I won this physical book in a giveaway after getting an ARC from NetGalley. I figured that was my sign to dive right in and I absolutely loved everything about it. This book made me feel nostalgic while also creating a detailed academy setting and an intricate magic system. If you enjoyed Harry Potter and Vampire Academy when you were younger, think of those elements combined with modern favorites like Fourth Wing and ZA, and you get Bloodwing Academy. Medra and Blake were exciting characters to read about, and their tension, banter, and chemistry was fantastic. I appreciate a morally ambiguous MMC, make him a highblood vampire, and I was not disappointed. Medra is sassy and fierce, thrown into a political situation that she never asked for. I can't stop thinking about this book! It met my expectations in every way and it's definitely one of my top reads of the year so far, I can’t wait to dive into the next book!

✨Read If You Love ✨
Enemies to Lovers
Dark Academia
Sassy & Stabby FMC
Morally Gray MMC
Dramoine Vibes
Touch Her and D
Dark Academia
Found Family
Revenge Plot
Political Intrigue
Slow Burn
Dual POV
Arranged Marriage

“He was beautiful in the way that fire was beautiful. Raw and scorching. I hated it. Hated that my breath caught in my throat when I saw him like this. Hated that my heart raced. Not just with anger, but with something I’d sworn I wouldn’t let myself name.”

I unfortunately could not get into this book. I did try several times but I think the story just couldn't grasp or hold my attention.
I don't feel confident giving it a true rating as it was 100% my fault for not being able to get into the story. The writing is great and the concept is usually something that I would love. I'm hoping to give it a better shot down the line and for that I have kept it on my kindle. Once I am back in the mood for this type of story, I will leave a better review on Goodreads and Amazon.

Thank you, NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book, I have just been very picky with the books that have captivated my attention or/and in the mood for.

I hate how much I loved this. Mostly because of my love/hate relationship with Zodiac Academy (we're in a hate phase right now). But I ate this up like I hadn't eaten in 30 days. Like laying on your stomach giggling into my kindle kind of enjoyed. Like I could not sleep because I needed to know what these clinically depressed and traumatized young adults with trust and communication issues will do next.

For fans of: Harry Potter, Zodiac Academy, childhood trauma, Manacled (IYKYK).

You should read if:
- You love a bully romance.
- Feel like throwing your book, kindle/e-reader, phone, reading device of choice across the room.
- You want to remember how absolutely horny you were in college.

You shouldn't read if:
- You value your sanity.
- Can't be left on a cliff-hanger that will have you laying awake staring at your ceiling.
- Have unresolved feelings for your mortal enemy.

Dark acadamia (sign me up), dragons (yep, I'm in), enemies to lovers (one of my favourite tropes), magic systems (yep), Vampires (okay I'm interested).

This is not my first Briar Boleyn read. And it won't be my last. This book is an interesting read. I haven't read Harry Potter so I can't say that its like that book and I don't like Fourth Wing so I won't compare it to that one either like the blurb has done. I prefer to say it's along the same vein as so many popular dark academia books with dragons and magic that are on the market. I will say that the who bully or enemies to lovers wasn't strong - he wasn't really a bully and certainly not an enemy. And I didn't really care much for the FMC. However, over all the book is interesting and fun to read and is a series that no doubt will continue to get better as most of her series do. I look forward to the others in this series.

Throughly enjoyed the harrypotter and zodiac academy vibes this book was giving.
Merda was my girl, so strong and sassy, she wasn't putting up with anything.
I loved that her and blake weren't intsa love that it was a good slow burn. I live for a slow burn. I just wish there would of been more of povs of Blake's.

On wings of blood is a fantasy book with Harry Potter and Zodiac Academy vibes.

I enjoyed the vibes of this book a lot. The writing style wasn't the best out there, but it was a very entertaining read. Medra is a fiesty FMC who sticks by her convictions. She is blunt and strong-willed. I loved her relationship with Florence and Naveen.

Blake is definitely a morally grey MMC. He is cold and ruthless but also has a soft side to him. I loved how protective he is with Theo and seeing the softer side of him.

I felt like there was a lot of worldbuilding in the book, and at times, I felt like there was a bit too much filler and not enough progression of a plot. I enjoyed the slow burn dynamic between Blake and Medra but wished we had even more of his POV chapters to see their bond grow throughout the book.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and will definitely be reading the second book!

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC copy of this book.

WOW. This book had everything and more… vampires, dragons, enemies to lovers, strong friendships, brutal rivalries…. It was perfection.

Going on this journey with Medra was such an interesting read, the world building was there without being overwhelming and I thought the world and magic system were explained very well.

A couple of scenes of spice was just right, the relationships really had time to develop so it wasn’t just thrown at you and it leaves you wanting more. It will be interesting to see how this progresses and I have a feeling it will get spicier with the next book(s?)

I am so excited to read the next book! The only thing I hope is it will further delve into Medras past life/world it’s the only thing I felt was missing but I thoroughly enjoyed this 🫶🏼

So so good. First of all thank you so much for allowing me to read this. Basically was a combination of everything I love in one book. Dragons? Yep. Harry Potter references? Check. Basically a world that is Harry Potter meets Hunger Games meets Twilight meets Fourth Wing. Add to that a Dramione vibes and you have yourself this amazing book. Cannot wait for the next book.

This book is amazing! I can’t wait to read the rest of the series. It’s everything I want and more! Vampires, lots of magic, great characters! Definitely recommend if you’re a fantasy reader.

e-ARC from NetGalley.
No Spoilers Review.

Sadly, I have to give this book 1.5 stars. I was so thrilled when I initially read that the book had been compared to Fourth Wing and Zodiac Academy, both of which I enjoyed. Unfortunately, I was left disappointed in the end. It was really difficult for me to get into the book, and I found myself trying to stay interested from start to finish. I really wish there was more plot development. The main characters and the supporting characters were both underdeveloped, and I didn't feel strongly attached to any of them.

There were plenty of filler scenes, and I often found myself asking how much some scenes had to the rest of the story.

Overall, because I do believe that there is potential in the world and the book idea, I will read the next book in this series. I believe the series can be enhanced, and I would like to see the next book be more balanced with better plot and character development.

Thank you NetGalley and StarWater!

As a Draco Malfoy girly 🐍, I was immediately drawn to On Wings of Blood based on the comparison to the MMC. That kept me going for a while, but sadly, this book just wasn’t for me 😕. I really wanted to love it, but I couldn’t.

I know this book is a New Adult, but it read like a YA fantasy in the beginning. The pacing, the character dynamics, and the tone screamed YA—so imagine my surprise when the spice kicked in. I LOVE spice-the spicier the better, but the sudden shift from YA to explicit scenes/dialogue threw me off. Was I reading about teens or adults? I’m still not sure if I missed the character ages somewhere.

The biggest issue for me, though, was the FMC, Medra. She was insufferable. No self-preservation instincts whatsoever and some seriously questionable decision-making. I couldn’t get behind her choices. It felt like she was acting the way the plot needed her to, rather than having any character development.

The dialogue was another sticking point 😩. Forced and repetitive. I really wanted to see more variation between characters, but instead, it was the same phrases and structures over and over again. The constant use of "Do you?" at the end of sentences literally drove me insane. [Example: "Oh, so you like it rough, do you?" (hide spoiler)]

As for the plot, there was just too much that was crammed into less than 500 pages, but with a solid 70% of it feeling like filler, if that makes sense? It made my whole reading experience feel bloated, and I found myself skimming parts just to get through it.

That said, I’m grateful to NetGalley and Starwater Press for the ARC! 🙏
Unfortunately, this one just didn’t hit the mark for me. While there were some interesting moments, the book as a whole didn’t land the way I had hoped.

This book was good in theory! The first part and the last part were good, it was the 60% in the middle that made me want to DNF it. This book definitely is setting up others in the series, but so painful!

Firstly, let me start by saying the cover design is absolutely stunning! I also loved the small artistic details throughout the book— it added such a nice touch.
I really appreciated the dual POV; I always prefer that in romantasy books, as it makes the story feel more immersive. And now, about the book itself.

Honestly, this book exceeded where Fourth Wing fell short for me. The writing style and emotional depth.>>>.

The writing style was incredibly atmospheric🥰 — so rich and vivid. The characters were diverse and intriguing.
The world-building was phenomenal, especially the Academy setting. As a Harry Potter fan, I loved the inclusion of houses. and the found family trope .The enemies-to-lovers was chef’s kiss.

I am so eager to grab the second one ( thank God already releaseddd) and figure out how the story will unravel!

I would say that for a first book in a series, it was even more than I expected—it got me hooked and interested in the story. I’d highly recommend it, and who knows, maybe I just found my new favorite author!

Way to go, you did it again.... Characters and story are on point and captivating OMG I COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN

“On Wings of Blood” follows Medra, a fae who ends up in an alternate world after a display of magic goes wrong. This new world is full of vampires.

Medra is taken hostage and told that she has blood of a dragon rider in this world where dragons have been extinct for thousands of years. Her captors think her arrival is an omen for the possible return of dragons. She is then betrothed to a vampire noble, Blake, and told she will have to attend a school for vampires and mortals to hone her dragon rider skills, even though the new world she is in no longer has dragons.

Medra and Blake’s relationship is beyond toxic and the enemies to lovers trope did not hit in this.

This book felt like a bad Harry Potter fan function, but with vampires. The writing was not good and the character development was rather lacking in my opinion and it just wasn’t very compelling.

This definitely was not for me and I do not plan on continuing the series. It probably would’ve been a DNF if not for the ARC I received.

WHAT A RIDE! I devoured this book in two days. It was so hard to put down. The FMC was so relatable. I loved her strong character, and the banter between her and the MMC was to die for. So entertaining to read. At first I wasn't sure if I was going to like the MMC because of the bully romance going on, but when I got to his POV chapters, I became feral for him. IDK what it is about a possessive man that does it for me, but gods did I eat it up. I laughed, I cried, I giggled and kicked my feet- it was just a great start to a series. I immediately ordered book two half way through this book. Cannot wait to see what happens next. THAT ENDING THO!

Tropes you will find in this book:
- Bully Romance
- Forced Betrothal
- Bridal Competition
- Touch her & die
- Dual POV
- Slowest of burns
- Great Banter
- Dark Academia with Vampires/Dragons

Thank you, NetGalley for sending me an eARC of this book!

I could hug NetGalley, Briar Boleyn, and the publisher Starwater Press (Indie) for giving me the opportunity to read On Wings of Blood as an eBook. 📖✨ Published in October 2024, this gem is currently flying under the radar, and it's a crying shame that more readers haven't discovered it! 😱

Overview
On Wings of Blood is the first book in the Blood Wing Academy series, with Book 2 already out and Book 3 coming in May 2025. 🗓️ Briar Boleyn, the author (a pen name), made an impressive shift in genres, reeling me in from the very first page. This novel is a breathtaking mix of fantasy and intrigue and has completely captivated my attention. ❤️

Plot Highlights
The story begins with Medra, a female fae noble, who awakens in a bizarre new world, completely nude and surrounded by dead bodies. 😳 She was supposed to be dead, so how she ended up here is an intriguing mystery! Enter a weaselly character reminiscent of Sméagol from The Lord of the Rings—only, surprise! He’s a vampire. 🧛‍♂️ This world is dominated by vampiric forces, and as she navigates this dark territory, Medra is saved by Blake, the Prince of House Drakarro. 👑

The plot unfolds with a gripping pace; never a dull moment! 🚀 Medra finds herself bound to Blake's nephew as his betrothed, which sets her on a tumultuous path of learning the harsh ways of the vampire high court, while also attending the Blood Wing Academy. The potential for character and world-building is immense, and I can’t get enough of it! 🌌

My Enthusiasm
I adored every single page—Boleyn has a knack for crafting engaging narrative threads that never slacken in tension. 💖 Although I felt the ending was a bit rushed, particularly the burgeoning relationship between Medra and Blake, there's so much room for growth. 🌱 I suspect that the next books will delve deeper into their dynamic. For now, I’m left craving more! 🤤

The world-building feels akin to an adult version of Harry Potter, only with dragons (well, at least one for now) and darker elements. 🐉 I can say without hesitation that I am completely obsessed, and I can’t wait to see what unfolds in the next installment! 🙌

Final Thoughts
On Wings of Blood is an enchanting story that deserves to be read and cherished. If you enjoy fast-paced fantasy with intricate world-building and complex characters, I urge you to dive into this series. Don’t miss out on this indie treasure! 💎✨

From page one, the reader is swept away into a vivid world shrouded in political intrigue and merciless survival. Never have I ever started my reading journey in a pile of corpses, yet author Briar Boleyn paints a cold-blooded picture of death and rebirth in the opening scene of On Wings of Blood effectively drawing in the reader. Throughout the story, Boleyn portrays the discomfort of being thrust into a world that is sold as “perfect” from the eyes of one who “sees it as it is.” The imagery used to describe the Dragon Court made the reader feel as though they were the ones listening to the Headmaster’s orientation or being selected for a House.
The characters are so believable and each with a distinct personality that makes them memorable. Friends, enemies, allies, targets, victims, bullies – each person feels real and it provokes genuine emotions in the reader. And Medra is at the top of my list of favorite heroines. Fearless in a world of monsters and she spoke the coldest line I’ve read in a story in a long time:
“I’ll never be yours, Blake Darkharrow. Ever. If you’re looking for a girl who will do what you want, you won’t find her here. Remember that.”
I highly recommend this book, especially if you enjoyed stories similar to The Hunger Games, Harry Potter, and Fourth Wing. I can hardly wait to get my hands on the second book of this trilogy. This book has a satisfying ending, but there are still questions I want answers to and a lot of world left to explore!

I loved this! After completely devouring her Blood of a Fae series last year, I was so excited to get another series from Briar and she did not disappoint!

This book wrapped me in from the very start. If you like magical schools, brooding, males, and dragons. This is right up your alley. This is a combination of what feels like zodiac Academy, Harry Potter, and a bit of fourth wing.

Medra and Blake are forced together when she stumbles into his world and is marked as a dragon rider. Is what’s known as a highborn a.k.a. a vampire with an instant attraction to. Medra. Medra must Navigate the complexities that come with being in a new world, making new friends, deciphering who’s your enemy all while going to school. Eagerly anticipating reading the second book of the series and looking forward to the conclusion of the trilogy.