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

Remember how so many shipped Draco and Hermione ? Well this is exactly the right series to pick up if you want YA enemies to lovers with ahem creatures that will surprise and delight !
Oh I'm getting ahead of myself and have to confess I enjoyed this even more than the first book because our protagonists are definitely grown up and struggling with just how much they can really trust each other. Both Medra and Blake have secrets and their story is as fiery as well a Dragon hehe ! Its definitely a book to keep you eagerly turning the pages with supporting characters that truly step up here. Yes we have a villain or two to boo and hiss at but it's the constant surprises, those unexpected moments and of course the dynamic and very passionate central couple who make this a must read for those who enjoy fantasy romance. The story is not over yet though so settle down with the ubiquitous popcorn and enjoy the ride because it's well worth your time.
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair

The bond that Burns by @briarboleynauthor
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I was dying to get my hands on the second book after the last cliff hanger of book one! And it did not disappoint! I loved the queens of roses series and absolutely love these books following Medea.

So much tension between Blake and Medea! It’s just juicy and keeps you on your toes wondering what happens next!

If course it has a broody dragon which makes this so much better! Who doesn’t love a dragon that is protective of its little human.

Medea really has a lot of challenges she has to go through with bloodwing, the tribunal and keeping a dragon happy. It’s life or death through out the book and making decisions on how she can survive.

This ends on a pretty hectic cliff hanger with multiple massive events that happen.

This was fantastic, if you enjoy an academia, enemies to lovers, spicy hate scenes, dragon and fantasy then this is a series for you!

Thank you to Briar Boleyn, NetGalley and Starwater Press for this free ARC in exchange for my honest review!

The Plot:
Book 2 picks up exactly were Book 1 left us. Medra has awoken Nyxaris and must figure out how to survive. She has also just discovered that her bonded mate isn't who she thought he'd be. So now, she has to juggle a stubborn dragon, an overbearing mate, and his uncle (who definitely wants to either kill Medra or use her for something nefarious) all while keeping her friends alive and maintaining her own sanity. Sounds easy enough, right?

My Thoughts:
Book 2 was just a great as the first. I thought the pacing was spot on. There were a lot of characters, but it didn't get confusing. And we didn't have to wait until the very end for something interesting to happen. Also, I really liked the direction we're going with Kage. Hoping for that to build more in book 3.
The only thing I wasn't a huge fan of was the romance in this one. Book 1, I thought Medra and Blake had the perfect enemies to lovers dynamic, but it just didn't hit for me here. Mostly because I am not a fan of the "hate-lust" tropes. Blake ended up partially redeeming himself, but we'll see if he can fix it in Book 3.
Nyxaris was awesome. He brought a different approach to Medra in the way he handled situations and in the way he protected others and that was refreshing.

Can't wait for Book 3 coming Spring 2025!

"The Bond That Burns: Vampires, Dragons, and Forbidden Romance at Its Best"
Introduction
Briar Boleyn’s The Bond That Burns takes the tension and drama of the Bloodwing Academy series to new heights. This dark academia fantasy romance is packed with intrigue, danger, and a slow-burn romance that will leave readers breathless. If you thought the first book was intense, you’re in for a ride—this sequel is nothing short of spectacular.

Plot Overview
Medra thought she’d survived the worst Bloodwing Academy had to offer, but she was wrong. This time, she’s caught in the crosshairs of highblood houses vying for control over the dragon legacy she accidentally awakened. The dragon is as much a danger to her as it is to her enemies, and Medra’s lack of control over it only adds to the stakes.

Her bond with Blake Drakharrow is both a blessing and a curse. Once an ally, Blake has betrayed her in ways that cut deep, yet their fates remain intertwined. The push-and-pull dynamic between them adds layers of tension to a story already brimming with danger and intrigue.

Characters
Medra is a powerhouse of a protagonist. She’s flawed, fierce, and utterly captivating. Her journey in this book is one of growth and resilience, as she grapples with the weight of her powers and the dangerous politics of Bloodwing Academy. Blake, meanwhile, is the epitome of a morally gray antihero. His Draco Malfoy energy adds a layer of unpredictability that keeps readers guessing about his true motives.

The secondary characters are equally compelling, adding depth and dimension to the story. Whether it’s the other shifters or the vampire nobles, each character feels fully realized and integral to the plot.

Themes
Power, survival, and trust are central themes in The Bond That Burns. The book explores the lengths people will go to secure power, as well as the sacrifices required to protect those you love. The complex dynamics of Medra and Blake’s relationship also delve into themes of betrayal, redemption, and the blurred lines between love and hate.

Writing Style and World-Building
Briar Boleyn excels at creating dark, atmospheric settings that draw readers in. Bloodwing Academy is as dangerous as ever, and the addition of dragon lore only enriches the world-building. The pacing is relentless, with enough twists and turns to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Why You’ll Love It
This book is perfect for fans of dark academia, forbidden romance, and richly imagined fantasy worlds. The combination of vampires, dragons, and court intrigue is utterly addictive, and the romance will keep you turning pages late into the night. If you loved the first book, The Bond That Burns is an absolute must-read.

I loved the first book of this series, so I was SO excited to be able to read the sequel!
The tension in this book is just written perfectly. I love the romance and I can't wait to see what happens next!

Had me on the edge of my seat! I couldn't put it down and the spice, good lord the spice is so so delicious. We jump back in right were we left off in book 1. I knew there was going to be secrets to unfold, but there are so many lies and truths to unravel that you never really know who to trust and what their true motives are. The cliffhanger in this one is down right painful. I cannot wait for book 3.

This series gives off some Games of Thrones vibes. Its a ruthless world and your not sure who to trust or if anyone is going to die. No one is safe but I absolutely love it.