This book. THIS BOOK! I swear I have been in a daze since reading it. I have been a fan of Briar Boleyn since reading the Blood of a Fae series, which was the best kind of slow burn, and it was one of those series that just got better and better. On Wings of Blood is the first book in a spinoff series, Bloodwing Academy, and let me tell you, though the romance was a slow burn, it was INSTA love for me ❤️‍🔥

Briar Boleyn has beautiful world building ability, to the point where readers can easily envision themselves as an audience to the storyline. I was immediately engrossed by Sangratha, the new realm Medra tumbles into after the events from Knight of the Goddess (note that you don’t need to have read the Blood of a Fae series to read this spinoff, though I would recommend reading it because it’s awesome). Sangratha is run mostly by high bloods, vampires who are treated like royalty in this new world. Humans are called blight born and are viewed as lesser than in this society. Being mistaken as a blight born with dragon rider blood, Medra is forced into Bloodwing Academy, where she is forced to take classes amongst the high bloods who despise her. Think Fourth Wing x Zodiac Academy with dramione vibes, and sexy vampires, oh, and adorable fluffy owl-fox creatures called fluffins.

I love me a good enemies-to-lovers with a slow burn, and Blake and Medra’s chemistry was off the charts! I was absolutely for it up until the end (iykyk) and I don’t know if he can redeem himself. But Kage, I am Intrigued by him for certain…

Thank you so much to Briar, NetGalley and Starwater Press for the ARC - this was one of my top reads of the year and I cant wait for more readers to discover Bloodwing Academy!

This book was SO incredibly enjoyable. From the premise to the execution, I had an incredible time. I believe this book is being marketed with Harry Potter vibes, and while this book is definitely not for kids, it did let me feel like I was returning to Hogwarts but with vampires. I often find that books with this sort of premise struggle to keep me interested with mundane school life but I am so happy to say that I was interested in every part of this novel.

Now what makes or breaks a book to me is the characters and their relationships. I was concerned initially that this would fall into the insta love or something similar BUT IT DIDN'T. Actually, I found that I loved how the relationship developed and I actually found the friendships to be the best part of the novel.

Finally, the writing was phenomenal. It was so well done that I found myself craving more and searching through other books by this author so that I could fulfill that craving.

Review

“Bloodwing isn’t just a school - it’s a battlefield.”

Welllll my Harry Potter and vampire loving heart just imploded at this magnificent offspring of the two that has manifested into On Wings of Blood 😍
Hooked. Utterly hooked from the get go.

Magical school ✔️
Enemies to lovers ✔️
Fae & vampires ✔️
Friendships ✔️
Touch her and 💀 ✔️
DRAGONS!! ✔️
Found family ✔️
Dual POV ✔️

To name but a few of the topics covered in this absolute whirlwind of a book. I can’t wait to see how Blake and Medra’s relationship develops in book 2 because she is gunna be PISSED after that ending but in the best way possible, give me alllll the drama!!
This book has done an absolutely cracking job in setting the characters up for the next book in the series. The author has excelled in world building, character development and forming relationships. I found myself holding my breath on several occasions whilst reading this book and it had my heart racing. The author has very cleverly left room for so many topics to be explored in the next book and I can’t wait to get my hands on book 2 (coming early 2025!) If you are a fan of Harry Potter, fourth wing and Sarah J Mass books then this is definitely a book for you. I can’t wait for you to read it!

Let me just say upfront—this book was a lot. And I mean that in the best way possible. On Wings of Blood takes you on a whirlwind ride through dark academia, vampire politics, forbidden magic, and—oh yeah—a dragon or two. Think Harry Potter meets Fourth Wing, with all the delicious angst and enemies-to-lovers tension that genre fans crave.

The Setup: Medra Pendragon is thrust into Bloodwing Academy, a school run by highblood vampires where she, a half-fae "blightborn," is automatically at the bottom of the food chain. Add to that a forced betrothal to Blake Drakharrow, a brooding vampire prince who clearly didn’t get the memo about not being a jerk. He’s cold, arrogant, and entirely too hot for his own good—classic bully romance material.

Honestly, the first few chapters felt like sensory overload. The pacing was fast, almost like the book was trying to cram in every piece of world-building as quickly as possible. But once things settled down, I was hooked. The intrigue, the competitions, the brewing secrets—it all came together to create a plot that kept me flipping pages way past my bedtime.

Medra: She’s fierce, determined, and doesn’t take crap from anyone, which makes her easy to root for. I loved how she wasn’t just about survival; she wanted to question everything and break free from the oppressive system. Her inner fire really carried the story, even when things got chaotic.

Blake: Oh boy. If you love morally gray, Draco Malfoy-esque antiheroes, Blake’s got you covered. He’s cruel, yes, but there are glimpses of something deeper—moments where you can’t help but wonder if he might actually be capable of kindness. Their chemistry is electric, and the slow-burn tension is real. Just don’t expect instant romance—this is enemies-to-lovers in its purest, most agonizingly slow form.

The World-Building: Bloodwing Academy is like Hogwarts, but darker, bloodier, and with a hefty dose of vampire politics. There are houses, common rooms, and deadly competitions, but the stakes are much higher—weakness here isn’t just embarrassing, it’s fatal. The lore surrounding the vampires, dragons, and fae is intricate, and while some things felt a little under-explained, I trust the series will dive deeper in future installments.

Critiques: The writing style, while solid, didn’t feel particularly unique. It’s dark and atmospheric, which fits the genre, but I was hoping for a bit more flair or something to really set it apart from other dark academia fantasies. Also, the ending? Definitely a cliffhanger, and it felt a little rushed—I wanted a bit more time to digest everything before it wrapped up.

Final Thoughts: On Wings of Blood is a fast-paced, tension-filled ride through a dark, dangerous world. If you’re a fan of slow-burn romances, morally gray characters, and deadly school settings, this one is definitely worth a read. It’s not perfect, but it’s got all the ingredients for an addictive series, and I’m eagerly waiting for book two.

Briar Boleyn’s On Wings of Blood is an absolutely captivating start to the Bloodwing Academy series, brimming with dark magic, thrilling action, and complex characters. The world-building is immersive, pulling readers into a mysterious academy full of secrets, danger, and hidden power. The protagonist is fiercely compelling, and the relationships—full of tension, loyalty, and intrigue—keep the stakes high throughout. Boleyn’s writing is sharp and evocative, making every twist and turn feel unpredictable and exciting. With an addictive plot and unforgettable characters, this is a must-read for fans of dark academia!

Thank you Starwater Press for the arc!

I was skeptical going into this book. The first few chapters felt very rushed and cliche. It almost felt like whiplash because everything was moving very quickly and honestly, didn't make a whole lot of sense to me.

I'm glad I stuck with it though because it got exponentially better. The plot slowly started to come in and made the first few chapters make more sense. The characters were interesting and I didn't know who to trust, it kept me wanting more.

Medra came off as cocky in the beginning but once I got into the story, I really started to like her character and what she stood for. She felt realistic and genuine to me.

The villain in this story is not like a stereotypical villain in most, where you hate him and then love him. It was a rollercoaster of emotions I felt with him and I think that's why I like him.

I will definitely be rereading and watching for the next one!

I was hooked on the first page! If you like vampires with a mix of Harry Potter and Fourth Wing, you will LOVE On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn!

On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn was absolutely enthralling! I was hooked on the first page.
I love a good slow burn, enemies to lovers romance, and this did not disappoint! It is definitely one of my favorite books of the year.
It started off great and just got better and better. I loved everything about it. It was pure perfection!
I loved the whole story; The dark academia x Fourth Wing with Vampire vibes was an awesome addition. Also, I loved that the vampires in this story were unique in how they acted, and they didnt have typical weaknesses. That ending had me in shock and awe. I can't wait to read the next book!

On Wings of Blood follows Medra as she's finding herself in a, new to her, world; run by vampires. She must navigate the trials of being a human, and her new school after being forced to be a consort. To a vampire who has been a bully to her. All because her hair is red, apparently meaning she's a dragon rider. The only dragon rider..

Thank you NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for allowing me to read this in exchange for my review!

Ok this book was crazy good, it held my attention captive and didn’t let go.

I’m so so mad at that ending because now I have to wait on the next book. Also, I am not team Blake, he’s going to have to be less entitled in the future to sway me.

This book is a perfect enemies to lovers with an interesting plot that still has a lot of questions to answer. There’s banter, friendship, and so much lust and feminine rage. I am a sucker for an academy setting, powerful characters, broody competitive men and fierce female characters. I hope in the next book we can expand on the world building as like fourth wing we end up focused in one place. Unlike fourth wing though the dragons in this story are a lot more ominous and wrapped up in history, and our FMC is at the core of whether dragon riders and dragons will return.

Lastly I love that there are different worlds, creatures and bloodlines. I think book 2 might give us more details on the politics and hopefully how our FMC got to the vampire dominated world.

Happily rating 4.5 (rounded up to 5)

✨"I fell asleep and dreamed of snow and dragons."✨

I had already read the author's 'Blood of a Fae' trilogy and loved the way she made the story of King Arthur and Morgana unique, so I was pretty sure she wouldn't let me down! Which, indeed, she did not.

I had already met Medra in the previous books and loved seeing her as the protagonist of her own story and also loved all the references made to Morgan Draven and his entire family in Camelot (you don't have to read the other trilogy, but if you have you will freak out at every mention of the other characters). As I've already said, I loved the main character: despite waking up in an unfamiliar world with new and ruthless creatures, customs and a forced betrothal, Medra is not afraid to face every obstacle she finds in her path , to think with her mind and questioning everything that no one has ever dared to object.

Blake is the prince of Sangratha and is cold, ruthless and a product of the way and environment in which he grew up. He is definitely Draco Malfoy coded and the anti-hero par excellence, but despite this, he is still able to perform small acts of kindness towards Medra (or is he?).

I can't say that Medra and Blake end up in the "Enemies to Lovers" trope because they are really just enemies (for now). But I did love the world in which the author made the hatred, tension and mutual attraction in their every interaction. And what can I say? I want more!

Between the pages one can clearly see the influences of Harry Potter, Zodiac Academy and Fourth Wing but, despite this, the author has managed to create an original and immersive world building with vampires, dragons and humans which is complex and explained to perfection!

✨ On Wings of Blood is therefore a is with a dahs of dark romance full of political intrigue, with well-characterised characters and a fast pace that keeps you glued to the book, making you devour it in a couple of days!

This book hooked me in from the first page.
There was a lot of intrigue built around Medra and her importance to the story as a dragon rider.
Loved every moment reading this book. And I can’t wait to read the sequel!

Vampire boarding schoole with dark academy, bully romance/hate to lovers, morray grey maincharcters, trials and spice!
It also have slow burn dragons, forced engagement and found family.

I was defently intrigued even if it was a bit long - but that ending?! I need the next book...
Post on IG 19.dec 2024 one_fairy_tale_at_the_time

Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for allowing me the privilege of this arc read.

I simply devoured this book, I couldn’t put it down. The elements of suspense, the banter and the mystery of it all kept me hooked from the first page. This is truly a fantastically written book. I am VERY eager to read the next book! The elements of Harry Potter, fourth wing, and I even get a bit of acotar vibes. It’s a truly captivating book. Medra is a badass and witty, I adore a strong fmc that can hold her own. Blake is a morally grey with a soft side for specific fluffy creatures Mmc and you can’t help but fall. I am very excited to see what lies ahead for them in the next book! I’m giving it 4⭐️ and 1🌶️

My reasoning for 4⭐️ and not 5 is because as of this book there’s not muvh info on her mothers soul, with it being stuck in a dagger I was eager to learn more. Perhaps in the next book? Also there was a HUGE plot hole in the consort games that threw me off quite a bit. I still loved it non the less but there’s a few plot holes in there still

Thank you to NetGalley, Starwater Press, and Briar Boleyn for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review!

The book had a good pacing. I loved the intro and premise until we reached the Bloodwing academy. It suddenly felt like the setting was a bit juvenile with how the characters suddenly acted and talked. I almost forgot what ages they were supposed to be. This was my third (dark) academia read so I don’t think I’m into this setting or I just haven’t found a book of it that I like yet.

I find the vampires insufferable and they're definitely bullies, especially Regan. I love the world building and lore. I never read the Zodiac Academy series yet but i definitely can tell there was some Harry Potter/Hogwarts and Fourth Wing inspiration when it came to the Bloodwing Academy (although I did not enjoyed Fourth Wing).

I kinda ship Medra (FMC) with Professor Rodriguez despite the minimal interactions they had lol I want more of Professor Rodriguez in the next books!

Although this first book was more in the vampire’s setting, I hope to learn more about the dragons and Medra’s world and background in the next books. The ending really got me hooked and invested! I’m looking forward to continuing the series!


#OnWingsofBloodBloodwingAcademy #NetGalley

A brilliant academy setting - strong descriptions and the trials and lessons were deliciously brutal.

I loved the dual POV of the MCs. Both very strong voices.

I'm so glad we saw our bully/villain's softer side introduced gradually. The tension was perfect.

I really loved the mum element - no spoilers. It added a whole new level.

Fantastic ending! I REALLY hoped this would happen.

From start to finish, On Wings Of Blood, is exciting and fast paced. A dark academia with Fae and Vampires ! I can see this taking off in the Romantasy world. Especially those who enjoy bond/betrothal, morally grey/possessive MMC, banter, and dragons ! This story, although very unique, it reminded me of Harry Potter and Crowns Of Nyaxia. The author has a way of introducing you to the politics and setting in a way through out a scene that I haven't read in a book, and done so smoothly, in a long time. So many questions left unanswered. I need book two ASAP that cliffhanger is wild.

A romantasy that is as it says on the tin - a mix of Harry Potter and Fourth wing. Enjoyable easy read with female lead. Thank you to the author. Thank you to #netgalley and the publisher for an ARC.

Overall Thoughts: This book was a rollercoaster, to say the least. It was fun but very nerve-wracking, and made me angry really really easily. I rated it pretty high because I think it was good, but it wasn't a perfect 5 stars for me. Personally, the ending of a book can make or break my rating, but this ending didn't because I felt like it wasn't really filled out enough to even affect my rating. But overall, it was a good book!

The Harry Potter vibes for this one were out of control. Like, I'm serious. 4 houses, common rooms, the idea of a castle in the school...if there were ever a book to compare every character to a Harry Potter character, it's this one.

Thoughts on writing style: Honestly, and I'm not saying this to be rude, but in my opinion Briar Boleyn's writing style isn't anything special. It reads like a lot of other books. I'm not complaining, because the book is written well, I personally just like it when a book/author's writing has a unique feel to it. And that's not to say that Boleyn isn't a good author - she is, otherwise I most likely wouldn't have liked the book. I personally just feel like the writing was missing a certain magical aspect to it. It was rugged and dark, which is good for this book, but any dark academia book could be written that way. A book like this, with a main character like Medra, might call for a little more fire to the way its written - a little more umph.

Plot thoughts: So, the overall plot is this: Medra Pendragon died to save her world. Then, she wakes up in a new one. Blake Drakharrow, prince of House Drakharrow, finds her, and they are betrothed. Medra is suddenly thrust into studies at Bloodwing Academy, where the highbloods (aka vampires) are looked up at by the blightborns (anyone who isn't a highblood).

But that's just the overall! There is SO MUCH to this book. Boleyn wove together aspects of every character and created not only plots to fit their arcs, but characters to fit the plot she wanted the book to follow, and I LOVE it!

World building Thoughts: I think the things that Boleyn wants us to know about, we know about. It's a bit hard to explain but like, yeah, that's the vibe I get. We don't know a lot about Arcaenum (although that might be because there's a whole other series...i'm not sure). But we sure do know a lot about the high bloods (or at least, we think we do. Boleyn did a very good job ensuring that we have a sense of doubt in how true the history that Medra learns at school is).

Relationship thoughts: Medra and Blake are really, truly enemies to lovers. And like, its SLOW. Trust me, if you make through the book, you'll understand HOW slow. It's...it's an enemies to lovers slow burn that will have you out of your mind. It's a real slow-burn and it's written REALLY well.

Thoughts on Medra: She's fiery and fierce, and she's also pretty smart, but I personally didn't relate to her that much. I do relate to her attraction to people who look like Draco Malfoy, though. And, she loves her friends, and hates the people who mess with them, which is SOOOO legit, like geez Boleyn, did you stare into my soul to write this aspect of your character?

She's got a good spirit, she's kind, she's funny...overall, she's the kind of person I'd like to be associated with. She may be in a Dramione kind of relationship, but she gives me Ginny x Harry's child vibes honestly. And it's not just cause of the hair. Speaking of her hair...I personally got really annoyed when it was pressed upon that her hair was red, but whatever, that's just the way its written - her hair is important. Ok, Rapunzel, we understand.

Final Thoughts: I really liked it! I hope the next books are better, but overall I can't wait to read them (hopefully I get approved for their ARCs, whenever it comes around that I can apply). This was definitely the longest review I've ever written bc I'm reviewing an ARC, anyways I hope you enjoyed.

Final Rating: 4.25/5 stars

All I can say is yes. 100% yes, read this one. I consider myself a fantasy girly but usually don’t lean towards vampire things, but this book is the exception. The description mentions Fourth wing vibes but that’s modest. This book is what fourth wing wishes it was. It also gives me slight Red Queen under tones. I can’t wait until the next book is released.

One thing, In chapter 10; “I eyed her curiously. "So you don't think everything here is perfect here after all?"

(Review left on amazon but is pending or I would add a link)

I liked this book and would like to read the next in the series. I had previously read the last series which lightly featured the mfc, Medra. I felt a lot of similarities to Fourth Wing... a lot & yes, a little to Harry Potter as well. So - their marketing is spot on. However, I didn't mind as I really liked Fourth Wing/series. The ending was somewhat expected (honestly thought they might go bigger with 4 instead of 1). I would like to see more interaction with her "spirit guide" - not going to clarify due to spoiler. I also like/expect a little more triangle with another house leader in the next book. I was glad to see she was upset by what Blake, mmc, did toward the end...otherwise that would have not stayed true to her character. I felt this was a great first book to set up the next one (ones?). I'm normally not a huge fan of insta-hate with insta-lust, but it didn't put me off here. Thanks for the ARC opportunity netgalley and the publisher.

I have got to admit this was my first book that I read written by Briar Boleyn and wow I will definitely be coming back for more. I loved all the tropes within this book and I was hooked from the very beginning. It is everything I look for in a Romantasy book. Would definitely recommend as it is really under hyped I think it deserves a lot more people talking about it