I was a huge fan of Briar Boleyn's Blood of a Fae series and book 1 of this new spin off series has me HOOKED once again!

If you read the previous series, you'll be familiar with Medra and it was great to get to know her more. The setting itself is giving off Fourth Wing x Hogwarts x Zodiac Academy x Game of Thrones vibes. There is a dark, gothic feel.

Medra ends up in a new world run by four Vampire houses and she doesn't take sh*t from anyone. She ends up betrothed to a vampire named Blake who gives off Major Draco Malfoy energy. She also finds out she has dragon rider blood (even though there are no dragon's left in this world).

She ends up in an elite academy and this a major slow burn x bully vibes book, but it all pays off. I really really enjoyed it and am dying for the next book!

Following the end of the Blood of Fae series we follow Medra as she finds herself in another world from her own.
I loved it! Vampires and Dragons, morally grey mmc, what more can you ask for.
A bit spicy, it is a dark academia with different powerful houses and an oppressive society for those considered weaker.
I loved the characters, the way everything unfolded and the powerful ending leaving me wanting more.

Currently screaming into the void that I need book 2 ASAP. I get that this book just released but OMG!! Beautifully written.

The style is engaging, quick, and enTHRALLing (you'll think that's funny once you read this book).

If you read the Blood of the Fae series, you get to be with Medra again (yay!). If you didn't, you'll get bits and pieces of that series, but nothing that would leave you not understanding this book..it can be read separately from that series, but it's definitely nice to have some background in your back pocket.

I'll say this....I was indifferent to Medra in Blood of the Fae series but absolutely love her in On Wings of Blood. She deserves all of the good things, even though life really just keeps knocking her down. She is strong, smart, cunning, and brave. So, so brave!

Blake. You want to hate him...you do. And I think I still might? But I'm also not sure? But also I'm hoping he can be that morally grey MMC? I know he wants to be, but I also know that he is born, bred, and raised to believe he is superior and that he can do no wrong. His entitlement knows no bounds, but also maybe there is someone who wants to do good deep deep down there? He is very much a one step forward, two steps back MMC. You'll be in for a ride with him

This series is going to be epic. I can feel it. I'm excited to see where it goes. There are so many layers established here. From the vampires, to the dragons, to Medra you know....not even being of that world....I can feel Briar pulling back all of those layers and I'm so ready to see what she does with them!

This book was a grown up Harry Potter, but make it vampires, and add some dragons and a fae. It is a perfect mesh of everything that makes Romantasy, Romantasy and I am HERE for it!

Overall: highly recommend!

"Let it be known that this bond is unbreakable, as enduring as the strength of our realm. By my will and the power of our ancient rites, Blake Drakharrow and Medra Pendragon are now bound together in fate and duty, forever unyielding, irrevocably united. As the dragon flies and the blood endures, so shall your destinies be intertwined. Your bond is forged. Through fire and shadows, you shall be one. What is spoken is unbroken. What is bound cannot be unbound."

"It's not protection, little dragon. It's a claim." His gray eyes darkened as they flicked down to my exposed neck, an unspoken reminder hanging between us.
"You're mine. No one touches what belongs to me."

"Medra," she said. "Sometimes the problem is that we don't see ourselves the way others do.”

Absolutely amazing !!! Wow !!! This book was a welcomed surprise and an absolutely thrill in my tbr!!!! Medra Pendragon, the little girl whom we have seen already in the Blood of a Fae series (just remembering her there makes me want to ugly cry) is now thrown into a world of dragons long gone - as well as dragon riders - and vampires. An Academy for highbloods and blightborns. And where she is thrown into an arranged marriage through bonds with the descendant of one of the most powerful houses !!! This book was Harry Potter - dramione fanfic specifically - mixed with Vampire Academy, mixed with From Blood and Ash !!! And it was magnificent!!! Starting from the very beginning, I felt enchanted by the narrative and what the author managed to do with the exciting characters’ dynamic and thrilling and magical storyline. Seeing Medra living the life she never had in the first series was riveting and when characters from that series were mentioned … I found myself looking back at those moments and those people with nostalgia but so much love. Now she is the firecracker we knew she could have become had she has the chance. And Blake … hot damn it, he is exactly the Draco Malfoy we wanted !!!! Blond haired, tattooed and morally grey but obsessed with her in a way none of them expected not wanted really. Their dynamic was as addicting as it was complicated and from start to finish you are not sure whether you want them to work things out or not!!! And the found family trope here … it’s not in depth yet but I expect it will be as we move forward with the story!!! Dragons and vampires are an odd mix for a book, but help me, if I was’t intrigued !!! If I could, I definitely would get the whole thing early !!!! I’m absolutely invested and I can’t wait for more !!!

“She'd attacked me with murder in her heart. And yet, idiot that I was, it was her I couldn't take my eyes off.”

“Medra Pendragon was mine. And I was prepared to die before I let any harm come to her.
She was mine before we'd even met. Even when she hadn't known it yet. She was mine and I was hers.
It didn't matter if she believed it. If she accepted it. It didn't matter if she hated me. I'd believe it enough for both of us. She was mine and she always would be.
My heart might have been black, my deeds as dark as night, but she was mine to protect, mine to keep safe, with everything I had to give.”

3.75 stars ⭐️

this book gave off harry potter vibes and had lots of vampires, that’s for sure!

the worldbuilding was easy to follow and intriguing. i was fully engaged during the first 30% of the book, but the next 55% felt dragged on and lackluster. however, the last 15% picked up again.

ᡣ𐭩.ᐟ medra
medra is tough, self-sufficient, and determined, and i absolutely loved her no-nonsense attitude.

ᡣ𐭩.ᐟ blake
blake is actually a softie beneath his cold and arrogant facade, and i loved how he always looked out for medra. i wasn’t a fan of his possessiveness though. i mean... she IS his betrothed, but the number of times he said “she’s mine” felt a bit excessive imo 😭

ᡣ𐭩.ᐟ medra and blake
if you know me, you know i hate insta-love/lust, so i really appreciated the slow burn between them. however, it was hard to fully feel their connection and tension since we barely got blake’s pov, which made their dynamic feel somewhat incomplete.

ᡣ𐭩.ᐟ other characters
i adored the found family, especially florence and naveen. they were welcoming and supportive of medra, and i loved how they all looked out for one another and found comfort in each other’s company 🥹💗

overall, i think this book focused more on worldbuilding and laid the groundwork for the rest of the series. i fairly enjoyed it and am looking forward to the next book!! i would definitely recommend it, and i can’t wait to hear everyone else’s thoughts on it <3

thank you netgalley and victory editing netgalley co-op for providing me with an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review!!

I just want to start out by saying thank you to Briar Boleyn and NetGalley for an arc!

Rating: 5 stars ⭐️
2/5 Spice 🌶️

My thoughts: I couldn’t put this book down and need the next book now!! This is one of my favorite books that I’ve read this year. Medra as the main female character had a strong and great badass attitude from her (smash the patriarchy vibes). Plus the chemistry between her and Blake had me yelling at her to stop being so stubborn.
Plot wise this book was quick with world building and main story actions then slowed down and picked back up again nearing the end.
I hope we get more of Medra’s backstory and Blake begging for forgiveness in the next book.


Things to expect:
- Touch her and you die
- Enemies to lovers
- Dragons and Vampires
- Arranged marriage
- Fourth Wing x Harry Potter x Vampires

4.5 ⭐

Welcome to Bloodwing Academy where only the elites of society Highborn and blightborn attend. Medra Pendragon didn’t sign up for this. Neither did the cold-blooded Prince Blake Drakharrow. It was the only option when Medra was thrown into this world at his feet. Discovered to be the only Dragon Rider in existence, the Council betrothed her to the heartless Prince and is whisked away for training. Will she sink or swim under the pressure? These elegant halls are filled with cruel, trecherous enemies and you never know who may be lurking in the shadows.

The world was utterly fascinating. You get glimpses of Arthurian legends/landscapes then you have this juxtaposition to Veilmar. There is so much lore from the significance of the BloodMaiden to the Dragon wars. Briar's prose really brings everything to life. Im really interested in if the story continues just in Bloodwing/Veilmar or if the reader will get to see more of the world in a large scope.

Medra Pendragon. Scrappy, fierce princess lunged straight into a blood thirsty vampire world. I found myself really rooting for her especially when it came to dealing with Regan. Sometimes I did have some issues with Medra that I hope will get smoothed out since it’s a bit coming of age. Her anger was so all consuming she just didn’t care or wouldn’t listen to reason or would jump to conclusions. She seems to see everything in one way or the complete opposite of the spectrum as opposed to understanding grey areas. One prime example I can give is how she views Aenia for the majority of this.

Prince Blake Drakharrow. Bloodwing’s Draco-esque morally grey Hero. Oh, you did not disappoint in the slightest. I had that gut feeling Blake was going to have deep multiple layers on layers to him. OVERLY possessive would be putting it very lightly here. He will devour anyone and anything that so much as looks at Medra suspiciously. The banter was electric between the two of them. There aren’t many spicy scenes but when they do occur, get ready for an enthralling experience.

I won’t linger too much on the other academy students but will say Kage caught much of my attention. I wish we could explore more of the feud there and really deep dive. Theo had me dying of laughter and has this high energy that’s intoxicating.

I would recommend this to readers who are interested in a dark academia fantasy sprinkled with lightly spiced romance. Very fast paced chosen one story that will have you entertained from the start. I look forward to seeing how Medra, Blake & the rest of the Bloodwing Academy students evolve in the continued series.

Thank you to Briar Boleyn, Starwater Press & NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The first book in the new series thats a spinoff of the Camelot-inspired Blood of a Fae series, this time Dramione + vampires + dragons vibes at a magical school in a new world!

Medra had to grow up too fast, and lived a life that was cut way too short- except that it absolutely was not!! She finds herself in a new world, is quickly taken captive by the tough and angsty and powerful Blake Drakharrow, a highblood (vampire) prince- and forced into a betrothal to him within hours of meeting him and is seen as a prize. Dragons and their riders haven't been seen in Sangratha in ages, but Medra just happens to fit the type- if only they had a dragon for her!

Throughout the school year, Medra is forced to learn more about this world she was thrust into, survive combat classes, learn to protect herself from vampire magic (very similar to occlumency...), and form friendships with the right people (aka those who do not want to kill her)! Blake is her number one nemesis, but there is a special draw pulling together through a betrothal bond...

I thought this was a great start to a new series. It was ambitious in getting a whole lot of world building set out for the readers, but luckily had some of those familiar Harry Potter-esque connections that made it easier, and fun to find the easter eggs. Medra was a great lead, and I felt we really got to know her and her motivations. Blake, on the other hand, I still have questions about and am itching to learn more about what makes him tick in the next book. This was great fun if you're looking for a magical school, vampires, and some good enemies to lovers (enemies to interested parties) vibes!

Thank you so much to Briar Boleyn and NetGalley for a chance to read this in exchange for an honest review.

This was such an amazing read!! I loved the world that this was set in and the characters were very well written. I loved everything about this book. I can not wait until book 2.

On Wings of Blood is incredible! It’s starts off with you on the edge of your seat as we see from Medra’s perspective as she wakes after what she believes was her death saving her people from a great evil. Only she is alive and in a strange land with no idea how she got there and oh she is captured by vampires who decide she has special blood and is immediately betrothed to the cruel vampire Prince who captured her. Little does Medra know that dangers lurks around every corner as she is also forced to attend Bloodwing Academy it’s fight or die as every day is fraught with new perils as she tries to navigate a world she does not understand. Nit knowing who is friend or foe.

The world building is exceptional and the characters are both likable and hate-able depending on who they are. Showcasing a storyline that is fraught with danger, found family and resilience. I absolutely cannot wait to see what happens in the next installment I was blown away by the ending and I need more stat!

Thank you to Briar Boleyn and NetGalley for providing me with an arc!

Actual rating: 6 i-need-the-next-book-now ⭐️’s

What to expect:
- Dragons and Vampires
- Enemies to lovers
- Academy
- Bullies, including mmc
- Trials
- Arranged marriage
- Fourth Wing vibes
- Touch her and you die… literally
- Spice 1/5 🌶️

My Thoughts:
I think this might be my favorite book of the year—actually, it probably is! From the enticing plot to the angst-filled relationship, everything about it was perfect. I loved the female main character, Medra! She was a strong, badass character that I immediately enjoyed. The connections she forms with Florence and Naveen are super sweet. It was adorable to see her help with Naveen’s love life! A shout-out to Florence for always sticking by Medra’s side—truly the definition of a wingwoman.

The male main character, Blake, was HOT! Especially the descriptions of him shirtless; I have to love that combat training. 😏 While he came off as a bit whiny at the beginning, he quickly transformed to have the classic arrogance found in your typical mmc. I appreciated having his point of view throughout the book, as it provided much-needed insight into his life. The way the author reveals his teddy bear nature, especially through his interactions with Neville and his evident love for his sister, made me swoon.

Plot-wise, this book was phenomenal. It hooked me from page one. The pacing was excellent; I never felt bored and was always eager to pick it up! The passing of time was very well done, and the time jumps felt perfect. I loved the four different houses and the history behind the world. We don’t get much information about Medra’s homeworld, but I believe we will learn more in future books.

I swear to god, Blake better be on his knees begging for forgiveness in the next book.

This is a must-read for romantasy lovers!

★ ★ ★ ★ 4.25 Stars

THE ENDING.

I am a huge Briar Boleyn fan as I absolutely adore her Blood of a Fae series with Morgan and Draven. I was so excited when she announced she was releasing another book, and I had no idea it would be following Medra!

I loved that On Wings of Blood started off exactly where Knight of the Goddess left off in Medra’s story. I thought her character was over, but I’m so glad that we get to see more of it!

🚨I recommend reading the Blood of a Fae series prior to starting this book! It is not “necessary”, but it gives so much added insight into our FMC.

.˳·˖✶𓆩𓁺𓆪✶˖·˳.٠ ࣪⭑

I am 100% obsessed with this world we are plopped into. It’s dark, greedy, luscious - filled with vampires with secrets and bloodlust. We get to attend Bloodwing Academy side by side Medra (and sometimes Blake), and gosh, why do I want to go to this school so bad? Even as a blightborn I’d happily oblige 😅

We see Medra learn the ways of this new world and their magic system (mostly only vampires have magic), how to thrallwield and thrallguard, and we also discover some very dark secrets with her.

Did I mention there’s DRAGONS?

.˳·˖✶𓆩𓁺𓆪✶˖·˳.٠ ࣪⭑

So basically, Medra falls into a new world ran by vampires. She is bonded to a vampire prince named Blake by his powerful uncle, Lord Drakharrow, to ultimately be Blake’s consort (due to Medra being believed as a “dragon rider” [something that is extinct in this world]). Despite Medra being weaker than the highbloods since she is not a vampire, she is enrolled into Bloodwing Academy where she learns the history, magic, and fighting of the world. We also get a surprise “game” during the story which is an exciting addition to the plot!

.˳·˖✶𓆩𓁺𓆪✶˖·˳.٠ ࣪⭑

Our characters are just as good as Morgan and Kairos Draven 🤭

Medra: If you read Blood of a Fae, you knew Medra was born to be a badass. Raised by Morgan and Draven with Odessa as her fighting instructor, Medra lived a really weird, quick life up until she sacrificed herself for all of Aercanum. Somehow, her dead mother Orcades manages to latch on to Medra in death and land up in a new world run by vampires.
Medra is just as arrogant and strong willed in this book as I hoped she would grow up to be in Camelot/Siabra. I absolutely adored her character in this book and can’t wait to read more on her in the next.

Blake: I mean, we all love a morally grey vampire right? Blake struggles with showing both sides of who he is, as behind closed doors his uncle’s brutality marks him if he does not succumb to his wishes. Despite this, Blake wishes to show Medra who he really wants to be.

.˳·˖✶𓆩𓁺𓆪✶˖·˳.٠ ࣪⭑

We get found family, forced proximity, “forced arrangement”, enemies to lovers maybe???, bully romance, HP/FW

The vibes: dark, brutal, bloodshed, elite vampire school with dragons, strong FMC, deep secrets in everyone’s past

.˳·˖✶𓆩𓁺𓆪✶˖·˳.٠ ࣪⭑

What can I say: I’m obsessed with Briar Boleyn’s writing. This book was another win, and I can’t wait for the next.

A big thanks to NetGalley, publisher and Boleyn for providing me with this ARC!

This hit such a sweet spot for me! A mix of Merlin and Harry Potter with the best slow-burn romance slipped in! I've been looking for a book to bring back the fall 2010 feeling when you get a good book and can't wait for the school day to end so you can get back to it, and this hit the bullseye! It's the first time I read this author, and I didn't feel I was missing anything by not reading the other books. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to get lost in a great fantasy series, and I can't wait to read more from this author!

˖ ࣪ ⟡˚<i> <u>3 stars</u> </i>˚⟡ ࣪ ˖
⤷ <i>ARC review!</i> ⋆ˎˊ˗

this book is if ‘Zodiac Academy’, ‘Fourth Wing’, and ‘Harry Potter’ had a baby in a vampire world.

ᝰ <b>writing</b>⊹.˚
it wasn’t the best, but it also wasn’t the worst.
i’ve kind of given up on having any expectations at all for writing in romantasy books at this point, because despite most of them being set in medieval times, the author makes the characters use internet slang.

ᝰ <b>world building</b>⊹.˚
i feel like this book was more focused on the world building than the plot or romance so i was pretty shocked and impressed by that.

ᝰ <b>plot</b>⊹.˚
however, because of what i’ve mentioned above, i must say the plot was pretty lack luster. the first 100 pages were incredibly interesting, but after that i found myself bored until the last 150 pages.
the middle chunk was very repetitive and made me feel like nothing was <i>actually</i> happening.

ᝰ <b>characters</b>⊹.˚
⭒<i> <u>Medra</u>, </i>i low-key really liked her character. she was the confident and badass FMC all the other popular BookTok book FMC’s wish they were. despite going through all the terrible stuff she has, she never changed her character and never let herself be manipulated or used by others.
her friendship with Florence was my favorite thing ever!

⭒<i> <u>Blake</u>, </i>he is your typical possessive romantasy vampire MMC (personality-wise, because looks-wise he is a blonde… shocking!). he has a snarky personality and loves shitting on the FMC. however, he did go through a lot of character development, so in the end i didn’t absolutely hate him.
i also liked that although their relationship was insta-lust (she found him attractive immediately), they didn’t get together or have a physical relationship until later into the book. it was a pretty good ‘enemies-to-lovers.’

ᝰ <b>tropes</b> ⊹.˚
⭒ <i>fae FMC x vampire MMC</i>
⭒ <i>1st person dual POV</i>
⭒ <i>lost princess</i>
⭒ <i>dragons</i>
⭒ <i>magic school</i>
⭒ <i>found family</i>
⤷<i> <u>spice level</u>:</i> 🌶️🌶️

ᝰ <b>final thoughts</b> ⊹.˚
i might have given this 3 stars, but believe me, i did like this. i just can’t give it a higher rating because of the writing, plot, and other problems i had.
if the tropes of this sound like something you would like, i would definitely recommend!

<b>Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with this digital ARC.</b>

If life hadn’t gotten in the way, I would have devoured this book in one sitting. Vampires and dragons? Sign me up!

On Wings of Blood tells the story of Medra Pendragon, who’s unexpectedly pulled into a world very different from her own. She finds herself in a realm of vampires, and ends up betrothed to the prince of house Drakharrow. The world-building here is easy to follow yet richly detailed, and the straightforward, engaging writing style makes it hard to put down.

We have our two main characters: Medra and Blake. I had some mixed feelings about Medra. She’s strong and confident, which I love, but there were times when she refused to listen to anyone else, convinced that her opinion was the only correct one. And then... Blake. Blake, Blake, Blake. Beneath his cold, menacing exterior, he’s actually a bit of a softie. I just wish he’d handled things better at the end.

The romance is a deliciously slow burn, with the characters walking that thin line between love and hate. You can feel the tension between them in every scene, and when they finally give in, it’s completely intoxicating! I’m curious to see how their relationship will evolve in the second book—and if Kage will have any influence. I have two theories here: either we’re heading for a Tamlin/Rhysand situation, or he’ll fall for a completely different character… someone that ends up, unexpectedly, in his house. Either way, Kage has me very intrigued.

The mysterious “voice” Medra hears was a huge surprise for me—I had a totally different theory there! Watching their relationship develop was a highlight, though Medra’s tone with the voice was jarring at times, given the… well, let’s call it their connection to avoid spoilers.

And that ending. Wow. I’ll definitely be on the lookout for an ARC of the next book, because I cannot wait to dive back into this world and see what happens next!

Dark academia fantasy with Harry Potter vibes, vampires, and dragons? YES, PLEASE! This book was absolutely fantastic and I expect nothing less from Briar Boleyn, especially after the Queen of Roses series. This had a feisty and bold FMC, a morally grey/villian MMC, hate to love, tension, banter, slowburn all set in a world where vampires rule. I am obsessed and can't wait to see where this goes especially after that ending.

Briar Boleyn has done it again! I absolutely devoured On Wings of Blood!

There was unique world building and the characters were easy to connect to. I love the special connections and unexpected alliances. The slow burn is slow slow, but I feel the build of anticipation will pay off. The small snippets of spice that were included had me squealing and kicking my feet. I love the nickname that was given to Medra from Blake. This had me on such a rollercoaster of emotions, the surprises had me thoroughly shocked. It ended on a bit of a cliffhanger, but I can tell you I am already begging for the next installment of this series!

Thank you to Briar Boleyn for allowing me to be a part of your Street Team, it is such an honor! Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. (via Netgalley)

Admittedly I had some concerns with the bully romance aspects of the blurb since that's typically not something I enjoy reading but I was willing to take a chance to see Medra's story continue. Is Blake a shit sometimes? Absolutely lol. I'd argue his bigger flaw is not actually doing anything when others were.

That said, I still really enjoyed this. I loved seeing Medra grow as the story progressed and her finding her new found family in Florence and Naveen. It gave darker vampire Harry Potter vibes. Got a little spicy in and in some interesting ways. After the way it ended I am looking forward to the next one!

<spoiler>Also, hiding this under a spoiler but I'm kind of hoping someone else comes in next book and Blake isn't end game :D</spoiler>

Wow !! I loved this dark academia/fantasy book so much, can't wait for the second book in the series to come out. This book has lots of Harry Potter vibes but mixed with vampires and dragons ! The book was really well paced and kept my attention throughout the novel. The world building was well developed and set the stage for the rest of the series. The enemies to lover's path was chef's kiss ! I loved Blake and Medra's tension and banter throughout the book. I highly recommend giving this book a read !

Thank you Netgalley and Starwater Press for the digital arc in exchange for my honest review.

When I saw Briar post about this book and that the ARC was available on NetGalley, even though I told myself no more ARCS 😂 But how could I say no to House of Dragon meets Harry Potter as a trope?! On Wings of Blood did not disappoint on the vibes.

If you are a fan of Dark Academia Fantasy Romance, maybe in your Dramoine era and love those HP vibes with forced betrothal, vampires, a bully MMC, found family, bride competition and so much more than this series is for you!

In On Wings of Blood, we meet Medra who just so happens to fall into the path of Blake Drakharrow, a Highblood vampire and royal jerk from the get go. She is told she is a blightborn and the last of the dragon riders but news alert the dragons are gone, so what does that mean for her?

Medra is forced into a betrothal with Blake and she also has to attend Bloodwing Academy. But it feels like everyone is out to get her once she steps foot into Bloodwing and Blake is not helping, if anything he encourages it.

She learns it is a dog eat world and there is a literal fight to survive, including a deadly competition. But she will not go down without a fight and as secrets begin to unravel she must figure out how she can truly trust.

Blake as much as he tries to loath her slowly begins to appreciate her fight and will stop at nothing to protect what is his, even if she hates him.

I really enjoyed the vibes of this book as a huge Harry Potter fan growing up, it felt really reminiscent of that which I absolutely loved but with more vampires and dragons, I mean come on what more could you ask for? The scene is really being set in this book with learning about the workings of the world.

Medra and Blake, these two, the constant push and pull between them, all the angst and the moments of are they, aren’t they? It really keeps you wanting to keep reading to see what happens next. And with that ending? I am interested to see what is in store next for them.

Spice: 🌶️🌶️