Emma Hall has left her old Pack to start a new life. When she takes a job working for the head of the Hutchinson Clan, the largest Shifter Clan on the eastern side of the US, she not only finds a new family but strength in herself that she’d never known. When an uncertain evil threatens her and the ones she loves, she’ll do whatever she has to in order to vanquish it and protect her family. But there is so much Emma does not yet know about her world and the Shifters, as well as herself, and none of it will leave unscathed.
This was a great urban fantasy with a cinnamon roll MMC and a fiercely loyal FMC. I really enjoyed the different spin on shifters and the different kinds that are in this book. The twists were well done and impacted the story well.
If you enjoy found family, shifters, a splash of closed door romance, and twists, you'll really enjoy this book. It has a different take on fated mates that isn't romantic but platonic instead.
This book ends on a cliffhanger, and i'm super interested to see where it goes in the next book.
I like the twist in mate bonds, the tension from enemies, and seeing Emma grow as a character. It's slower paced with mature characters, and includes unique magic and shifting abilities, and secret realms.
Wow! This was my first ever shifter book, and can I just say... WHAT THE HECK THIS BOOK IS AWESOME!! It's definitely better than I thought having no knowledge of shifters. I had no idea what to expect going into this, and while I think it can be a bit of a slow start, it had me completely hooked by the end! I am dying to know what happens next!!!
What you can expect: - Fated mates (but a very nice twist to this!) - An adult FMC (older than teens lol) - Shifting (of course!) - Training, fighting - Closed door romance (not much spice, so I recommend this for clean readers!) - Third person POV - Diverse character backgrounds! - An awesome story!!
Seriously. Get this book now. It is such a fun read. It really is a breeze and you'll be hooked reading chapter after chapter.
Mild spoilers below this line! -------------------------------------------------------------------------- These are just my opinion and you may disagree, but here are my thoughts!
Pros: - I really liked how little toxicity there is in the books. The main character being older might explain this, but I really like how mature they all are. They can actually have difficult conversations, work together, avoid miscommunication. - I love how complex some relationships become. For instance Emma's relationship with Henry, how her negative emotions for him do not necessarily mean she wants him to die. Similarly her relationship with Dean, Laura, and Tommy. Very interesting and well crafted. - The world building is great! It took a little bit for me to get into but it was very easy as the chapters went on. - The diversity!!! As someone from North Carolina and Bangladeshi, I was VERY pleasantly surprised to see familiarity and representation in this book. - The training/character growth for Emma especially. I really loved this so much! It was great seeing her struggle, but overcome it -- and actually be receptive to positive change, unlike many modern stories now. (No hate to the other authors, but that's what makes this book way better imo!!) - This is a really quick read.
Cons: - It was a bit hard for me to visualize the characters. I don't know how I feel about it actually-- if it's refreshing that the author doesn't focus too much on character appearances, or if it makes the story a bit harder to follow in my head. A bit of both I think. It would be nice to have a bit more of the characters descriptions though imo! - It feels almost too modern at times. Just for me maybe I think it made it hard to really get immersed into this "new" world when I think about it happening right now. Maybe it's because it's the first book I'm reading like this, but some of the references made me think it's happening now, while the fantasy/magic elements make me feel like I'm reading a story. I don't know how to explain it, but maybe I'll feel differently in the next book! - The characters! Okay, not the actual characters, they're great. But I think I would have liked to see more complexities within their characters themselves. They seem kind of one dimensional at the moment, but maybe that's going to change in the future! It's nice in one way because we know the personality types of these characters, but if they had more conflicting thoughts or something I wouldn't mind at all. - This is a really quick read. Too quick!! I can't wait for the next part.
Those are my thoughts so far, it's such a great story! I loved it and am so so so excited to see what happens next. <3
ARC review Tropes, Themes, and Triggers at the bottom of the review.
Every so often, a fantasy novel comes along that sparks your curiosity with its premise, keeps you turning pages with its plot, but leaves you wishing for just a bit more magic in the delivery. Of Rebels and Magic by H.M. Bloom, the first book in the Tales of Asoria series, is one such story—ambitious, intriguing, and full of promise, though it doesn’t always fully capitalize on its potential.
Set in a modern world where rebellion brews beneath the surface of an enchanted society, this novel follows a cast of characters navigating power, secrets, and personal stakes in a realm teetering between tradition and revolution. While romance weaves its way through the story, it remains secondary to the book’s broader themes of identity, resistance, and hidden legacies.
What stands out most in this debut is the plotting. Bloom crafts a layered storyline that builds with intention, revealing twists and betrayals at just the right moments to keep you engaged. The pacing is steady, though at times the narrative lingers a bit too long in internal musings or descriptive scenes that could have moved the story forward more briskly.
The writing style leans accessible and modern, with occasional lyrical flourishes that hint at the author's voice. While the prose doesn’t always dazzle, it serves the story well and keeps the focus on the unfolding drama. Character development, however, felt somewhat underbaked. Though the protagonists had distinct motivations and backstories and did progress in her self-worth, I found myself wanting deeper emotional resonance and more nuanced dynamics between them—particularly given the romantic subplot, which at times lacked chemistry or urgency.
Despite these shortcomings, Of Rebels and Magic has a lot to offer readers who enjoy fantasy adventures with political intrigue and a touch of romance. It’s a solid start to a new series that clearly has more to explore, and I suspect future installments may deliver more of the emotional and narrative depth that this first entry only begins to touch on.
This book would appeal to readers of YA or NA romantic fantasy looking for a lighter read with rebellion themes and a budding magical world. Mild language is present, but nothing too graphic or intense, making it accessible to a wide adult audience. Spice level is very mild, with fade-to-black, no open-door scenes.
While it didn’t fully sweep me off my feet, I appreciate the groundwork Bloom has laid, and I’m curious to see where the next book will take the series.
Tropes Chosen One / Hidden Power Rebellion Against the System Secret Identity Found Family Training / Awakening Magic --- Themes Rebellion and Resistance Power and Corruption Identity and Legacy Sacrifice for the Greater Good Belonging and Loyalty --- Content Warnings / Triggers Mild Language - hell and damn Violence (Fantasy-level) - excessively graphic. Emotional Manipulation / Power Imbalance Potential Death or Threats
Of Rebels And Magic is the first in a new UF series, with a cliff hanger ending to lead into book 2. The world feels like contemporary America with hidden magic and shifters and witches as the pro- and ant-agonists and some portal traversing to bring extra zing to future storylines.
The FMC, Emma, is not a YA, which gives a pleasing depth to her and brings maturity to her interactions. Her life-experience only partially reflects her age, allowing direction to the narrative that is not possible with younger leads. I appreciated this because her arc is quite original and not constrained by immaturity, although the author uses her sheltered past to good effect. This contrast between age and lack of some life-experience is used in ways I really liked and made the characters feel more defined. There are two significant tweaks to Emma's werewolf magic that drive this interesting narrative, so it's a good book for anyone wanting something slightly left of centre for this genre.
The found family element is strong and I always enjoy that. The author has crafted a solid permanent Pack grouping and added in some transient, skilled individuals. There are several fierce females throughout the story, strong in their magic and fighting abilities, which I love to see.
The romance arc was a pleasure to read. I liked the pairing of Emma and Tommy. Both were genuine in their developing feelings and for the most part, their communication was open and forthright.
There was some humour too. Werewolves are usually depicted as strong and eminently capable so I had to laugh when Emma ran into a tree while in wolf form!
There were dramatic scenes that shocked me quite a bit but I can accept them as necessary for the storyline - if there's some significant vengence taken in the next book. Grey can be my favourite colour at times and seeing baddies get their come-uppance is incredibly satisfying!
Overall, this story is a good introduction and builds a solid world for the Hutchinson Pack to continue their lives, loves and battles.
Of Rebels and Magic is a captivating tale that weaves together themes of identity, family, betrayal, and self-discovery in a world filled with magic, shifters, and dark forces. The story follows Emma, a young woman who has lived her life with little more than survival instincts and a painful absence of familial love. After leaving her pack, Emma is given an opportunity to join another—a pack that offers her what she’s longed for: love, belonging, and the chance to finally feel like part of a true family. Yet, as with all things in this world, peace is fleeting.
At the heart of the story is Emma’s journey of personal growth. She enters a new pack and begins to form relationships that teach her the meaning of trust and love. However, the peace she desperately seeks is shattered when she encounters the Rapids—undead creatures who bring with them a terrifying force of evil, a zealot, and a necromancer with a sinister agenda. What should have been Emma’s fresh start becomes the catalyst for a whirlwind of challenges, intense training, and betrayal.
A fascinating element of the book is the introduction of Emma’s shifting abilities, which set her apart from others. She is not just a simple shifter; Emma can shift into multiple animals, a rarity in this world. Moreover, she is an alpha, a position of power and responsibility that places her at the center of the conflict and forces her to face some difficult truths about herself and those around her.
The concept of a mate bond in the book is particularly interesting because it’s not portrayed as the typical romantic trope. Instead, Emma’s mate bond is platonic, and the romantic aspects of the story are closed-door. This shift in focus away from a traditional romance plot and towards Emma’s personal growth and struggle with her abilities feels fresh and engaging. The relationship dynamics between Emma and those she trusts are grounded in a deeper connection that goes beyond mere attraction, highlighting the theme of finding family and love in unexpected places.
Betrayal plays a crucial role in Emma’s journey. She faces two fronts of betrayal: one from within the pack she thought she could trust and another from the pack she left. The elements of ancient magic and a forgotten origin world introduce a layer of mystery and tension that keeps the reader on edge. The urban setting in Of Rebels and Magic is intriguing, especially with its references to an ancient, mystical realm and the shifting balance of power between shifters, necromancers, and other magical beings.
By the end of the book, Emma has come into her own, leaning into her strengths and responsibility for her place in the world. However, the ending is bittersweet, as she faces the loss of a chosen sister and the devastating reality of the necromancer’s power over her abilities. This final turn of events sets up for future conflicts and growth, leaving readers eager for more.
The setting adds to the story’s allure, with the Shifter Council being based in Europe while the action unfolds in the U.S., creating an interesting sense of separation and global stakes. The contrast between these locations enhances the broader scope of the narrative and suggests that there’s much more to discover in this world.
Of Rebels and Magic is a rich, engaging novel that deftly explores themes of self-discovery, trust, and family in a magical, high-stakes world. Emma’s transformation from a meek shifter to a powerful, self-assured leader is compelling, and the complex dynamics of the characters around her provide a solid foundation for future books. With its mix of dark magic, unexpected alliances, and intense emotional growth, this book will captivate fans of urban fantasy, magic, and shifter stories.
I think this was my first urban fantasy! The writing style was very straightforward. It reminded me of Brenda Jackson's writing, which was very fun and felt fitting. I liked the several fresh twists on already existing mythology; the shifting, the fated mates, the dark magic, etc. I also enjoyed reading about adults who are fully engaged in their lives and their decision-making. So many books have characters trying to escape their hardships through entertainment, or making decisions based on their trauma, which is all good and well, being somewhat relatable, but it gets old after 50 or so books 😆 (my fault for reading so much?). This one had both of those things PLUS mature engagement among the individuals in the group. There was a lot of setup for the rest of the series; lots of characters development; lots of internal monologue from Emma. The middle dragged somewhat, and then the end was so fast I felt a little discombobulated. 😆 This has closed-door spice. It also has lots of violence, but focuses more on the action/emotion of it than on the gory visuals. I appreciated this, as I don't do well with gory mental pictures and have had to DNF violent books to save my brain. I've also read "dark" books that ended up being cheesy for lack of depth. This one has a very good balance. It would be a great fit for readers who want the action/intrigue/dark fantasy without graphic violent mental visuals. I am very intrigued to see what happens in the next book!
I'm excited about this closed door paranormal series. H.M. Bloom wrote a satisfyingly different shifter story than I'm accustomed to, and I was intrigued by her take on shifters, their history, and Alpha abilities. Of Rebels & Magic has high stakes and gets intense at times with violence, death, and dark magic. There are also heartwarming and normal everyday moments that nicely balance the heavy scenes.
I always enjoy the found family trope, and Emma definitely found the best people to support her at the right time. I liked her, especially because she's closer in age and appearance to myself. I appreciated feeling represented in those small ways. I also felt like I deeply understood Emma, although she had challenging circumstances that I didn't experience.
The pace was slow at first, but when the action started, it was effectively written and, along with the suspense, kept me glued to the second half of the book which moved faster. The plot twists and cliffhanger left me reeling because of how emotionally connected I was to Emma and her new clan.
Thanks to Meg Kelly of Literary Inspired for putting this series on my radar and providing a review copy in anticipation of the sequel's release.
If you want a different take on fated mates, this is one for you.
Emma, our FMC, leaves her pack after a divorce and starts over in a new pack. Emma is a special shifter, and it puts a lot of attention on her. She goes on a date, and it doesn't go great, and Tommy comes to her rescue right away.
Tommy, Our MMC is a cinnamon roll but will also do anything to protect her. He goes at her pace and is always having her back. Uncle James (who hired her) treats her like family and genuinely cares for her. Tommy's brother Dean, you'll learn has an important role to play, and not just being Laura's husband, who Emma becomes really quick friends with.
She's uncovering new information about shifters, learning about necromancers, and a potential different world. Will she and the rest of her "family" figure it out and stop what is next to come?
If you like found family, urban fantasy, and closed door romance, this one is for you.
It ends on a cliffhanger, so I can't wait to see what happens next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I’ve been a fan of urban fantasy for a long time; Ilona Andrews and Patricia Briggs are hands down some of my favorites.
So I was excited to start a new series that is in a similar genre!
It was a super quick, easy read, and I throughly enjoyed it. It was engaging, and while maybe not as super in depth as I would have *loved* for world building as fast (my own personal desires would like) I can see where the lore and world building is going and developing.
For someone who reads as much as I do (and as fast) it was a good read that I could enjoy without having to think overly much about. I’ve been working super long hours and have been more than a little brain fried, so having this nice and easy read to relax was perfect.
✨older FMC ✨cinnamon roll MMC ✨Fates mates (but not the way you think!!) ✨Shifters ✨Ancient Lore ✨FMC has trauma ✨ Closed door romance ✨ positive female friendships ✨ Cliffhanger ending 😭🫣
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was definitely an interesting take on shifter fiction. The FMC, Emma, has left her original pack, for very good reasons, and gone to work for another, The Hutchinson Clan. Thankfully this was a great move on her part, and her new clan quickly accepted her as one of the family.
Unfortunately her unique shifter ability, brings her to the attention of some less than savoury individuals, and her new family start working to both train and protect her.
The fated mates aspect that is common in shifter novels has an interesting twist in this one, but I won't spoil the details here.
This story does end of a bit of a cliffhanger, so I'm rather curious to see where it goes next.
I received an ARC copy of this ebook from the author and I'm voluntarily leaving this review.
Set in a modern world with protected shifter communities/packs. The FMC left her old pack after a divorce. When she takes a new job, not only does she get a new beginning, but also finds love and family. Yet, it won't last for long. She finds the potential of her powers, and Evil threats around every corner. Nothing nor noone will be left untouched. This fantasy novel peaked my interest, and held it throughout the entire book. As it has different shifters, and the changes impacted the whole story. To be book 1 in a series, the world/ character building was top notch! It ended on a cliffhanger, and I can't wait for her to release book 2!
Of Rebels & Magic is a fast-paced and refreshingly unique urban fantasy that blends shifter lore and political intrigue. Emma Hall is a relatable and resilient protagonist whose journey of self-discovery and strength is both compelling and heartfelt. Bloom’s take on shifter culture feels original, steering clear of tired tropes, with light worldbuidling. The emotional stakes are high, but the narrative remains accessible and easy to sink into. With just the right hint of romance and a cast of vivid supporting characters, this story is perfect for fans of supernatural drama with a twist. A promising start to the Tales of Asoria series.
This book has many interesting spins and takes on shifters. I loved how two characters who were fated mates were able to remain friends where one was married, and she was friends to the married one. I also, loved how strong the characters were in the book. I absolutely loved not knowing what to expect, this entire time I believed it was one person to be a completely different person.
I am looking forward to a second book and would love to see what is in store for this shifters clan. I also, want to see Emma overcome the events that played out in this book.
This book is full of interesting characters and a good storyline. It’s unique in that the main character and her mate are both involved with other people and don’t have any romantic interest in each other. The closeness of the entire clan is a good aspect and the way they treat each other. While it’s an enjoyable read, it’s let down by the need for editing (especially around the use of comma and full stops in speech) and the twist at the end. It’s unnecessary and could have been handled a lot better.
I loved this urban fantasy. If you're looking for fresh take on Shifters, mates, and magic including portals and old gods, this is your jam. Add in a sweet, mature FMC who will do anything to protect her found family and multiple cinnamon rolls in the oven, and this was a quick, fun read.
There is a delicious cliffhanger, so dont forget this is a series. Can't wait to see what comes next!
What an interesting book. The authors take on mates, alphas, shifting, etc are all a little different then what I have read before. Throwing in the witches/necromancers was quite a surprise as well. I am very interested to see where the author take the story and what happens next with Emma and Tommy and of course Dean.
This was my first urban shifter fantasy book and it was a great introduction to the genre. The FMC was strong, independent, and did not back down from challenges. The story started slow but ramped up to quite an ending, leaving me with a definite need for the next book in the series.
I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was one of those reads that you could pick up and find yourself lost in the pages fairly quickly. The pace was great and I enjoyed the shifter dynamic. I feel like some of the relationships could have been more teased out to bring more depth to them but enjoyed the little bits of banter throughout.
With a few surprises, I’m looking forward to the second!
I’m very excited to see where this series goes. You’ve got shifters, magic, fated mates, found family and an FMC who is on the road to becoming a total badass. The story moves at a decent pace so you don’t find yourself bored with any extensive world building but there’s enough that you aren’t lost in why or what is going on.
This one was beautifully written and I loved the growth and grace of the characters. I love how a mate bond did not instantly mean love and sex and showed it could be platonic. That was a nice touch, and lack of jealousy and true honest friendship between women.
"Wow, what an incredible shifter story! Emma embarks on a journey of self-discovery, uncovering her true identity along the way. In her quest, she finds a supportive pack that stands by her side. The tragic loss of her friend Laura serves as a turning point, propelling Emma to confront the evil responsible for her friend’s death."
Urban fantasy with shifters and surrounding magical community. Centers the growth and somewhat healing journey of the pratagonist, with beautiful bonding of her found family. Compelling plot and twists that keep you reading, ending with a cliffhanger.
the story is 4 stars such a unique take on shifters and magic. I really enjoyed the premise.
the reading experience 2 stars. the writing didn't seem to flow. some chapters were full of long, complicated run-on and the next full of short, choppy sentences.
Absolutely loved this book! So much so that I’m hoping there’s a book two! This book has me hooked from the very beginning and i absolutely loved Emma! By far my favorite character!
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5) Genre: YA Paranormal Fantasy / Shifter Romance 🐺✨ Format: E-book 💻📖 . 🐾 Review: Of Rebels & Magic follows Emma, who ditches her old pack and finds a job (and herself!) with the biggest shifter clan around. There’s magic, danger, and found family vibes—all the things that make paranormal fantasy feel like a cozy blanket with claws. 🐾🧙♀️ The plot had some really cool moments, and I loved Emma’s growth. But I’ll be honest—some parts dragged, and I struggled to stay emotionally connected. Also, the villain? All bark, barely any bite. One second he’s a threat, the next—gone. No final showdown, just... poof. 🫠 There’s also quite a bit of info dumping. Some will love that world-building; others might feel like they’re studying for a magical pop quiz. 😅
💖 Why You’ll Love This Book
🐺 Werewolf clan drama 🫂 Found family feelings 💪 Empowered heroine energy ✨ Unique magical twists 💘 Soft slow-burn romance
🧙♀️ Tropes
• Found Family • Hidden Powers • Chosen One • Magical Job Drama
💭 Final Thoughts A fun, magical ride with heart, even if it lost me in places. If you love shifters, magic, and a strong female lead, give this one a go! 📖💕
Not your typical shifter book. Lots of different kinds of shifters. Even some who can turn into more than a handful of animals. Absolutely love Emma and Tommy. And Mr Dean there was a twist. But I loved how that worked out. Because well to avoid spoilers, it didn't need to be worked out other than how it was. No one needed to get hurt. I even adored Uncle James who's totally giving off daddy vibes 🥵😅 Loved the friendship with Laura and Emma. And can't wait for the rest of the series. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ and zero 🌶️
Of Rebels & Magic had a fresh and unique interpretation of shifters. Our MFC Emma is able to shift into more than one animal, which is extremely rare in her world. This powerful ability lands Emma in a position of conflict, which she must fight to overcome for herself and for those she loves. The elements of trust, ancient magic, self discovery, and unexpected twists will have you captivated. The devastating cliffhanger at the end will have you begging for more! I sincerely can’t wait to read book number two.