On Wings of Blood Read Along | Week Four (Final Thoughts + Review)

Welcome to the final week of our read along of ON WINGS OF BLOOD by Briar Boleyn. And wow…things fell apart a bit, didn’t they? Let’s talk about it.

Before we dive in, don’t forget to check out our December Bite Me Box featuring NOCTICADIA by Keri Lake—limited boxes left!

Naveen’s Fate and the Missed Potential

First, Naveen. I have to admit that while I was reading Medra’s battle with him during the Consort Games, I expected it to be an illusion. A fake-out. We were set up well—the failing classes, the warnings, the bone crown foreshadowing.

But even with all that… I still thought he’d appear again afterward. It’s a bit disappointing that he didn’t, especially with the setup of him and Florence. It feels like a missed opportunity for deeper emotional stakes.

The Consort Games: High Stakes, Low Payoff

Now let’s discuss the Consort Games—the primary story thread for the last quarter of this book. We knew Regan was going to pull something, and of course she did: drugging Medra, pushing her toward the test with Naveen, and orchestrating an ambush. Medra survives it all.

But honestly? It all felt a bit too easy for the amount of buildup we had. She could have died, sure, but she almost dies every other chapter at this point. I expected this to escalate into something much more dangerous.

The aftermath, though, was nicely handled. Goodbye Regan. Good riddance. I’m curious how her character will resurface in future books.
One thing I’m wondering: why can’t they replace her with someone else in their triad? That detail felt under explained.

Blake, Bonds, and Blood

I did like how this section increases Blake’s dependence on Medra’s blood. It creates real barriers in their relationship while also forcing intimacy. But Medra should have asked more questions—especially about what the blood bond truly means.

More importantly, I’m curious about Viktor’s plans. What does he want with her? How will this bond impact the summer? And realistically…where else is she going to go now except to live with Blake?

The setup between Marcus and Viktor also opens the door for bigger, more dangerous tensions as the series continues.

Romance Expectations vs. Reality

I will say it: I’m surprised Blake and Medra didn’t have sex in this book. They barely kissed.
Given the book’s marketing and vibes, I expected more steam. My hopes were slightly dashed there.

That Dragon Cliffhanger

But that ending? Now that was fun. Waking a dragon only for it to fly off without forming a bond? Excellent cliffhanger.
I’m wondering:

• Are more dragons out there?

• Will Medra break the spell on the others in the court?

• Can she get a dragon in book two? (Manifesting.)

Final Thoughts: A Strong Start With Room to Grow

Overall, I’m glad we wrapped up some threads, though I wish others had progressed more. The repetition and exposition could have been tighter, and some plot lines felt stretched thin.

But the concept? The world? The dark academia + fantasy romance vibes? Still rooting for Medra and Blake in the rest of this series.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!

And don’t forget to grab our December Bite Me Box featuring NOCTICADIA by Keri Lake before it sells out

See you next time as we begin our read along of A CURSE OF SHADOWS AND ICE by Catharina Maura—reading up to Chapter Fourteen.

Until then, happy reading!