I think a lot of people will enjoy this book. However, this one was not for me. The inspiration from Harry Potter was a little too on the nose at times. I also felt like there was too much happening in the book. Trying to combine a bunch of popular titles into one didn’t flow well for me. I really appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback for this arc.

I enjoyed the book so much that I immediately downloaded the second one! The plot started off quickly and immediately drew me in, which I really appreciated. I don’t want to reveal too much and spoil the story, but if you love vampires, a mix of hate and passion, slow-burning romance, and side characters you’ll fall in love with, along with main characters you can't help but root for, then this book is definitely for you.

—vampires
—dark academia
—slow burn
—on KU
—morally grey

Looking forward to the 3rd instalment

I really enjoyed this book though I did find it quite slow to start and it took me a while to connect to the characters. It definitely had a Zodiac Academy feel to it and I would absolutely recommend it for fans of that series.

Thank you to Netgalley and Starwater Press for this ARC.

I had a good time with this one and am not surprised because I loved Briar Boleyn's Blood of a Fae series.

It starts in a very grotesque and unexpected way which I will not spoil for others in this review but, this is the same moment that the FMC meets the MMC. No dillydallying here. However, I can confirm that there is no dreaded insta-love.

Medra does not have an easy time throughout the book - she is constantly wanted dead by many people but, she does form some really lovely friendships as well.

I really enjoyed having some chapters in Blake's POV - without these chapters, this book would have had an entirely different vibe!

I've actually already started the next one! If you like vampires, academy settings, trials - I'd recommended trying this one.

Wow, it's a fascinating world for sure. The story sucked me in from the first page. Dragons and vampires and fea? Perfect mix. The academy setting gives off Harry Potter vibes. As I said before: perfect mix.
Slow burn? ✅
Enemies to (almost-see slow burn above)lovers ✅
Great side characters ✅
Heartache ✅
Cliffhanger (the light version)✅
Off to read the second book 🏃‍♀️

This book was VERY entertaining and the perfect book to read and just turn your mind off. The found family in this book warmed my heart, and the slow burn romance was to die for. This book made me feel a wide range of emotions from rooting for the MMC to absolutely loathing him back to being on his side. If you're wanting an academy setting with found family, a SLOW burn bully romance, and (of course) dragons, then this is a MUST read!!

I absolutely loved this book two of my favourite thing's vampires and dragons !! Have been in a slumber since finishing the fourth wing series .
The story line kept me hooked and the two main characters are the perfect balance of enemies to lovers with a splattering of spice.

I love the writing in this book. I think what I had issue with was the fact that there were pretty much all the common fantasy book and generic anime events all together. There was an isekai, love triangle, vampires, an academy where the main character is the special one, women hating women for a man, deadly trials and this book had all the enjoyable parts of those things but it also had the less enjoyable parts of all of those tropes all at once. It also felt like the plot path that was started took a turn at 50% and started something completely new just so the original story path could be continued in a second book. Which Is sort of a common series pitfall I've been encountering recently.

This book was a wild addictive ride, a world filled with deadly secrets simmering rivalries and enough brooding vampire drama to make your heart race. It has Darj academia, fantasy and slow burn all in one

"On Wings of Blood" is a dark academia fantasy romance filled with vampires, fae, and dragon lore.

Medra Pendragon is believed to be the last of the dragon riders, but there are no dragons left or are there?

This book was a rollercoaster, to say the least. It was fun but nerve-wracking and made me frustrated that medra was not getting the point and Blake was not helping in the least but but the angst and back and forth between them was great, I loved the world building but it did need a touch more character development IMO but was a fantastic read regardless.
If your looking for your next great read pick it up you won't be disappointed
I can't wait to read the sequel
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I devoured this book in 3 days. Absolutely un-put-down able. I was en-THRALLED, pun very much intended. The academic set up of Bloodwing combined with the vampire politics and the physically palpable tension between Medra and Blake? A winning combination in this epic world. Immediately starting book 2.

Unfortunately this book was not was I hoping for. It felt like a combo of a few other popular books in this genre and it just didn't captivate/keep me hooked.

I absolutely loved this book, the suspense, the spice ate it all up. This is on par with fourth wing to me.
Slow burn 🔥 love/hate/love.
Can’t wait to read the next one

I loved this book and I’m so pleased that I’m seeing it all over TikTok as it definitely deserves all the hype that it’s getting.
What’s not to love. There’s vampires, fae, dragons and magic. This book drew me in from start to finish.
The character development is fantastic and it has true enemies to nearly lovers vibes.
I’ve had to start reading book 2 straight away and will be reading Briars other series which I believe is a prequel asap.

I was OBSESSED with this book and I am so glad it’s getting its well deserved hype out there on BookTok! The prequel series was amazing and Boleyn has made it even better in On Wings of Blood.

Vampires and Dragons and Fae oh my!! This is a true enemies to lovers story with no insta-love to be found! Even at the end of the story that tension continues so readers may even see more continuation of the enemy to lover story line in book two. Morally Gray MMC with Draco vibes...say no more. This is the perfect book for every bookish person who started their fantasy journey with Harry Potter but has expanded into the world of fae and dragons and craves so much more.

I'm having a love/hate relationship with this book. I HATE the toxic romantic relationship in this book. If you can look past that, the spicy scenes are well written. I like the over-all plot of an academy for vampires and the history of dragon riders. I find the main character frustrating. For someone who was raised royal she seems politically naive or reckless. She does not seem to either understand or care about the danger she seems to be in for the entire book. Overall the story has enough going for it that I wanted to keep reading in spite of the toxic relationship and not really liking the main character.

I unfortunately ended up DNF this book about 1/3rd of the way in - I just wasn't able to get into it and I do believe the reason for that is it was just a little too YA for me. The writing was basic and I really found myself getting frustrated at the main characters inner monologue.
That's not to say that other people won't like it however! I think the story had promise, with what seemed like a intriguing story plot and potential for romance, and the foreshadowing of dragons.
It's unfortunate as due to the portrayal of the book was definitely within my area of interest, and I really did want to like it and I did try to push my way through, but in the end it just didn't draw me enough to keep me reading it!

I think potentially I may have been in a bit of slump from a previous adult fantasy book I had read so I think that may have also impacted the overall reading experience.

Thank you NetGallry for an arc of this book! The following opinion is mine alone.
This book was overall really fun, had elements that made me think of Harry Potter and Fourth Wing. It was a story that, had I not been in a slump, I would have adored way more than I already do. Highly recommend reading!!

On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn is a mesmerizing fantasy novel that captivates from the very first page. In a world where magic intertwines with danger and destiny, Boleyn crafts a narrative that is as enchanting as it is thrilling.

The story follows our fierce protagonist, who is not just a warrior but a dreamer, navigating a realm steeped in shadows and intrigue. Boleyn’s talent for world-building is evident; she creates a vivid landscape filled with lush imagery and captivating lore that pulls you into the heart of the adventure. Each setting feels alive, from the dark forests teeming with secrets to the bustling towns where friendships and rivalries collide.

What truly sets this book apart is the character development. The protagonist’s journey is one of growth and resilience, making her relatable and inspiring. As she faces seemingly insurmountable challenges, readers will find themselves rooting for her every step of the way. The emotional depth of her journey—filled with triumphs and setbacks—adds a layer of authenticity that makes her struggles feel real and impactful.

The relationships in On Wings of Blood are intricately woven, showcasing a spectrum of emotions from camaraderie to betrayal. Boleyn excels at crafting dialogue that is sharp and engaging, often infused with humor that lightens the heavier moments. The dynamics between characters add richness to the story, enhancing the reader’s investment in their fates.

While the pacing occasionally fluctuates, with some slower moments that allow for deeper character exploration, the action sequences are exhilarating and well-executed. Boleyn maintains a perfect balance between heart-pounding excitement and reflective moments, ensuring that readers remain engaged throughout.

Overall, On Wings of Blood is a beautifully written tale that blends fantasy, adventure, and heartfelt emotion. Briar Boleyn has created a world that is both enchanting and dangerous, filled with characters that leap off the page. If you are a fan of strong female leads and intricate plots, this novel is an absolute must-read. I will be reading and reviewing the next installment in this captivating series soon!