On Wings of Blood (Bloodwing Academy, #1) – A Spellbinding Adventure Awaits
Hey fellow book lovers! When I stumbled across On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn, I couldn’t resist its captivating blend of dark academia, fantasy romance, and—let’s be honest—a Draco Malfoy-like love interest. With its release just around the corner on November 30, 2024, I dove into this eARC thanks to the lovely folks at NetGalley and Startwater Press. If you’re hunting for a tale that weaves together thrilling plots, complex characters, and a dash of gothic allure, keep reading!
In this darkly enchanting narrative, we follow Medra Pendragon, a fierce and fiery protagonist who literally dies to save her world only to awaken in a new one—Bloodwing Academy. As she navigates the complexities of her newfound life, including her betrothal to the aloof prince, Blake Drakharrow, readers are thrust into a rich tapestry of vampire lore, arranged marriages, and the tensions between social classes (think highbloods vs. blightborns). Boleyn does a fantastic job balancing these themes, crafting a tale that hooks you from the get-go while leaving plenty of room for character development and moral dilemmas.
From the delightful camaraderie of Medra’s friends to her rivalry with Blake, the book brims with emotional stakes. The plotting is well-paced, though I wished for a bit more depth in the world-building—like, can we get a deeper dive into Arcaenum? But this doesn’t detract much from the thrilling ride. Every twist and turn makes you gasp, particularly as you grapple with the consequences of high-stakes situations and what it means to belong.
Now, let’s chat about the writing style. I wouldn’t say Boleyn’s prose dazzled me in a unique way, but it effectively sets the tone for a dark and riveting adventure. I found myself loving the dialogue and that intense vibe between characters, especially during the slow burn of the enemies-to-lovers trope. The unforgettable quote, “What harm could you do to a vampire, anyhow?” captures the underlying tension perfectly!
Also, I can’t help but blush at the book’s steamy moments. It’s rated quite high on the spice scale (4.25/5), with just enough tension to keep readers on their toes without overwhelming them. Keep the fan nearby, folks!
With a rating of ★★★★.25 from me, I enjoyed my journey alongside Medra, Blake, and their ragtag group of friends. There are definitely elements that may disturb some readers—graphic violence, bullying, and a threat of sexual assault, to name a few—so do keep that in mind. But if you lean into dark romance filled with found families, unlikely allies, and those deliciously cringe-worthy second-hand embarrassment moments we can’t help but adore, this read is for you.
In conclusion, if you love intricate relationships, a dash of moral ambiguity, and a sprinkle of vampire intrigue in your stories, On Wings of Blood is a captivating adventure you won’t want to miss. It might not be a perfect 5-star read for me, but it seriously left me eager for the sequel and all the ensuing chaos in Medra and Blake’s lives. Here’s to hoping I snag the next book’s ARC—because who wouldn’t want to hang out with these characters a little longer? Grab your copies my bookish pals, and let’s see how this magical ride unfolds together!
Discover more about On Wings of Blood (Bloodwing Academy, #1) on GoodReads >>