Review: On Wings Of Blood by Briar Boleyn
On Wings Of Blood by Briar
Boleyn
Quick Thoughts: This was a solid read with incredible world-building and a setting that absolutely delivered. I’m a sucker for fantasy books set in academies, and this hit that sweet spot. Think Zodiac Academy meets a touch of Harry Potter and Fourth Wing. However, the tone felt a little younger than I expected, and while I enjoyed the story itself, the FMC’s immaturity sometimes took me out of the moment. Still, the friendships, lore, and hints of something darker kept me interested enough to want to keep going with the series. I’m hoping the next book digs deeper into the tension, darkness, and growth this one teased.
Genres: Romantasy
Tropes: Dark Academia, Enemies-to-Lovers, Forced Proximity, Bully, Found Family
★★★
About this book:
I’m Medra Pendragon—last of the dragon riders, or so they tell me. Funny thing is, there are no dragons left. Not a single one. But somehow, that hasn’t stopped the vampires from deciding I’m worth capturing. Now I’m stuck at Bloodwing Academy, where the highbloods run everything and blightborn like me? We’re just blood in their veins, pawns in their games.
But that’s not even the worst part. Enter Blake Drakharrow. Cold, arrogant, and way too gorgeous for his own good. He’s been tormenting me since the moment we met, and now, thanks to some ancient ritual, we’re betrothed. He acts like he owns me, but I’m not going down without a fight.
Bloodwing isn’t just a school—it’s a battlefield. Highbloods fight for power, and if you’re weak? You’re dead.
Between deadly competitions, lies that could get me executed, and a dragon-shaped secret looming over my head, all I have to do is survive. Easy, right? Except I’m starting to think the real danger isn’t the academy—it’s what I’m becoming in this twisted game of power.
And Blake? He might just be the one who pushes me over the edge.
They think they can control me. They think they can use me.
But they have no idea what they’ve awakened.
best place to read
A Somewhere wild and moody – picture the Scottish Highlands or the Peak District. Low fog rolling over the hills, cold air on your skin, and that eerie quiet that makes you feel like you’ve stepped straight into Bloodwing Academy.
best snack to read with
A black cherry martini; something dark and rich. It’s the kind of drink that feels luxurious but has a bite, perfect for this story.
perfect accompanying soundtrack
Breath of Life – Florence + The Machine. The right level of cinematic and haunting whilst also capturing raw emotion.
My Review:
On Wings of Blood was a solid start to a new romantasy series, and I genuinely enjoyed the world Briar Boleyn created. The setting had everything I love in a fantasy story: an academy filled with secrets, rivalries, and just enough gothic atmosphere to give it an edge. If you love books like Zodiac Academy, Fourth Wing, or even the darker corners of Harry Potter, you will find familiar, addictive elements here.
That said, while those books often appeal to a slightly older audience, this one felt much younger in tone. I would almost have classed it as a young adult novel if not for one particular scene that clearly placed it in a more mature category. That sense of youth carried through to the main character, who was written with a level of naivety and petulance that did not always sit comfortably with the rest of the story. It was a shame, because her backstory suggested someone hardened by battle and experience, yet her behaviour often came across as immature.
Her emotional outbursts made her seem inexperienced rather than resilient, which made it difficult for me to truly root for her. I wanted to see her struggle more, to fight for her place, and to earn my respect as a reader. Instead, it sometimes felt a little surface level, with potential for much deeper character growth.
One thing I did love, however, was her friendship with Florence and Naveen. Their bond felt authentic and brought warmth to the story. It added some much-needed humour and heart, offering a refreshing contrast to her strained relationship with Blake. Their friendship was one of the most enjoyable parts of the book and really grounded the fantasy world in something real.
And then there is Blake. Where to start? Enemies to lovers is one of my favourite tropes, but here it felt more confusing than compelling. The spark simply was not there for me. The angst and tension were minimal, and their arguments read more like teenage squabbles than the kind of charged exchanges that make you desperate for even the smallest touch. I never felt that pull, that breathless anticipation that makes this trope so satisfying.
Despite those frustrations, there is a lot of potential in this story. The world building was strong, the lore was intriguing, and the setting felt alive with possibilities. I am hopeful that this first instalment is acting as a set-up for something bigger in the next books. I would love to see more of the darker elements, more emotional depth, and a heroine who grows into the powerful figure the story hints she could become.
Overall, On Wings of Blood was a good read with a world I want to revisit, even if some of the characters occasionally made me roll my eyes. It left me curious enough to keep reading, which is always a good sign. I just hope that next time, the story leans harder into the shadows and delivers on the promise it has already begun to build.
Rating: 3 ✦ Mid-Level Mood
“Sometimes the problem is that we don’t see ourselves the way others do.”
Hit
The world-building: The world-building is genuinely captivating. Briar Boleyn creates a setting that feels rich, dark, and detailed. The kind of place you can easily picture yourself lost in. The academy, the lore, the hierarchy of vampires and mortals all feel immersive, and it’s clear a lot of thought has gone into crafting this universe.
The friendship dynamic: The friendship between Medra, Florence, and Naveen is one of the brightest parts of the story. Their banter and loyalty bring warmth to an otherwise heavy, high-stakes world. It feels natural and genuine, the sort of connection that gives you a break from all the drama while still pulling you deeper into the story. Special shoutout to Theo and his banter!
The main character: While Medra’s background promises a fierce and battle-hardened heroine, her personality often reads much younger. Her emotional reactions and moments of naivety clash with her established history, which makes it harder to believe in her power. I wanted to see her earn her strength rather than stumble through it.
The romance: Enemies to lovers is one of my favourite tropes, but this one fell flat. The tension between Medra and Blake never quite built the way it should, and their chemistry felt more like confusion than longing. I was waiting for that slow-burn spark; the looks, the tension, the ache… but it never really came through.
