This started out very strong for me, but somewhere along the way I just got very disinterested. I felt like I had read this story before and honestly the storyline was just so similar to a few other very popular romantasy/bully romantasy books I've read in the last year. I really wanted to like it more than I did.

It is a solid storyline with boarderline dark academia/bully and I do think that it would have been much more enjoyable if I hadn't just read several similar stories.

On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn is a captivating, dark fantasy that will sweep readers away into a world of magic, intrigue, and danger. From the very first page, Boleyn’s world-building grabs your attention with its richness and depth. The protagonist’s journey is filled with tension, growth, and compelling relationships that make for an emotionally charged read.

The plot is fast-paced, filled with twists and turns, and keeps you guessing until the very end. The characters are complex, and their emotional depth adds a layer of intensity to the narrative. The themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and power are beautifully explored throughout.

Boleyn’s writing is both poetic and gripping, with vivid imagery that pulls you deeper into the story. On Wings of Blood is a must-read for anyone who enjoys dark, atmospheric fantasies with strong characters and a thrilling plot. This book is a powerful start to what promises to be an unforgettable series. Highly recommended!

Harry Potter meets Fourth Wing meets Zodiac Academy
I honestly wish I had liked this one more, but it was a bit of a slog to get through. It felt like there were too many mini plot points instead of one main plot, and it was just too long of a book
Also Blake is a dick with almost no redeeming qualities, and he does not deserve to be lusted after 🤢
I MIGHT read the next book, but only if I have a lull in books to read.

3.5 ⭐️ rounded up to 4.


Fourth Wing meets Harry Potter. With a dash of Hunger Games and vampires.
This was a fun read! I didn’t realize it tied in with a previous series (and will now have to go add that to my never ending tbr) but it can definitely be read separately.

Medra is a fun, fierce character with all my favorite FMc qualities. Sassy, loyal, independent and kind. While I enjoyed everything from her pov, I was kind of disappointed she basically rolled over and got kind of complacent. From everything she hints at that she’s been thru in her world, she came off as kind of naive at times.


Viktor, Marcus AND Blake are jerks. Full stop. No excuses. Especially Blake after that ending. I’d like to use more expletives, but I can’t.

The supporting characters were all likeable and added to the story.

I really liked the writing, but there was repetition and it really did read like HP reimagined with vampires. Which isn’t a bad thing, but I was expecting a little more maybe.

Not going to stop me from reading the rest of the books in this series though!!

This book had me hooked from the prologue. A fast pace captivating story about a girl transported to a world she knows nothing about and has to learn on the fly. If you like vampires and need something to get you out of a reading slump I highly recommend. Ready to jump into book two right away. Thank you to Briar Boleyn and Netgalley for a gifted copy of this book.

I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK!

We had vampires, mortals, dragons and riders, an academy setting, bullies, ancient family houses, politics… some of my most favourite tropes all in one bloody brilliant book.

I loved the FMC, Medra. After waking upon a pile of corpses in a world that is not her own, Medra faces distrust, fear and outright hostility yet she takes it all in her stride. She is fierce and clever and her moral compass is strong. She sees this world for what it is - a game to those in power, who only seek more power, while those at the bottom of the food chain suffer the most.

I loved the way that Medra stands firm in her view of this world. She has not grown up here so her objectove view of it chafes against the propaganda and lies her new friends have been fed from birth. Their ever-so-gradual perspective shift was so well written and I really appreciated that everyone didn’t immediately throw their lot in with Medra. That they clung to their beliefs because to do otherwise, would be to admit that you had been deceived your entire life.

The MMC was a wonderful written bully. An elite, with an ego to match but a conscience he can’t allow others to see, he is as much a pawn in these power games as everyone else.

This book delivers injustice, a class system, control, corruption, the fine line between love and hate, quiet rebellion, forbidden desire and the lengths that those in power will go to keep it in a way that will keep your eyes glued to the page.

4,5✨
3🌶️

The moment I saw this book, I knew I had to read it. That cover alone might have pulled me in.

And boy did I love it. This was ✨addictive✨. I couldn’t stop reading. I loved the many mysterious things that were partially revealed as the story continued. It kept me on the edge of my seat the entire 458 pages. It only took 2 chapters to have me completely HOOKED.

I absolutely loved the fmc, Medra. She’s stubborn and fierce. Never wavering despite the shit she’s facing. And believe me, there’s a lot of it. I also really liked the mmc, Blake. Medra thinks he’s a total ass, which he is, but the chapters from his POV give us a different perspective. Does that make him a hero? No. But we can follow his train of thought for some of his actions/decisions and I think it makes the story better for it. You just can’t help but fall a little for him. Too bad he’s blonde tho 😆

There were trials in the story but they weren’t too important imho. Meaning if that is your main reason for wanting to read a book, this one might dissapoint.

On Wings of Blood doesn’t have a lot of spice but when it hits, oh my 👀 Delicious.

I really enjoyed the ride and I can’t wait to see where Medra’s journey is going next.

𝒜𝒹𝒹 𝓉𝑜 𝓎𝑜𝓊𝓇 𝓉𝒷𝓇 𝒾𝒻 𝓎𝑜𝓊 𝓁𝒾𝓀𝑒:
🎓academy setting (Harry Potter vibes)
🧛vampires
🖤bully mmc
🫂friendship
❤️fierce fmc
🐉dragons
❤️‍🔥forced bethrothal
👥dual POV
🌶️spice
⚡️chemistry & banter

IS THIS MY NEW OBSESSION?!?! YES, YES THIS IS.

Medra Pendragon thought she had brutally died for those she loved, she believed it was worth it. Except when she wakes up in another world ruled by highbloods, vampires, she will learn she is far from it. After a turn of events she will end not only in the deadly academy for highbloods, Bloodwing, but as betothred to one of them. According to their lore she is a dragon rider. The problem? she is the only one of her kind, and more so, there haven't been any dragons for thousands of years.

Medra Pnedragon the queen you are. I absolutely loved her character from the start. She is fierce, strong and determined and will not tolerate any type of bullshit.

Blake Darkharrow MY LOVE AND FUTURE HUSBAND. OH. MY. GOD. HOW IS THIS SO INCREDIBLE GOOD AND AMAZING?!?! I loved him, his POVs were the best, I really loved that we get to see inside his head and at his complex emotions.

The side characters were equally amazing and contributed to the development to the story and I also love them so much. The story in itself was amazing, I remember starting this book and being amazed by the beginning, the way the story captivated me left me unable to do anything else besides reading this. And I haven't even gotten to the ending because WHAT WAS THAT?!?!?! yes, I desperately need to read book 2.

TRUST ME WHEN I SAY YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK. IT IS AWSOME AND INCREDIBLE. 100% RECOMMEND GO AND READ IT. NOW.

Love you all and happy reading 💋💋

The captivating prologue sets the tone with a power play between characters, hinting the intoxication of power and blood in this society. I began reading On Wings of Blood without having read the original Blood of Fae series, but I didn’t feel like I needed to. Briar Boleyn masterfully weaves the backstory into our current narrative, creating a world reminiscent of Harry Potter, Fourth Wing, and a touch of House of Dragons.

The imagery is atmospheric and vivid, allowing readers to immerse themselves in Medra’s new world. The stark contrast between the academy and its surrounding areas is evident, and the reader is also provided with a wealth of history about the various houses, their cultures, and the established norms.

Medra is a sassy and fierce character, which I found endearing. Despite her initial discomfort in this unfamiliar world, she doesn’t hesitate to question the prevailing system. I appreciated how she forces Blake, our male protagonist, to confront his flaws and the prejudices of the Highbloods. The “unusual” relationship between Medra and her mother is unique and adds depth to the story. Additionally, the strong found family dynamics within Medra’s friendships are heartwarming. Florence, a blightborn, makes Medra’s friendships a given, showcasing the power of acceptance.

Blake Drakharrow embodies the classic bully romance trope. While I find his inability to communicate frustrating, I also appreciate the positive impact his interactions with Medra have on her growth and determination. As this is the first book in a series, I understand that we may be in the early stages of Blake’s character development. I anticipate seeing more of his character and exploring his motivations. I’m also curious to see how Briar Boleyn develops Theo’s character, whose transformation with Medra’s presence in Bloodwing Academy intrigued me.

I can’t wait to see more of these characters.. I need some dragons that is all I’m gunna say.

Bumped this up to 4 stars, as I’m intrigued with what the series has to bring.

Very much enjoyed the academic setting here and all the angst.
In this first book, we establish Medra’s found family and world building for the rest of the series. Very much gave the HP type elements, but darker and with vampires.

As I said, intrigued with what book 2 will bring.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC and the opportunity to provide an honest review.

Book Review‼️
On Wings Of Blood by Briar Boleyn
Format: Ebook
Release Date: OUT NOW
⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️.5/5
2/5 🌶️

Thank you Netgalley and the author Briar Boleyn for a free copy of On Wings Of Blood for an honest review.

✨Vampires
✨Forced Betrothal
✨Dual POV
✨Dark Academia
✨Possessive MMC
✨Bully Romance
✨Enemies to Lovers

Synopsis:
✨On Wings of Blood is the first book in the Bloodwing Academy series. Medra Pendragon wakes up in a strange new world and is found by Blake, who is a vampire. Medra is taken to Blake’s uncle who rules this strange world, and makes Medra Blake’s consort. She is forced to go to Bloodwing Academy where she has to learn her new role in this strange place and confront the strange feelings she is having her bully and fiancé Blake.✨

My thoughts:
💫This book kept me so entertained. I love how fierce and badass Medra is. She doesn’t let anyone tell her she is weak or give her shit for being “less than” since she isn’t a vampire. I loved having Blakes POV. He is an obsessed man that knows what he wants. I love seeing his mind and seeing another perspective of him through his eyes. This is an amazing slow burn romantasy. I can’t wait to read the next one in the series! 💫

"In my dreams, she wanted me just as much as I wanted her."

The best way I could describe these books is Harry Potter meets Fourth Wing but with vampires.

These books had me hooked from page one!

Medra Pendragon is the last of the dragon riders in a world where dragons no longer exist. Yet to the vampires, she is a threat, and therefore, she is forced to attend Bloodwing Academy. There, she has to face a battleground of not only competitions but the alluring Blake Drakharrow, who is now her betrothed and slowly stealing her heart.

Book one is a lot of world building, and I found it a bit draining, especially when this book was flagged as a Dramione, and I sort of just wanted to get to that part... I would say it's a low dose Dramione, like just sprinkles on your ice cream at night time.
You can see the book one build up. You can see what it's doing, and then a cliffhanger slaps you in the face. Honestly, I shouldn't be surprised that cliffhangers exist, but they still get me.
Book two was so much better than book one, and I think it's because the back story was set up extensively prior. Medra develops so much as a character in this one. Blake somehow is more shirtless, and then the cliffhanger (yes, also hurt me again) was somehow better than book ones 🤦‍♀️

I can't wait for book 3!

4/5⭐️

I really enjoyed On Wings of Blood, more than I thought I would when I started reading it. The first half of the book was a bit slow-paced, the characters didn't have a strong backstory and there were a lot of plotholes that weren't resolved by the end. The second half, however, was intriguing and fast-paced and I found myself not being able to put down the book.

I enjoyed the relationship between Medra and Blake (their banter, Blake's protectiveness and the palpable tension in particular), though it took a while before they actually started to spend time with one another. Because of this, I can't really call this book a romantasy, it's more of a fantasy with romance subplot which focuses more on Medra's development at Bloodwing Academy.

I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

A lot of thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!✨

My latest read: On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🩸
Fourth Wing but they are all vampires/Harry Potter but Hermione and Draco get together and also Draco is a vampire/Zodiac Academy with vampires. It was fun to step into a world of vampires, fae, and academia.

This book focuses more on world building than romance, so consider that when reading. The magic building is interesting. There is good character development with lovable side characters.
#onwingsofblood

A dark and immersive fantasy with rich world-building and an intoxicating enemies-to-lovers romance. Briar Boleyn crafts a gripping story full of intrigue, passion, and stunning prose. Perfect for fans of dark fantasy and powerful heroines!

On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn is a captivating entry into the Bloodwing Academy series, seamlessly blending elements of dark academia, fantasy, and romance. Set within the enigmatic Bloodwing Academy, the narrative immerses readers in a world where power is intertwined with blood, and betrayal is a constant companion.

The protagonist's journey is both compelling and intense, navigating a treacherous landscape filled with morally gray characters and intricate power dynamics. Boleyn's adeptness at world-building shines through, creating an atmosphere that is as dark as it is enchanting.

The romantic tension is palpable, with an enemies-to-lovers arc that unfolds organically, adding depth to the character development. The prose is both lyrical and evocative, painting vivid scenes that linger in the reader's mind.

On Wings of Blood is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy and romance, offering a fresh and enthralling perspective on the genre.

This was a fun read and reminded me a lot of the crave series and house of night. The writing was definitely cheesy and not great at times but the fast paced plot and twists kept me entertained. Will definitely read the second to see what happens next!

Review has been posted on Goodreads & Instagram (linked below).

Oh where to begin?!

I thoroughly enjoyed so many parts of this book, I LOVED Blake and the kind-of-but-not-enemies-to-lovers he and Medra had going on.

I loved the world building, the plot, & dark academia /autumn vibes.... plus vampire prince x dragon rider?! YES!!

Don't even get me started on the hot villain getting the girl trope!! That's one of my favorites and oh boy it was so wonderful in this book!!

I will say though, that you should read Boleyn's other series Blood of a Fae before this series. I personally, got confused at points because without giving spoilers...the main character has a history or background with that series/characters in it. There's quite a good amount of mentions & references to that, and if you don't know that it honestly can get really confusing.

My only issue was that Medra really got on my nerves at points. For example, when it was obvious Blake had not been at fault for something or had tried to help behind the scenes, it was like she went out of her way to believe he maliciously did everything and blamed him.

4.25 🌟 This introduction to the Bloodwing Academy Series felt like a clever combination of Hogwarts and Basgiath, with a heaping dose of vampire court politics. There were strong Dramione vibes between the FMC and MMC which was frustratingly fun. If you love vamps, dragons, and bully romances then this book is for you. I will most definitely be returning for #2! 🐉 🧛‍♀️ 🏫

Thank you NetGalley, Starwater Press, and Briar Boleyn for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

Ahhhh omgggg. Loved this book. Definitely had Harry Potter, Zodiac Academy, and Hunger Games vibes. The politics, magic system, and world connections were amazing. I hope we learn more about Medra's past. I need book 2 now, and a physical copy asap.