On Wings of Blood by Briar Boleyn: Book Summary + Review 📖
If you're into dark academia settings, magical schools, and a hefty dose of enemies-to-lovers tension, On Wings of Blood might just be your next favorite read.
The story follows Medra Pendragon, who finds herself thrust into the perilous world of Bloodwing Academy—a place where power is everything, and the line between ally and enemy is razor-thin. Navigating a society ruled by Highbloods (vampires) and fraught with deadly competitions, Medra must confront her own hidden powers and the secrets of her past.
Enter Blake Drakharrow: cold, arrogant, and infuriatingly attractive. From their first encounter, sparks fly—not the good kind. But when an ancient ritual binds them together, Medra is forced to work alongside Blake, unraveling a web of secrets that could change everything.
With dragons, vampires, and a school that feels more like a battlefield, On Wings of Blood delivers a thrilling ride filled with danger, intrigue, and slow-burning romance.
📚 Common Tropes in On Wings of Blood:
Enemies to Lovers – Expect fiery banter, emotional tension, and reluctant allies who can't seem to stay away from each other.
Magical Academy – The story is set in Bloodwing Academy, complete with deadly classes, rigid social hierarchies, and hidden magical lore.
Fated Mates / Forced Proximity – A magical bond forces the two leads together, whether they like it or not.
Hidden Identity / Secret Power – The main character discovers there’s more to her power—and her past—than she ever knew.
Brooding Love Interest – Classic emotionally guarded, powerful male lead who slowly reveals a softer side.
Strong Female Protagonist – Medra is determined, fiery, and not afraid to push back against unjust systems.
High Society / Royal Politics – Intrigue, power struggles, and navigating a world where class and bloodline matter a little too much.
⚠️ Trigger Warnings (Content Warnings):
While this list is not exhaustive, readers have noted the following themes that may be triggering:
Violence and Blood – Includes battle scenes, physical combat, and blood magic.
Bullying / Verbal Abuse – The academy setting includes harassment, particularly toward the main character.
Classism and Discrimination – There is strong tension between different classes of magical beings (Highbloods vs. Blightborns), which includes mistreatment and systemic oppression.
Mild Torture / Captivity – Some scenes may include physical restraint or magical coercion.
Death and Loss – Includes grief and references to past trauma.🌶️ Spice Level: 2/5 (Slow Burn)
The romantic tension simmers throughout the book, but explicit scenes are minimal. If you're a fan of slow-burn romances with intense chemistry, this one's for you.
📝 My Review
I went into On Wings of Blood expecting a typical fantasy romance, but what I got was so much more. The world-building is rich and immersive, with a magical school setting that feels both familiar and refreshingly unique. The dynamics between Highbloods and Blightborns add depth to the story, creating a society rife with tension and intrigue.
Medra is a compelling protagonist—strong, determined, and relatable. Her journey of self-discovery and empowerment is engaging, and I found myself rooting for her most of the way. Blake, on the other hand, is the quintessential brooding anti-hero. While his initial behavior is off-putting, the layers of his character unfold gradually, revealing a bit more complexity and understanding.
The pacing is well-balanced, with a mix of action, character development, and plot twists that keep you engaged. The slow-burn romance adds an extra layer of tension, making the eventual payoff all the more satisfying.
Overall, On Wings of Blood is a thrilling start to the Bloodwing Academy series. If you're a fan of dark academia, enemies-to-lovers tropes, and richly crafted fantasy worlds, this book is definitely worth a read. And honestly.. I loved the second book so much more.
⭐️ Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
A captivating blend of fantasy, romance, and dark academia that keeps you hooked from start to finish. Definitely one of my favorite reads so far in 2025.
