This book is such a perfect continuation of the story. The flow is great and the characters are all keeping secrets but in this one we find out some (not all) of their secrets! Seriously so excited for book 3 now!

Book one was my favorite read of last year...and book two did NOT disappoint...can I have already read my favorite book of 2025? This series is just absolute perfection. If I could pick a fantasy world to live in it would be here, with Blake Drakharrow (preferably as a vampire, obviously). The book started slow with the enemies to lovers trope, but when things got going...they got going. Briar knows how to have you on the edge of your seat, having emotions about fictional people that have you full of angst, excitement and absolute distress. The last 25% of this book was mindblowing, I can't wait for the third book. Briar- if you need someone to test read, PICK MEEEEE!

So happy I got a copy of this from Briar Boleyn and NetGalley, but I have already ordered myself physical copies too. Drop everything and go read this series.

I loved the first book and could not wait to dive into the second installment. Let me tell you this book did not disappoint in the slightest. It was gripping, addictive and had me audibly gasping. The Bond That Burns takes you on such an emotional rollercoaster and I still haven't recovered from it.

Our characters develop so much in this book and it was so good to see them grow. Oh and the spice? Absolutely perfect. I honestly love the romance in this and I cannot wait to see how it progresses in the next book (which I need now).

Also, I need my own fluffin. Neville is the absolute cutest and I just want to hug him close and never let go.

I loved this book and I'm so excited for the next one! Thank you Briar for letting me a part of the street team and giving me access to an early copy!

♥ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐬 (𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐝𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐜𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐲 #𝟐) 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 ♥

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 )
Spice: ★★☆☆☆ (2/5)

minor spoilers incoming!

𝘉𝘰𝘰𝘬 𝘚𝘶𝘮𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘺:
Following the dramatic awakening of a dragon in the first book, Medra Pendragon finds herself navigating the consequences. The Highbloods debate her fate, questioning her loyalties and the role of her dragon, Nyxaris. Meanwhile, Medra must come to terms with Blake’s betrayal and decide whether to trust him as their relationship shifts. To complicate matters, her dragon refuses to bond with her, showing disdain for both Medra and the Highbloods. With danger mounting and tensions rising, Medra must learn to communicate with Nyxaris and uncover the mysteries surrounding the Bloodwing Academy.

𝘔𝘺 𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘴:
I loved the first book, but this one took it to another level! Nyxaris completely stole the show for me—every interaction between him and Medra was hilarious and heartwarming. A sassy dragon with a big personality is always my favourite.

Medra continues to be an incredible FMC. She’s strong, determined, and just overall badass. Watching her relationship with Blake evolve was one of my favourite aspects of this book. The dual POV added depth, giving us insight into Blake’s thoughts and his growing feelings for Medra. Blake annoyed me at the start, but he got his act together...until that ending betrayal. I was worried the ending would mirror the first book with Medra hating him again, but she stood by him this time, which gives me so much hope for their future. Their dynamic gives me serious Dramione vibes, and I’m here for it!

The plot was full of twists and turns. Blake’s dragon shape-shifting reveal? Did NOT see that coming. And Kage being the wolf? Incredible. The ending's cliffhanger left me desperate for the next book—I can’t wait to see how everything comes together.

Also, I cannot write this review without mentioning Neville, I adore him. His meeting with Nyxaris at the end was a highlight for me, and I’m calling it now—he’s going to play a big role in the next book. I kinda wish he had more of a relationship with Medra or we saw more Blake-Neville moments but he's still such a highlight.

Lastly, the spice was well-balanced, adding to the story without overpowering it. The drama is real, and I am so invested in this series!

The Bond That Burns by Briar Boleyn is a gripping and intense second instalment in the Bloodwing Academy series. The story follows two main characters caught between love, loyalty and each other.

The author weaves tension and passion into every page, with so many unexpected twists and turns that leave you on the edge of your seat. This is accompanied by fantastic character development. The plot is well paced and is a balance of thrilling moments and emotional depth, with the author skillfully exploring themes of trust, sacrifice, and inner conflict.

The chemistry between the main characters is intense, with their developing relationship being full of intense and steamy moments. The fantasy elements are compelling but don’t overpower the emotional aspect of the book. The spicy moments between the two main characters is absolutely perfect and very well written.

To conclude, This was a highly enjoyable read that will appeal to fans of romantic suspense and fantasy. With its memorable characters, heartfelt moments, and an engaging plot, it’s definitely worth adding to your bookshelf. If you enjoy stories about love, loyalty, dragons and vampires, this book should be on your radar.

Thank you to the author Briar Boleyn, NetGalley and Starwater Press for this ARC! I’m absolutely obsessed with this series!

How am I supposed to wait until may for the next book?? Briar Boleyn is the queen of the cliffhanger and she's done it again!

I didn't think I would ever find a series I liked asmuch as blood of a fae but this one is even better.

The characters, whether you love or hate them are amazing. The story just keeps on giving. Most books have slow chapters but not this one. Every chapter, every event, every character is written for a reason even if you don't realise it at the time.

Even if your not a fan of the fantasy genre you will be after reading this series!

Firstly thank you so much Briar, the pushisher and NetGalley for allowing me read this. I loved the first book so much cause it has so many things I love in books and I immediately wanted to jump into the 2nd one.
Oh. My. Wow! What to say... Have in consideration that I literally just finished the book like 5 minutes ago and my cheeks are still drying from all the tears i shed on the last chapter so bear with me and my many thoughts. After finished writing I came back here to the beginning to say it's a big review and in case you don't feel like reading it all, I just say I recommend it to everyone!!! 👌🏻👌🏻
Still absolutely in awe with our heroine because that's really what she is. Medra is so passionate, brave, fierce, she doesn't back down even when she's scared, she's such a kind and good friend and the last chapters proved once again how fearless she is (going in for a battle she had no way to win but she felt she had to to protect her own).
My dear Blake... The first book proved that Blake was more than what he showed people, specially when his POV chapters started and I loved him. In this book, he had me wanting to scream at him and maybe give him a shove like WAKE UP DUDE on a few situations like the cafeteria one. But apart from that, I love Blake and, as the book progressed, he started standing up a bit more to his uncle and he finally realised his mistakes with Medra and actually apologised. He had huge character growth for me. When he agrees to help Rodriguez, he acknowledged he was doing something wrong and didn't want to. Before the ball, the gifts part was so thoughtful, I was swooning with him and with Medra's thoughts about it.
Also adoring the secondary characters. Theo always a good friend and trying to help. Florence is that precious friend who's always there for you and you wanna protect at all costs. Visha was likable on the 1st book but she's grown even more on me on this one, she's really funny and also a good friend. To Blake she's that kind of friend that tells you everything you need to hear even if it's not what you wanna hear, hence calling Blake out on bullsh*t he did this book. Kage is another character that grew on me on this book. He tried to help Blake with the transformation thing, even tho he was cryptic as hell lol
The last chapters had me on edge afraid for Nyxaris, afraid for the reconnecting connection between Medra and Blake because of what he was going to do. And yes, chaos ensued. Blake's transformation left me shook (I can't wait to see more of how it works on the 3rd book and Medra's reaction to it), Catherine and Marcus' alliance and what they did with blood magic and the last chapter had me bawling my eyes out. Because of Florence's situation, how Blake immediately decided to intervene for her and how Medra saved him and said those two words (TWO WORDS he kept telling her but she never said back and for the first time she finally said it) and he was so surprised and taken aback and SO WAS I. I was already crying but I cried even more. And then the flufflin part, which I would never see coming in my wildest dreams, was the most adorable thing and dialogue.
And now I'm here feeling hungover and needing book 3 which comes out the day after my birthday.
What a perfect way to start the reading year 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

The Bond that Burns, takes place after soon after book one. We follow our FMC Medra as she navigates her way through Bloodwing Academy after her falling out with Blake. The relationship between Medra and Blake relies heavily on the miscommunication trope which is personally a frustrating one and not a favorite. The fact is it is glaringly obvious that Blake looks after Medra every single step of the way. Even if she is furious with him and yet for the majority of the book the push and pull seems to rely heavily on her just disregarding this fact.
The growth with Medra stalled with a good amount of filler where in the first book she had to fully adjust to a new world, learn history, the dynamics of the delicate balances that rule the school, highbloods, and the other beings in this new and unfamiliar world she found herself thrust upon. This being one of the most engaging parts of the first book; unfortunately, this book missed the mark in keeping up with its predecessor.
The addition of a witty gruff dragon who traditionally aligned with another house had me excited to dive into some deep history about the dragons and their houses. However, while some aspects were alluded to and might appear in a future book, I found myself wanting a deeper connection to the plight of the dragons and the previous riders.
Honestly, I really enjoyed Kage and getting a bit more insight into the workings of another highblood house. (I secretly hoped for a tamlin/rhys switcheroo and poof Kage was her true mate..)
Some of the twists have a huge amount of potential to draw you back into a larger and more layered world. I am interested to see how Boleyn ties in the many aspects of the world she has created and builds upon them into a compelling fantasy filled with politics, world building, magic, dragons, emotional highs and lows, love, spice, and of course twists.

Briar Boleyn! You did it again! I was hooked from page one and couldn't put it down. Did I try to swipe the last page on my kindle, even tho it said, "The End"? Yes, yes I did because, how can you leave it like that? This series and book is a page turner filled with vampires, dragons, wolves, enemies to lovers, delicious spice, found family, twists & turns, and more. I continue to love the main characters, Medra and Drake, both trying to navigate their relationship, plus a there's a bit of good groveling from Drake. I also continue to enjoy the found family aspect of this story and that they are all supporting each other even if mistakes are made. I look forward to book 3.
I highly recommend this book.

I have absorbed all of Briar Boleyn's books and The Bond that Burns, Bloodwing Academy book #2 was no exception! I started reading and did not put the book down til I was done. I am so grateful to Netgalley and Briar Boleyn for an arc copy to read! I am so happy I discovered this author thanks to Netgalley! I am hooked on her writing! I will be anxiously awaiting book 3 coming in the Spring! This book ends on a cliffhanger and I must know what happens soon!

Boleyn knows how to world build and do it exceptionally! She creates characters that a reader becomes emotionally invested in and attached too! I didn't want to like Blake at first, but I couldn't help it after the Bond that Burns! His character arc alone makes this book worth reading. I like Blake and Medra together- they have a matching fire and intensity. I love Nyraxis, the dragon and his grumpiness. I could imagine him through Boleyn's descriptive writing. I want to know more about him and the dragons! Who wouldn't adore Neville the fluffin?! I feel Neville is going to bring more surprises in book 3! I was happy he was even more present in book 2! Kage Tanaka, Avari house leader even has become more intriguing as the series develops!

Twist, turns, tension filled romance, and betrayals- oh my gosh the betrayals! So many things happened in this book that were unpredictable and surprising! It has been an enjoyable ride so far! I am excited to see where Boleyn is going to take this series! 100% worth reading The Bond that Burns and all of Boleyn's books she has written so far! She is a fantastic fantasy romance writer!
I will be sharing this review on Goodreads and Amazon.

5/5 stars! I thoroughly enjoyed this book and couldn’t put it down. I was hooked from the very first chapter. The Bond That Burns is book two in the Bloodwing Academy series and I can’t wait for book three to be released. Thank you to Briar Boleyn, Starwater Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read a copy of this book.

Thank you to Briar Boleyn and NetGallery for providing me with an ARC of this book

The second book in Bloodwing Academy series starts off right where the previous one left off. And for the most of the opening chapters, the tone is also pretty much the same as in book one - Medra's confused about what is going on, her life is in danger and the highlords are both in awe and terrified of her; Blake acts like a massive jerk with a death wish and a new school year is dawning.

Still, the academy plot point was pushed much more into the background in this installment. Although, I did miss it a little and the sense of HP nostlagia the first book gave me was lost, there was so much happening that I didn't miss it for long. It made sense, in the grand scheme of things, and I was, admittingly, more curious about the dragons and what is going to happen with Medra and Nyxaris.

As before, I did struggle a bit with the first couple of chapters. While the writing style is really damn captivating and the story is complex, it takes a while for the novels to pick up pace and the first chapters are a little bit all over the place. At least, that's the impression I have - it's not enough to draw me away, though; it just take a little bit more of an effort to continue through them to get to all the good stuff. Almost like when you're craving pistachios but you have to break them from their shell first.
It just makes it taste all that much better.

What was part of the struggle in this novel for me, as well, was Blake and his behaviour. You know, excluding the last chapter of book 1, we left off on such a good note and then... Then all went to shit and he was so terrible, annoying and straight-out distasteful I found myself wanting to punch my screen. Not going to lie, I was leaning towards Kage more and more the longer his bullshit was going on... And before you go at me, yeah, yeah, I know I said many times I love morally grey heroes, there's a difference between a morally gray and a complete bully.
I hate the latter with a passion.

Thank god the little vampire shit grew some brain and a backbone and by the end of the book he really stepped up. I'm hoping to see more of this side of Blake from now on - and the other, secret part of me we've got a taste of at the climax. That's going to make for one hell of a twist and I can't wait to see where it will go.

The smut - okay, I'll be a wee bit hypocritical here as I've read books that had smut happening under a lot messed up circumstances - was scorching hot and damn, if I didn't need a fan while reading it but the first time it happened, I was questioning it a little. It didn't seem all that healthy and initially, I wasn't sure I was a fan. However, I think it was a catalyst for Blake to finally get his head out of his ass so, eventually, it was a good plot device to steer the plot in the right direction.

And as my mind is as dirty as a sink drain after a family dinner, I appreciated the amount of spice in this book. It was truly a chef's kiss, and I can't complain.

The ending was better than in book one, it felt more genuine and thought-through. It also opened up so many new questions and diverse possibilities as where book 3 will lead us, and I can't say anything else but that I'm excited for the next part of Medra and Blake's story. Briar really knows how to hook a reader and this is a series definitely worth having on your radar! It deserved to be in the same league as ACOTAR or Fourth Wing.

“The Bond that Burns” is the thrilling sequel to Briar Boleyn’s “On Wings of Blood.” Buckle your seatbelt because you are in for a WILD ride with this Bloodwing Academy series. This second book intensifies with gripping plot twists, heart-pounding action, and richly developed friendships. Romantic tension simmers alongside the addition of compelling animal companions, adding even more depth to the story. Briar masterfully crafts a vivid, unique world where political strife and dangerous enemies constantly challenge Medra, the FMC. We can fell the tension as she navigates trust, loyalty, and the relentless struggle to protect those she holds dear.

Speaking of those she holds dear… the side characters truly make this book an exceptional read. We absolutely LOVED seeing the deeper development of the characters surrounding Medra. Watching their stories unfold and intertwine with hers was a highlight for us! I can’t wait to see where their journeys take them next—I need more of Kage, Theo, Florence, and Visha immediately! And let’s not forget Neville and Nyxaris...

And, of course, we can’t forget our MMC, Blake, who keeps us absolutely exasperated as he struggles with how to express his true feelings. Can we please slap him upside the head? Thanks to Briar for giving us his POV so we get a front-row seat to his inner turmoil—his desperate yearning to love and be loved, even as he fails repeatedly trying to make it happen. His growth throughout the book had us hooked and on the edge of our seats the entire time…

What you will find:
-Vampires
-Dark Academia
-Political intrigue
-Enemies to Lovers
-Dual POV
-Found family
-Shifters
-Dragons

Spice Rating: 3/5
Language: 2/5
Favorite Side Character: So hard…but I think Visha wins the award for this book!
Favorite Animal Companion: Neville the fluffin - cuteness overload!
Favorite Quotes:

“You are not going to die,” Nyxaris answered. “You will not fall. I will not permit you to humiliate me in such a ridiculous way.”

“When you’re in danger, I feel like I’d gladly give up my life and everything in it to keep you safe.”

THANK YOU to Briar and Netgalley for the ARC!

𝑭𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒊𝒏 𝒂 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆, 𝑰 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒍 𝒂𝒔𝒍𝒆𝒆𝒑 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒆, 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒎𝒂𝒚𝒃𝒆, 𝑰 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒄𝒂𝒑𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓. 𝑩𝒆𝒄𝒂𝒖𝒔𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒆𝒓.

The Bond That Burns is the second book in the Bloodwing Academy series by Briar Boleyn, following On Wings of Blood. I read Book 1 back in the fall and it was a 5⭐ so I was super excited to receive an ARC for book 2! It did not disappoint.

The Bond That Burns picks up right where book 1 left off. The story moves at just the right speed to progress the storyline but also allow for significant character development. There were a few unexpected twists that I didn't see coming - Briar is keeping us on our toes! We also get a new POV in this book that I love and am so excited to see more of 🔥 Also can't forget to mention Neville the fluffin who was the star of the show at times! The sneaky adorable little bugger. 🦊

This book had everything - action, romance, angst, betrayals, friendship, politics, tenderness and don't forget dragons! It was such a great read - how am I supposed to wait for book 3??😭

"𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆’𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒇 𝒊𝒕’𝒔 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒅 𝒅𝒆𝒆𝒑. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒕𝒉 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒚. 𝑬𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒑𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒍𝒊𝒌𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒕𝒐."

The Bond that Burns is a sequel to Briar Boleyn's On Wings of Blood.
Medra Pendragon is half fae, lives at Bloodwing academy and is the last of the dragon riders. Having unintentionally woken the last dragon, Medra is now expected to control him. This is the least of her problems - Blake Darkharrow - her archeon is a vampire who is also makes her life difficult, never mind his power hungry uncle!
The novel is a spicy in sections (especially toward the end) has an amazing cluffhanger that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat until the last page!
I can't wait for the third installment!

The stakes are higher in the follow up book!

The book picks up from the first book and medra and Blake’s journey continues its full of mystery,betrayal,romance and twists

The world building is on point and the plot just flows but it does end on a big cliff hanger!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the arc of this book. The Bond that Burns is the second book in the Bloodwing Academy series by Briar Boleyn. This book continues the story of Medra and Blake. The book starts to close to where we left off in book one. This book has intrigue, mystery, romance, spice, betrayal. This book ends on one hell of a cliff hanger. Once I started this book, I only put it down to sleep. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series. If you need something to read while waiting for the next book, I recommend trying the author's Blood of a Fae series.

Read this one sooo quickly! I honestly love all of the characters and can’t get enough of them — can’t wait for the next book to come out.

My last read of 2024 was *The Bond That Burns* by Briar.

This started right off the bat from the end of the second book, and I absolutely devoured it in two days. I really enjoyed reading the different points of view from the characters Medra and Blake.

The world-building is a chef’s kiss, the characters are perfect, and the storyline is so addictive that I couldn’t put the book down. It definitely has some spice that adds to the excitement! I adore learning about his proper intentions; it made me quiver.

Oh, the dragon made it for me! Such a grump, but they had me laughing with their personality. And let’s not forget about the swoon-worthy bad boy archetype—much like Draco Malfoy. There’s something about that dark, brooding charisma that really draws me in. He’s complex and flawed, which only adds to his appeal, making those moments of tension between him and the protagonist absolutely electrifying.

The ending has me on tenterhooks waiting for the next book in the series!

#BookReview #MustRead2024 #FantasyFiction #PageTurner #BookLovers #Dragons #CharacterDevelopment #WorldBuilding #BadBoyCharm #ReadingAddict

Wow!! I am loving this story so much. Can't wait until book #3 is released.

The story starts exactly where it ended with Medra waking up a dragon, Nyxaris. Blake's uncle, Viktor, wants answers from Medra like why she didn't wake up his house dragon instead. Honestly, Medra has no idea how she did it, so she tells them that the dragon is under her loyalty and answers to only her. Viktor doesn't like that so Medra is locked away for the summer in the school. When school starts, there will be a tribunal to decide Medra's fate.

Blake hates how much he needs Medra and how she refuses to fall in line and respect him. So he does everything in his power to hurt, humiliate, and embarrass her. So Medra asks Kage to be transferred to his house, to get away from him. Blake is shocked that his uncle allowed her to switch houses but he soon realizes that his uncle has nefarious plans in play. He also changes his attitude when he realizes that Medra is in trouble.

Blake is also changing as well. Drinking Medra's blood awoke the dragon living inside of him. Which was his uncle's plan all along. To use Blake as a weapon. But when he works with a professor and Kage to put Nyxaris back into stone, he betrays the one person he never wanted to.

The ending had me on pins and needles.

A great book!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.