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dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This in the second book in the series that I affectionally refer to as vampire Harry Potter. This is not an original story in basically any way, but it is extremely enjoyable for what it is. At the end of Medra's first year at Bloodwing Academy, she accidentally awoke a dragon, when dragons have been extinct in Sangratha for a century. The ruling highbloods demanded that she control her dragon and become their tool, but that's not so simple, and of course Medra has no intention of being used by the very beings she despises. To make things more complicated, Medra is now bonded to the bane of her existence, Blake, which means he has to feed from her every week despite her not consenting to the bond. Medra is basically in constant danger, and the relationship between her and Blake swings wildly in all different directions. It's truly so fun.
I am very happy to report that this book did not fall victim to the curse of the second book in a romantasy series! (At least to me of course lol). I adored this second installment so much. The world-building actually made more sense than in the first book, which is no mean feat: Boleyn narrowed her focus to who and what directly affected and implicated Medra, which was smart, and we got answers at a pace I appreciated while still leaving a lot up in the air. The conflict between Medra and Blake feels very real and not contrived, and although Medra's feelings are a bit all over the place, it didn't grate on me because she's fully aware of everything she's feeling and trying to make sense of it along with the reader. The spice in this book is also really, really good - truly some of the best I've read in a while (TLDR it's the definition of the female gaze). The plot moves along nicely, minor characters get fleshed out without overburdening the main narrative arc, and the book ended with a bang. Loved this one so much and can't wait for the next to book to come out in March 2026!
Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing, and Starwater Press for an advance reader's copy in exchange for an honest review!
I am very happy to report that this book did not fall victim to the curse of the second book in a romantasy series! (At least to me of course lol). I adored this second installment so much. The world-building actually made more sense than in the first book, which is no mean feat: Boleyn narrowed her focus to who and what directly affected and implicated Medra, which was smart, and we got answers at a pace I appreciated while still leaving a lot up in the air. The conflict between Medra and Blake feels very real and not contrived, and although Medra's feelings are a bit all over the place, it didn't grate on me because she's fully aware of everything she's feeling and trying to make sense of it along with the reader. The spice in this book is also really, really good - truly some of the best I've read in a while (TLDR it's the definition of the female gaze). The plot moves along nicely, minor characters get fleshed out without overburdening the main narrative arc, and the book ended with a bang. Loved this one so much and can't wait for the next to book to come out in March 2026!
Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing, and Starwater Press for an advance reader's copy in exchange for an honest review!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Body horror, Child death, Confinement, Death, Gore, Racism, Sexual content, Slavery, Blood, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
Minor: Death, Torture, Suicide attempt, War
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Body horror, Child death, Death, Gore, Sexual content, Torture, Toxic relationship, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, War
adventurous
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Child death, Violence, Injury/Injury detail
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I love the first book, and I was very excited to read the sequel, The Bond that Burns which started right after the ending of Book 1, On Wings of Blood.
Truthfully, I have mixed feelings about this book.
Plotwise, it was fascinating. I was intrigued as Medra set out on a mission to uncover the hidden history of the dragons and their riders, as well as secrets kept from the public by the Four Houses. Not only that, but another shocking secret finally came to light.
Medra is doing her best under the immense pressure and expectations of being the only dragon rider. I admired the way she stands up for herself and her dragon, and her friendship with Florence.
And who could forget the adorable Neville ? It’s impossible not to love him; his cute antics always liven up the story!
While I enjoyed the storyline and love the characters, the direction of the romance wasn’t what I expected.
I spend most of the time hating Blake (Medra’s love interest) due to his attitude and action toward Medra, which angered me so much!
Initially, I was rooting for Medra and Blake, but after this book, I no longer feel the same way. I don’t’ get the Dramione vibes anymore and I think Medra deserves better than Blake…
The last few chapters were quite intense, with twist after twist, some of which were left unanswered. This left me wishing I had the next book in the series.
Overall, this was still a pretty good sequel. The easy-to-read writing style, short chapters, epic world building and loveable characters kept my eyes glued to my Kindle.
Despite my mixed feelings, I’m continuing the series since I’m curious to see what the author has in store next.
<i>I received an advanced review copy through Netgalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Huge thank you to the author and publisher!</i>
⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: blood, death, violence, sexual content
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Sexual content, Blood
Moderate: Confinement
Minor: Suicide
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, War, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Suicide