Huge thanks to NetGalley and Starwater Press for the chance to read an ARC of this book!

Imagine if Harry Potter and Fourth Wing had a baby—and that baby turned out to be a vampire. That’s basically what this book is, and I am here for it, tbh. This book follows our main character Medra Pendragon (from *the* Camelot apparently), who should be dead but somehow isn’t, and instead, she’s transported to this other world (or universe? reality?), and things just do downhill for her from there.

I’m giving this a solid 4.5 stars! The only reason I didn't give it the full 5 stars is that sometimes the dialogue was a bit cringey or the information "too easy to come by", but it was such a minor issue that it didn’t take me out of the story at all. As for the romance: slow-burn and HOT. Though I did wish we could have had a few more interactions between the main characters; I was definitely invested and rooting for them. That said, the ending makes it clear we’ll be getting way more of them in the next book (and I can’t wait!).

The book was easy to get into, and while there were a few moments that lulled the pace, I was honestly so hooked most of the time that I couldn’t put it down. It kept me turning the page, and now I’m so excited for what’s next.

P.S. Although there isn't a TON of spicy scenes, the ones that it does have are about a 3.5/5 on the spiceometer so read at your own discretion.

Briar Boleyn really does know how to hook in a reader and never let them go! This was an intense, action packed Romantasy that will leave you desperate for more.

THIS. BOOK. I was HOOKED from the very first line: "I think I was drunk. Drunk on power, drunk on her blood." This book absolutely BLEW ME AWAY. It has everything I grew up loving about fantasy, and everything I love about it now as an adult. I'll be thinking about this story and these characters until the sequel releases later this month (thank the Bloodmaiden, because I needed it yesterday).

What do you get when you mix Harry Potter, Fourth Wing, Vampire Academy, House of the Dragon, and sprinkle in some lore & a heaping dose of vampires? Bloodwing Academy. It's the perfect recipe for dark academia fantasy romance brimming with betrayal, vampires, fae, dragons, political intrigue, and a magical school filled with complex characters you can't help but love (and maybe sometimes hate). Throw in a TORTUROUS and DELICIOUS slow-burn romance, and you've got a book I couldn't put down.

The FMC, Medra Pendragon, is a half-fae, half-human badass who's thrown into a world she doesn't understand - a world that doesn't understand her either. She's the last of the dragon riders (or so they claim), and stuck in a school full of highblood vampires who see her nothing more than blightborn (a mortal), and a pawn in their games. Oh, and she's also betrothed to the worst of the worst - Prince Blake Drakharrow.

Speaking of our MMC... our morally grey prince with Draco Malfoy energy and a touch her & die attitude? I couldn't help but fall for him, even as I questioned whether I was being gaslit as much as Medra was. He's the perfect match to Medra's fiery spirit. Their dynamic? Electric. The tension, the banter? Chef's kiss.

But this story isn't just about romance. It's a battlefield of lies, deadly competitions, and a world that drips with original mythology. The stakes are high, the twists are mind-blowing, and the dragons - though gone (?) - leave a shadow over the narrative that feels alive. The school itself, Bloodwing Academy, is a character in its own right - as haunting as it is captivating & magical.

This book perfectly balances character-driven storytelling with epic world-building, creating an experience that feels like coming home to everything I’ve ever loved about fantasy while still offering something fresh and exciting. The friendships are heartwarming, the professors are intriguing (and grow on you over time), and the political scheming keeps you guessing at every turn. I could go on forever about how much I loved this book, but I’ll leave you with this: do yourself a favor and read it.

Slept on

Holy smokesss! This book is slept on big time! It's true. Harry potter, zodiac academy, fourth wing, and even acotar all in one book but COMPLETELY different. It has all the incredible elements from each book but as an entirely unique storyline. Not one thing is really a direct parallel to the og series. If you loved the intense world building and school life from Harry potter, if you loved the bullying aspect of zodiac academy (ITS NOT NEARLY AS INTENSE), the stolen away and falling into something so much more from acotar, and the military aspect plus dragons from fourth wing, THEN PICK THIS UP!! This took me 1ish days to read and it's basically 800 pages but it felt like 200. It flew by because it was so good.

Early read from netgalley

Thank you for sharing a copy of this book with me, I really loved it and can't wait for the next one!
I thought the entire premise of the book was great and so fun, I love anything with some kind of academy in and a darker setting so this was perfect for me. I also thought the world building was done really well without just dumping information on the reader.
I also liked that the way vampires are in this world is different to typical vampire lore and behaviour which was refreshing.
There's a few things that meant it wasn't a 5 star read for me. One was that, although I really loved the characters, I was a little sad at the ending with Blake's behaviour as I felt like all of his character development throughout the book was then lost.
The second was that there was a lot of hinting at something the FMC had gone through previously which led to her landing in this new realm but we never found out what that was and it also wasn't really mentioned again after we reached 25% of the book and it just felt like a forgotten plot point, leaving me with lots of questions.
Other than those two small criticisms, I really liked this book and I am looking forward to reading the next one!

On Wings of Blood was my first dive into dragon fantasy, and what an introduction it was! I'm not sure what I was expecting when I went into the book because, like I said, I've never read dragon fiction before but I know it's a hugely popular subgenre so there must be a reason. To be fair, it's not heavy on the dragons (yet) as Medra, our main character who has been "dropped" into this world is supposedly a dragon rider, but there are no dragons left. I'm sure we can all see where that is going, but the story is about so much more!

This is a dark acadaemia novel at its core, so you've inevitably got a bit of a Harry Potter feel in there, but darker and more dangerous. Others have compared it to Fourth Wing and Zodiac Academy (both on my TBR!) but it has has a little bit of Hunger Games thrown in there, and of course, an ACOTAR feel too. It has excellent pacing and a lot of intrigue. There's still a lot left to discover about Medra to be explored in future books.

There's an excellent enemies to lovers relationship in this one. Blake, the other half of this partnership, is an excellent character who makes a good match in how well he's written to Medra. Someone described him as having Draco Malfoy energy - and I totally agree! There's also a found family element with a lovely friendship between Medra, Florence and Naveem.

This is one of my top new fantasy reads - it's a brand new release and I'm hoping it gets the attention it deserves in 2025!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for an ARC of this book.

Briar Boleyn's On Wings of Blood is a captivating dark academia tale, rich with vampire lore, forbidden romance, and political intrigue. The world-building is immersive, and the atmosphere is both dark and alluring. I did have a bit of trouble getting into the story because I felt dropped into the middle of a story without a lot of background events explained. (But I have only read books 1 and 2 of the other series so I feel like this is my fault and not the stories.)

This dual POV story is engaging, but I also struggled with the FMC, Medra. I found her frustrating. Her character arc, while intriguing, can be inconsistent and at times, self-defeating. Despite her strong will and potential, her actions often feel impulsive and short-sighted. I definitely enjoyed the enigmatic and brooding vampire prince, Blake. Their tumultuous relationship is a highlight, filled with tension, desire, and a slow-burn romance. The supporting cast also really helped!

Overall, On Wings of Blood is a solid read for fans of dark fantasy romance. It offers a unique and captivating world, filled with danger, magic, and forbidden love.

Troupes: touch her and die, vampires, dragons (maybe), magic, found family, strong friendships
Spice 3/5
Plot 4/5
Pace 3.5/5
Character Personality 3.75/5
Character Growth 4/5
Writing Style 4/5
World Building 5/5

I don't even know where to start with this review! I just want to write - READ THIS NOW - but that would be inadequate. I need to start off by saying, that you definitely need to read the trigger warnings at the beginning of the book before going any further, because there are a lot of them.

This book has everything:
-vampires and fae
-dragon lore
-unique world building
-dark academia
-enemies to lovers
-political intrigue
-forbidden love
-found family

I was hooked from the prologue and had a hard time putting it down. You will love and hate so many characters. There were a few times where it seemed repetitive, but there was so much going on that the bigger parts made up for the slower ones.

Last thought...you think it's ending in a way where you can easily wait for book 2, but no, complete cliffhanger that you will lose sleep over. I can't wait for the next book!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the opportunity to read and review this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

I'm utterly captivated by 'On Wings of Blood' by Briar Boleyn, a dark academia fantasy romance that masterfully intertwines vampires, fae, and dragon lore. Set in the foreboding Bloodwing Academy, Medra, a vampire, must navigate a treacherous world alongside other supernatural beings, each with their own secrets and agendas. With its unique blend of tension and angst, this book is a must-read for fans of the genre. The author's skillful storytelling and vivid world-building have left me eagerly anticipating the sequel. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a captivating read that will keep them on the edge of their seat. The complex characters, intricate plot, and immersive setting make 'On Wings of Blood' a standout in the dark academia fantasy romance genre.

I was surprised by how quickly this book absolutely enthralled me! I started texting friends about it very early on and insisting that they needed to read it, even though I was barely 1/4 of the way through. I was reminded of so many of my favorite series - my pitch to anyone who would listen has been “Imagine that the best parts of Hogwarts, Twilight, and Fourth Wing got tossed in a blender - this book is the result!” I love the unquestionably morally grey MMC, the sass of the FMC, and their interactions with not only each other, but with the supporting characters as well. The relationships read as authentic, and the rivalries are thrilling. I cannot WAIT for the next book!!

*On Wings of Blood* by Briar Boleyn is a mesmerizing dark fantasy that not only pulls you into an intriguing world but also tugs at your heartstrings. The emotional stakes are high, as the protagonist battles internal conflicts and external forces, all while navigating deep personal loss, betrayal, and a desperate fight for survival. Boleyn’s writing beautifully captures the raw emotions of the characters, making their struggles feel incredibly real and intense. The tension between love, power, and sacrifice adds layers of complexity to the story, ensuring you’re invested in every moment. With its rich world-building and emotionally charged narrative, *On Wings of Blood* is an unforgettable read that will stay with you long after the final page.

I was nervous at first but ended up loving this book! I think the author was right in saying it has a solid mix of inspiration from Fourth Wing, Harry Potter, and I would dare to say Hunger Games (a light sprinkle).

The things I could have used more of: more dragons, more dragons, more dragons! That part was a touch disappointing for me. I also would have loved to see the Consort Games take up a larger chunk of the book, and let some of the fluff go. Finally the beginning was a bit confusing and I'm hoping some unknowns get answered in the second book.

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

Harry Potter x Fourth Wing, Zodiac Academy, and vampires? **grabby hands**

After dying to save the ones she loves, our FMC Medra wakes up, but not in the afterlife as you would expect. She has somehow been transported into a bloodthirsty world, held captive by vampires. On Wings of Blood was the perfect mix of dragons, enemies to lovers and dark academia. The vibes were Dramione-esque (so of course I loved it). Medra is a strong, badass FMC and despite her heartbreaking story, she takes no bullshit. I was rooting for her from the first chapter. If you are a fan of Dramione, dragons, and ruthless academy settings I can’t recommend this book enough.

Tropes

⚔️ Trials
🥀 Villain gets the girl
⚔️ Arranged marriage
🥀 Touch her and die
⚔️ Academy setting

**Thank you to Briar Boleyn, Stillwater Press and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review**

This one really suprised me. I like a good vampire romance every once in awhile, but I really got into this one! When Medra Pendragon is found on a pile of bodies she can’t remember how she got there. Blake is the vampire who claims her for his own, but Medra and Blake’s uncle have other ideas.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you for allowing me to review

Thank you NetGalley and Starwater Press for this eCopy to review

I recently finished reading "On Wings of Blood" by Briar Boleyn, and it was quite an adventure. The story is set in the intriguing world of Bloodwing Academy, where highblood vampires rule and the Blightborn are viewed as expendable. The academy is a dangerous place, filled with deadly competitions and power struggles.

Medra Pendragon, the last of the dragon riders, finds herself captured and brought to Bloodwing Academy. Here, she must navigate a world where highblood vampires see her as nothing more than a pawn. Among them is Blake Drakharrow, a cold and arrogant vampire who has been tormenting her since their first encounter. Medra and Blake are betrothed, adding another layer of complexity to her already perilous situation. As Medra uncovers secrets about her heritage and the academy, she realizes that the real danger might not be the academy itself, but what she is becoming.

The book is filled with tension, banter, and a slow-burn romance that kept me hooked. The world-building is rich, blending elements of Arthurian legend with unique vampire and dragon lore.

Overall, "On Wings of Blood" is a captivating read with strong character development and an engaging plot. The book's intricate world and the dynamic between Medra and Blake make it a compelling read.

I tried to finish this book but couldn’t. I disliked the writing style and there was a lot of unnecessary descriptions and dialogue I think

5⭐️

I really really enjoyed this book!! It started straight away with the action and kept me hooked all the way to the end.
The character building was great - you really started to connect with all the characters, especially Medra and Blake.
I loved the world building, and the setting of the school, Bloodwing, gave me Vampire Academy vibes.
I’m very excited to see where this story takes us next!

I fell in love with this book - a beautiful entertaining of Fourth Wing/Harry Potter/Serpents and the Wings of Night, and a few unique twists that the author incorporated to make this story special!! A strong willed, stubborn FMC with an equally stubborn but internal-war-struggling MMC, and the banter keeps the slow burn on your toes! If you love academia/romantasy/plot-driven books, this is a great one! I’d recommend this for all the 18+ romantasy readers who need to cure a good book hangover!

“It’s not protection, little dragon. It’s a claim.” 🤭


Medra is our main character she is half fae half human and she finds her self waking up in this other world full of vampires. She gets “saved” by the vampire prince and he brings her back to people in charge.(above him) She then gets enrolled in a vampire / human school. Where she is tested beyond her limits and trained by her professors on how to survive but there are a few surprises at this school that she doesn’t know about until it’s too late.


🤣“Well I can see why he doesn’t want you. Who would want a snide whiny bitch sucking them off?” 🤣😱🤭


Drake is our MMC he is a darker, crueler version of Draco from Harry Potter(love lol) He also doesn’t smell like pine and snow thank god 😂 He is very territorial and protective

I will say this book is heavier on the world building then other books I usually read and it is slightly confusing as you only know what Medra knows and what you find out from Blake later! I am hoping to get answers with the second book cause OMG! 😆

I absolutely adored this book!!! Briar Boleyn!! This was my first book I’ve read from her and I was completely blown away! The way she writes is like I’m actually in the book I feel like I have attended the school just as much as Medra had lol


“Our bond isn’t strong enough for me to feed from you…” 🩸


I can’t wait for the next book, literally the day it comes out that’s all I’m doing 🤣

This had all of the right tropes, ideas and potential. I loved the idea of a Harry Potter like academy with vampires, fae and a ruling class. The execution was poor unfortunately (in my opinion). The writing felt juvenile and there was little to no character development. Overall I will still give 3 stars though, because I did like some of the themes.