This is the second book in the series and I am so grateful to the author and Netgalley for this book. Medra is now facing what to do with the awakening of Nyaxis and where she and Blake go from here. The character arc for Blake this book has been great. I was disappointed he went all bully in the beginning after last book. It was really hard to read at times and one scene was almost like there was no consent. That being said, the attraction and bond they have are sizzling. I am not into why choose so I won't even get into Kage. What I will say, is it would be amazing to see them working together. Which I assume will come in next book or if there are more maybe after. There still wasn't a lot on their backgrounds both Medra and Blake. There was a scene where they did talk a bit and bonded but I think I would have enjoyed more of that. The scenes where Blake was vulnerable and sweet were my favorites. Along with Nyxaris. The cliffhanger was good. Lots to think about and speculate. If you like enemies to lovers, found family, dark academia, touch her and die and dragons then this is your book! I found myself not wanting to stop reading and I can't wait for the next book!

So so good. I can’t wait for the third book. High fantasy, vampires, dragons, and a deadly academy makes for an amazing book. Briar Boleyn hooked me with the first book in this series and the second book has me fully invested in Medra and Blake. The perfect combo of Romantasy.

"How does the saying go? A prince in the keep, a dragon between the sheets?"
I went through a whole range of emotions while reading this second installment of Bloodwing Academy; slow-burn tension, plenty of action, plenty of lies and secrets, fluffy and dragon tailed side characters with attitude just had me turning the pages constantly.
Medra and Blake continue their push and pull relationship but they both grow so much in this book, it was just chef's kiss.
The Bond that Burns is very much an appropriate title for this book.

As the second in the series - this did not disappoint! Non stop action all the way thorough - some great work on character development beyond just the main characters, lots of banter. The betrayals and secrets and half truths made this a page turner that you can't put down. Literally can not wait for the next book!

Thank you Netgalley and Brian Boleyn for gifting me this book in exchange for an honest review

Vampires
Dragons
Training Academy
Court politics
Enemies to lovers

2nd in the series, this book continues to be a merge of zodiac academy and fourth wing. It's not quite living up to how much I love both of those series, but honestly I'm still having such a fun time!

I love the FMC in all her defiant, strong-willed and stubborness and in true briar fashion, there were characters I loved and those I truly hated.

There's some found family here, but at times the side characters feel a little one dimensional.

Having said that, I found myself picking up this book in every spare moment I had.

I'm looking forward to seeing where book is taking us!

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher & the author for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for my review!
Once again, Briar Boleyn has me fully back in my Vampire Academy era, and I’m not mad about it. This sequel was everything I wanted—high-stakes chaos, delicious tension, and enough drama to fuel my book-induced insomnia.

First things first: the rivalry between Kage and Blake? Oh, it sizzled! Blake’s jealousy toward Kage was absolutely chef’s kiss, and I lived for every second of it. Was I hoping for a bit more of a triangle situation with Medra stuck between them? Absolutely. But hey, book three, I’m looking at you—make it happen!

Speaking of no triangle, let’s talk about Medra and Blake. Look, I was a little surprised at how quickly that simmering hatred turned into… well, other things. But also? Same, girl. Same. It’s hard to stay mad when the tension is crackling between you and the brooding hot vampire twink you’re supposed to be feeding, I get it!

Now, let’s address the very attractive elephant in the room: Teacher Rodriguez. The man had a much smaller role in this book, and honestly? Tragic. Everyone in this story can’t stop talking about him, and I don’t blame them—he must be the hottest teacher to ever exist. I need more. I deserve more. Here’s hoping book three finally gives this enigma of a man the page time he deserves.

Returning to Bloodwing Academy felt like coming home—if home was a dangerous, backstabbing, dragon-filled institution where you could either rise to power or die trying. And honestly? Love that for me. There’s so much left to uncover, and I need book three in my hands yesterday.

Final verdict? This sequel delivered, and I’m already mentally pre-ordering the next one. Bring on the drama, the dragons, and please let’s keep stoking that Kage vs. Blake fire. And while we’re at it, let’s give Teacher Rodriguez the spotlight he clearly deserves!

I loved the second instalment of this series. The plot and characters I felt were more developed than the first and I liked how it moved way from the bully trope. The MMC was way more likeable in this installement.

This is the epitome of why it's important to support indie published books as this book is class!

I WAS SO NOT READY FOR THIS ONE!!

Okay, so, I loved the first book in this series and absolutely ate up this second one! To be honest, even without the romance in this novel I would absolutely LOVE the setting and environment. Bloodwing Academy is a school I wouldn't survive but truly enjoy reading about. I would looooove to have books set in this world even outside of this series.

At the end of book one a THING happens (if you haven't read book one then I'm not quite sure what you are doing in this review) and said THING literally left me BEGGING for book 2. Fortunately, Miss Briar Boleyn did not leave us hanging.

First, the relationship between Blake and Medra. I am exhausted with books that are "enemies to lovers" or "hate to love" that are just so...dislike to instant love. In other words, I hate where "we supposedly hate each other but are really so hot that we fall in love and all is fixed." I feared this book would fall into that category when I first picked it up. Yet I was quickly proven wrong. Blake really and truly does treak Medra like an enemy. He truly does bully her. And Medra doesn't just fall for him-in fact, she rejects him MANY times and NEVER accepts what he did to her. Even if we see Blake's POV and see how flawed he is, Medra has so much self respect and I LOVE it.

In fact, in this scenario Medra even considers other options which is something I greatly appreciated. Also (book one spoiler!) I LOVED the dragon!! If you have Onyx Storm hangover, this is the dragon book for you! I can only imagine how the dragon plot will continue into the next novel AND how Medra's fae side will come into play. Forgive me for the vagueness as I attempt to remain spoiler free, BUT IT IS SO GOOD.

Truly the best part of this series, however, is the side characters. Specifically, Theo. The side characters all have so much personality but it is Theo who goes through an incredible amount of self reflection and strength. I love his friendship with Medra and how he supported her through everything. In my mind, he and Ridoc would be besties.

Uhm, excuse me while I'm still trying to deal with the ending chapters of this book, because what do you mean I have to wait to find out what's happening???

The Bond That Burns picks up right where we were left, on the edge of a cliff and betrayal in book one and as you may suspect with a book like this, things seemed to just keep getting worse for our Medra. At this point I'm rooting for this story to turn into a why choose because I can't decide between Blake and Kane.

I will say that our characters are growing, slowly, but they are growing. Blake, oh Blake, the level of audacity Blake had, to go backwards and double down on bullying thinking that will get Medra to forgive him for the events of book 1? Like he hasn't been learning how Medra's entire personality functions this entire time? I thoroughly enjoyed the found family that has started to become clearer in this book and the roll little fluffy Neville plays in the history of this world. We get a new surprise POV and I was so excited to actually get into this characters head because I have been so curious as to how she's really been handling all the events since she was introduced in book 1.

I do feel like the inspiration for Nyxaris is a little too close for comfort, he's very Fourth Wing coded and while I love that series I wish I didn't hear a certain character when in a new world. Maybe it's just me because I'm coming off a very recent read of that series but I did pick up on the inspiration almost immediately now that we get more interactions with him.

However I ate this book up, I was here for a good time and I got left on a cliff screaming why at some of these characters actions. I NEED to know where this is going, what's going to happen because we are left in the worst possible situation.

Thank you to Briar Boleyn and Starwater Press for providing me an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The book picks right where the previous ended and from the beginning to the end it’s fas paced,full of action , betrayals ,new pov’s and dragons? It was a valid sequel and i want the next book right now!

“You bring the fire. You make even the darkness shine. Even dragon fire can’t compete with the way you burn, Pendragon”

—-

Welcome back to Bloodwing, and Medra and Blakes fiery enemies to lovers. I’ll be honest, I absolutely detested Blake throughout this book and it was the BEST experience🙂‍↕️ we wasted no time getting into Medra’s perilous future after the events of book 1 and by the end of chapter 2, everything is seemingly about to fall apart for Medra, Blake and all of Sangratha.

The twists, the turns, the dragons, the BETRAYALS, the CLIFFHANGER. Ms Boleyn, I am UNWELL after reading this. This was exactly what a sequel should be.

Having Florence’s POV in this story was so refreshing, especially from a blightborn’s point of view of the way the high bloods rule their land. Kage was an incredible character pushed to the forefront of this part of the story and the tension between him and Blake was perfectly executed. I could feel Blake’s rage building in me as I read his POV chapters.

The stakes with Blake’s sister, the betrayal of the professors, Viktors absolutely ABHORRENT hatred for Medra, all of it was so delicious decadent and it burned with hottest of dragon fire.

The last 15% had me sobbing, shaking and just needing to know what happens next. I need book 3 in my hands NOW.

#fantasybooks #fantasyreads #romantasybooks #thebondsthatburn #onwingsofblood #briarboleyn #bookstagram

God I loved that even more than the first, the romance really heated up in this one and I am so for that!! It hurts that I do not have access to book 3😭

A fantastic sequel to On Wings of Blood. The novel picks up following the consequences of the end of the first book and the potential dangers. We still see tension between Blake and Medra and events from both their perspectives. You do not want to put the book down in order to find out what happens next. Story ends with another cliffhanger and I cannot wait for book 3.

5 STARS ⭐️

I am officially Briar Boleyn’s #1 fan! This series is just so much fun, and book two absolutely delivered. Sequels can be tough—expectations are high after a strong first book—but Boleyn seamlessly continued the story, and I was not left disappointed. If anything, book two packed just as much of a punch as the first!

We got more dragon content, deeper character development for our beloved FMC, Medra, and an even more compelling dynamic between Medra and Blake. Their story had me hooked! Florence is my absolute favourite side character, and I loved seeing more of Visha and Tanaka’s development.

This series is just such a good time. Vampires, dragons, an academic magic school setting—what more could you ask for? And THAT CLIFFHANGER?! I cannot believe I have to wait patiently for book three…

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for providing me with this e-ARC!

thank you to netgalley for the e-book arc and briar boleyn for this absolute MASTERPIECE.
honestly book one wasn't my favourite but the ending really increased my rating by FAR.
I was dying to know what happened next and this did NOT disappoint!

The writing was beautiful. There are quite a few quotes in this book that were just so relatable and just wonderful. This book, Blake was able to figure out his feelings and express them to Medra and it was just so heart-warming.

It was a great experience seeing both characters develop and move forwards after book one's cliff hanger but I think it will be really difficult for them to get over the ending of this book (ifykyk)

the plot had me hooked and I was beyond intrigued. I literally could not stop reading even though I had literal exams to revise for.

Thank you again for the arc, it was absolutely wonderful!!

*Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC!*

Briar Boleyn truly does not miss in any of her novels, and the second Bloodwing Academy novel is no exception.

Our story continues right where the first novel leaves off and does not stop giving enthralling plot until the very end. Just like with the first novel, this one leaves off on a cliff hanger that has me absolutely feral for the third to come out.

Without giving anything away, if you want a novel that you simply cannot put down and instead cast all normal everyday responsibilities aside to continue reading, then you are in the right place.

Now to wait impatiently for the third novel! I cannot wait to sink my teeth into it (all puns intended).

I am so excited to have received an ARC for The Bond that Burns! This was an excellent continuation of the first book and it just left me with more questions. What will happen next? What’s going on with Blake? How about Florence? What does Neville the Fluffin have to do with this? I loved reading how each character grew from the first book to now - especially for Medra and Blake. The relationship between Medra and Nyxaris entertaining to read as well - loved the fun little banter going on in between the more serious scenes. There was a lot of conspiring between all of the Houses so it was interesting to see how it would shake up at the end. I’m excited for the third book in this series - I hope it has more answers than questions!

🔥 Bloodwing Academy, Book 2 🔥

This sequel picks up right where the first book left off, and let me tell you—it does not disappoint! Medra’s growth in this book is incredible as she steps into her independence and fierceness. And the grumpy dragon? Absolutely one of the best characters, with depth and development that make you love him even more.

Now, let’s talk about Blake… you will love to hate him. He brings all the angst, and it’s deliciously frustrating. The spice? Perfectly placed and just the right amount.

But that ending? It will have you in a chokehold! Totally unexpected, shocking, and impossible to put down. If you haven’t picked up this series yet, I highly recommend diving in.

A perfect sequel to On Wings of Blood! I love fantasy that has you on the edge of your seat and hooked!

I started this book immediately after finishing the first one. I was not disappointed. This is another great installment of the series. Watching the back and forth with Medra and Blake was hard at times, but so worth it in the end. I can not wait to see what happens in the next installment. I flew threw this book again. This one has a lot happen and you are kept on your toes for most of it. We even get into Florence’s head in this one. It was so great to see what she is thinking. Being in Blakes head is also helpful to understand why he is the way he is. It makes forgiving him easier. He has some things happening this book that makes you ready for the next book to come out so you can see how things progress and how he will deal with the changes. If you enjoyed the first book you will definitely not be disappointed with this one. Now I need the third book to come out.