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Bloodwing Academy #4
With Hearts of Flame: Bloodwing Academy, Book 4
The fourth installment of the viral Bloodwing Academy series is here! This dark academia romantasy delivers seductive vampires, high-stakes adventure, and dangerous romance.
They say love makes you foolish. At Bloodwing, it makes you dangerous.
I thought surviving a vampire academy was the hardest thing I'd ever have to do. Then I fell in love with a boy who can turn into a dragon.
After the attack on Veilmar, I should help to keep the school running. But instead, I've been pulled into a secret dwarven quest to recover something the other side can never be allowed to claim. The only problem? The enemy is down here with us—and they're already ahead.
Back at Bloodwing, our friends are caught between the demands of the highblood elite and the fragile revolution blooming in the halls. Regan must reclaim a title she once wielded cruelly. But this time she'll use it to protect the students she helped oppress.
Meanwhile, far to the north, another fight is unfolding. At the Bonewood, love has become both a weapon and a weakness. As dragons rise, the dead stir, and an ancient prophecy tightens its grip, my friends and I must choose once and for all what we're willing to sacrifice for a better world.
For fans enemies-to-lovers; dark academia; morally gray men; forced proximity; vampires and dragon riders; Forth Wing meets A Court of Thorns and Roses with a hint of Vampire Academy.
For mature listeners.
They say love makes you foolish. At Bloodwing, it makes you dangerous.
I thought surviving a vampire academy was the hardest thing I'd ever have to do. Then I fell in love with a boy who can turn into a dragon.
After the attack on Veilmar, I should help to keep the school running. But instead, I've been pulled into a secret dwarven quest to recover something the other side can never be allowed to claim. The only problem? The enemy is down here with us—and they're already ahead.
Back at Bloodwing, our friends are caught between the demands of the highblood elite and the fragile revolution blooming in the halls. Regan must reclaim a title she once wielded cruelly. But this time she'll use it to protect the students she helped oppress.
Meanwhile, far to the north, another fight is unfolding. At the Bonewood, love has become both a weapon and a weakness. As dragons rise, the dead stir, and an ancient prophecy tightens its grip, my friends and I must choose once and for all what we're willing to sacrifice for a better world.
For fans enemies-to-lovers; dark academia; morally gray men; forced proximity; vampires and dragon riders; Forth Wing meets A Court of Thorns and Roses with a hint of Vampire Academy.
For mature listeners.
Audible Audio
First published October 20, 2026
About the author
Briar Boleyn
15 books7,617 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 author of more than twenty-five romance books and novellas. Her novels have become New York Times, USA Today, Sunday Times and Spiegel bestsellers and have been sold in over a dozen countries. As a child, she endlessly scribbled stories in every genre, from murder mysteries to time travel romances to dystopian sci-fi. Briar lives with her family in Manitoba, Canada. 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 also writes under the name 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 author of more than twenty-five romance books and novellas. Her novels have become New York Times, USA Today, Sunday Times and Spiegel bestsellers and have been sold in over a dozen countries. As a child, she endlessly scribbled stories in every genre, from murder mysteries to time travel romances to dystopian sci-fi. Briar lives with her family in Manitoba, Canada. 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 also writes under the name Fenna Edgewood.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 978 reviews
October 21, 2026
Sooo… why did we need this 4th book? Was it just so we could have unnecessary, cringey, spice scenes? Cause it sure felt like that.
We should have stopped while we were “semi” ahead… but alas, here we are.
The dialogue between characters was so incredibly cringey and unnatural. To begin with, I viewed this series as just junk food. It was addicting, at least the first two books, but it wasn’t good. The third book felt like it lost its way… and this last book was just junk in my opinion.
People change emotions and come to conclusions WAY too quickly. Things conveniently happen to a comical degree. People don’t talk like normal people. So much over-explaining and saying everything that is on their minds without any prompt or reasoning behind it.
Also, can we talk about how when Medra and Nyxaris were fighting about Florence and he kept saying “she is my rider” and Medra never said that once, but then he snapped at her and said, “stop calling her just my rider.” … Yeah, this type of thing happened a lot where someone didn’t say something, or things were misremembered in the text… it was SO odd…
Things are sprung up out of nowhere with no steps to make it make sense or to get there. Kage was ruined, what he and Regan had was ruined. It was cringey, preachy, and just gross. Can we also talk about how there was ZERO foreshadowing at all for Kage and Lysander? Where in the world did that come from? Again, only in to have a “Why Choose” relationship…
Blake was the only one, and I say this lightly, that I enjoyed reading his dialogue for. I thought his banter and humor were great to see. But also… he didn’t feel at all like the Blake we knew in the series.
The ending “fight”, if you can even call it that because we didn’t really get a fight or have any stakes at all, was anti-climatic and WAY too easy. They just fell into their laps, and a paragraph later the bad guys are dead… 4 books and that is what we got? I get they have already been through a lot, but why did we need a whole other 600 page book to get THAT? It should have ended as a trilogy, I would have accepted it better.
I honestly believe we only got this book so we can have a lot of unnecessary sex scenes to get people “excited”. That was all this book was. And to see a really strange threesome.
Florence finds Nyxaris in human form? Immediately sex, “I love you”… huh… well they didn’t waste any time.
Regan can’t handle physical touch? But don’t worry, after she sleeps on it, she’s ready for a threesome in the morning!
I felt nothing while reading this book, no remorse for any of the deaths, no reactions to any of the “twists”, why did we need this book? Nothing but a disappointment, introducing developments out of nowhere and just cringey. I wasn’t expecting a lot, because again this series is just junk food for me, but I felt like we could have gotten more than THIS.
We should have stopped while we were “semi” ahead… but alas, here we are.
The dialogue between characters was so incredibly cringey and unnatural. To begin with, I viewed this series as just junk food. It was addicting, at least the first two books, but it wasn’t good. The third book felt like it lost its way… and this last book was just junk in my opinion.
People change emotions and come to conclusions WAY too quickly. Things conveniently happen to a comical degree. People don’t talk like normal people. So much over-explaining and saying everything that is on their minds without any prompt or reasoning behind it.
Also, can we talk about how when Medra and Nyxaris were fighting about Florence and he kept saying “she is my rider” and Medra never said that once, but then he snapped at her and said, “stop calling her just my rider.” … Yeah, this type of thing happened a lot where someone didn’t say something, or things were misremembered in the text… it was SO odd…
Things are sprung up out of nowhere with no steps to make it make sense or to get there. Kage was ruined, what he and Regan had was ruined. It was cringey, preachy, and just gross. Can we also talk about how there was ZERO foreshadowing at all for Kage and Lysander? Where in the world did that come from? Again, only in to have a “Why Choose” relationship…
Blake was the only one, and I say this lightly, that I enjoyed reading his dialogue for. I thought his banter and humor were great to see. But also… he didn’t feel at all like the Blake we knew in the series.
The ending “fight”, if you can even call it that because we didn’t really get a fight or have any stakes at all, was anti-climatic and WAY too easy. They just fell into their laps, and a paragraph later the bad guys are dead… 4 books and that is what we got? I get they have already been through a lot, but why did we need a whole other 600 page book to get THAT? It should have ended as a trilogy, I would have accepted it better.
I honestly believe we only got this book so we can have a lot of unnecessary sex scenes to get people “excited”. That was all this book was. And to see a really strange threesome.
Florence finds Nyxaris in human form? Immediately sex, “I love you”… huh… well they didn’t waste any time.
Regan can’t handle physical touch? But don’t worry, after she sleeps on it, she’s ready for a threesome in the morning!
I felt nothing while reading this book, no remorse for any of the deaths, no reactions to any of the “twists”, why did we need this book? Nothing but a disappointment, introducing developments out of nowhere and just cringey. I wasn’t expecting a lot, because again this series is just junk food for me, but I felt like we could have gotten more than THIS.
Currently Reading
October 29, 2026— ᨳଓ . pre-read
alright... i know i'm reading 3 books at once but it isn't a crime. i've been waiting to finish this series and i'm already over 100 pages in. so far so good!!
alright... i know i'm reading 3 books at once but it isn't a crime. i've been waiting to finish this series and i'm already over 100 pages in. so far so good!!
Want to Read
March 10, 2026
October 25, 2026
having to give a singular star to the fourth book in what started as one of my favourite series is a pain I wish on no one
August 18, 2026
Thank you so much Briar Boleyn for allowing me to read and review this fourth and final book in the Bloodwing Academy series! I am so so torn! This finale is so bittersweet as I've fallen deeply in love with this world and all the characters; I don't want this series to be over 😭
This book held a whirlwind of emotions; this book truly highlights the elusive House Orphos and presents the opportunity for this house to shine. The rhythm of this book is so fast paced, and certain aspects escalate quickly. The banter is unmatched throughout and I will reiterate certain chapters will rock your world 😉 (I'm looking at you in particular chapter 40).
I love that this series had cross-over references and characters from Blood Of A Fae series. It truly made this series SO special and speaks tremendously on Briar's talent!
This book surpassed all my hopes and dreams! Bloodwing Academy will forever hold a special place in my heart!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
This book held a whirlwind of emotions; this book truly highlights the elusive House Orphos and presents the opportunity for this house to shine. The rhythm of this book is so fast paced, and certain aspects escalate quickly. The banter is unmatched throughout and I will reiterate certain chapters will rock your world 😉 (I'm looking at you in particular chapter 40).
I love that this series had cross-over references and characters from Blood Of A Fae series. It truly made this series SO special and speaks tremendously on Briar's talent!
This book surpassed all my hopes and dreams! Bloodwing Academy will forever hold a special place in my heart!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
November 9, 2026
4⭐️
Overall, I absolutely loved it. The characters really grew on me, and it hurts knowing that the series is over now.
However, I feel like the ending came a little too suddenly. I would’ve loved to see a bit more of what happened directly after the final battles. The epilogue was great, though.❤️
—> rtc
Overall, I absolutely loved it. The characters really grew on me, and it hurts knowing that the series is over now.
However, I feel like the ending came a little too suddenly. I would’ve loved to see a bit more of what happened directly after the final battles. The epilogue was great, though.❤️
—> rtc
October 22, 2026
I don't care whatever the hell is going on here anymore. Not even blake & medra can make me continue this series anymore
WHAT IN THE EVER-LOVING MINDFUCKERY WAS THAT FLORENCE NYXARIS SITUATION??? I've always imagined Nyxaris as some cranky old man in his dragon form and now... ummmm... I don't know how to process this dynamic 😭 And Florence wanting to climb him like a fucking tree while EVERYTHING is going to shit??? Girlllll your land is burning, your friends are in danger and THIS is what's on your mind??? Okay, I get it. attraction and all, but the timing was so fucking weird. And the fact that Florence has been thinking about riding a dragon when he's literally in his animal form??? YIKES.!!!!!
THE MAGIC SYSTEM MAKES NO SENSE ANYMORE. Apparently you can have two mythical creatures in one body now? Vampires are turning into dragons and wolves and whatever else the plot needs them to be. A spirit can reclaim a dragon. Drinking fae blood can turn someone into a fae. Like??? Are we just making up new rules as we go along??? Because WHAT IS THE ACTUAL LOGIC HERE?
And the parallel storylines in THIS book and the previous one? WHERE DID THEY COME FROM??? There was barely any groundwork in the first two books to establish any of this, not even the slightest hint that these storylines were heading in this direction. They just appeared out of nowhere and we're expected to roll with it.
WHAT IN THE EVER-LOVING MINDFUCKERY WAS THAT FLORENCE NYXARIS SITUATION??? I've always imagined Nyxaris as some cranky old man in his dragon form and now... ummmm... I don't know how to process this dynamic 😭 And Florence wanting to climb him like a fucking tree while EVERYTHING is going to shit??? Girlllll your land is burning, your friends are in danger and THIS is what's on your mind??? Okay, I get it. attraction and all, but the timing was so fucking weird. And the fact that Florence has been thinking about riding a dragon when he's literally in his animal form??? YIKES.!!!!!
THE MAGIC SYSTEM MAKES NO SENSE ANYMORE. Apparently you can have two mythical creatures in one body now? Vampires are turning into dragons and wolves and whatever else the plot needs them to be. A spirit can reclaim a dragon. Drinking fae blood can turn someone into a fae. Like??? Are we just making up new rules as we go along??? Because WHAT IS THE ACTUAL LOGIC HERE?
And the parallel storylines in THIS book and the previous one? WHERE DID THEY COME FROM??? There was barely any groundwork in the first two books to establish any of this, not even the slightest hint that these storylines were heading in this direction. They just appeared out of nowhere and we're expected to roll with it.
October 26, 2026
I truly do love this series. Blake and Medra are one of my favorite book couples, and I love the journey we went on with them in this series. They have truly come so far individually but also as a couple. Because of that, I just wish we got more of them. This happened in book 3 as well, but with more POVs we got less of Blake and Medra which was a bummer for me. While I did like getting the side characters stories in this book, I could’ve done with less and had more focus on Blake and Medra. With the switching of POVs the timeline also got a little jumbled. We’d go forward days or backwards days and at times it felt off and took me out of the story becuase I was like wait now it’s a week later or we are going backwards a week?
I will say I was surprised to like some of the side characters by the end of this series. Regan really came around. I will also say I liked how we story played out and I’m okay with it lol. I will say SPOILERS AHEAD!!!!!! that I kinda of wished that it was just her at the end who had to be sacrificed. I think it wouldn’t been a good story for her but it made me sad that kage and Lysander went too. That was shocking and i literally flipped the page and it was the epilogue?!? My jaw hit the floor.
Overall, i really enjoyed this series. I had some issues with this final book and wish medra and Blake were more of the focus. But otherwise, I did really love the side characters, of course Neville and even the freakin bear hahaha. I even came around to Florence and Nyxaris. They started off zero to 100 in the beginning of this book but they were just a side story so I’m okay with it.
I will say I was surprised to like some of the side characters by the end of this series. Regan really came around. I will also say I liked how we story played out and I’m okay with it lol. I will say SPOILERS AHEAD!!!!!! that I kinda of wished that it was just her at the end who had to be sacrificed. I think it wouldn’t been a good story for her but it made me sad that kage and Lysander went too. That was shocking and i literally flipped the page and it was the epilogue?!? My jaw hit the floor.
Overall, i really enjoyed this series. I had some issues with this final book and wish medra and Blake were more of the focus. But otherwise, I did really love the side characters, of course Neville and even the freakin bear hahaha. I even came around to Florence and Nyxaris. They started off zero to 100 in the beginning of this book but they were just a side story so I’m okay with it.
October 21, 2026
I couldn’t make it past the first 10 chapters. I’m honestly disappointed with the direction this story has taken, especially with how the dragon owners and their relationships have changed.
The romantic developments feel completely forced and unbelievable. How does a character go from having practically no relationship with a dragon who barely seemed to like her to suddenly being madly in love and lusting after him? And now we’re supposed to believe he’s secretly loved and desired her all along? There was absolutely no relationship development to make any of this believable.
What makes it even more frustrating is that she wasn’t even a main character, yet suddenly this relationship is being pushed into the spotlight. Meanwhile, the storyline between Lysandra and Cage seems to revolve almost entirely around sex rather than any meaningful plot or character development.
I have no issue with romance or intimate relationships in a story, but there needs to be substance behind them. Instead, the characters, relationships, and overall storyline feel disconnected from what originally made this series interesting.
I just can't get past how poorly developed and forced everything feels. Unfortunately, this book has completely lost my interest, and I don't think it's worth continuing. Not worth the read, in my opinion.
The romantic developments feel completely forced and unbelievable. How does a character go from having practically no relationship with a dragon who barely seemed to like her to suddenly being madly in love and lusting after him? And now we’re supposed to believe he’s secretly loved and desired her all along? There was absolutely no relationship development to make any of this believable.
What makes it even more frustrating is that she wasn’t even a main character, yet suddenly this relationship is being pushed into the spotlight. Meanwhile, the storyline between Lysandra and Cage seems to revolve almost entirely around sex rather than any meaningful plot or character development.
I have no issue with romance or intimate relationships in a story, but there needs to be substance behind them. Instead, the characters, relationships, and overall storyline feel disconnected from what originally made this series interesting.
I just can't get past how poorly developed and forced everything feels. Unfortunately, this book has completely lost my interest, and I don't think it's worth continuing. Not worth the read, in my opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2026
With Hearts of Flame (Bloodwing Academy #4) by Briar Boleyn
Book Blurb: They say love makes you foolish. At Bloodwing, it makes you dangerous.
I thought surviving a vampire academy was the hardest thing I’d ever have to do.
Then I fell in love with a boy who can turn into a dragon.
Rating: *****
Feels: Anticipation, Revengey, Molten, Content
Style: Fantasy, Romantasy, Dragons, Vampires, Dark Academia
First published October 20, 2026: 617 pages
Themes & Setting: Welcome back to Bloodwing academy and the complete upheaval that is the last book. Alliances will be tested, friendships will be fought for, love will most definitely be spicy. Will the world end? You will have to read to find out.
FMC: If you do not know how much I love Medra at this point I just think you have missed the shrine to her in my library. Girl is wicked amazing and deserves everyone to fall at her feet. Special shout out to Florence because I ate up every one of her chapters as well and adore her. Regan ... I just cant spoil it. You have to read but girl has it.
MMC: Im only going to speak on Blake here because I could just go on and on about everyone as I love all the guys in this story like ... way too much (and I do not want to spoil anything.) Blake continues to just be everything our little heart could desire in a burn the world down for us kinda way and I was here for it.
Conclusion: I must have picked this book up a dozen times and each time I was so drawn in by the story and did not want this series to end. I had the hardest time knowing this was the last book in this series and every page was just phenomenal. This book truly gives such space to each and every character in a way that just felt perfect. Story lines were tied up, puzzles were solved, answers were given and I felt like we got to see so many of these characters step into their own. I was emotionally devastated on the page as certain events unfolded and tearfully joyful at others. My emotions were definitely played with here and I am not even a bit sorry. This world is so rich and I love that we got to play in it for these books. This is the kind of read you pick up if you want to invest a piece of your heart into an amazing read. A lovely found family who is going to go through it before coming out the other side and you will feel all the things along the way. Loved every minute of it.
Book Vibes:
Strong FMC (Stabby)
Morally Gray everyone
Enemies to Lovers
Vampires vrs Humans
Touch her and die
Dark Academia
Found Family
Revenge Plot
Deep world building
Burn the world down
Politics
Magic
Forced Proximity
**Bully Romance
Book Blurb: They say love makes you foolish. At Bloodwing, it makes you dangerous.
I thought surviving a vampire academy was the hardest thing I’d ever have to do.
Then I fell in love with a boy who can turn into a dragon.
Rating: *****
Feels: Anticipation, Revengey, Molten, Content
Style: Fantasy, Romantasy, Dragons, Vampires, Dark Academia
First published October 20, 2026: 617 pages
Themes & Setting: Welcome back to Bloodwing academy and the complete upheaval that is the last book. Alliances will be tested, friendships will be fought for, love will most definitely be spicy. Will the world end? You will have to read to find out.
FMC: If you do not know how much I love Medra at this point I just think you have missed the shrine to her in my library. Girl is wicked amazing and deserves everyone to fall at her feet. Special shout out to Florence because I ate up every one of her chapters as well and adore her. Regan ... I just cant spoil it. You have to read but girl has it.
MMC: Im only going to speak on Blake here because I could just go on and on about everyone as I love all the guys in this story like ... way too much (and I do not want to spoil anything.) Blake continues to just be everything our little heart could desire in a burn the world down for us kinda way and I was here for it.
Conclusion: I must have picked this book up a dozen times and each time I was so drawn in by the story and did not want this series to end. I had the hardest time knowing this was the last book in this series and every page was just phenomenal. This book truly gives such space to each and every character in a way that just felt perfect. Story lines were tied up, puzzles were solved, answers were given and I felt like we got to see so many of these characters step into their own. I was emotionally devastated on the page as certain events unfolded and tearfully joyful at others. My emotions were definitely played with here and I am not even a bit sorry. This world is so rich and I love that we got to play in it for these books. This is the kind of read you pick up if you want to invest a piece of your heart into an amazing read. A lovely found family who is going to go through it before coming out the other side and you will feel all the things along the way. Loved every minute of it.
Book Vibes:
Strong FMC (Stabby)
Morally Gray everyone
Enemies to Lovers
Vampires vrs Humans
Touch her and die
Dark Academia
Found Family
Revenge Plot
Deep world building
Burn the world down
Politics
Magic
Forced Proximity
**Bully Romance
Currently Reading
April 5, 2026I have a confession guys...
I don't know if I can wait until October. I NEED MORE OF THIS AMAZINGNESS!! I LOVED THE THIRD BOOK SO F-... uh.. there might be children around... um- FREAKING MUCH!! IT'S AMAZiNG!!
(Also, to said children... easy warning: If you're under thirteen um.. don't read this book series? I think it's a bit too spicy for tweens, but thankfully not plain smut [...I think...])
I don't know if I can wait until October. I NEED MORE OF THIS AMAZINGNESS!! I LOVED THE THIRD BOOK SO F-... uh.. there might be children around... um- FREAKING MUCH!! IT'S AMAZiNG!!
(Also, to said children... easy warning: If you're under thirteen um.. don't read this book series? I think it's a bit too spicy for tweens, but thankfully not plain smut [...I think...])
November 3, 2026
This series isn’t top tier romantasy by any means, but it’s engaging and very readable, despite its flaws.
This series is similar in quality and tone to the Avalon Tower trilogy, so if you read and enjoyed that you will probably like these books too.
The author actually made me care and feel emotional toward Regan and her plight, which I wasn’t sure was possible so she gets props for that and the way everything was tied up neatly. And Florence and the dragon delivered. That’s all I will say about that.
There were definitely a few plot holes in this series and I feel like the author made a few things up on the fly which had me confused and shaking my head at times. Despite this, I never felt bored and easily binged all four books. File this series under fun, spicy, light and mindless romantasy.
—————————————-
Audiobook review
Source: Libby
Narration style: Dual (an odd choice given this was narrated by a multi cast, but I found it didn’t dampen my enjoyment).
Narrators: Multi cast
Length: 23 hours
————————————-
Pre-read: Okay so is it weird if I say one of the main reasons I’m compelled to finish this series is to find out what happens between Florence and the dragon? Maybe I’ve just been reading too many monster romances lately 🙈. Book 3 was a bit wild so let’s see how this one concludes everything. 🤞
This series is similar in quality and tone to the Avalon Tower trilogy, so if you read and enjoyed that you will probably like these books too.
The author actually made me care and feel emotional toward Regan and her plight, which I wasn’t sure was possible so she gets props for that and the way everything was tied up neatly. And Florence and the dragon delivered. That’s all I will say about that.
There were definitely a few plot holes in this series and I feel like the author made a few things up on the fly which had me confused and shaking my head at times. Despite this, I never felt bored and easily binged all four books. File this series under fun, spicy, light and mindless romantasy.
—————————————-
Audiobook review
Source: Libby
Narration style: Dual (an odd choice given this was narrated by a multi cast, but I found it didn’t dampen my enjoyment).
Narrators: Multi cast
Length: 23 hours
————————————-
Pre-read: Okay so is it weird if I say one of the main reasons I’m compelled to finish this series is to find out what happens between Florence and the dragon? Maybe I’ve just been reading too many monster romances lately 🙈. Book 3 was a bit wild so let’s see how this one concludes everything. 🤞
November 8, 2026
Time of death: page 464 of 600.
I realized I don’t give a single fuck about what happens in the rest of this book or any of the characters. Not even Blake or Medra. It’s been overly dragged and frankly I’m just done.
This will teach me that while I might read this author again, it will definitely either be only as EPUBs where I will be DNFing at the smallest ick or if the book has absolutely stellar reviews from day 1 of arcs.
Bleah.
The 1.5⭐️ is for Blake and Blake alone and his new found slutty glasses. Everyone else has literally given me a massive ick that progressed from bad to worse in book 3-4. I didn’t even like Kage anymore. I was so excited for the possibilities at the end of book 2 even if the triad would never happen, I just wanted so much more of Blake fighting his way to Medra and some really epic jealousy scenes.
So much potential. Instead, we got Florence and Regan.
I realized I don’t give a single fuck about what happens in the rest of this book or any of the characters. Not even Blake or Medra. It’s been overly dragged and frankly I’m just done.
This will teach me that while I might read this author again, it will definitely either be only as EPUBs where I will be DNFing at the smallest ick or if the book has absolutely stellar reviews from day 1 of arcs.
Bleah.
The 1.5⭐️ is for Blake and Blake alone and his new found slutty glasses. Everyone else has literally given me a massive ick that progressed from bad to worse in book 3-4. I didn’t even like Kage anymore. I was so excited for the possibilities at the end of book 2 even if the triad would never happen, I just wanted so much more of Blake fighting his way to Medra and some really epic jealousy scenes.
So much potential. Instead, we got Florence and Regan.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Man, I just love this series! Each book is just as gripping as the last, with a story that unfolds with great coherence and suspense throughout these four volumes. And this final volume is truly a little gem, thanks not only to Briar Boleyn’s fluid and enjoyable writing style but also to certain characters who gain more depth... what a rollercoaster of emotions to experience as this incredible adventure comes to an end! I’m really going to miss some of these characters… it goes without saying that if you enjoyed the first three volumes, you should definitely read this one as soon as possible!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
2.75 - ARC REVIEW
Firstly, thank you so much to Briar Boleyn for the opportunity to read an ARC of With Hearts of Flame. All opinions are completely my own.
I already know this may be a slightly controversial take, and based on the amount of 4 and 5 star reviews I’ve seen, I may very much be in the minority here. I genuinely hate giving this 2.75 stars because I’ve really enjoyed the Bloodwing Academy series, but unfortunately this finale just didn’t hit the way I expected it to.
After reading the prequel series and bridging novella, I was expecting an epic, emotional finale with huge battles and massive payoff. There were moments I enjoyed, but overall I finished feeling underwhelmed.
My biggest issue was that there simply wasn’t enough Medra and Blake. For the final book in their series, I wanted so much more focus on them, but with so many characters, POVs and storylines, they sometimes felt pushed to the side.
I also loathe to admit it…but I needed more Viktor. I really think his POV would have added so much more context and emotional weight. There was also a pretty significant moment involving Flo that I really wish we had experienced from her POV, rather than through another character.
Flo and Nyxaris felt a little strange to me at the beginning too, personally, some of it just felt too soon.
The “power triad” storyline unfortunately wasn’t for me either.
The journey to the dwarven city gave me slight Lord of the Rings vibes. Kazmyn also gave me Ridoc from Fourth Wing vibes, almost like he was there to be the funny member of the quest squad, but unfortunately a lot of the humour felt a little forced to me rather than naturally funny.
Rodriguez, however,absolute twat. Some very weird behaviour from that man.
I was glad to see Hawl again, and the mention of Lancelet being dropped somewhere else after she was meant to follow Hawl, immediately made me suspicious because…why mention her now?! Possible spin-off setup?
My biggest disappointment, though, was the emotional payoff. Some deaths happened incredibly quickly, while others felt almost skimmed over when I thought those characters deserved far more.
The ending should have destroyed me. I understood the prophecy and why everything happened, but I just didn’t feel there had been enough build-up for the sacrifice to hit emotionally the way it should have.
Then the epilogue introduced a trope that, personally, I really don’t think was needed.
There were still things I enjoyed,. I love this world, and I enjoyed seeing connections to the wider series, but after everything leading into this finale, I expected it to feel epic.Instead, I finished thinking......is that it?
I’d still recommend the Bloodwing Academy series, but for me this finale needed more emotional fallout and a much bigger payoff.
Firstly, thank you so much to Briar Boleyn for the opportunity to read an ARC of With Hearts of Flame. All opinions are completely my own.
I already know this may be a slightly controversial take, and based on the amount of 4 and 5 star reviews I’ve seen, I may very much be in the minority here. I genuinely hate giving this 2.75 stars because I’ve really enjoyed the Bloodwing Academy series, but unfortunately this finale just didn’t hit the way I expected it to.
After reading the prequel series and bridging novella, I was expecting an epic, emotional finale with huge battles and massive payoff. There were moments I enjoyed, but overall I finished feeling underwhelmed.
My biggest issue was that there simply wasn’t enough Medra and Blake. For the final book in their series, I wanted so much more focus on them, but with so many characters, POVs and storylines, they sometimes felt pushed to the side.
I also loathe to admit it…but I needed more Viktor. I really think his POV would have added so much more context and emotional weight. There was also a pretty significant moment involving Flo that I really wish we had experienced from her POV, rather than through another character.
Flo and Nyxaris felt a little strange to me at the beginning too, personally, some of it just felt too soon.
The “power triad” storyline unfortunately wasn’t for me either.
The journey to the dwarven city gave me slight Lord of the Rings vibes. Kazmyn also gave me Ridoc from Fourth Wing vibes, almost like he was there to be the funny member of the quest squad, but unfortunately a lot of the humour felt a little forced to me rather than naturally funny.
Rodriguez, however,absolute twat. Some very weird behaviour from that man.
I was glad to see Hawl again, and the mention of Lancelet being dropped somewhere else after she was meant to follow Hawl, immediately made me suspicious because…why mention her now?! Possible spin-off setup?
My biggest disappointment, though, was the emotional payoff. Some deaths happened incredibly quickly, while others felt almost skimmed over when I thought those characters deserved far more.
The ending should have destroyed me. I understood the prophecy and why everything happened, but I just didn’t feel there had been enough build-up for the sacrifice to hit emotionally the way it should have.
Then the epilogue introduced a trope that, personally, I really don’t think was needed.
There were still things I enjoyed,. I love this world, and I enjoyed seeing connections to the wider series, but after everything leading into this finale, I expected it to feel epic.Instead, I finished thinking......is that it?
I’d still recommend the Bloodwing Academy series, but for me this finale needed more emotional fallout and a much bigger payoff.
November 1, 2026
📖 Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🎧 Audiobook: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narrator: Hannah Hedley, Justin Hill, Persephone Lee, Olivia Wricht, Brandon Marlowe
Audio Length: 23h 8m
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Series Tropes:
Academy Setting
Morally Gray MMC
Badass FMC
Vampires, Dragons, Fae
Forced Betrothal
Forced Proximity
Enemies to Lovers
📖 Review:
I can’t believe this series is over!
First, I have to say how happy I am with the way things have played out for Blake and Medra throughout this entire series. I love these two so much, and seeing where they ended up made my heart happy. This was a wonderful conclusion to an already amazing series, and I’m genuinely sad to say goodbye to these characters.
Now, I went into this book SO excited for more Florence. I know she’s technically a side character, but let’s be honest… she’s NOT just a side character to me. She was the person I was most excited to see more of, and I really enjoyed the direction her storyline took. That said, I did feel like things moved a little too quickly. I would have loved to see her story unfold more gradually and have more time to watch her relationship develop.
And then there’s Regan. Oh, Regan. I am SO happy with the direction the author took her character. We’ve gotten to see so much growth from her throughout this series, and I absolutely loved seeing that.
I also really enjoyed getting a little crossover from the Blood of Fae series! I was excited to see those connections, although I will admit I was hoping to see a few more familiar faces. Maybe that’s just me wanting ALL my favorite characters in one place.
Overall, I thought this was a good ending to an amazing series. While there were a few things I wish had been given a little more time and attention, I’m happy with where things landed. It’s always bittersweet finishing a series you’ve loved, and I’m so excited to see what this author comes up with next!
🎧 Audiobook thoughts:
THE AUDIOBOOK WAS FANTASTIC!
The entire cast did an amazing job bringing these characters to life. I loved having a full cast, and I really felt like it added another layer of excitement to the story. The narration kept me completely locked in, and I had such a great time listening. Everyone did a wonderful job, and I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better audiobook experience.
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘶𝘮 𝘌𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘈𝘓𝘊 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬.
🎧 Audiobook: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narrator: Hannah Hedley, Justin Hill, Persephone Lee, Olivia Wricht, Brandon Marlowe
Audio Length: 23h 8m
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Series Tropes:
Academy Setting
Morally Gray MMC
Badass FMC
Vampires, Dragons, Fae
Forced Betrothal
Forced Proximity
Enemies to Lovers
📖 Review:
I can’t believe this series is over!
First, I have to say how happy I am with the way things have played out for Blake and Medra throughout this entire series. I love these two so much, and seeing where they ended up made my heart happy. This was a wonderful conclusion to an already amazing series, and I’m genuinely sad to say goodbye to these characters.
Now, I went into this book SO excited for more Florence. I know she’s technically a side character, but let’s be honest… she’s NOT just a side character to me. She was the person I was most excited to see more of, and I really enjoyed the direction her storyline took. That said, I did feel like things moved a little too quickly. I would have loved to see her story unfold more gradually and have more time to watch her relationship develop.
And then there’s Regan. Oh, Regan. I am SO happy with the direction the author took her character. We’ve gotten to see so much growth from her throughout this series, and I absolutely loved seeing that.
I also really enjoyed getting a little crossover from the Blood of Fae series! I was excited to see those connections, although I will admit I was hoping to see a few more familiar faces. Maybe that’s just me wanting ALL my favorite characters in one place.
Overall, I thought this was a good ending to an amazing series. While there were a few things I wish had been given a little more time and attention, I’m happy with where things landed. It’s always bittersweet finishing a series you’ve loved, and I’m so excited to see what this author comes up with next!
🎧 Audiobook thoughts:
THE AUDIOBOOK WAS FANTASTIC!
The entire cast did an amazing job bringing these characters to life. I loved having a full cast, and I really felt like it added another layer of excitement to the story. The narration kept me completely locked in, and I had such a great time listening. Everyone did a wonderful job, and I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better audiobook experience.
𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘗𝘰𝘥𝘪𝘶𝘮 𝘌𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘈𝘓𝘊 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘰𝘬.
October 20, 2026
🐉🩸𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 • 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐈𝐄𝐖🩸🐉
{ 𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆 }
OH. MY. GOSH. BRIAR, MY HEART😭 usually, I finish a book & immediately review it. this one? I had to wait a little while because of the utter emotional devastation that was this book! this is the fourth & final book in the Bloodwing Academy series, & boyyyyy does she pack a PUNCH. I wanna say sooo many things right now, but I have to remind myself not to say anything that would remotely be a spoiler. Just know… BRIAR, my HEART😭
I loveeee Blake & Medra. I love that the prequel series to this (Blood of a Fae — if you haven’t read it, it’s complete, you NEED TO) and this one finally converged in such a cool way. I honestly feel like maybe Briar isn’t done with these worlds just yet, I’d eat up any kind of spinoff if she were to be inclined to write it, because I love these worlds & characters so effing much.
also, I did not have loving Regan Panserra on my bingo card, but HERE WE ARE.
I got to read and listen to this, and both versions were phenomenal. I loved the characters, the world, the stories, ALL. OF. IT😍
🐉 𝙸𝙽 𝚃𝙷𝙸𝚂 𝚂𝙴𝚁𝙸𝙴𝚂, 𝚈𝙾𝚄'𝙻𝙻 𝚂𝙴𝙴:
✧.* true enemies to lovers
✧.* vampires, dragons, wolves, fae, oh my
✧.* academy setting
✧.* forced proximity
✧.* forced betrothal
✧.* badass fmc’s
✧.* political intrigue
✧.* possessive mmc
✧.* morally grey
✧.* touch her & die
✧.* Arthurian romantasy
✧.* multiple pov
star rating: 4.5★
series spice rating: 4🌶️
🫶🏼 thank you @briarboleynauthor for the #gifted physical & digital copies & @podiumentertainment for the #gifted audiobook!
{ 𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆 }
OH. MY. GOSH. BRIAR, MY HEART😭 usually, I finish a book & immediately review it. this one? I had to wait a little while because of the utter emotional devastation that was this book! this is the fourth & final book in the Bloodwing Academy series, & boyyyyy does she pack a PUNCH. I wanna say sooo many things right now, but I have to remind myself not to say anything that would remotely be a spoiler. Just know… BRIAR, my HEART😭
I loveeee Blake & Medra. I love that the prequel series to this (Blood of a Fae — if you haven’t read it, it’s complete, you NEED TO) and this one finally converged in such a cool way. I honestly feel like maybe Briar isn’t done with these worlds just yet, I’d eat up any kind of spinoff if she were to be inclined to write it, because I love these worlds & characters so effing much.
also, I did not have loving Regan Panserra on my bingo card, but HERE WE ARE.
I got to read and listen to this, and both versions were phenomenal. I loved the characters, the world, the stories, ALL. OF. IT😍
🐉 𝙸𝙽 𝚃𝙷𝙸𝚂 𝚂𝙴𝚁𝙸𝙴𝚂, 𝚈𝙾𝚄'𝙻𝙻 𝚂𝙴𝙴:
✧.* true enemies to lovers
✧.* vampires, dragons, wolves, fae, oh my
✧.* academy setting
✧.* forced proximity
✧.* forced betrothal
✧.* badass fmc’s
✧.* political intrigue
✧.* possessive mmc
✧.* morally grey
✧.* touch her & die
✧.* Arthurian romantasy
✧.* multiple pov
star rating: 4.5★
series spice rating: 4🌶️
🫶🏼 thank you @briarboleynauthor for the #gifted physical & digital copies & @podiumentertainment for the #gifted audiobook!
September 17, 2026
“my edges are broken, too. i’ve seen your sins and your scars. i’ve seen what you think makes you unlovable. and i love you anyway.”
—
oh man idk how to write this review without giving spoilers, but imma try my best.
first of all, i want to say i enjoyed this book a lot. i really liked the multiple plots that we followed and how they came together in the end. the side characters were also a highlight. i found myself loving people and relationships that i didn’t even know were an option.
i will say there are a few things i still have questions about. i’m not sure if they were forgotten about, if maybe i just missed the implication that we’re supposed to know, or if they’re just loose ends that didn’t get tied up.
there were also a few character relationships that were more told than shown. i know one in particular was a surprise, which i ended up LOVING, but i was shocked there was no previous tension or hint of it in the past books. it had me thinking i missed something. nyxaris and florence’s relationship also felt very rushed to me, and i wish there would’ve been more development in his highblood form beforehand. the ending especially shocked me with how fast we moved.
i loved seeing blake and medra in this book. if i’m being honest, i wanted to see even more of them. i love a multi-pov, but i felt like they got pushed to the side a bit. i started this series hating blake, but ended up loving his character development. seeing them both so in love was so perfect and made me love them so much more. give me all the novellas of them!!
and this is where it gets tricky. absolutely devastated at the ending. when i tell you i turned the page at 95% and read “epilogue,” i was going to scream and throw my kindle. absolutely shaking with rage at work. i got war flashbacks to the plated prisoner series (iykyk). i also feel like the ending has the opportunity for a spinoff? i’m begging if it means a certain possibility.
while there were definitely some more answers needed, characters that deserved a better ending, and more screentime for characters i wanted, i still really enjoyed this book. also, while the diabolical ending will have me raging for months to come, i was very entertained and locked in the whole time. a few chapters had me giggling and kicking my feet so badly as well.
i hope to see more of these characters in the future!
thank you briar for sending me an e-arc and allowing me to be on the street team! ♥︎
“𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆’𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒂 𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒌 𝒐𝒇 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒊 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒕. 𝒊 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒂𝒔 𝒘𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓.”
—
oh man idk how to write this review without giving spoilers, but imma try my best.
first of all, i want to say i enjoyed this book a lot. i really liked the multiple plots that we followed and how they came together in the end. the side characters were also a highlight. i found myself loving people and relationships that i didn’t even know were an option.
i will say there are a few things i still have questions about. i’m not sure if they were forgotten about, if maybe i just missed the implication that we’re supposed to know, or if they’re just loose ends that didn’t get tied up.
there were also a few character relationships that were more told than shown. i know one in particular was a surprise, which i ended up LOVING, but i was shocked there was no previous tension or hint of it in the past books. it had me thinking i missed something. nyxaris and florence’s relationship also felt very rushed to me, and i wish there would’ve been more development in his highblood form beforehand. the ending especially shocked me with how fast we moved.
i loved seeing blake and medra in this book. if i’m being honest, i wanted to see even more of them. i love a multi-pov, but i felt like they got pushed to the side a bit. i started this series hating blake, but ended up loving his character development. seeing them both so in love was so perfect and made me love them so much more. give me all the novellas of them!!
and this is where it gets tricky. absolutely devastated at the ending. when i tell you i turned the page at 95% and read “epilogue,” i was going to scream and throw my kindle. absolutely shaking with rage at work. i got war flashbacks to the plated prisoner series (iykyk). i also feel like the ending has the opportunity for a spinoff? i’m begging if it means a certain possibility.
while there were definitely some more answers needed, characters that deserved a better ending, and more screentime for characters i wanted, i still really enjoyed this book. also, while the diabolical ending will have me raging for months to come, i was very entertained and locked in the whole time. a few chapters had me giggling and kicking my feet so badly as well.
i hope to see more of these characters in the future!
thank you briar for sending me an e-arc and allowing me to be on the street team! ♥︎
“𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆’𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒂 𝒍𝒐𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒂𝒍𝒌 𝒐𝒇 𝒃𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒅𝒐𝒘𝒏, 𝒃𝒖𝒕 𝒊 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒔 𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒕. 𝒊 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒏 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒂𝒔 𝒘𝒆 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒍𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒔𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓.”
September 13, 2026
ARC 3.5 ⭐
Breaks my heart this.
I love this series so much. I love Blake & Medra, books 1 & 2 I absolutely adored & flew through. Book 3 went into a different direction than I was expecting, thinking it was leading up to a big finish in book 4. I did enjoy this book there was lots going on. But it didn’t hit like I was expecting 😩
I’m not sure if the ending has been left open for another book, a novella, a spin off, series maybe?
I feel like I still have a lot of questions. A lot of things was brushed over. Because they’ve talked about so many different people & give so many POVS in this one & the last book, it’s taken a lot away from Medra & Blake & wasn’t long enough to give so much detail for so many people!!
I was expecting a really big dramatic ending, I was expecting to be heartbroken & it kind of fell a bit flat.
I do absolutely love these characters it hasn’t put me off the plot or the series as a whole. I just wish she’d write another one 😩😩😩😩😩
Breaks my heart this.
I love this series so much. I love Blake & Medra, books 1 & 2 I absolutely adored & flew through. Book 3 went into a different direction than I was expecting, thinking it was leading up to a big finish in book 4. I did enjoy this book there was lots going on. But it didn’t hit like I was expecting 😩
I’m not sure if the ending has been left open for another book, a novella, a spin off, series maybe?
I feel like I still have a lot of questions. A lot of things was brushed over. Because they’ve talked about so many different people & give so many POVS in this one & the last book, it’s taken a lot away from Medra & Blake & wasn’t long enough to give so much detail for so many people!!
I was expecting a really big dramatic ending, I was expecting to be heartbroken & it kind of fell a bit flat.
I do absolutely love these characters it hasn’t put me off the plot or the series as a whole. I just wish she’d write another one 😩😩😩😩😩
Review of advance copy received from Author
⋆｡°✩ ᴀʀᴄ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ʀᴇᴠɪᴇᴡ ✩°｡⋆
ᴛɪᴛʟᴇ : With Hearts of Flame
ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ : Briar Boleyn
ꜰᴏʀᴍᴀᴛ ʀᴇᴀᴅ: E-Book
ᴘᴀɢᴇ ᴄᴏᴜɴᴛ: 617
ᴀʀᴄ ꜱᴜᴘᴘʟɪᴇʀ : Author
ᴘᴜʙʟɪᴄᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴅᴀᴛᴇ: 20th October 2026
I can’t believe it’s all over! What an incredible ride into Bloodwing Academy! I’m going to miss all the gang so much!
High Priestess Hallowyn you say?!?! EEEEK my name was used, what an utter honor 🥹 Thank you Briar for making a reader dream come true! 💕
Book 4 is filled with action and spice! A perfect combo I think! In this book relationships form, they grown and blossom into something I absolutely love! It doesn’t just focus on Medra and Blake anymore, everyone has a story to tell and it’s needed to create so much depth into the book!
I love how there is action going on in different places, not everything is always just happening with the ‘core two’ of the book. Everything that happens is essential to the ending and the ambiguity at the end of what really happened within the gang creates a realistic ending I think!
Medea and Blake are so perfect together, the way Blake now shows his vulnerable side but still have his snark and cockiness is just who he is suppose to be!
Florence and Nyxaris, EEEK! These two made me kick and scream Everytime they were on the page together! Florence being all shy and Nyx being bossy is everything! Pretty sure my brain just melted everytime Nyx was on page 🤣
Regan is my queen, I love her! Even though she has sent me on an emotional rollercoaster, I love her redemption arc! I love seeing her go from mean girl to one of the gang! I love how after everything she has been through her snarky personality shines through!
Kage and Lysander are so H O T ok? Anytime those two are in any action together I am melting!
Theo and Vaughn are not in the book as much as previous but I say that’s a good thing, I just want them two to be happy now!
Visha, she is so bad a s s and I adore her! I love her loyalty and her sharp banter with everyone!
We got to meet new characters in this book, Kazmyn being one of the and he was so funny 🤣 When he is talking to Visha I’m just cackling 🤣
HAWL! I can’t believe we get to see him again 🥹 The way he becomes attached to Neville is so cute!
Again it’s a bittersweet ending, and the fact Briar used my name in the book is one of the biggest honours of my life! I will treasure this book forever! Thank you for this journey Briar!
ALSO IM IN THE DEDICATIONS!!! WHAT AN ABSOLUTE HONOUR! I have never been so happy and I’m going to legitimately frame the page & first mention of Hallowyn 🥹🥹🥹
ᴛɪᴛʟᴇ : With Hearts of Flame
ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ : Briar Boleyn
ꜰᴏʀᴍᴀᴛ ʀᴇᴀᴅ: E-Book
ᴘᴀɢᴇ ᴄᴏᴜɴᴛ: 617
ᴀʀᴄ ꜱᴜᴘᴘʟɪᴇʀ : Author
ᴘᴜʙʟɪᴄᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ᴅᴀᴛᴇ: 20th October 2026
I can’t believe it’s all over! What an incredible ride into Bloodwing Academy! I’m going to miss all the gang so much!
High Priestess Hallowyn you say?!?! EEEEK my name was used, what an utter honor 🥹 Thank you Briar for making a reader dream come true! 💕
Book 4 is filled with action and spice! A perfect combo I think! In this book relationships form, they grown and blossom into something I absolutely love! It doesn’t just focus on Medra and Blake anymore, everyone has a story to tell and it’s needed to create so much depth into the book!
I love how there is action going on in different places, not everything is always just happening with the ‘core two’ of the book. Everything that happens is essential to the ending and the ambiguity at the end of what really happened within the gang creates a realistic ending I think!
Medea and Blake are so perfect together, the way Blake now shows his vulnerable side but still have his snark and cockiness is just who he is suppose to be!
Florence and Nyxaris, EEEK! These two made me kick and scream Everytime they were on the page together! Florence being all shy and Nyx being bossy is everything! Pretty sure my brain just melted everytime Nyx was on page 🤣
Regan is my queen, I love her! Even though she has sent me on an emotional rollercoaster, I love her redemption arc! I love seeing her go from mean girl to one of the gang! I love how after everything she has been through her snarky personality shines through!
Kage and Lysander are so H O T ok? Anytime those two are in any action together I am melting!
Theo and Vaughn are not in the book as much as previous but I say that’s a good thing, I just want them two to be happy now!
Visha, she is so bad a s s and I adore her! I love her loyalty and her sharp banter with everyone!
We got to meet new characters in this book, Kazmyn being one of the and he was so funny 🤣 When he is talking to Visha I’m just cackling 🤣
HAWL! I can’t believe we get to see him again 🥹 The way he becomes attached to Neville is so cute!
Again it’s a bittersweet ending, and the fact Briar used my name in the book is one of the biggest honours of my life! I will treasure this book forever! Thank you for this journey Briar!
ALSO IM IN THE DEDICATIONS!!! WHAT AN ABSOLUTE HONOUR! I have never been so happy and I’m going to legitimately frame the page & first mention of Hallowyn 🥹🥹🥹
Did Not Finish
November 8, 2026Didžiausiam nusivylimui
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3 ⭐️
I have been a fan of Bloodwing Academy and the Blood of a Fae series since 2025. I was so looking forward to reading the last book and seeing how the puzzle pieces were going to fall into place in an epic conclusion.
I’ve always enjoyed Medra’s character. The found family was cute and the fluffin of course is again my favorite.
What I struggled with was the writing and the pacing. I was left confused at times and it was very hard to keep track of the different POV’s with a different character and location each chapter. I was not as connected to the characters in this final book and was unfortunately disappointed in the ending as well as some huge events and tropes that I felt were unnecessary. Overall I was sadly underwhelmed.
I do think this is a good series as I truly enjoyed all of the other books before this. Unique world, vampires, fae, interconnected storylines. This one just missed the mark for me.
I have been a fan of Bloodwing Academy and the Blood of a Fae series since 2025. I was so looking forward to reading the last book and seeing how the puzzle pieces were going to fall into place in an epic conclusion.
I’ve always enjoyed Medra’s character. The found family was cute and the fluffin of course is again my favorite.
What I struggled with was the writing and the pacing. I was left confused at times and it was very hard to keep track of the different POV’s with a different character and location each chapter. I was not as connected to the characters in this final book and was unfortunately disappointed in the ending as well as some huge events and tropes that I felt were unnecessary. Overall I was sadly underwhelmed.
I do think this is a good series as I truly enjoyed all of the other books before this. Unique world, vampires, fae, interconnected storylines. This one just missed the mark for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The final Bloodwing Academy books had a lot to accomplish and to wrap up. The end of the third book left us in absolute chaos with the city in ruins, Florence and Regan captured, and Blake running off in despair after a botched attempt to rid himself of his dragon.
I enjoyed the call back to Medra’s beginnings and the tie in to Briar’s related series. I enjoyed Regan’s redemption and the triad that formed between her, Kage, and Lysander. It was interesting to get to see the Dwarves more and to learn about their part in all of this.
Critically, I think that this book did what a lot of fantasy series’ do – rush the ending to wrap everything up neatly. I do wish that the series would have been plotted out more ahead of time to help the pacing at the end. Blake’s eventual love of Medra was such a quick 180 turn around and I would have liked to spend some more time with that struggle.
I adore Briar’s writing and I think that this is overall a five-star series. However, this wasn’t my favorite book in the series and I found my attention wandering quite a bit.
READ IT IF… 🔥
You think vampires are sexy and you like your fantasy dark and heavy on the romance. You enjoy an academic setting, and a chaotic plot.
I enjoyed the call back to Medra’s beginnings and the tie in to Briar’s related series. I enjoyed Regan’s redemption and the triad that formed between her, Kage, and Lysander. It was interesting to get to see the Dwarves more and to learn about their part in all of this.
Critically, I think that this book did what a lot of fantasy series’ do – rush the ending to wrap everything up neatly. I do wish that the series would have been plotted out more ahead of time to help the pacing at the end. Blake’s eventual love of Medra was such a quick 180 turn around and I would have liked to spend some more time with that struggle.
I adore Briar’s writing and I think that this is overall a five-star series. However, this wasn’t my favorite book in the series and I found my attention wandering quite a bit.
READ IT IF… 🔥
You think vampires are sexy and you like your fantasy dark and heavy on the romance. You enjoy an academic setting, and a chaotic plot.
October 25, 2026
What. A. Disaster.
I’m not sure I have ever been so disappointed in a series finale, had it not been such I would have DNFed at 20%.
Can someone tell me what happened to the plot? All I wanted was Blake and Medra, but apparently that was too much to hope for. Why we suddenly care about Regan? WHY we are getting a Florence/Nyxarios love story? EW. And on top of everything else, are you kidding me with that ending. Freaking over it.
Alas, the only star this book is getting is for Blake and Medra, and them alone.
I’m not sure I have ever been so disappointed in a series finale, had it not been such I would have DNFed at 20%.
Can someone tell me what happened to the plot? All I wanted was Blake and Medra, but apparently that was too much to hope for. Why we suddenly care about Regan? WHY we are getting a Florence/Nyxarios love story? EW. And on top of everything else, are you kidding me with that ending. Freaking over it.
Alas, the only star this book is getting is for Blake and Medra, and them alone.
September 16, 2026
I can’t quite believe this series is over 💔 I am unwell! All 4 books have been an absolute masterpiece for me - I will never stop shouting about this series ❤️
The previous 3 books set everything up for an epic conclusion. This book was fast paced however a little too fast at times - I would have loved more detail and time for certain aspects. There could have easily been an extra 100 pages+ to include everything that felt missing. Although I loved the multi POV, I do wish there was more Blake and Medra. The power triad was quite a surprise but very welcomed 👀 i can’t say very much about this book without giving away spoilers. The action just never stopped - I could barely breathe for the entire book. The story wrapped up nicely after a rollercoaster ride. But I am genuinely sad to be at the end of Blake and Medra’s story. I’d love to see some spin offs from this world with certain characters - there’s definitely a story or two to be told.
Thank you Briar for this incredible journey and allowing me to be part of your street team and giving us the chance to read this early. I can’t wait to see what you cook up next 🫶
The previous 3 books set everything up for an epic conclusion. This book was fast paced however a little too fast at times - I would have loved more detail and time for certain aspects. There could have easily been an extra 100 pages+ to include everything that felt missing. Although I loved the multi POV, I do wish there was more Blake and Medra. The power triad was quite a surprise but very welcomed 👀 i can’t say very much about this book without giving away spoilers. The action just never stopped - I could barely breathe for the entire book. The story wrapped up nicely after a rollercoaster ride. But I am genuinely sad to be at the end of Blake and Medra’s story. I’d love to see some spin offs from this world with certain characters - there’s definitely a story or two to be told.
Thank you Briar for this incredible journey and allowing me to be part of your street team and giving us the chance to read this early. I can’t wait to see what you cook up next 🫶
September 19, 2026
"From the beginning until the end, you are it for me. You alone, for all my days." ♥️
This review is so hard for me to write because I loved books 1-2 so much, but books 3-4 just didn't live up to my expectations. Blake and Medra are my favorite relationship that has come from this series, but it felt like they took a major back seat in this book. And it's so surprising to me because this is the final book and I was expecting so much more!! Plot wise, I feel like almost nothing happened for the majority of the book. I know one relationship is going to piss people off for certain reasons I can't mention without spoiling. The spicy scene with Florence in the beginning was super cringe I almost DNF'ed the book right then and there. I truly feel like this book was just all over the place. I do feel like we got a solid ending but the build up to it was just underwhelming. I also feel like the spark and everything I loved from books 1-2 were lost in this one! Even though I didn't love this book as much as I hoped, Blake and Medra will still go down as one of my favorite romantasy couples!
Thank you so much to Briar Boleyn, HTP Hive, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Netgalley for the advanced copy!
This review is so hard for me to write because I loved books 1-2 so much, but books 3-4 just didn't live up to my expectations. Blake and Medra are my favorite relationship that has come from this series, but it felt like they took a major back seat in this book. And it's so surprising to me because this is the final book and I was expecting so much more!! Plot wise, I feel like almost nothing happened for the majority of the book. I know one relationship is going to piss people off for certain reasons I can't mention without spoiling. The spicy scene with Florence in the beginning was super cringe I almost DNF'ed the book right then and there. I truly feel like this book was just all over the place. I do feel like we got a solid ending but the build up to it was just underwhelming. I also feel like the spark and everything I loved from books 1-2 were lost in this one! Even though I didn't love this book as much as I hoped, Blake and Medra will still go down as one of my favorite romantasy couples!
Thank you so much to Briar Boleyn, HTP Hive, Harlequin Trade Publishing, and Netgalley for the advanced copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Can’t believe Bloodwing is over! Blake and Medra are truly one of my favorite fantasy couples ever and I absolutely loved the growth we got to see from them over four books. Both individually and in their relationship they made such progress and beautiful development. That was the highlight of the series for me and I will always look back on it fondly especially the first two books for introducing me to them! 🥹
This final book I had no idea what to expect after book 3. Both the plot and the relationships went in so many different directions that really surprised me! It’s hard to review without spoiling anything but we got a lot more lore about the dragons and insight into the world in general. There were multiple relationship developments that I never saw coming and still for sure trying to wrap my head around if you know you know 👀 haha. The ending had me pacing, stressed and very curious if this would lead to another spin off as there are still some things I would love answered.
Thank you to The Hive and Briar’s street team for the advanced copy!
This final book I had no idea what to expect after book 3. Both the plot and the relationships went in so many different directions that really surprised me! It’s hard to review without spoiling anything but we got a lot more lore about the dragons and insight into the world in general. There were multiple relationship developments that I never saw coming and still for sure trying to wrap my head around if you know you know 👀 haha. The ending had me pacing, stressed and very curious if this would lead to another spin off as there are still some things I would love answered.
Thank you to The Hive and Briar’s street team for the advanced copy!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I can’t believe this series is ending 😭 this installment has a lot of character growth, grieving and overcoming trauma, blossoming relationships, and getting revenge over those who caused severe abuse. I felt quite emotional reading it knowing it was the end, but also for several of the losses we faced. the final scenes were so bittersweet, especially with how attached I had become to the triad throughout this book.
while the first two books of this series focused heavily on Medra & Blake, we really got to see more from Florence and Regan, which I personally LOVED. despite all the shifts in POV, it was easy to track the plot even if all the characters weren’t in the same places. it kept the story fast paced and had me on edge what would happen next.
I absolutely swooooooned over all the declarations of love and how these characters were able to find goodness and hope while going through dark and turbulent times. while I loved all the romantic connections, I felt extra connected to the friendships forged between the women. despite their pasts and differences, they came together to eliminate a common enemy, and while doing so, realized they are more alike than they had ever imagined. going through similar traumas and survival mechanisms may have initiated the bonds, but at the end of the day, their relationships were so much more.
another favorite component of this story for me was the fluffins. those cute little creatures have more strength, tenacity, and fearlessness than so many of the characters in this world. I only wish they were real!
the epilogue gave us a solid insight into where the characters have ended up after the war, but left enough open for a potential novella or spin off. I REALLY hope this is the case because I would love to see Blake and Medra with her family.
this book is perfect for those who love:
✨ romantasy
✨ strong FMCs
✨ dark academia & war colleges
✨ bonded mates
✨ dragons & shifters & vampires
✨ found family
✨ taking back power from abusers
thank you to NetGalley & Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
while the first two books of this series focused heavily on Medra & Blake, we really got to see more from Florence and Regan, which I personally LOVED. despite all the shifts in POV, it was easy to track the plot even if all the characters weren’t in the same places. it kept the story fast paced and had me on edge what would happen next.
I absolutely swooooooned over all the declarations of love and how these characters were able to find goodness and hope while going through dark and turbulent times. while I loved all the romantic connections, I felt extra connected to the friendships forged between the women. despite their pasts and differences, they came together to eliminate a common enemy, and while doing so, realized they are more alike than they had ever imagined. going through similar traumas and survival mechanisms may have initiated the bonds, but at the end of the day, their relationships were so much more.
another favorite component of this story for me was the fluffins. those cute little creatures have more strength, tenacity, and fearlessness than so many of the characters in this world. I only wish they were real!
the epilogue gave us a solid insight into where the characters have ended up after the war, but left enough open for a potential novella or spin off. I REALLY hope this is the case because I would love to see Blake and Medra with her family.
this book is perfect for those who love:
✨ romantasy
✨ strong FMCs
✨ dark academia & war colleges
✨ bonded mates
✨ dragons & shifters & vampires
✨ found family
✨ taking back power from abusers
thank you to NetGalley & Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!
October 12, 2026
How do you complete a god-tier series? Just ask Briar Boleyn.
Briar Boleyn has officially cemented herself as a forever favorite author of mine. She has built a spectacular world and a storyline that will stay with me and I look forward to rereading it and finding more hidden in the pages and storylines that I probably missed this first time around. I am in complete awe of her writing and her ability to draw readers in, keeping us utterly obsessed with these characters from the very first page to the very last line.
The Bloodwing Academy series is easily one of the best out there. What stands out the most is that there is not a single moment of filler across any of these books. Instead, the universe continually expands, and the character arcs naturally deepen alongside the high stakes, keeping you entirely engaged.
While I sincerely hope we get more stories from this universe—especially with some character updates—if I never read another word from this world, I would still cross the finish line completely satisfied with this ending. With Hearts of Flame will make you laugh, cry, and feel every single emotion humanly possible. You will not finish this book unscathed, but you will be profoundly grateful for the journey.
Thank you to Briar Boleyn and MIRA for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Also thank you to Podium for the ALC. I plan to listen to the story ASAP for my first official re-read.
Briar Boleyn has officially cemented herself as a forever favorite author of mine. She has built a spectacular world and a storyline that will stay with me and I look forward to rereading it and finding more hidden in the pages and storylines that I probably missed this first time around. I am in complete awe of her writing and her ability to draw readers in, keeping us utterly obsessed with these characters from the very first page to the very last line.
The Bloodwing Academy series is easily one of the best out there. What stands out the most is that there is not a single moment of filler across any of these books. Instead, the universe continually expands, and the character arcs naturally deepen alongside the high stakes, keeping you entirely engaged.
While I sincerely hope we get more stories from this universe—especially with some character updates—if I never read another word from this world, I would still cross the finish line completely satisfied with this ending. With Hearts of Flame will make you laugh, cry, and feel every single emotion humanly possible. You will not finish this book unscathed, but you will be profoundly grateful for the journey.
Thank you to Briar Boleyn and MIRA for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Also thank you to Podium for the ALC. I plan to listen to the story ASAP for my first official re-read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
✨𝒜𝑅𝒞 & 𝒜𝐿𝒞 𝑅𝑒𝓋𝒾𝑒𝓌✨
📖🎧: With Hearts of Flame (Bloodwing Academy, 4)
🎙️: Hannah Hedley, Justin Hill, Persephone Lee, Olivia Wright, Brandon Marlowe
Duty, redemption, vengeance and the prophecy come to a head. The fate of Sangratha hangs in the balance in the conclusion to the Bloodwing Academy series.
Series Tropes:
🎙️Multi POV
🏫Dark academia
⚠️Enemies to lovers
🩶Morally grey MCs
🧑🧑🧒🧒Found family
🐉Vampires, Dragons, Dragon Riders
🌶️Open door
Briar brilliantly melds Medra’s past, present, and her fate as more of the prophecy looms. These narrators breathe life into each character, skillfully channeling layered and emotionally-charged performances. I felt the weight of the prophecy, their heartache, and their determination.
These different romantic storylines were everything!
The MMCs are possessive, protective, and so down bad for their women. Each character has captured my heart throughout the series even as Briar proceeded to rip my heart out.
In With Hearts of Flame, Briar unleashes an epic and electrifying finale to the series. Prepare for high-stakes, scorching romances, and heartbreak. Dark academia romantasy lovers, this is for you! If you haven’t read the Blood of a Fae series yet, I highly recommend them for full emotional impact.
So grateful to the author, Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA books, The Hive, and Podium for the review copies. This is my honest and voluntary review
📖🎧: With Hearts of Flame (Bloodwing Academy, 4)
🎙️: Hannah Hedley, Justin Hill, Persephone Lee, Olivia Wright, Brandon Marlowe
Duty, redemption, vengeance and the prophecy come to a head. The fate of Sangratha hangs in the balance in the conclusion to the Bloodwing Academy series.
Series Tropes:
🎙️Multi POV
🏫Dark academia
⚠️Enemies to lovers
🩶Morally grey MCs
🧑🧑🧒🧒Found family
🐉Vampires, Dragons, Dragon Riders
🌶️Open door
Briar brilliantly melds Medra’s past, present, and her fate as more of the prophecy looms. These narrators breathe life into each character, skillfully channeling layered and emotionally-charged performances. I felt the weight of the prophecy, their heartache, and their determination.
These different romantic storylines were everything!
The MMCs are possessive, protective, and so down bad for their women. Each character has captured my heart throughout the series even as Briar proceeded to rip my heart out.
In With Hearts of Flame, Briar unleashes an epic and electrifying finale to the series. Prepare for high-stakes, scorching romances, and heartbreak. Dark academia romantasy lovers, this is for you! If you haven’t read the Blood of a Fae series yet, I highly recommend them for full emotional impact.
So grateful to the author, Harlequin Trade Publishing, MIRA books, The Hive, and Podium for the review copies. This is my honest and voluntary review
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