Sadly I didn’t get around to downloading directly from netgalley but was given the opportunity to do so. I have read the book and it was magical. I looked absolutely everything about this book. The characters, story line and ending. Would definitely recommend to others who love fantasy.

This one is Book 2 of the Bloodwing Academy series! This will be a spoiler free review because I hate spoilers. ❤️

⚔️ We continue the story of Medra and Blake (this book is dual POV) as they must come to terms with what happened at the end of Book 1. Medra is coming into her own in this new world, and she’s learning not to trust anyone beyond her best friend, which makes things difficult for Blake as he is trying to protect Medra from the other vampires, particularly his evil uncle. Medra is constantly confronted with the truth that her friendship with her bestie often puts a huge target on her back. 🩸

⚔️ It was really easy to go right from the previous book into this one. It was just as addictive as the first. Although I did kind of miss the “trials” part of book 1, this one had more interesting classes and some absolutely scorching spice. I also love the found family that Medra has put together. I have so many more questions that I need answered, and the ending contained an almost illegal cliffhanger, so I’m counting the days until the next book comes out in May! 🩸

Thank you Netgalley and Victory Editing for the review copy!

Edit: I recently found out that the cover is AI so I’ve removed my Instagram posts

The Bond That Burns by Briar Boleyn completely lived up to — and somehow surpassed — all of my love for book 1! I was already so invested in this world and in these characters, and this sequel delivered everything I could have hoped for and more.

The character development is just chef's kiss — you can literally feel how much they've developed since the beginning, and the emotional depth that this book introduced made me even more invested in them. Briar Boleyn knows just how to make you feel every triumph, every heartbreak, and every impossible choice.

The world-building remains rich, detailed, and so easy to get lost in. The new levels added to it are done in a way that feels organic and exciting, expanding on the story without ever losing the sense of wonder that made the first book so magical.

The pacing was perfect — full of twists, tension, and heart-pounding action that had me ripping through the pages. I did not want it to end! If you read book 1 as voraciously as I did, The Bond That Burns will absolutely blow you away. I am already counting down the days until I can get my hands on the next book!

OH MY GOD!! This one had me on my toes!!! It's a bit of a tighter story than the first one because it's a fair bit shorter but in the best way possible!! First off, you think you're getting the lovers but then it's right back to enemies and with a vengeance!!!!! This book was everything, Blake's character growth has me in tears and that ending literally killed me, be forewarned the cliffhanger is ridiculous and I can't even!! We finally get our dragon and he's the perfect sassy, grumpy old man dragon and I loved it!! More of Medra's backstory is revealed and I loved her standing up for herself and not just giving in to Blake because he's a hottie with a body! Cannot wait for book 3!!!!

The Bond That Burns - (Book 2, Bloodwing Academy) - Briar Boleyn

I was lucky enough to get a copy of this book through Net Galley, as I did the first book which i absolutely devoured and this one was no less different.

Briar Boleyn is a Canadian author, however that is her pen name. Her real name being Fenna Edgewood – a bestselling romance author, with books such as her Gardner Girls series.



Medra is about to start her second year at Bloodwing Academy – she still has no idea how to get back to her own home and how she will survive another year here.

Especially how she has managed to do what everyone thought was impossible – she awoke a stone dragon and now its living and fire breathing.

Naturally the leaders of the four Highblood houses, especially Blake’s Uncle, expect Medra to bring the dragon under her control – so in turn Medra and the dragon can become their puppets in a war that is every looming.

She does her best to show she has some control, despite the dragon being a creature very much not under anyone’s control let alone hers.

Yet that isn’t her only worry, Medra is desperate to figure out how to end this bond with Blake Drakharrow that was forced on her. She definitely cannot trust him after he betrayed her, but breaking this bond is proving easier said than done given she is his only blood source now. Medra won’t give up she’ll find a way out of this and maybe Blake’s rival Kage could even help.....





“The Bond that Burns” was a sequel that I had been dying to read and if I dare say one of the few times that a sequel was better than the first book in the series. From the first page I felt like I was back in Bloodwing with Medra; right back in the thick of it with her. I love the push and pull of her relationship with Blake and honestly, I was worried if it kept going the way it was, I would feel annoyed and irritated but the way the scenes and dialogue have been written was engaging and intriguing – I couldn’t help but love the dynamic between them even more. I don’t want to give away the ending but all I will say about is - mind blowing, epic and damn. I really can’t wait for the third book in the series The Wings That Bind.

Thank you to Netgalley and Briar Boleyn for the ARC copy of this book.

5 STARS!!!!

I loved this absolutely brilliant, this series is my new personality for the foreseeable future!!!!!!

The ending broke me and I need the 3rd book asap PLEASE!!

there was even more angst and even more spice this time round, and the emotional connections between the characters was just perfect.

the story is amazing and its just gotten soo much better in this book it still has Harry Potter/Fourth wing/Zodiac academy vibes which I love.

Blakes touch her and die mentality is just.....*chefs kiss*.

PLEASE PEOPLE WHATEVER YOU DO PICK UP THIS SERIES!!!

I loved this book way more than the first book. We finally see the yearning, the tension, the betrayal and overall a more romance side of the story.
The book starts right after Medra woke a dragon. Tye council has her imprisoned and she awaits a trial. On account of she being able to control the dragon she is allowed back in the school. But is that all they want?
Blake is now slowly realizing he will lose her if he continues being an a** and gets his thing together. We see a great character development with few plot twists I never thought of. He finally stands up to his uncle but will he able to control himself?
Overall, an amazing sequel in the world where the characters are well developed with a unique world of vampires and dragons. I need to read the next book right noW!
Thank you the author Brair Boleyn and netgally for an eARC. My opinions remain my own.

I was very exited with being able to continue the series after the ending of the first book. And this book was amazing, following these character through the many challenges, alongside the twist and turns which occurred made this story amazing. The way in which this characters developed even further throughout this book. With everything in which occurred throughout the book, I was gripped to the book. Wanting to keep reading wanting to find out more. And with how the book ended I am looking forward to to the next book in the series.

The book kicks off where the last one left off, and it's an absolute thrill ride from start to finish. It starts off with a bang, and I was hooked right from the start. I was immediately immersed in the story again. The writing style is incredibly captivating and excellent. The atmosphere draws the reader into the events and the world with ease. I absolutely love Medra, the protagonist. Her character is so vibrant and compelling. She's strong, she's got a mind of her own, and she follows her own path. This volume is jam-packed with fascinating details about the world, making it a great place to dive into the series again. I found the middle part a bit lengthy, but the ending made up for it. I'm super excited for the next book and can't wait to dive into the next adventure!

The continuation of this dark-academia vibed fantasy was just ugh.. exceptional. I just kept WANTING to come back. Delicious tension, fantastic banter, magical plot. Need book 3 like yesterday!

Thank you to NetGalley and Starwater Press (Indie) for the opportunity to read an E-ARC of On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.

wow ... just wow

the dramione vibes hehe

The turn this book did was not what I was expecting. To be honest, I had no idea how this book was going to turn out lol All I knew that was going to happen was that Blake was going to regret forcing their bond on Medra and change how he acted towards her. And he did heheh I always love when the bully asshole alpha male becomes apologetic because they know she will never forgive him unless he changes for the better and actually become nice. Because once he did then she freely gave him more blood and more of her hehe Even tho there was still resistance on her part.

But the other parts!! DRAGONS! Well singular. There is only one dragon. A dragon that Medra accidentally woke up. Because how are they supposed to know that the dragon statues in the courtyard are actual dragons from centuries before.

And he isn't happy about being turned into stone from the beginning and learning he is the only dragon roaming the world. But Medra, being known as the rider, can communicate with him. Nyxaris would not bow down to the vampires like they thought he would, but it didn't mean he wouldn't be there for Medra when she needed him.

Then the secrets! There are so many secrets and mysteries in this book! I thought there was enough of those in the last book, but there are more lol. Especially the mystery about what is going on with Blake and how Kage knows what he's going through. But how?

I need to know what happens! Please! Book 3 can't come sooner...

The Bond That Burns is a great follow up and is even better than the first book! Medra is reeling from Blake’s lies and that she now has a new, giant, fiery friend. One that might eat her. One that wasn’t supposed to exist.
I love the dialogue between her and Nyxaris and that Neville is still..Neville. Our cute little neighborhood Fluffin.
I appreciate that Medra doesn’t instantly forgive Blake, and that he has a lot of character growth in this book. There were trials and challenges, with sweet moments and some definite heat thrown in! After that cliffhanger of an ending, I’m excited for the next book!

Wow, where to begin? This one picks up right where book 1 left off. You find out what happens to Medra for waking Nyxaris and then go through her next year of school.
I love love love Nyxaris! Honestly what's better than dragons? And I love mind speak - whether it's an animal you have a bond with or fated mates - I gobble that right up.
Fell in love with Blake even more in this one. SWOON.
The bad guys you hated in book 1 are even worse in book 2. But we learn some new and VERY interesting things!
And the cliffhanger in book 1? Child's play compared to the one we are left with here!
Absolutely fantastic book 2! Even better than book 1! Can not wait for the next one!!

Thank you to Netgalley and Starwater Press for this ARC.

I have genuinely put a reminder on my calendar for the publication of the next book in the series because WHY WOULD YOU END THE BOOK LIKE THAT?? I am in agony - it's just cruel. Especially considering I originally thought this series was a duology for some reason. Unacceptable.

Once again, poor Medra just cannot catch a break. I know red heads don't typically get grey hair but, all the stress has to be shortening her lifespan. I love her loyalty to those she cares about and her feminine rage.

For approximately the first third of the book, I was just annoyed at the MMC's behaviour but, that turned around to pure pining and I am here for it! It's refreshing seeing a character that genuinely did make bad decisions and beliefs have a true change in themself over time. It can't always be a case of allowing themselves to be seen as the bad guy but, secretly protecting everyone. His backstory and family makes me sad (but, does not excuse terrible actions he chose to do).

Aside from the romance and the plot, the grumpy dragon and ridiculous little fluffin? Absolutely love them - scenes featuring them were pure serotonin. Give me more.

I cannot believe I have to wait two months. This is ridiculous.

Medra Pendragon is half mortal, half fae, and is believed to have dragon rider blood. A line that has long since died out, along with all of the dragons. After being thrust into a world of high bloods (vampires) and blight borns (non vampires) she ends up at Bloodwing Academy, an elite school where she is bound to Blake Drakharrow, a powerful vampire heir whose words are just as vicious as his bite.

It’s now year 2 at Bloodwing Academy and there has been new awakenings, shifted loyalties, unraveled secrets and undeniable feelings! A lot happens in book one which continues almost straight on in book 2. Without giving spoilers, I’ll say if you loved book one, you’ll love book two! We get to learn more about some of the secondary characters which I really enjoyed and get to learn a little more on the history of the dragons. There’s still a lot of unanswered questions and the slow burn, enemies to lovers tension. And add in a whisper of a budding love triangle that I was HOPING would happen, but didn’t. Fingers crossed for book 3 because I’m a big fan of one vampire in particular! 😂

The Bond That Burns is a really solid romantasy read, that has a bit of everything! 🥰

Themes and Tropes:

♥️ Dark Academia
♥️ Bully Romance
♥️ Enemies to lovers
♥️ Vampires
♥️ Shifters
♥️ King Arthur legend
♥️ Found family

Dual POV - FMC and MMC
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5

A big thank you to NetGalley and Starwater press for my copy.

Thank you to NetGallery and Victory Editing for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review. All opinions are my own.

This was such a solid second book in the series, and that ending? So good! I definitely enjoyed this one more than the first, though I swear Blake had me wanting to strangle him at every turn. His progress felt like one step forward, twenty steps back, but honestly, that just made him feel more real. He’s trying his best, even if his role models were... questionable (still can’t remember when his dad died, or if it was ever even shared).

I fear Kage is far more compelling, and I want them together—even though I know it’s not happening. But hey, a girl can dream, because I have no idea how she’s choosing Blake over him.

Like the first book, this was such an easy, fun read and perfect for scratching that Fourth Wing itch.

Neville deserves everything good and right, while Marcus and Regan can ROT.

Excited for the next book—it can’t come soon enough! (If you wanna slide the ARC into my inbox, I won’t complain)

Going into this book I wasn’t sure about the series as a whole and really disliked the MMC as a character in the first book. At the beginning of this book I genuinely thought it would be a Tamlin situation and she would be romantically involved with Kage. Blake did grow on me as a character and I didn’t hate the relationship between him and Medra.

If you liked Fourth Wing, Zodiac Academy and Vampire academy I do think you will really enjoy this series.

The things I think that could have been improved: more depth into Aenia and Victor’s deaths as I found this very rushed. Characters such as Lace and Rodriguez seemed to appear and disappear, being important to the plot at points but almost instantly forgotten about. I’m not sure about the dragon shifter idea but… I feel like if more depth is provided I could be on board.

The things I liked: I found the twist unpredictable and I wasn’t expecting it so it was a nice surprise. I enjoyed the dragons and the history around them. Florence and medra have a very heartwarming sweet relationship but would die for each other if needed. I always enjoy close meaningful female relationships in romantasy based books.

Thank you to net galley and Starwater press for the eARC

A definite improvement on the first book. I was hooked straight away with this sequel and could not put it down, I was up until the early hours trying to finish this and then could not sleep because of the ending! The wait for the next book is going to feel like forever!

Ate this up as much as Book 1- I love love love ZA vibes & this series gives that lol. Although, totally unique in its own way w/ the originality of her Vampires & Dragon lore. And OOF- The tension 🔥 The triangle w/ Kage, Medra, & Blake? Why Choose baby- Pls lmfao. Give it to meeee, Rachel. So much yearning, but if I had to pick, I’m still down bad for Blake w/ this whole enemies to lovers to enemies to lovers, baby 🍽️ Feasting. Aside from bully romance, there’s also court & school intrigue, did I mention dragons yet? & so much more 🤍

Overall- A fun series, can’t wait for Book 3 ‘cause that ending?

The character arc for this book has been amazing. This book was intense and the writing was top notch this book def ended on a cliff hanger and left you wanting more. In a good way. It has dragons and academy setting all you could ever hope for