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Bloodwing Academy #3
The Wings That Bind
The night's chaos left us breathless. Now the real nightmare begins.
A second dragon has awoken–her heart tainted and her power commandeered by two ruthless highbloods whose cruelty knows no bounds.
My dearest friend teetered on the brink of death. A dragon saved her, but now she's tied to him in a way I can scarcely understand. What will this new bond do to the woman I've come to love as a sister?
And then there’s Blake. Once my relentless tormentor—he betrayed me again, nearly condemning Nyxaris to a cursed, stone-cold fate. Now something has shifted in him. His gray eyes hide a secret he’s desperate to keep.
I saved Blake’s life, despite everything. Yet now my every heartbeat questions where we go from here.
With Bloodwing Academy in turmoil and a new headmaster no one saw coming, only one thing is This is going to be one hell of a term.
At Bloodwing Academy, power comes with blood, and betrayal is as common as ambition. This dark fantasy series tackles mature themes. Readers are advised to consult the trigger warnings before embarking on this intense, morally gray/black journey through the realm of Sangratha!
A second dragon has awoken–her heart tainted and her power commandeered by two ruthless highbloods whose cruelty knows no bounds.
My dearest friend teetered on the brink of death. A dragon saved her, but now she's tied to him in a way I can scarcely understand. What will this new bond do to the woman I've come to love as a sister?
And then there’s Blake. Once my relentless tormentor—he betrayed me again, nearly condemning Nyxaris to a cursed, stone-cold fate. Now something has shifted in him. His gray eyes hide a secret he’s desperate to keep.
I saved Blake’s life, despite everything. Yet now my every heartbeat questions where we go from here.
With Bloodwing Academy in turmoil and a new headmaster no one saw coming, only one thing is This is going to be one hell of a term.
At Bloodwing Academy, power comes with blood, and betrayal is as common as ambition. This dark fantasy series tackles mature themes. Readers are advised to consult the trigger warnings before embarking on this intense, morally gray/black journey through the realm of Sangratha!
448 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication March 10, 2026
About the author
Briar Boleyn
12 books5,508 followers*** I am most active on Instagram!
Please Note: Goodreads won't let me follow any more people, but please feel free to add me as a friend! :) ***
Briar Boleyn is the New York Times, Sunday Times, and USA Today bestselling fantasy romance author of the Bloodwing Academy and the Blood of a Fae series. Briar once wrote scholarly papers on Dumbledore, Dragon Age, and King Arthur before finally realizing she could create her own worlds where all three might coexist–with significantly more kissing. After wandering through English literature departments at four universities across Canada, she took a detour to teach in the Arctic, where her students would sometimes run out of class to chase polar bears. When not raising fictional dragons from the dead, Briar enjoys reading all types of sci-fi and fantasy, cultivating an unhealthy Disney World obsession, and playing RPG video games. She has written fourteen historical romance novels as Fenna Edgewood.
Please Note: Goodreads won't let me follow any more people, but please feel free to add me as a friend! :) ***
Briar Boleyn is the New York Times, Sunday Times, and USA Today bestselling fantasy romance author of the Bloodwing Academy and the Blood of a Fae series. Briar once wrote scholarly papers on Dumbledore, Dragon Age, and King Arthur before finally realizing she could create her own worlds where all three might coexist–with significantly more kissing. After wandering through English literature departments at four universities across Canada, she took a detour to teach in the Arctic, where her students would sometimes run out of class to chase polar bears. When not raising fictional dragons from the dead, Briar enjoys reading all types of sci-fi and fantasy, cultivating an unhealthy Disney World obsession, and playing RPG video games. She has written fourteen historical romance novels as Fenna Edgewood.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 433 reviews
January 21, 2026
Hey, so what the fuck was that?
The third installment in the Bloodwing Academy series dropped on Edelweiss, and I downloaded that bitch the very same day. Currently, it's unavailable to download, which leads me to believe there's more changes being made.
My history with this series is simple, I read the first two books, On Wings of Blood and The Bond That Burns back in May. I ate both up and gave them both four stars. Since May, the series has been traditionally republished in the US, with the second book rereleasing this Tuesday, November 10, 2025. I knew I wouldn't be able to put off The Wings That Bind until next year, so I apologize for reading this DRC 5-ish months before the release date. Forgive me?
However, I don't know if I'm somehow forgetting the first two books, which I don't do, or perhaps there is some editing that's been done with the new traditional releases, but even though I enjoyed the HELL out of this book, I felt like I didn't know these characters. Regan, for example, in an attempt not to spoil anything because this book doesn't come out until May, and I prioritize reviews that will enhance the reading experience, feels CRAZY different. Once again, this could be an editing issue. I read the independently published releases, and this book is also a proof copy, so things can and may have changed, but WHO IS SHE? She feels miles different than the character that I knew, but I am actually very excited to see where her story leads. Kage is someone I've LOVED from book one, in fact sometimes I was wondering what a romance with Medra could have looked like, and MMM MMM MMM I cannot wait for his plot to develop. Medra's best friend, Florence, becomes more important as the book grows, and even finds herself with a romantic development in this book that I am finding questionable LOL.
There was definitely an editor at hand here, because the writing is Boleyn's best so far. In the first two books, we are told it is a bully romance between Medra and Blake. Both of them detest each other and detest the way their hearts beat for each other the same. At the end of the second book, this HUGE moment happens that, while handled very well with Medra, I expected it to blow up in our faces in book three. However, that's not the case. In fact, these two have finally learned proper communication skills– at least when it came to that particular problem. In this book, the romance finally blossoms into something more than just a physical relationship, yet it still somehow feels like we're being held back from their potential.
In The Wings That Bind we now have more character POVs: Regan, Florence, Neville, Blake, Medra, and Kage. Boleyn opens up the scene to gather more towards the plot, and while I enjoyed the POVs, sometimes it began to feel like too little too late. With the introduction of new POVs, there were also more additions to worldbuilding, lore, and magic systems. We see snippets of what is to come in book two, but so much more gets built upon here that it also felt like we're doing too much. While I enjoy it and love the concept of unpredictability (is that a word?), the world we knew in book one with vampires and blightborn seems so far away from the present. Obviously, Boleyn knew what she was doing, and we can tell just from the covers what she’s been cooking up, so I can't say this book had concepts that came out of nowhere.
As for how readers will find this one, I don't know. On one hand, I think people will enjoy the romance and the smut as always. If you're in it for the politics, you'll enjoy this one too. But for plot development, I'm unsure. This doesn't really go anywhere in terms of Medra and Blake. Movements are made, and they are huge steps for them, but at the same time, I still feel stuck in quicksand. For the actual plot, things are once again happening, but for the bigger picture, I am still STUCK. It's a big book, clocking in at about 450 pages. It's not a filler book, but at the same time, reflecting on it, I feel as if we've only made a small chunk of progress, but HEY, don't take my word for it.
Now, I seem a bit negative, but I had a wonderful time. This book is so easy to get sucked into, and I found myself reading in very long sprints because I couldn't put it down. I LOVE the romance between Medra and Blake, and now that it's finally something more than just sex, UGH. Blake knows how to YEARN. I just wish they'd keep their word and be honest with each other for more than five seconds. Finally getting a Kage point of view excites me, and I'm glad the authors are opening the space for more POVs so we get more storylines. It is exciting, and hopefully, the other POVs carry their portions properly.
As for series ranking, I think this comes in second for me. On Wings of Blood was delicious, and this book is objectively their best work yet, but I ride or die for book one!
Thank you to the publisher, MIRA, for the DRC! This title is set to release on March 10, 2026. Apologies for the very early read, but I couldn't help myself :)
EDIT 01/21/2026: REMOVED "Briar Boleyn is a pen name for two authors, and from this book alone, 1 can see their growth as authors" as a comment made me aware of my mix-up, apologies!
Original review that got me all the likes lol
The release date getting pushed back to March 2026 is my villain origin story
UPDATE: just got an ARC for this, everyone SHUT UP WEFIJNS Dzbijxn
The third installment in the Bloodwing Academy series dropped on Edelweiss, and I downloaded that bitch the very same day. Currently, it's unavailable to download, which leads me to believe there's more changes being made.
My history with this series is simple, I read the first two books, On Wings of Blood and The Bond That Burns back in May. I ate both up and gave them both four stars. Since May, the series has been traditionally republished in the US, with the second book rereleasing this Tuesday, November 10, 2025. I knew I wouldn't be able to put off The Wings That Bind until next year, so I apologize for reading this DRC 5-ish months before the release date. Forgive me?
However, I don't know if I'm somehow forgetting the first two books, which I don't do, or perhaps there is some editing that's been done with the new traditional releases, but even though I enjoyed the HELL out of this book, I felt like I didn't know these characters. Regan, for example, in an attempt not to spoil anything because this book doesn't come out until May, and I prioritize reviews that will enhance the reading experience, feels CRAZY different. Once again, this could be an editing issue. I read the independently published releases, and this book is also a proof copy, so things can and may have changed, but WHO IS SHE? She feels miles different than the character that I knew, but I am actually very excited to see where her story leads. Kage is someone I've LOVED from book one, in fact sometimes I was wondering what a romance with Medra could have looked like, and MMM MMM MMM I cannot wait for his plot to develop. Medra's best friend, Florence, becomes more important as the book grows, and even finds herself with a romantic development in this book that I am finding questionable LOL.
There was definitely an editor at hand here, because the writing is Boleyn's best so far. In the first two books, we are told it is a bully romance between Medra and Blake. Both of them detest each other and detest the way their hearts beat for each other the same. At the end of the second book, this HUGE moment happens that, while handled very well with Medra, I expected it to blow up in our faces in book three. However, that's not the case. In fact, these two have finally learned proper communication skills– at least when it came to that particular problem. In this book, the romance finally blossoms into something more than just a physical relationship, yet it still somehow feels like we're being held back from their potential.
In The Wings That Bind we now have more character POVs: Regan, Florence, Neville, Blake, Medra, and Kage. Boleyn opens up the scene to gather more towards the plot, and while I enjoyed the POVs, sometimes it began to feel like too little too late. With the introduction of new POVs, there were also more additions to worldbuilding, lore, and magic systems. We see snippets of what is to come in book two, but so much more gets built upon here that it also felt like we're doing too much. While I enjoy it and love the concept of unpredictability (is that a word?), the world we knew in book one with vampires and blightborn seems so far away from the present. Obviously, Boleyn knew what she was doing, and we can tell just from the covers what she’s been cooking up, so I can't say this book had concepts that came out of nowhere.
As for how readers will find this one, I don't know. On one hand, I think people will enjoy the romance and the smut as always. If you're in it for the politics, you'll enjoy this one too. But for plot development, I'm unsure. This doesn't really go anywhere in terms of Medra and Blake. Movements are made, and they are huge steps for them, but at the same time, I still feel stuck in quicksand. For the actual plot, things are once again happening, but for the bigger picture, I am still STUCK. It's a big book, clocking in at about 450 pages. It's not a filler book, but at the same time, reflecting on it, I feel as if we've only made a small chunk of progress, but HEY, don't take my word for it.
Now, I seem a bit negative, but I had a wonderful time. This book is so easy to get sucked into, and I found myself reading in very long sprints because I couldn't put it down. I LOVE the romance between Medra and Blake, and now that it's finally something more than just sex, UGH. Blake knows how to YEARN. I just wish they'd keep their word and be honest with each other for more than five seconds. Finally getting a Kage point of view excites me, and I'm glad the authors are opening the space for more POVs so we get more storylines. It is exciting, and hopefully, the other POVs carry their portions properly.
As for series ranking, I think this comes in second for me. On Wings of Blood was delicious, and this book is objectively their best work yet, but I ride or die for book one!
Thank you to the publisher, MIRA, for the DRC! This title is set to release on March 10, 2026. Apologies for the very early read, but I couldn't help myself :)
EDIT 01/21/2026: REMOVED "Briar Boleyn is a pen name for two authors, and from this book alone, 1 can see their growth as authors" as a comment made me aware of my mix-up, apologies!
Original review that got me all the likes lol
The release date getting pushed back to March 2026 is my villain origin story
UPDATE: just got an ARC for this, everyone SHUT UP WEFIJNS Dzbijxn
January 8, 2025
This series… what was that? I devoured two parts in just a few days and want more! I really hope this series gets the recognition it deserves. As for me… I have no idea how I’m going to wait until May. It’s only the first books of the year, and it’s already at the top of my fav list!
Review of advance copy received from Author
“I feel like I’m burning alive when I’m with you. And the worst part is . . . I don’t care. I don’t want it to stop.”
I feel like Blake is probably the worst guy but, your honour, I love him so much.
Medra and Blake are amazing. Medra was strong and badass, which was no surprise, girl has been killing it. Blake is going through some changes (if you’ve read book 2, you know) and boy is losing his mind, poor thing. But also, yes! Like unhinged Blake from book 1&2 has nothing on this guy, lmao I love him, did I mention that?
“Love doesn’t begin to describe what I feel for you. It’s harsher. Darker. It’s consuming me. I told you to go because I knew if you took one more step, I might never be able to let you leave.”
4.25 stars
“You taste so sweet, Pendragon,” he whispered, nuzzling his mouth against me. “Do you like how I fuck you?”
Honestly, I just love those two so much (have I mentioned that??), and their spicy goodness (literally obsessed with the spice lmao). I would have liked an entire book 3 in their POV, please, so I can have more crumbs.
Neville, a king.
I am well, thank you for asking. The dragon sounded cross and slightly bored. I am perched at the top of the tower. Not that anyone has bothered to ask after my whereabouts.
Nyxaris, a little bitch that I love with all my heart. I SEE YOU, YOU SLUT.
Anyway, this was a slower book than the other two, but I feel it did a good job moving the story along in the right direction (right direction?? Lmao I’ve no idea what the direction is, but I like it). I’m excited for the next book because this had like cliffhangers from all POVs, which was…stressful, my little heart.
For some *negatives*
And because of these, I really struggled with the rating. I am still tempted to lower it to 4 but I still liked the writing and world-building/plot, so I dunno.
The main issue is that I’m reading these books for Medra and Blake (and Kage in book 1&2; book 3 Kage, I don’t know him, more later), who were our POVs before this book. And with the introduction of our new POVs, I realized this, but I hadn’t until now. But this one introduces not only Florence (who I loved in previous books) but Regan. Let’s talk about that bitch first.
I don’t like Regan. At all. I give zero fucks about her struggles or her life or anything. I want her dead. Nothing about her is likable. This book was no exception. WHY. WHY DO WE HAVE HER FUCKING POV??? The only redemption she deserves is death. sorrynotsorry. I can’t even. This made me rage so much throughout the book. I guess if you like her, or believe in her redemption, this won’t be an issue for you, so take this with a grain of salt lmao
KAGE. I LOVED THAT MAN BUT NOW I HATE HIM BECAUSE WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU MEAN HE LIKES HER? She is the worst, so Kage obviously has no common sense, and I’m not interested in him anymore. Fuck off, this whole situation. And the thing with Florence and Kage?? No. No no.
Okay. I can’t talk about Regan/Kage anymore, so Florence. I LOVED her in the last book but this one?? I really struggled with her POV. She was whiny and stereotypically weak. Even though she’s obviously not, which I can’t talk about without spoilers, so I, uh, won’t, but I just think hearing from her kinda ruined it. Ruined my little bubble. That being said, I am looking forward to more of her and Nyxrais lmao I’m just hoping to get a *little more* from her in the last one. Anyway, so I still love her, I was just annoyed with her for like 75% of the book.
All this to say, I still sped through this in like 2 days or something, so I still really liked it and will obviously continue to recommend this series!
Thank you so much to Briar for this eARC!
“With you, I’m always a starving man, Pendragon. My thirst is unquenchable.”
__________________________
Rtc closer to release date
*Sigh* GR get your shit together. I just had to switch all of this info from another edition instead of being able to combine them together.
_________________________
THE ARC HAS ARRIVED. I REPEAT THE ARC HAS ARRIVED AND I AM SCARED. AND DESPERATE. LIKE BLAKE.
I’m more obsessed about getting this book than Blake is obsessed with Medra, and that says something because he is gone for her. Please, have pity on me, Briar👁️🫦👁️
I feel like Blake is probably the worst guy but, your honour, I love him so much.
Medra and Blake are amazing. Medra was strong and badass, which was no surprise, girl has been killing it. Blake is going through some changes (if you’ve read book 2, you know) and boy is losing his mind, poor thing. But also, yes! Like unhinged Blake from book 1&2 has nothing on this guy, lmao I love him, did I mention that?
“Love doesn’t begin to describe what I feel for you. It’s harsher. Darker. It’s consuming me. I told you to go because I knew if you took one more step, I might never be able to let you leave.”
4.25 stars
“You taste so sweet, Pendragon,” he whispered, nuzzling his mouth against me. “Do you like how I fuck you?”
Honestly, I just love those two so much (have I mentioned that??), and their spicy goodness (literally obsessed with the spice lmao). I would have liked an entire book 3 in their POV, please, so I can have more crumbs.
Neville, a king.
I am well, thank you for asking. The dragon sounded cross and slightly bored. I am perched at the top of the tower. Not that anyone has bothered to ask after my whereabouts.
Nyxaris, a little bitch that I love with all my heart. I SEE YOU, YOU SLUT.
Anyway, this was a slower book than the other two, but I feel it did a good job moving the story along in the right direction (right direction?? Lmao I’ve no idea what the direction is, but I like it). I’m excited for the next book because this had like cliffhangers from all POVs, which was…stressful, my little heart.
For some *negatives*
And because of these, I really struggled with the rating. I am still tempted to lower it to 4 but I still liked the writing and world-building/plot, so I dunno.
The main issue is that I’m reading these books for Medra and Blake (and Kage in book 1&2; book 3 Kage, I don’t know him, more later), who were our POVs before this book. And with the introduction of our new POVs, I realized this, but I hadn’t until now. But this one introduces not only Florence (who I loved in previous books) but Regan. Let’s talk about that bitch first.
I don’t like Regan. At all. I give zero fucks about her struggles or her life or anything. I want her dead. Nothing about her is likable. This book was no exception. WHY. WHY DO WE HAVE HER FUCKING POV??? The only redemption she deserves is death. sorrynotsorry. I can’t even. This made me rage so much throughout the book. I guess if you like her, or believe in her redemption, this won’t be an issue for you, so take this with a grain of salt lmao
KAGE. I LOVED THAT MAN BUT NOW I HATE HIM BECAUSE WHAT THE FUCK DO YOU MEAN HE LIKES HER? She is the worst, so Kage obviously has no common sense, and I’m not interested in him anymore. Fuck off, this whole situation. And the thing with Florence and Kage?? No. No no.
Okay. I can’t talk about Regan/Kage anymore, so Florence. I LOVED her in the last book but this one?? I really struggled with her POV. She was whiny and stereotypically weak. Even though she’s obviously not, which I can’t talk about without spoilers, so I, uh, won’t, but I just think hearing from her kinda ruined it. Ruined my little bubble. That being said, I am looking forward to more of her and Nyxrais lmao I’m just hoping to get a *little more* from her in the last one. Anyway, so I still love her, I was just annoyed with her for like 75% of the book.
All this to say, I still sped through this in like 2 days or something, so I still really liked it and will obviously continue to recommend this series!
Thank you so much to Briar for this eARC!
“With you, I’m always a starving man, Pendragon. My thirst is unquenchable.”
__________________________
Rtc closer to release date
*Sigh* GR get your shit together. I just had to switch all of this info from another edition instead of being able to combine them together.
_________________________
THE ARC HAS ARRIVED. I REPEAT THE ARC HAS ARRIVED AND I AM SCARED. AND DESPERATE. LIKE BLAKE.
I’m more obsessed about getting this book than Blake is obsessed with Medra, and that says something because he is gone for her. Please, have pity on me, Briar👁️🫦👁️
anticipated-releases
April 11, 2025the cover of this book has OFFICIALLY been released!! it’s actually on the authors intsa, and not posted on gr yet… i love it though!! 🩶
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yall i am so excited for this book!! i can’t believe we have to wait until june though… 🥲🥲 i can’t wait to see this cover! 🥰🥰
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yall i am so excited for this book!! i can’t believe we have to wait until june though… 🥲🥲 i can’t wait to see this cover! 🥰🥰
February 25, 2026
4.75☆ ok but… what was that?! briar, how dare you make me wait for book four after that ending!! this is hands down my favorite book of the series so far!!
after that absolutely unhinged cliffhanger in book two, I genuinely had no idea where the story was going to go next…but this? this was a wild ride in the best way. the twists, the tension, the emotional chaos… I was hooked the entire time.
I’ll be honest, I was pretty iffy about blake in books one and two. I didn’t fully trust him and wasn’t sure how I felt. but after this book? oh no. I get it now. I’m officially starting to love him (and I’m not mad about it hehe).
the only thing I found myself wishing for was more medra and blake scenes but I completely understand why we got multiple povs this time. it added so much depth to the world and definitely has my brain spinning with theories about where everything is headed. I have thoughts. and I cannot wait to see if I’m even remotely right.
book four cannot come soon enough. I am not okay…
ty briar for the e-arc! I’m thankful to be apart of the street team!!
after that absolutely unhinged cliffhanger in book two, I genuinely had no idea where the story was going to go next…but this? this was a wild ride in the best way. the twists, the tension, the emotional chaos… I was hooked the entire time.
I’ll be honest, I was pretty iffy about blake in books one and two. I didn’t fully trust him and wasn’t sure how I felt. but after this book? oh no. I get it now. I’m officially starting to love him (and I’m not mad about it hehe).
the only thing I found myself wishing for was more medra and blake scenes but I completely understand why we got multiple povs this time. it added so much depth to the world and definitely has my brain spinning with theories about where everything is headed. I have thoughts. and I cannot wait to see if I’m even remotely right.
book four cannot come soon enough. I am not okay…
ty briar for the e-arc! I’m thankful to be apart of the street team!!
Read
March 4, 2026Praying to the Bloodmaiden that I get my hands on this book soon 🙏🏻
The ending to TBTB has absolutely wrecked me 😭🔥🤌🏻
The ending to TBTB has absolutely wrecked me 😭🔥🤌🏻
Review of advance copy received from Auteur
Thank you Briar for the ARC. I feel so blessed to have been able to read this book before its official release!
Once again, Briar has brilliantly managed to stir up a whole cocktail of emotions with this story. My anxiety level has probably never been so high in my life... What a story! What emotions! And what tension! I will never tire of this academy and all its plots... and even less so of its characters, who are so endearing yet so raw. I can only recommend reading this third volume, which is so epic and is, so far, my favorite (even if the other two are not far behind... I have been a huge fan of this story since the very first pages).
Once again, Briar has brilliantly managed to stir up a whole cocktail of emotions with this story. My anxiety level has probably never been so high in my life... What a story! What emotions! And what tension! I will never tire of this academy and all its plots... and even less so of its characters, who are so endearing yet so raw. I can only recommend reading this third volume, which is so epic and is, so far, my favorite (even if the other two are not far behind... I have been a huge fan of this story since the very first pages).
February 16, 2026
5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Wings That Bind is hands down my favorite book in the Bloodwing Academy series so far!!!
What I love most about this series is that it gives Harry Potter vibes but very much for adults and definitely with spice. The academic setting is so vivid and immersive, and it honestly just feels like such a fun world to escape into.
You can really tell how much Briar Boleyn’s writing has grown as the series has gone on. This third installment felt tighter, more confident, and SO emotionally engaging. It was descriptive without dragging, fast paced but still impactful, and had me feeling stressed, excited, and completely hooked the entire time.
The character development in this book was unreal. I truly never thought I would be rooting for or feeling bad for a character who was once very clearly a villain, yet here I was. The tension between Medra and Blake is still very much there and absolutely delicious. Our morally grey MMC might not be as morally grey as we originally thought, and I loved watching those layers slowly come undone. Florence once again completely stole my heart and is easily one of my favorite characters in the series.
And let’s not forget the dragons. The worldbuilding around them continues to expand in really creative ways, and I loved learning more while still being left with plenty of unanswered questions.
I am SO grateful to have received an ARC of this book, and I genuinely cannot believe I now have to wait for the next one….. The hold this series has on me is unreal, and I cannot WAIT to see what happens next!!!!
Thank you so much to Briar, Netgalley, and the publishers for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Wings That Bind is hands down my favorite book in the Bloodwing Academy series so far!!!
What I love most about this series is that it gives Harry Potter vibes but very much for adults and definitely with spice. The academic setting is so vivid and immersive, and it honestly just feels like such a fun world to escape into.
You can really tell how much Briar Boleyn’s writing has grown as the series has gone on. This third installment felt tighter, more confident, and SO emotionally engaging. It was descriptive without dragging, fast paced but still impactful, and had me feeling stressed, excited, and completely hooked the entire time.
The character development in this book was unreal. I truly never thought I would be rooting for or feeling bad for a character who was once very clearly a villain, yet here I was. The tension between Medra and Blake is still very much there and absolutely delicious. Our morally grey MMC might not be as morally grey as we originally thought, and I loved watching those layers slowly come undone. Florence once again completely stole my heart and is easily one of my favorite characters in the series.
And let’s not forget the dragons. The worldbuilding around them continues to expand in really creative ways, and I loved learning more while still being left with plenty of unanswered questions.
I am SO grateful to have received an ARC of this book, and I genuinely cannot believe I now have to wait for the next one….. The hold this series has on me is unreal, and I cannot WAIT to see what happens next!!!!
Thank you so much to Briar, Netgalley, and the publishers for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 23, 2026
I have so many questions 😂😂 I feel like this book was sooo different to books 1 and 2! But in a way that refreshing and new and fun.
Things I liked
Getting a lot more first hand POV of Florence
Seeing a different side to Regan
The side plot about the plague
Blake’s character growth and development..turning into a full on softy
Communication with Medras mum..shes such a hoot I love her quirky personality and the fact she speaks in metaphors and riddles sometimes 😂
Things I didn’t like
Victor LOL
Sooooo can we get another book soon please 😂😂
Things I liked
Getting a lot more first hand POV of Florence
Seeing a different side to Regan
The side plot about the plague
Blake’s character growth and development..turning into a full on softy
Communication with Medras mum..shes such a hoot I love her quirky personality and the fact she speaks in metaphors and riddles sometimes 😂
Things I didn’t like
Victor LOL
Sooooo can we get another book soon please 😂😂
February 26, 2026
OMG. Ok, first, thank you so much to Briar for the gifted eARC. I nearly peed my pants when I received it, and holy cannoli, this book delivered! I am on Briar’s Street Team, but all of these opinions are my own and I AM SO EXCITED TO TALK ABOUT THIS BOOK.
This book picks right back up where book 2 ends and gives us even more context for what happened during the events of book 2. The Wings That Bind is absolutely non-stop - things start off as very intense and then just keep going. Without giving any spoilers, we get themes of elitism, abuse of power, bigotry, all while giving us the quintessential dark academia romantasy. Briar’s writing is flawless - you just slip right back into the world of Bloodwing Academy, which feels like coming home, but in this book, also significantly darker.
The friendships and relationships in book 3 are truly so beautiful. These characters go through A LOT in this book (which, after the first two books is really saying something), and everything we know and love (and hate) is challenged. The relationships are fraught and there are so many hurdles, but the way Briar weaves the story together, incorporating all the nuances of new information and an ever-shifting landscape, is masterful. I know a lot of this is vague, but I don’t want to spoil anything!
We get points of view from other characters in this book and the level of depth that adds to the story is incredible. There were perspectives I didn’t know I wanted and needed, but Briar knew we needed them, and she delivered. Briar is a phenomenal writer, and I think this book is the perfect case-in-point. Briar has a way of developing characters so thoroughly that we think our opinion about them is infallible. AND THEN. Then, Briar strikes. She is able to humanize and create empathy for characters that we didn’t think we could ever feel anything for at all. SNEAKY. This book forces you to challenge what you think you know about characters and the established perceptions you have about them.
This book feels a little more spicy than the previous books, and let me tell you I ATE IT UP. All of it.
Fair warning, you’re going to want to chuck your ereader/phone/physical book, however, you choose to read this, right across the room. Warn your loved ones of impending screams and gasps. The gasps I gusped….you wouldn’t believe. Brace yourselves, little dragons.
This book picks right back up where book 2 ends and gives us even more context for what happened during the events of book 2. The Wings That Bind is absolutely non-stop - things start off as very intense and then just keep going. Without giving any spoilers, we get themes of elitism, abuse of power, bigotry, all while giving us the quintessential dark academia romantasy. Briar’s writing is flawless - you just slip right back into the world of Bloodwing Academy, which feels like coming home, but in this book, also significantly darker.
The friendships and relationships in book 3 are truly so beautiful. These characters go through A LOT in this book (which, after the first two books is really saying something), and everything we know and love (and hate) is challenged. The relationships are fraught and there are so many hurdles, but the way Briar weaves the story together, incorporating all the nuances of new information and an ever-shifting landscape, is masterful. I know a lot of this is vague, but I don’t want to spoil anything!
We get points of view from other characters in this book and the level of depth that adds to the story is incredible. There were perspectives I didn’t know I wanted and needed, but Briar knew we needed them, and she delivered. Briar is a phenomenal writer, and I think this book is the perfect case-in-point. Briar has a way of developing characters so thoroughly that we think our opinion about them is infallible. AND THEN. Then, Briar strikes. She is able to humanize and create empathy for characters that we didn’t think we could ever feel anything for at all. SNEAKY. This book forces you to challenge what you think you know about characters and the established perceptions you have about them.
This book feels a little more spicy than the previous books, and let me tell you I ATE IT UP. All of it.
Fair warning, you’re going to want to chuck your ereader/phone/physical book, however, you choose to read this, right across the room. Warn your loved ones of impending screams and gasps. The gasps I gusped….you wouldn’t believe. Brace yourselves, little dragons.
February 27, 2026
“because she was it. she was everything. she was the line I could never, ever cross.”
—
oh wow this was wild. i will say this was my favorite book in the series so far! i loved seeing the side characters help advance the plot.
blake and medra’s development this book was everything. i’m so glad they are moving past the constant hating each other, and blake is definitely becoming a much better person. this made the ending so much more emotional and i feel so bad for him!!
there was a certain questionable scene in this… i think we all know why and where it’s leading to but the way my jaw was on the floor??? i was uncomfy lol.
kage and regan i loved. nothing like a good villain you hate to love. it gave me very malina in the plated prisoner series!
overall this was a great installment in the series! i can’t wait for book 4 because i have so many more questions than before.
thank you so much briar for this e-arc and allowing me to be a part of the street team! ♥︎
“𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍. 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔 𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆 𝒊 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒃𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊’𝒗𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏.”
—
oh wow this was wild. i will say this was my favorite book in the series so far! i loved seeing the side characters help advance the plot.
blake and medra’s development this book was everything. i’m so glad they are moving past the constant hating each other, and blake is definitely becoming a much better person. this made the ending so much more emotional and i feel so bad for him!!
there was a certain questionable scene in this… i think we all know why and where it’s leading to but the way my jaw was on the floor??? i was uncomfy lol.
kage and regan i loved. nothing like a good villain you hate to love. it gave me very malina in the plated prisoner series!
overall this was a great installment in the series! i can’t wait for book 4 because i have so many more questions than before.
thank you so much briar for this e-arc and allowing me to be a part of the street team! ♥︎
“𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒐𝒏𝒍𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍𝒔 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒍. 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔 𝒎𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆 𝒊 𝒄𝒂𝒏 𝒃𝒆 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊’𝒗𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏.”
December 23, 2024
I can't wait until May!!! 🩸🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
5⭐️ 2.5🌶
If I had to describe this book in four words, it would be “NO CHANCE TO BREATHE.”
I had my heart in my throat for most of the story, and the sweat stains on my shirt are no joke 🤣.
The story is told through multiple POVs, and it truly feels like every single chapter matters. Something significant happens in each one, making it impossible to put the book down.
And the twists… OH MY GOD!! I genuinely lost count of how many times I just stared at the pages thinking, “But what do you mean??” 🤯 The plot twists kept coming from every direction, completely catching me off guard again and again.
The multiple POVs were incredibly refreshing, and the romance? Absolutely top tier. I won’t spoil anything, but I honestly didn’t think it was possible to top the romance from the first two books. I was very, very wrong. One specific moment, in particular, has left me desperately curious about what’s coming next 🤭😉
The final 100 pages were pure torture in the best possible way. I was so stressed, almost afraid to finish chapters because I knew something awful was about to happen. And the final fight (surely I can say that much?) was EPIC! I could see everything so clearly, like a movie playing in my head.
And of course, the book ends with massive cliffhangers in every possible direction. I genuinely have no idea what I’m supposed to do with my life until the next book comes out… 😭
Thank you for the opportunity to read the ARC ❤️.
If I had to describe this book in four words, it would be “NO CHANCE TO BREATHE.”
I had my heart in my throat for most of the story, and the sweat stains on my shirt are no joke 🤣.
The story is told through multiple POVs, and it truly feels like every single chapter matters. Something significant happens in each one, making it impossible to put the book down.
And the twists… OH MY GOD!! I genuinely lost count of how many times I just stared at the pages thinking, “But what do you mean??” 🤯 The plot twists kept coming from every direction, completely catching me off guard again and again.
The multiple POVs were incredibly refreshing, and the romance? Absolutely top tier. I won’t spoil anything, but I honestly didn’t think it was possible to top the romance from the first two books. I was very, very wrong. One specific moment, in particular, has left me desperately curious about what’s coming next 🤭😉
The final 100 pages were pure torture in the best possible way. I was so stressed, almost afraid to finish chapters because I knew something awful was about to happen. And the final fight (surely I can say that much?) was EPIC! I could see everything so clearly, like a movie playing in my head.
And of course, the book ends with massive cliffhangers in every possible direction. I genuinely have no idea what I’m supposed to do with my life until the next book comes out… 😭
Thank you for the opportunity to read the ARC ❤️.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
holy hell this one was wild.
every installment of this series briar has taken to the next level, each book becoming better and better than the one before it. the wings that bind is definitely the best in this series so far, which is crazy for me to be saying considering how much i loved the bond that burns. trust me, you don't wanna miss this!
there are several new povs added to this one, which i was slightly skeptical at first but really ended up loving the way briar blended each different character's perspective and story into one book. there is so much character growth from everyone, and so many plot twists to keep you guessing! plus, the cover is GORGEOUS so what's not to love honestly.
without spoiling anything, i am loving the way the character's interact with each other and have truly changed so much from book one. even from book two if we're being real. i am going insane over the ending and cannot wait for book four. i will be patiently waiting to know what happens!😩
every installment of this series briar has taken to the next level, each book becoming better and better than the one before it. the wings that bind is definitely the best in this series so far, which is crazy for me to be saying considering how much i loved the bond that burns. trust me, you don't wanna miss this!
there are several new povs added to this one, which i was slightly skeptical at first but really ended up loving the way briar blended each different character's perspective and story into one book. there is so much character growth from everyone, and so many plot twists to keep you guessing! plus, the cover is GORGEOUS so what's not to love honestly.
without spoiling anything, i am loving the way the character's interact with each other and have truly changed so much from book one. even from book two if we're being real. i am going insane over the ending and cannot wait for book four. i will be patiently waiting to know what happens!😩
March 2, 2026
⋆｡°✩ ᴀʀᴄ & ᴀʟᴄ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ✩°｡⋆
ᴛɪᴛʟᴇ : The Wings That Bind
ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ : Briar Boleyn @briarboleynauthor
ꜰᴏʀᴍᴀᴛ ʀᴇᴀᴅ: E-Book & Audio Book
ʟᴇɴɢᴛʜ: 16H 48M
ᴘᴀɢᴇ ᴄᴏᴜɴᴛ: 442
ᴘᴜʙʟɪᴄᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴅᴀᴛᴇ: 10th March 2026
Tropes:
⚬ Dark Academia
⚬ Vampires x Humans
⚬ Dragons & Dragon Riders
⚬ Slow Burn
⚬ Found Family
⚬ Multiple POV
I was truly honoured to be given an early copy of this book. Briar is my favourite authors and i love her books so so much! I could NOT put this book down. From start to finish this book was an emotional rollercoaster. WHICH I LOVED! I was so happy we got to see more side characters in book 3 and as always more dragon action was amazing!
Im book 3 we got more POVS, such as Florance, Regan, Kage and even little Neville!!!!! The wings that bind explored more into Nyxaris and Florence together. You was able to see more into the connection between Florence and Nyxaris after the ending of book 2. Trying not to spoil too much!
Plus you got an insight into Regan, who she is and what she is going through which i thought was very important to the story. It helps show you another side to her but also another side to the main villain, Viktor. Her story had me going from hating her, to feeling sorry and sheddign a tear for her in the next paragraph! You know a book is good when it moves you so emotionally on the scale! The scene that really sticks in my head is when she feels "repulsion" when seeing something she normally didn't care about, i was fist pumping the air like YES REGAN give us that 180!!!!
Plus with the extra POVs you can see how it is, in fact, more than just Blake and Medra who are against Viktor, that guy is really, awful!!!!
In this book you get thrown a little curvball towards the end which i think OMG IT WAS AMAZING and has not stopped living in my mind since.... I swear, i just need to know ALL the answers now! Briar did such a good job at dropping little clues here and there and when the penny is near dropping, all the puzzle pieces finally start fitting together!
The spice in this book?! OMFG looooooved it! I mean Blake with wings?!?! That was such a H O T chapter! More of this please?!?! Professor Drakharrow..... Swoon!!!
PLEASE tell me other people spotted the other romance?! I don't want to say and spoil but OMFG please let it happen!
The ending to this book was utter perfection! I cannot wait for book 4 and to see how Briar wraps it all up! Especially with the Veil and the Bloodmaiden! I need to know more! ASAP!
Chapter 11 - Page 134 - Medra
“No,” He whispered, as if he were reading my thoughts. “Not even that. Let me see all of you, even your darkness. Let me be the one who will never, ever look away. I treasure you, all of you. The darkness and the light”. He chuckled, “Maybe the darkness a little more”
Chapter 11 - Page 147 - Medra
“There are things in this world that are worth saving.” I said slowly. “But I’m not stupid enough to think I can save everyone. All I can do is try to help my friends.”
“You brought me hope. You’ve given me something to live for.” Blake said, softly tracing the lines of my shoulder blades.
Chapter 31 - Page 368 - Medra
We’re Avari. We’re Orphos. We’re Mortis. We’re Blightborn. We are every house you’ve tried to shatter. We’re the enemy you've always feared would someday appear at the front door.
ᴛɪᴛʟᴇ : The Wings That Bind
ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ : Briar Boleyn @briarboleynauthor
ꜰᴏʀᴍᴀᴛ ʀᴇᴀᴅ: E-Book & Audio Book
ʟᴇɴɢᴛʜ: 16H 48M
ᴘᴀɢᴇ ᴄᴏᴜɴᴛ: 442
ᴘᴜʙʟɪᴄᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴅᴀᴛᴇ: 10th March 2026
Tropes:
⚬ Dark Academia
⚬ Vampires x Humans
⚬ Dragons & Dragon Riders
⚬ Slow Burn
⚬ Found Family
⚬ Multiple POV
I was truly honoured to be given an early copy of this book. Briar is my favourite authors and i love her books so so much! I could NOT put this book down. From start to finish this book was an emotional rollercoaster. WHICH I LOVED! I was so happy we got to see more side characters in book 3 and as always more dragon action was amazing!
Im book 3 we got more POVS, such as Florance, Regan, Kage and even little Neville!!!!! The wings that bind explored more into Nyxaris and Florence together. You was able to see more into the connection between Florence and Nyxaris after the ending of book 2. Trying not to spoil too much!
Plus you got an insight into Regan, who she is and what she is going through which i thought was very important to the story. It helps show you another side to her but also another side to the main villain, Viktor. Her story had me going from hating her, to feeling sorry and sheddign a tear for her in the next paragraph! You know a book is good when it moves you so emotionally on the scale! The scene that really sticks in my head is when she feels "repulsion" when seeing something she normally didn't care about, i was fist pumping the air like YES REGAN give us that 180!!!!
Plus with the extra POVs you can see how it is, in fact, more than just Blake and Medra who are against Viktor, that guy is really, awful!!!!
In this book you get thrown a little curvball towards the end which i think OMG IT WAS AMAZING and has not stopped living in my mind since.... I swear, i just need to know ALL the answers now! Briar did such a good job at dropping little clues here and there and when the penny is near dropping, all the puzzle pieces finally start fitting together!
The spice in this book?! OMFG looooooved it! I mean Blake with wings?!?! That was such a H O T chapter! More of this please?!?! Professor Drakharrow..... Swoon!!!
PLEASE tell me other people spotted the other romance?! I don't want to say and spoil but OMFG please let it happen!
The ending to this book was utter perfection! I cannot wait for book 4 and to see how Briar wraps it all up! Especially with the Veil and the Bloodmaiden! I need to know more! ASAP!
Chapter 11 - Page 134 - Medra
“No,” He whispered, as if he were reading my thoughts. “Not even that. Let me see all of you, even your darkness. Let me be the one who will never, ever look away. I treasure you, all of you. The darkness and the light”. He chuckled, “Maybe the darkness a little more”
Chapter 11 - Page 147 - Medra
“There are things in this world that are worth saving.” I said slowly. “But I’m not stupid enough to think I can save everyone. All I can do is try to help my friends.”
“You brought me hope. You’ve given me something to live for.” Blake said, softly tracing the lines of my shoulder blades.
Chapter 31 - Page 368 - Medra
We’re Avari. We’re Orphos. We’re Mortis. We’re Blightborn. We are every house you’ve tried to shatter. We’re the enemy you've always feared would someday appear at the front door.
March 4, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½
The Wings That Bind by Briar Boleyn is another standout in the Bloodwing Academy series! The writing is super engaging, and I absolutely flew through it - the pacing kept me hooked from start to finish.
One of my favorite parts was the multiple POVs. Getting inside everyone’s head gave so much depth and context to the story, and it let me really see how much each character has changed over the series. I especially started with one opinion of Regan and ended up loving her so much more by the end. Her growth surprised me in the best way.
The ending had me on the edge of my seat, and the plot-driven momentum made this feel less romance-focused and much more about the world, stakes, and twists which I absolutely loved. Briar’s ability to balance stakes, character, and emotion is what keeps me coming back every book.
Overall, this was such a fun and immersive read, and now I’m so excited for Book 4! I can’t wait to see where the story goes next. If the next one is anything like this, it’s going to be wild.
The Wings That Bind by Briar Boleyn is another standout in the Bloodwing Academy series! The writing is super engaging, and I absolutely flew through it - the pacing kept me hooked from start to finish.
One of my favorite parts was the multiple POVs. Getting inside everyone’s head gave so much depth and context to the story, and it let me really see how much each character has changed over the series. I especially started with one opinion of Regan and ended up loving her so much more by the end. Her growth surprised me in the best way.
The ending had me on the edge of my seat, and the plot-driven momentum made this feel less romance-focused and much more about the world, stakes, and twists which I absolutely loved. Briar’s ability to balance stakes, character, and emotion is what keeps me coming back every book.
Overall, this was such a fun and immersive read, and now I’m so excited for Book 4! I can’t wait to see where the story goes next. If the next one is anything like this, it’s going to be wild.
February 18, 2026
I was gifted an advance readers copy in exchange for my honest review ❤️ Thank you Briar and her team.
What an incredible ending! If you were on the edge of your seat with book 2 with The Bonds that Burn, wait until you get your hands on The Wings that Bind on March 10.
You’re taken back to Blood Wing Academy and get dropped off into the chaos that book 2 ended on. With shocking truths, secrets being withheld, redemption and an action packed storyline you won’t want to put your book down.
You also get multiple POVs and more of Blake 😮💨
This was such a fun and exciting read and with an ending I didn’t see coming I’m looking forward to the next one!
What an incredible ending! If you were on the edge of your seat with book 2 with The Bonds that Burn, wait until you get your hands on The Wings that Bind on March 10.
You’re taken back to Blood Wing Academy and get dropped off into the chaos that book 2 ended on. With shocking truths, secrets being withheld, redemption and an action packed storyline you won’t want to put your book down.
You also get multiple POVs and more of Blake 😮💨
This was such a fun and exciting read and with an ending I didn’t see coming I’m looking forward to the next one!
February 11, 2026
I CAN REVIEW NOW!!
OMG YOU GUYS?! What was that?! Literally amazing. But um, Briar, the ending?!?! I need the next book immediately lol
𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞: 🌶️🌶️
What stood out to me the most, was the character growth across the board with our main characters & side characters. No one stayed stagnant. Everyone was evolving for the better.
The writing was spectacular. I was hooked from beginning to end. Literally had a hard time setting it down when I needed too lol. But honestly, NOT SURPRISED!! It’s Briar we are talking about!!
Omg thank you for the ARC, and allowing me to be apart of the rose court street team!🌹❤️
OMG YOU GUYS?! What was that?! Literally amazing. But um, Briar, the ending?!?! I need the next book immediately lol
𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞: 🌶️🌶️
What stood out to me the most, was the character growth across the board with our main characters & side characters. No one stayed stagnant. Everyone was evolving for the better.
The writing was spectacular. I was hooked from beginning to end. Literally had a hard time setting it down when I needed too lol. But honestly, NOT SURPRISED!! It’s Briar we are talking about!!
Omg thank you for the ARC, and allowing me to be apart of the rose court street team!🌹❤️
February 25, 2026
Screaming crying throwing up.
The way Briar keeps us on tenterhooks after the way book 2 ended was diabolical, but once we finally see how that played out (trying to word this without giving any spoilers away!) she is forgiven!
The way things happened in this book has me shook, so much stuff that absolutely threw me off and then gave me whiplash (in the best possible way) and had me rooting for someone I never thought I would ever like!
This book absolutely rocked my world and I probably will read it again while I wait for it to be officially released 😂 I’m a sucker for punishment I guess!
The way Briar keeps us on tenterhooks after the way book 2 ended was diabolical, but once we finally see how that played out (trying to word this without giving any spoilers away!) she is forgiven!
The way things happened in this book has me shook, so much stuff that absolutely threw me off and then gave me whiplash (in the best possible way) and had me rooting for someone I never thought I would ever like!
This book absolutely rocked my world and I probably will read it again while I wait for it to be officially released 😂 I’m a sucker for punishment I guess!
March 1, 2026
Thank you Briar Boleyn for the eARC
This series gets better and better with each book! This was an easy 5 stars for me, I absolutely loved this book.
I loved Blake so much in this book and I absolutely adored the growth of the relationship between him and Medra. I was obsessed with Blake’s yearning for Medra. At the end of the book I just wanted to give Blake a hug.
Medra was incredibly strong throughout this book and once again her character development impressed me.
I really enjoyed the new character POVs that we got, it was nice to be in the heads of characters important to the story and see how their minds work. It also gave fresh perspectives on events that were happening.
I developed a newfound sympathy towards Regan and her awful circumstances, especially at the beginning of the book. I liked that she realised the consequences of her actions and that she isn’t all bad. Kage telling Regan that she matters felt so important to me because some people just need to be reminded they matter.
It was great to get glimpses of Morgan and Draven as I loved their story, so it was nice to hear about them in this book through Medra’s dreams.
I absolutely love Theo and I absolutely love Neville!
My hatred towards Viktor Drakharrow grows more and more throughout the books. The fact that the hatred grows the more you read shows how great of a villain he is.
Omg the ending! I don’t know how I’m gonna wait for book 4!😭
This series gets better and better with each book! This was an easy 5 stars for me, I absolutely loved this book.
I loved Blake so much in this book and I absolutely adored the growth of the relationship between him and Medra. I was obsessed with Blake’s yearning for Medra. At the end of the book I just wanted to give Blake a hug.
Medra was incredibly strong throughout this book and once again her character development impressed me.
I really enjoyed the new character POVs that we got, it was nice to be in the heads of characters important to the story and see how their minds work. It also gave fresh perspectives on events that were happening.
I developed a newfound sympathy towards Regan and her awful circumstances, especially at the beginning of the book. I liked that she realised the consequences of her actions and that she isn’t all bad. Kage telling Regan that she matters felt so important to me because some people just need to be reminded they matter.
It was great to get glimpses of Morgan and Draven as I loved their story, so it was nice to hear about them in this book through Medra’s dreams.
I absolutely love Theo and I absolutely love Neville!
My hatred towards Viktor Drakharrow grows more and more throughout the books. The fact that the hatred grows the more you read shows how great of a villain he is.
Omg the ending! I don’t know how I’m gonna wait for book 4!😭
February 12, 2026
3 ⭐️
Thank you Briar for the street team opportunity and ARC. Minor plot point spoilers below.
I absolutely loved books 1 & 2, but as with most 4 book series I’ve read, book 3 fell into the trap of “set up for the final battle and not much else”. Yes there was a plot, but I don’t know if I can really tell you what it was. The interesting bits like the veil, other worlds, and the plague were touched on too little and with basically no explanation even by the end of the book. There aren’t that many different plot tangents going on but yet we don’t know a lot of any of them. For example, how has Marcus been mentioned so many times in 3 books but he’s been in maybe 3 scenes himself? The side quest with Orcades would have been interesting to follow along with, but it was only described in short conversations.
I also became a bit bored of Blake and Medra in this one. Medra took a backseat in general in this book, and Blake…he’s not doing it for me. I’m not obsessed with him as an MMC, I think the bully trope went on a bit too long for me and now I’d almost just want Medra to meet someone better. Good thing he’s not a pirate anymore at least lol.
Kage and Reagan surprised me, I absolutely loved their storyline and character development. Neville was still a mysterious ball of fluff, that somehow we hardly learned anything more about in an entire book? I know this series has been talked about for the huge cliffhangers, but frankly I ended this book frustrated by how few of my questions were answered. So many characters fates are up in the air and it just makes going into the last book feel unstructured.
I’ll definitely read the final instalment, here’s hoping our questions finally get answered!
Thank you Briar for the street team opportunity and ARC. Minor plot point spoilers below.
I absolutely loved books 1 & 2, but as with most 4 book series I’ve read, book 3 fell into the trap of “set up for the final battle and not much else”. Yes there was a plot, but I don’t know if I can really tell you what it was. The interesting bits like the veil, other worlds, and the plague were touched on too little and with basically no explanation even by the end of the book. There aren’t that many different plot tangents going on but yet we don’t know a lot of any of them. For example, how has Marcus been mentioned so many times in 3 books but he’s been in maybe 3 scenes himself? The side quest with Orcades would have been interesting to follow along with, but it was only described in short conversations.
I also became a bit bored of Blake and Medra in this one. Medra took a backseat in general in this book, and Blake…he’s not doing it for me. I’m not obsessed with him as an MMC, I think the bully trope went on a bit too long for me and now I’d almost just want Medra to meet someone better. Good thing he’s not a pirate anymore at least lol.
Kage and Reagan surprised me, I absolutely loved their storyline and character development. Neville was still a mysterious ball of fluff, that somehow we hardly learned anything more about in an entire book? I know this series has been talked about for the huge cliffhangers, but frankly I ended this book frustrated by how few of my questions were answered. So many characters fates are up in the air and it just makes going into the last book feel unstructured.
I’ll definitely read the final instalment, here’s hoping our questions finally get answered!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2026
It’s the way these books end and I’m immediately like WHAT!! You’re just going to make me WAIT!?
I loved all of the POVs we get in this book. The voices all feel very distinct and I found myself equally as excited for each one. I love being able to see situations from multiple angles and multiple sets of eyes.
If I didn’t already want a fluffin after the previous books, this solidified it. I need a Neville immediately. I would lay down my life for that furball.
I’m truly loving this series and I cannot wait to see how it wraps up because right now there are so many dangerous loose ends, but I can see the embers of rebellion sparking and I’m so ready!
4.5/5
Thank you to The Hive and HTP for the e-arc!
I loved all of the POVs we get in this book. The voices all feel very distinct and I found myself equally as excited for each one. I love being able to see situations from multiple angles and multiple sets of eyes.
If I didn’t already want a fluffin after the previous books, this solidified it. I need a Neville immediately. I would lay down my life for that furball.
I’m truly loving this series and I cannot wait to see how it wraps up because right now there are so many dangerous loose ends, but I can see the embers of rebellion sparking and I’m so ready!
4.5/5
Thank you to The Hive and HTP for the e-arc!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
edit:
OMGGGGGG ARE YOU KIDDDDING ME !!!!
I introduce to you Her Royal Majesty Briar Boleyn, QUEEN of Cliffhangers 😭😭😭😭
Starting this book was like coming home after being away for a really long time and then by the end it felt like my house had been set on fire 🔥😭 I cried again. yeppppppp.
This book was executed with precision skill, I could feel tension building the whole way through and then it really started to ramp up about 50% through and then it did. not. stop!!!
I think Briar did a great job at the inner monologues of each POV we received, they all felt different and true to the character we were reading about, and their emotions were portrayed so vividly and I really understood and could relate to parts EVERYONE was going through!! it made it feel so emotional and it just hits soooo hard!!!
The plot was amazing and AGAIN, every single prediction and theory I had went out the fkn window 🫠🫠 idk how you surprise me everytime Briar but here we are...
AND THERE IS ROMANTIC TENSION EVERYWHERE!!! I could hardly breathe reading this book tbh, it is steamy and sexy and yearning and goddamn I loved everything about it.
I am so so excited to see where Nyxaris and Florence's story is going because I've been loving it so far !!! 👀👀
This might be my favourite installment of Bloodwing Academy yet and I am so excited but SO SCARED for book four eeeeeek!!
Blake and Medra, I love you both so goddamn much 😭😭 Pls be kind to them in book 4 💀💀
omg I also loved the eye journey, that was great 🤣🤣
THANK YOU TO BRIAR, MIRA AND NETGALLEY FOR PROVIDING ME THIS EARC IN EXCHNAGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!! You have made my year already 💗
original:
review coming in March X
thanks to Mira, netgalley and Briar for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
OMGGGGGG ARE YOU KIDDDDING ME !!!!
I introduce to you Her Royal Majesty Briar Boleyn, QUEEN of Cliffhangers 😭😭😭😭
Starting this book was like coming home after being away for a really long time and then by the end it felt like my house had been set on fire 🔥😭 I cried again. yeppppppp.
This book was executed with precision skill, I could feel tension building the whole way through and then it really started to ramp up about 50% through and then it did. not. stop!!!
I think Briar did a great job at the inner monologues of each POV we received, they all felt different and true to the character we were reading about, and their emotions were portrayed so vividly and I really understood and could relate to parts EVERYONE was going through!! it made it feel so emotional and it just hits soooo hard!!!
The plot was amazing and AGAIN, every single prediction and theory I had went out the fkn window 🫠🫠 idk how you surprise me everytime Briar but here we are...
AND THERE IS ROMANTIC TENSION EVERYWHERE!!! I could hardly breathe reading this book tbh, it is steamy and sexy and yearning and goddamn I loved everything about it.
I am so so excited to see where Nyxaris and Florence's story is going because I've been loving it so far !!! 👀👀
This might be my favourite installment of Bloodwing Academy yet and I am so excited but SO SCARED for book four eeeeeek!!
Blake and Medra, I love you both so goddamn much 😭😭 Pls be kind to them in book 4 💀💀
omg I also loved the eye journey, that was great 🤣🤣
THANK YOU TO BRIAR, MIRA AND NETGALLEY FOR PROVIDING ME THIS EARC IN EXCHNAGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!!! You have made my year already 💗
original:
review coming in March X
thanks to Mira, netgalley and Briar for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2026
4 ⭐️
I thought I had an idea of where this book would be headed after book 3… but I was DEAD wrong. 🤣🫢
I am absolutely in love with Kage and soooo glad he was a bigger piece in this one. I can already tell he is going to become more important as the series progresses, and I’m so excited about that.
I really wanted more with Medra and Blake but also can see why they weren’t as important. But I am gonna need Blake to buck up and find his strength in book 4 🤣
Absolutely obsessed with this series!
I thought I had an idea of where this book would be headed after book 3… but I was DEAD wrong. 🤣🫢
I am absolutely in love with Kage and soooo glad he was a bigger piece in this one. I can already tell he is going to become more important as the series progresses, and I’m so excited about that.
I really wanted more with Medra and Blake but also can see why they weren’t as important. But I am gonna need Blake to buck up and find his strength in book 4 🤣
Absolutely obsessed with this series!
Want to read
March 29, 2025.ᐟ.ᐟ 𝒑𝒓𝒆-𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔 [03.29.25]
Preparing myself for Blake's pirate era to make an appearance and for Viktor Drakharrow to hopefully never make one ever again, amen 🙏🏻
Preparing myself for Blake's pirate era to make an appearance and for Viktor Drakharrow to hopefully never make one ever again, amen 🙏🏻
Want to read
June 14, 2025The release pushed back to march 2026? Gross.
February 27, 2026
4.5 stars
I’m always amazed at how quickly I manage to fly through each book in this series! Briar’s writing is so gripping and easy to read. Things are getting super intense at Bloodwing - more dragons, Highbloods behaving worse than ever, stirrings of rebellion, and a mysterious plague. The twists and turns just keep coming and I still need so many answers.
While the enemies dynamic between Blake and Medra was fun, I loved seeing them actually together. I also enjoyed Florence’s POV and I’m so intrigued to see where this Nyxaris storyline is going. And as always, Neville remains the star of the show.
The docked half star is unfortunately because I can’t get behind Regan’s redemption arc. I didn’t enjoy her POV or the romance developing there at all. It actually made me start to feel differently about a character that I had previously liked.
Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I’m always amazed at how quickly I manage to fly through each book in this series! Briar’s writing is so gripping and easy to read. Things are getting super intense at Bloodwing - more dragons, Highbloods behaving worse than ever, stirrings of rebellion, and a mysterious plague. The twists and turns just keep coming and I still need so many answers.
While the enemies dynamic between Blake and Medra was fun, I loved seeing them actually together. I also enjoyed Florence’s POV and I’m so intrigued to see where this Nyxaris storyline is going. And as always, Neville remains the star of the show.
The docked half star is unfortunately because I can’t get behind Regan’s redemption arc. I didn’t enjoy her POV or the romance developing there at all. It actually made me start to feel differently about a character that I had previously liked.
Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 20, 2026
WOW WOW WOW, what a book.
I devoured this! So much more character development, so many more POV's, more world building, more emotion... it was so damn good.
I can't really say more without risking spoiling it. I am SO grateful to have received an ARC of this book. Thank you to Briar and HQ Books for allowing me to read it early, the chokehold this series has on me is next level. Counting the days till book 4 comes out.
Mark your calendars! The Wings That Bind takes flight on March 10.
I devoured this! So much more character development, so many more POV's, more world building, more emotion... it was so damn good.
I can't really say more without risking spoiling it. I am SO grateful to have received an ARC of this book. Thank you to Briar and HQ Books for allowing me to read it early, the chokehold this series has on me is next level. Counting the days till book 4 comes out.
Mark your calendars! The Wings That Bind takes flight on March 10.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
wow, I read this book in 48 hours and the last 150 pages had me staying up until 2:30am to finish it!
this was the perfect continuation in the bloodwing academy series, I have so many questions my mind is reeling! This was so different from books 1&2 in the best way!
The plot was gripping and so action packed! I absolutely loved the multi pov of this book getting more depth and understanding for characters that we havent had before in the previous books!
this was the perfect continuation in the bloodwing academy series, I have so many questions my mind is reeling! This was so different from books 1&2 in the best way!
The plot was gripping and so action packed! I absolutely loved the multi pov of this book getting more depth and understanding for characters that we havent had before in the previous books!
February 1, 2026
500 stars. Best book in the series. I am emotionally unwell.
I have been waiting for The Wings That Bind for SO LONG, and I am officially screaming from the top of the last remaining stone dragon: THIS IS THE BEST ONE YET.
If you haven’t started this series yet — don’t walk, RUN. Read On Wings of Blood, then The Bond That Burns, and prepare yourself, because this installment delivers on everything the series has been building toward.
The bar was already incredibly high, but Briar Boelyn is the kind of author who delivers every. single. time. Her writing is immersive, powerful, and emotionally devastating in the best way. The worldbuilding, character arcs, and long-game plotting are masterfully done, and her ability to weave complex, painful, hopeful threads together is honestly unreal.
I’ll be honest — I struggled a little in the first few chapters, but that was entirely my own internal conflict. Certain character choices and shifts (iykyk) challenged me emotionally, even though they were clearly and expertly set up in Book 2. The writing itself never wavered, and once I settled in, I was completely locked in.
And those final chapters?
I was sobbing. Fully wrecked. I did not throw my Kindle (a miracle), but the emotional payoff — and the number of cliffhangers — should honestly come with a warning label.
This book shattered me, healed me, and left me desperately needing Book 4, answers, and possibly therapy. I have so many thoughts, so many theories, and no one to scream about them with.
Thank you to Briar Boelyn, NetGalley, and MIRA (HarperCollins) for the eARC. This series continues to level up, and The Wings That Bind is a stunning, unforgettable installment.
I have been waiting for The Wings That Bind for SO LONG, and I am officially screaming from the top of the last remaining stone dragon: THIS IS THE BEST ONE YET.
If you haven’t started this series yet — don’t walk, RUN. Read On Wings of Blood, then The Bond That Burns, and prepare yourself, because this installment delivers on everything the series has been building toward.
The bar was already incredibly high, but Briar Boelyn is the kind of author who delivers every. single. time. Her writing is immersive, powerful, and emotionally devastating in the best way. The worldbuilding, character arcs, and long-game plotting are masterfully done, and her ability to weave complex, painful, hopeful threads together is honestly unreal.
I’ll be honest — I struggled a little in the first few chapters, but that was entirely my own internal conflict. Certain character choices and shifts (iykyk) challenged me emotionally, even though they were clearly and expertly set up in Book 2. The writing itself never wavered, and once I settled in, I was completely locked in.
And those final chapters?
I was sobbing. Fully wrecked. I did not throw my Kindle (a miracle), but the emotional payoff — and the number of cliffhangers — should honestly come with a warning label.
This book shattered me, healed me, and left me desperately needing Book 4, answers, and possibly therapy. I have so many thoughts, so many theories, and no one to scream about them with.
Thank you to Briar Boelyn, NetGalley, and MIRA (HarperCollins) for the eARC. This series continues to level up, and The Wings That Bind is a stunning, unforgettable installment.
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