Out of Dusk’s Shadow

by H.M. Bloom

A tale of magic and romance set during the Regency Era in a fantasy mirroring of 1800s England

Lord Sebastien “Bastien” Savila is a social outcast due to fear stemming from his strong role in a magic rebellion almost fifteen years prior. He is also responsible for ensuring his niece of fifteen has every opportunity to establish a fortunate marriage connection in a society driven by social expectations and petty vindictiveness. When the Baylores and Lady Cara move into the county to seek aid from his potion-making prowess, he finds the Lady both distasteful and drawing in equal measure. He does not know why Lady Cara’s Sitar—her magic essence—pulls against his own nor why it seems to deepen. To complicate matters, an unknown rogue, the son of a man Bastien served alongside in the rebellion over a decade before, wants Bastien to stand beside him and assist with a new rebellion that could have dire consequences.

Lady Cara Baylore, unmarried in her mid-thirties but wealthy and affluent enough to not need such a connection, despises society’s expectations even if she unconsciously expects adherence from others. Meeting Lord Savila, she finds him off-putting and cold, though she does not yet know the rumors darkening his reputation. Her primary concern is safe-guarding her sister in law, Joi, who nearly died during the last pregnancy and Lord Savila’s well-known potion-making abilities are the best means of that. But she soon learns there is far more to the man than their society is willing to see and a gentleness she did not expect.

283 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 13, 2026

Reviews

[Heidi Barstad · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC. I really enjoyed this book. The magical parts were confusing. I would have liked a little more background as to what happened in the rebellion era. It would have made more sense as to why Bastian was hated so much by the towns people and why he was arrested twice. I loved all the characters. I would recommend this book.

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fun light low stakes read that’s set in the regency era but with magic. It’s short and I think it could have flushed out the magic system more if it was longer.

If you’re looking for something easy and light with a Bridgerton vibe with no spice give this a shot.

Shout out to Port.

[emmareads11 · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC to review before publication. I will say this book had a lot of factors that initially drew me in: fantasy/regency theme, clean romance, Professor Snape inspired MMC...

I truly did go into this book with high hopes but after finishing it I felt it was lacking in development. I have read several high level fantasy books and I felt that this one really mainly focused on regency era with few mentions of details that could pertain to fantasy.

I didn't quite grasp the magic system and wish details could have been more descriptive. I also felt the romance didn't feel natural between the MMC & FMC...I felt like out of nowhere these two people suddenly have feelings for each other? slightly confusing to me...
I had to reread paragraphs several times throughout the story to understand what was happening.

The storyline itself, had lots of potential and perhaps someone who reads this will truly enjoy it but I believe if the plot was more developed it would be a fantastic read for me ❤️ Lots of potential for sure though!! I highly recommend giving it a read, perhaps you'll find it's just the one for you ✨

[Stephanie Luebbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy of this book from the author and was surprised how much I enjoyed it! I wasn't expecting it to captivate me as much as it did. When I saw the author describe it as having a similar style to Jane Austen's works but including fantasy elements, I wasn't sure this would be a good fit for me, but this author is an excellent story teller. The world the author created did not feel forced, and while the story kept my interest, I did not feel my emotions were being toyed with, if that makes sense. It was not "cheesy," as I sometimes feel books that I otherwise like are. The events unfolding around Bastien throughout the book felt like they were handled realistically, and I really enjoyed the last two chapters of the book. I feel it would lead well into another book that continues to follow Cara and Bastien (although it's hard to write this without spoilers). I feel this book would be good for a younger audience as well, as it's completely clean.

[LeeEllen Belcher (Caw) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderfully written regency era no-spice fantasy romance! I loved the main characters, how they interacted with each other, and how they reacted to the way Bastien was mistreated by the residents in the county. The extra suspense of him gathering information about a new rebellion made for some tense moments. I liked the subtle magic system, and how Bastien's and Cara's seemed to call to each other. I also enjoyed Bastien's loyalty to taking care of his niece and trying to keep his mistreatment unknown to her. 

Lord Sebastien Savila is an outcast due to his past transgressions during a magic rebellion. He has taken care of his niece since she was young, ensuring she is well provided for, and most importantly loved. When Lord Christian Baylore seeks Bastien's potion-making skills to help his wife through a complicated pregnancy, Bastien, along with his niece Emilia, is drawn into the Baylore family. The Lord's sister, Lady Cara, helps to take care of Lady Joi, and interacts with Bastien frequently. At first she's cold and distant towards him, which he's used to from others, but he can't help notice how his magic seems to react to her own. In the midst of everything he's being pulled into an underground rebellion by a sketchy man, and with the help of his multi-skilled butler, Port, starts gathering information.
As Bastien's and Cara's lives intertwine with each other will she be able to see what others are unwilling to, and fall for the gentleman she's come to know?

I received an Advanced Reader Copy with no expectation of a review.
All opinions are my own.

[Erin Masura · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Regency era novel starts off strong with Bastien being treated as an outcast due to his actions in a rebellion many years in the past. Bastien is a man that has some unnatural magic yet a heart of gold for his niece and those he cares for. His magic comes out quick when those he cares for are in danger. We quickly meet Cara who also has some earth magic. Cara is true to herself, kind yet doesn’t tolerate disrespect and lets them know in a straightforward and ladylike way. Can we just talk about how I love that both the mmc and fmc are in their mid to upper 30’s.
The relationship between Cara and Bastien is absolutely incredible. They both feel an unnatural pull to each other and it is definitely a yearning to slow burn. It was great to see a loving, friends first, and healthy relationship. They both truly love each other with no judgement and with their whole heart.
The story has rebellions, dark elf magic, animal familiarity magic, all the magic types, a beautiful winged cat, Sitar(magical essence),strong mmc, strong fmc, Lords and Ladies, and poultice(made by the one and only Bastien). The story does have a kidnapping but our man comes to the rescue. The authors words flow magically and have you escaping into the pages. I cheered with character, yelled at my kindle screen at a few parts that I didn’t see coming, and felt all the emotions. Beautifully done Jane Austen would be proud.
Thank you HM Bloom for allowing me to be apart of your journey and for ARC.

[Kiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of Dusk's Shadow by H. M. Bloom is your next fix for a fantastical regency romance.

I loved this book. This book mixed the genres that I love the most, historical fiction with fantasy and it was super well done. There was a whole world created within this book and it felt effortless with the rules of Victorian society that I knew of. I loved the atmosphere created with Victorian ballrooms and magic flowing between those of high and low society.

💫Set in the Regency Era
💫An outcast you can't help but love
💫Wholesome and sweet romance
💫Historical/Fantastical Elements
💫A rebellion and social oppression

The FMC a spinster in high society that was living with her brother and sister in law. I just absolutely loved her, someone who didn't judge unfairly and who didn't have rash impressions based on the gossiping of society. She approached every challenge with honor to every being, and did her best to see each side of the story before judgement. I wish I could be like Lady Cara. The MMC was also someone who was a dedicated uncle to his niece, and someone who did his best to look at all angles given to him. I just loved it!

I recommend this book to anyone who wants a Jane Austen inspired novel with magical elements.

Thank you to H.M. Bloom for the free book!

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantasy romance set in a Regency era style universe. Some of the elements specific to that setting were clunky and stiff, but I think it must be difficult to write in the Regency era, especially right now.
I didn't understand the bits about Bastien sometimes being shunned but sometimes being beloved. It seemed people either loved or hated the poor man, with no in between!
Other than that, I really liked the book. I liked the magic a lot, and was intrigued by how it was viewed within the universe. I only wish we had seen more! I liked all the characters and the romance. I always like a book where the conflict is external to the romance and we get to see the love interests work together to overcome it. This has no spice.
This is a standalone book, but the author has hinted at more books set in the same universe. I will absolutely read them!

[Cheyenne Murray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I quite enjoyed this book. It was a easy and clean read. I love the fantasy/Regency theme the Bloom has going but I do wish there was more development on the fantasy side. Perhaps explanation on the separation of classes or maybe some world building and history in the beginning.  I think that would've helped tie together the fantasy side of the writing.
The Regency era aspects were written well, it gave the vibes of the era while still being easy to understand.
I actually enjoyed the "weird chemistry" between Sebastien and Clara, but a little more longing would've been nice.
Im thankful to have received this book as an ARC from the author and all the opinions in this review are my own.
Overall, I would reccomend this book, especially to those who are wanting to dip their toes into fantasy and/or Regency themed books.

[Mary Banks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance copy as an ARC reader. I was very excited to read this book, as I am a big fan of both Regency era and fantasy. It for sure delivered on the Regency era. I thoroughly enjoyed all of those aspects. The relationships between the characters were pretty well developed but I could've used a little more tension between the main characters. And I do feel like the fantasy aspects could have been developed a little more.

Overall, it was a pretty good read. Definitely clean, which I appreciated.

[Stacy Drazkowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book initially had me confused with the language. However it is total Bridgerton vibes and I am here for it 10000% I loved seeing how the love story bloomed. Curious as to how the officers were able to detain Bastien more than once without providing evidence of crimes. I look forward to learning more about Emilia’s and Williams story. And I can’t wait to see where this story goes with the adventures of Bastien and Cara in the new lands. This book took you on an adventure while allowing love to become a part of it. I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review!

[Shy Liles · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC READER REVIEW
This was a light, fun read. It had all the elements of a great story, but I felt like it fell flat in some parts. I would have liked a deeper dive into the magical aspects, but I am a big fan of how I was pulled into the regency era. Sebastian and Cara had chemistry, but I do wish there was a little more tension. Would I recommend this book? Yes, I think it’s a solid choice for middle/high school readers.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

***ARC REVIEW***
Definitely hard to put down, the MMC hit me in the feels with how he is treated vs his actual character, the FMC is a strong willed opinionated character who I love. The story gives kind of a Jane Austin vibe. If you like her writings then you will definitely like this story. However, I would have loved more on the rebellion and why the MMC is treated this way. The parts regarding magic aren’t very informative which leaves you asking questions.

[Kristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

* ARC Review *

First off, I really appreciate the author for letting me read this early!

Secondly, Sebastian is just a grumpy old man with a a teddy bear heart for taking in his sons daughter. AND this man will show you the how to of wanting someone but not feeling like he's good enough and not the right time to be with Cara.

Lastly, Cara is just a feisty spinster that does not care. And I love that for her!

[Patricia Peterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given this book as I said earlier today as an advanced copy to read before its release date of February 13, 2026.

I started kate afternoon snd jyst finished. It was sbiug a 4 hour listen (with breaks of course).

This is a light fantasy book that showed how a difference in a person can change a small towns perspective of who you are..without truly knowing who you are.

This wasn’t a deep, dark read at all.
Easy to get through!

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this fantasy novel. I liked the MFC Cara and MMC Bastien as a couple. I thought the development of their relationship was well done. It wasn’t overly long either. The author told the story she wanted to tell and didn’t drag it out with a bunch of filler pages. I highly appreciated that.

[Rach · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was an ARC reader for this book. it isn’t something I’d normally pick up but it was a fun concept. I liked the Jane Austen vibes and the magical elements. A real historical fantasy that I think romantasy readers will devour!