”

“Deep down I knew hatred was all I’d ever deserve from her.”

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC, all reviews are my own!

Another literal masterpiece✨
I am becoming so obsessed with this series it’s a little scary tbh.

Literally only docking had a star currently because I feel like Medras past is being swept under the rug a bit and I’m ITCHING to learn more. The convo she had with Blake made me think they’d talk about it a little bit more but UGH I wanna know more about here.

I’m so insanely impressed with how many plot lines are happening currently but all feel important and a part of the story vs just for “shock factor”.

The way these characters banter is top. Tier.

Blake asking- BEGGING for forgiveness… fully sat for that man, and I don’t even care he’s blonde.🧎‍♀️


Briar I’m begging you for the third book😭😭

The Bonds that Burn by Briar Boleyn
4 stars!

The Bonds That Burn seamlessly picks up where its predecessor left off, immersing readers back into the intricate world she's crafted.
One of the most significant aspects of this book is the noticeable character growth. We see our protagonists grappling with the consequences of their choices and slowly beginning to understand the complexities of the world around them. This added depth to the story and made me more invested in their journeys. I don’t love the miscommunication trope so it was nice that part way through the book these two finally start to move forward again.

This book also delves deeper into the political landscape of this world, revealing intriguing historical details and uncovering long-buried secrets. These elements added layers of intrigue and kept me guessing throughout.

Things DEFINIETLY ramp up at the end of this book and I cannot wait for book 3 now! I NEED to know what is going to happen!!!
Troupes: vampires, enemies to lovers, dragons, dark academia, political intrigue, secret societies

Spice 3/5
Plot 4/5
Pace 4.5/5
Character Personality 4/5
Character Growth 4/5
Writing Style 4/5
World Building 5/5