I enjoyed how this book picked up from where the previous book left off. The pace was perfect and I loved the character development. I did not see the shifter aspect coming. I was pulled in right away and cannot wait to see what happens next.

The cover immediately drew me in and the dragons and action kept me coming back! This was a blast to read and there were a lot of familiar tropes that I vibed with (fourth wing lol) but this was a solid read and I will continue the series for sure.

The Bonds That Burns is an explosive follow to On Wings of Blood. This book is action packed from beginning to end and definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. I also loved seeing the development of and between Medra and Blake. We got to see lots more of our cast of supporting characters, including Neville, who I was surprised to learn more interesting things about. I am now (im)patiently waiting for book three after that massive cliffhanger ending. (Cue feral scream.)

thank you netgalley and briar briar boleyn for providing me with a review copy for an honest review!

okay this series has me in an actual chokehold, it is seriously so addicting! this book really stepped up in intensity in comparison to the first as more severe history and revelations on why things are the way they are start to arise. this book has so much depth, and it’s been a lot of fun unpacking all the layers of the plot alongside getting to know our characters, their motivations, and who they actually are deep down. like i said in my review of the last book, these characters feel like real people. their responses in stressful situations, their anxieties, their emotions, they just feel so human and so relatable. i loved getting to know some of the side characters a bit more, and really loved the development of theo and visha in this book. i screamed, laughed, cried, almost threw my kindle. i love books that can make me feel a wide range of passionate emotions.

medra is such a fucking badass and she takes no shit from anyone. she also is honourable and intensional and kind, always putting her friends (found family) first. she really gave blake a hard time in the first half to the point where i was actually starting to feel a bit bad for him because boy is this man a simp for her. honestly i get it though, i am also a simp for medra. seriously though, blake’s inner thoughts about medra and how much her cares for her? literally had me swooning. the whole will they won’t they, hate to love to hate then to reluctant but uncontrollable feelings, had me yelling because ahhhhh you just know they belong together and they’re making it difficult for themselves for no reason!!!

romance aside, the PLOT!! while i love fantasy romance, the plot really holds up on its own if it were to be taken out completely which i think is super important to mention. while i picked this book up for the promise of enemies to lovers and sexy vampires, i’m staying because the storyline has been so enticing and face paced, full of twists and turns. i can’t wait to see what happens next as where we left off i feel was SO unexpected that i feel like it drastically changes the dynamic between characters but also flipped all my theories on how the next book will function on its head.

i LOVE nyxaris and how strong and sassy he was. i also think that this take on dragons, them seeing themselves as all powerful and superior in comparison to the wimpy mortals feels a lot more authentic than a lot of other dragon books i have read. there is no way something that massively powerful and ancient respects or feels any obligation of loyalty to any of the houses or its people—it feels like the dragons live for themselves and not to be commanded, and that’s how it should be. im excited to see what happens with the other two dragons, if they’re able to wake them properly, and if medra’s mom is able to cure/break the bond of the house orphos dragon. if they do wake them, who are able to be the other riders? 👀

the fact that i have to wait 3 more months for the next book is actually criminal, but you bet your ass i will be signing up to ARC read!

This was one of my most anticipated sequels because I absolutely loved On Wings of Blood (book 1) and couldn’t wait to see what would happen Medra and Blake…

This picked up immediately after book one’s ending and we get to tensely await Medra’s fate now that she has awakened a dragon, who literally did not want anything to do with her.

The vampire council wanted her to bring the dragon to heel or there would be consequences — possibly even her death.

Luckily, the big boy black dragon did want something from Medra that a deal is struck between them. The banter between them is so funny and seriously one of the highlights of this book!

Blake and Medra are NOT on a good standing, since she cannot forgive him for bonding her without consent. So obviously Blake had been sulking and become an even bigger bully.

Enter Kage, who’s so calm and cool and charismatic and oh god can we please have a why choose???

Give us a Kage x Medra x Blake Triad, PLEASE I BEG

Anyway, a lot of political intrigue has happened, which I won’t spoil, and there were some awesome spicy times too 🥵

Then a BIG REVEAL happened at the end.
It left me shookt. I need book 3 like now???
I have so many questions and I AM NOT OKAY

I absolutely love this book and literally ferally waiting for the next one.

Thank you NetGalley for the arc for this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Bond That Burns in the second book in the Bloodwing Academy series and it did not disappoint. It begins right where the first ends with the discovery of an awakened dragon who has been turned into stone for many years which is a cataylst to much more highblood power struggles. The ragon, Nyxaris, who is historically not part of Medra’s house, there is power struggles, questioning of Medra’s stance if she “controls” the dragon through being the only rider and what happens now.

Throughout the book, we see a trial to determine the rightful claim of Nyxaris, much more power hungry tactics, history of Bloodwing but most importantly, DRAGONS!!!

Honestly, Medra’s connection with Nyxaris was a highlight of this book. The dragon, who doesn’t remember much on what happened before he was turned into stone, is stubborn, desiring independence and is full of sarcasm and wit. We learn so much from Nyxaris’ awakening and it’s so interesting reading about it, yet also upsetting when we find out the truths surrounding dragons, their riders and high blood vampires.

The back and forth with our main characters Medra and Blake is still as delicious as it was in the beginning of the series. Medra is still badass and keeping her own despite what is thrown at her. Blake is still his cold, yet charming at times and we begin to see mysteries unravel around him. Enemies to lovers excellence with their hate, conflictions and the things keeping them connected. Honestly, i love them so much.

The ending????? Ruined me. I cheered, I cried, I wanted to go to the pages and destroy some people. It was an emotional journey through its twists and turns and honestly, it was amazing. Also I cannot write a review without mentioning Neville and his cuteness. I truly cannot wait for the next book to see what happens next!

Book 2 picks up straight after book 1, and what a cliffhanger we were left on.

The bond that burns is full of drama and romance which started in book 1, more characters were included and the story developed further. The world building and writing style is fantastic, there's so much action in this book it keeps you thoroughly entertained and on the edge of your seat.

I’m telling you right now, Briar absolutely outdid herself with this one. I devoured this book greedily, and once again, we are left with a cliffhanger of an ending that leaves my heart and stomach twisted up in knots.

So proud of Medra for standing up for herself time and time again, despite relying on luck, blind faith, and secrets to do so. The relationship between her and Blake is electric and just when you think they are making some headway, you’re met with a plot twist that will leave you spinning.

If the goal was to feel every single emotion imaginable, then mission accomplished! I raged right along side these characters and had several moments where my kindle almost went flying. The world building continues to expand and I cannot wait to see where we go from here.

What a cliffhanger of an ending! This book kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Not only is there plenty of action, but the character development, particularly Blake's, really stands out. Watching him grow and mature right before our eyes makes him more endearing than ever. The story also delivers some truly surprising plot twists, making the wait for the next installment feel like pure agony.

The world-building, the writing style, the pacing, and even the yearning are all spot on. In short, I highly recommend this new series!

Thanks to NetGalley, Starwater Press and Briar Boleyn for a chance to read this book for free. I’m leaving this review of my own accord.

This was a perfect second book in the series, that I’ve grown to be absolutely obsessed with. The characters in this book especially Medra have grown so much and we get to see more of the world building that Briar is so wonderful at! I wish this book didn’t end because I feel I read it all in one day ( I 100% did ) and I just want more. I’m excited to see where book 3 brings us!
Thank you to Netgalley and Star Water Press for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review

This book is full of action, twists and turns, betrayals, found family and some spice. This was an emotional roller coaster for me.

Medra is strong and fierce, always standing up for her, her friends and what’s right no matter what. I love how she doesn’t take crap from anyone no matter how powerful they are.

Blake is still a bully and an arse but you get to see his softer side as he slowly starts to redeem himself. The tension between MCs 🔥

A grumpy stubborn dragon and a great found family on top of everything and I couldn’t put this down.

The ending!!!! I need the next book asap!

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. The Bond that Burns is Book 2 in the Bloodwing Academy series out now!!

This picks up right where On Wings of Blood left over!! And prepare yourself for another brutal cliffhanger! Medra is awesome and strong and brave and I just adore her!! Blake, on the other hand, I wanted to smack upside the head, but it made for some really great character growth!!

I love this found family and the side characters really shone in this story!! The pacing is fantastic and keeps you entertained the whole time! I went through all the emotions reading this one!!

The Bond That Burns is a dark academia fantasy romance featuring a bully villain with Draco Malfoy energy who (eventually) gets the girl, all the tension and banter, and a tantalizingly dangerous blend of court and school intrigue all set in an intricately crafted world with unique vampire and dragon lore. If you're a fan of original mythology, unique world-building, and character-driven romantasy books such as Crowns of Nyaxia, From Blood and Ash, and A Court of Thorns and Roses, you won't want to miss out on this riveting new saga.

Ugh, I need it to be May so I have the next book!!!

Oh my gosh I love this book!!! What a series!! I can’t wait for the next book!!
This had me gripped straight away!! An easy 5star read for sure!!

The Bond that Burns is the second book in the Bloodwing Academy series. It picks up right where On Wings of Blood left off.

From the very beginning of the book I was sat. The majority of this book is focused on understanding the history of the world that seems to have been hidden/forgotten. We also see a lot of character and relationship development - Blake, they can never make me hate you! Also, enter dragons! Y’all are gonna love the relationship between Medea and Nyxaris. Very reminiscent of Violet and Tairn for you Fourth Wing lovers.

I’m really enjoying the series and I’m excited for the 3rd book to come out later this year!

I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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.