S.T. Gibson's prose and use of language are masterful. Her ability to create messy characters you care deeply about is incredible. But the plot and timeline left me feeling underwhelmed.

Thanks to NetGalley and Angry Robot for the e-arc!

Thanks to Netgalley and Angry Robot for granting my wish! I read an eARC of this on my kindle.

4.5 stars rounded up - This book was amazing. Polyamorous representation, complicated relationships, real tarot readings.

This book was difficult to put down, compelling, and emotionally charged. I felt sympathy for Rhys' frustration, and a deep connection to Moira's emotional intelligence and intuition, and David's drive to earn his worth was extremely relatable. These all felt like flawed, confused, deeply real characters in a deeply real world.

This book did feel primarily like a romance, and I got the feeling that Gibson was setting up a world and a set of relationships for more books in the future - which I will definitely buy - rather than telling a single story. I don't mind this! If you're looking for a plot-driven page turner, you might want to skip.

This is an extremely character-driven book. If you feel like the character's faults outweigh their relatability or their benefits, this book might not be for you, because wrestling with their faults is a large part of what makes the book good, in my opinion. Coming to terms with your own faults, and the faults of others, and even the faults in relationship cycles you keep finding yourself in. Examining them, and choosing to move forward.

As a polyamorous person, I found the polyamorous themes to be very genuine. Polyamorous people experience jealousy. Polyamorous people experience fear of being cheated on. Polyamorous people are worried about being second place. The thing that Polyamorous relationships have is communication. They tell each other that they are feeling jealous or scared or nervous, when it's appropriate to do so. They acknowledge and recognize those feelings, and have open communication with themselves and with others about those feelings. That...was all in there. I think reviews saying that Moira was cheated on, or that there are themes of infidelity, are missing the point.

I also just want to speak briefly on how I found the tarot so meaningful. David as the hanged man? Representing a need to slow down, observe, and learn? To evaluate one's life, and relationships, and spiritual growth? The hanged man is bound, unable to act, and must look internally if things are to change. The hanged man cannot change his outward world, he must change his inner one.

I loved this world, and will revisit it any time.

“𝗚𝗵𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗱𝗶𝗳𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗹𝘆. 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗮 𝗽𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗮𝗹𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗹𝘆, 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗹𝘆 𝗳𝗲𝗹𝘁.”

I really wanted to love this one, but I just couldn’t. I didn’t find the overall story very engaging for me and found it a bit slow going. I did enjoy the authors writing style tho, and I still want to read more from this author! I know a lot of others loved this one 🙌.

The story itself is very character driven, but unfortunately I just couldn’t connect with these characters and their strange love triangle.

On a positive note, I did love the occult vibes and the characters individual talents and traits, such as Maria being able to feel the feelings of the dead and how her security blanket is sweets (can definitely relate to that lol). I do really wish I could have gotten more into this one!

A very fond four stars. Evocation features S.T. Gibson's beautiful and intricate character writing. The relationship dynamics are lovingly complex and develop well throughout the book. The narrative is full of varied flavors of occultism, intertwined with social politics.

The first half of the book lacked the emotional potency I come to expect from this author, but there is quite a bit of exposition to get through and the payoff is good for the most part. The character development in particular excelled from start to finish.

There were a couple issues with plot. One is that there were a lot of threads: three relationship pairs, the three together, as well as personal histories, alcohol abuse, generational curses, secret society politics, and ghosts. I think it absolutely makes sense for a book with these particular characters to feel messy and chaotic, but I do wish the individual threads were more potent.

My second issue was that the main mystery felt a bit lackluster and obvious from the beginning, and I found myself wondering what the described frenzied research could have possibly entailed.
Overall it was a very enjoyable read, I adored the characters (by the end anyway), and will happily pick up any more stories about these three.

Romance blossoms in the most unconventional manners sometimes. When past and present collide and as one person is in need to magical assistance, our characters learn that relying on each other is both necessary and desired. I enjoyed this character-driven story full of supernatural turmoil. The author has a way of bringing the romance together in a very natural progression.

Thank you NetGalley, Tantor Audio, Angry Robot, and author S.T. Gibson for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

This book wasn’t for me! I didn’t like how the FMC was treated! And I couldn’t relate to any of the characters. The plot fell flat for me! The romantic aspect felt off and rushed in some ways!

I loved Dowry of Blood but I had to force myself to trudge through this one!

This one wasn’t it for me 2/5 stars.

“So, this was what real friendship was: an immovable object staring you down saying they weren’t going anywhere, thank you very much.”
S.T. Gibson digs into the complexities of addiction, generational trauma, and relationships in Evocation, the first book in her Summoner’s Circle series. The clock is ticking for David, a charismatic lawyer/medium who is beginning to understand the price his ancestors paid for success. Unfortunately, his best chance at escaping his family’s curse is enlisting the help of his ex-boyfriend, Rhys, a relentless academic and demonology expert. The hostility between them is mediated by Rhys’s wife, Moria, a Southern woman whose Tarot skills are surpassed only by her ability to navigate the trio’s complicated — and sometimes toxic — dynamic.
For me, Moira was the unexpected anchor of the story. As David struggles with addiction and Rhys fights to earn his place in their occult society’s social ladder, she is equal parts aggressive hospitality and blunt honesty. Without her to ground them, the boys would never get anything done.
For the sake of avoiding spoilers, I’ll say that the relationships in Evocation are nuanced with a tinge of codependency that, while problematic, is realistic given the characters’ pasts. One of the things that Gibson does well is avoiding reductive depictions of polyamory and really engaging with the delicate conversations around their situation. My favorite element of the book by far was the characters’ willingness to bear witness to each other’s lives and create safe spaces when they’re struggling. Labels and histories aside, they genuinely care for each other, and they share a protective urge that drives their most interesting choices.
The last quarter of the novel is where I decided to take off a star. As much as I loved the premise, I felt like the ending served mainly as a set-up for the sequel. The resolution was too easy, too quick, and neglected to at least hint at the consequences of their actions. I’m sure repercussions will be the subject of book 2, but I wanted that sense of foreboding that pushes me to keep reading the series. Instead, it felt like the author was uncomfortable leaving the reader with some tension, and the “happy ending” felt forced.
That’s not to say I won’t read the next book; I did love the dark academia, Supernatural vibes, and Queer romance. I’ll just probably wait until release day instead of reading an ARC like I did for this one. I do expect this book to do well based on its tropes and interesting characters, and I hope that the next one will resolve my issues with the ending.

Really enjoyed this book! Rhys’ relationship with Moira is to die for and filled me with butterflies constantly. Also, I loved David, sorry not sorry he is amazing and is doing his best. The character development and relationship development/dynamic was probably my favorite part of this story. Astrology/tarot isn’t really my thing but this book had me reconsidering and revisioning my life and becoming a witch.

This book follows a complex story of secret societies, generational curses, childhood trauma, addiction, magic, and complicated people.

Though I am not a classic RH fan, I can get on board with a well written poly relationship. So after enjoying A Dowry of Blood, I definitely wanted to give this one a try. It wasn't everything I had hoped for unfortunately. I felt the relationship wasn't quite developed.. I just didn't feel the connection and just all around it felt lacking. The gothic vibes and curse story-line were intriguing but not enough to really hook into me and keep me up at night, needing to read just one more chapter. A middle of the road, 3 stars read.

A perfect paranormal romance full of astrology, tarot readings, seances, and of course demon possession. This is a satisfying look at the beginning stages of a bi polyamorous love triangle, including a second chance romance in the form of exes to rivals to lovers. I loved each of the MCs and appreciated how each relationship grew on its own timeline. Book two cannot come soon enough!

I read An Education in Malice earlier this year and found it to be just okay; however, I thought S.T. Gibson's writing skill was so strong that I wanted to give them another try. I'm so glad I did, because I really enjoyed Evocation. I loved following the complexity and familiarity of David, Rhys, and Moira as they navigate a whole lot of past feelings and sexual tension! (Side note- I just want to be BFFs with Moira, what a delight!)

This book expertly combined dark academia in the modern day, a magical realism story, and a poly romance with great communication. I really enjoyed it and am now invigorated to read more by the author! I'm so grateful to Angry Robot Books for the Advanced Reader Copy!

This was such a delight of a book. My favorite books are really deep character studies with interesting characters and lots of romance and this really is all of those things wrapped in a delightful paranormal package. I'm not sure who is my favorite. Rhys, Moira and David are all fascinating and lovely, but as this is David's book I think he was my favorite. He was just so deliciously broken while also being a charming little shit and I am so excited to get to spend more time with him. I thought Gibson did a really good job balancing everyone's feelings and a particular favorite for me was watching the relationship between David and Moira develop. All three of them bring out each other's strengths and I had so much fun experiencing the push and pull of all of them.

There is a plot in this book and it had me invested until the very end. I was so rooting for David and for all of them to work together and this book really delivered.

At this point I will read anything by S.T. Gibson. Every thing that I have read so far has been lyrical and atmospheric while also having delicious characters with flaws I want to live in. I am so excited for more in this world.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Angry Robot Books for sending me an E-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

In Evocation, David Aristarkhov finds himself the victim of a demonic possession. Unable to find answers, he finds himself turning to the only person he can trust, his ex lover Rhys and by extension Rhy’s new wife, Moira. The trio struggle to find answers to David’s dilemma while processing their feelings for each other, both old and new.

Let’s start with what I liked. I’m a sucker for damaged/morally grey characters which David very much fit the bill. And I thought the budding friendship between Moira and David was great. It was honestly my favorite part of the story.

And now for what did not work for me. First, I felt that the story was all over the place. We start out with a case of demonic possession which immediately caught my attention, but then meander towards Rhys and David’s personal problems only going back to the demonic possession at the end of the book. Gibson’s books tend to be character driven, but her evocative style was missing in this book and this felt more like a sneak peak into someone’s life rather than a fleshed out story. Another thing that did not work for me in Evocation was that Rhys and David were completely unlikeable for about the first third of the book. I had to force myself to keep reading and hope for character development. All three main characters do get fleshed out and I grew to like Moira and David although I never warmed to Rhys. And lastly, while I liked that St. drew from real world practices, I would have liked more of an explanation of how the magic systems actually works worked.

Ultimately, I felt that I liked the concept of the book more than the actual book itself. That said the ending had me curious so I am currently on the fence regarding whether or not I will be picking up book 2

Evocation was an interesting read, I felt i didn't really get into it until around the 20% mark. The pacing then for me picked up and I was immersed into the storyline.
The story has lavish descriptions that build the world well, the characters have a great development creating a sense of realism that lends well to the plotline. The plot is well thought-out and I really enjoyed how it unravelled.

With how much I adored A Dowry of Blood, I was so so so excited for ST Gibson’s next venture. What I got instead, however, was a complete letdown.

Of the main trio, David, Moira, and Rhys, only David really felt like a fleshed-out character. Rhys gets a little bit as a by-product of him being in David’s flashbacks, but not much else. Moira, tragically, really gets no development beyond Wholesome Feminine Magic User and who occasionally spouts lines a Tiktok witch would say. Naturally, the fallout from this means that the chemistry between these three is close to non-existent (except for David and Rhys), especially between Rhys and Moira who are supposed to be married!

The story, frankly, wasn’t much better. This is very much one of those ‘vibes over substance’ stories. There are several moving parts, David and Rhys’ romance of course, but also the demon haunting David’s family, David and Rhys’ rivalry for who will inherit the leadership to their Secret Magic Society, a small side plot of David and Moira learning to get along. All of which sound interesting, but almost none are well-developed!! The Secret Magic Society and the importance of being chosen as the next leader are never expanded on, which means that this bitter rivalry David and Rhys have over this just holds no weight. David and Moira learning to get along fell laughably flat for the reasons above.

David and Rhys’s romance was probably the only thing saving this book. Their banter was surprisingly fun at times and it’s abundantly clear this was the relationship the author really wanted to write. Which, given that Evocation was advertised as a poly-trio, poor Moira’s been side-lined in her own book. For readers who do care, Moira and David do not get together. They share Rhys and become friends and confidants by the end of the book, but David is explicitly gay and only has romantic feelings for Rhys. Whether that still meets the definition of a poly-trio, I’m not exactly sure, but relationships here and M/M and M/F, not M/M/F.

Finally, Evocation commits one of my book cardinal sins: where a competent main character and a plotline built around said character’s competencies are established, only for the resolution to never invoke said character’s competencies, but instead be solved with bullshit (in this case, the power of love and friendship) instead. Just, why?? It just feels like lazy writing.

Overall, I rate this book a 2/5. I was coming straight in with my love for Dowry filling my heart, but this book was a bucket of cold water. Vibes over substance, poor character development and relationship chemistry, and a mediocre plot. There’s a good story in here somewhere, but not in its current edition.

4.5 stars. I love S.T. Gibson and this is yet another great book. I saw another reviewer post that if you’re a Leigh Bardugo/Ninth House fan then you’ll love this book and I can’t agree more.

Loved the character dynamics and the tarot and astrology aspects were intriguing to me (as someone who knows very little about both).

Overall this book was exactly the vibe I look for in fantasy books and it was truly such a fun and exciting read.

This is my first book from the author and I have to admit it took me awhile to get into the writing style. I felt like it was trying too hard. However, once I got into the story- I was hooked.

I enjoyed all of the occult aspects but what I really loved was how the relationships grew. And while the story is on the shorter side, I still felt like there was a great amount of growth between the three.

Is there anything S.T. Gibson can't write? Evocation proves her exemplary storytelling skills and writing prowess. Being a fan of Gibson since A Dowry of Blood, I am biased but Evocation was such a delight to read that I can't help but sing its praise; an amazing first book in a new Fantasy series.

Teen psychic prodigy, now renowned Boston attorney, David Aristarkhov lives the life he's always wanted, finally free from his abusive, occultist father. Or so he thought. The Devil does not like those who skip on their debts and now he's returned to collect the Aristarkhov ancestral debt right from David. With reluctance, he calls his ex-boyfriend and Society rival, Rhys, for help, but the only way is through his wife, Moira. As both now live in each other's care, one wonders what fate has in store for them.

I absolutely fell in love with the plot; the mystery, the Gothic aspect that makes you look to find the Devil hiding behind every corner. Gibson has such a unique ability to write heavy subjects with such delicacy and sincerity that there isn't any maliciousness behind her words. Rather, there is a space for learning and understanding the situations of each character and what forced them there.

The world-building was amazing, with a clear and atmospheric world that seemed both real and mythical at the same time. It pulls you in and almost lets you roam around her world in your imagination.

But what I loved the most was the character building; each character felt unique with no overlapping with the others that made them feel bland or predictable. Each one was a delight to read and see them develop as characters; they wear their virtues and faults like armour and don't shy away from them being a part of themselves.

S.T. Gibson's Evocation was a deliciously Gothic, Dark Academia beginning to a series that should be on everyone's shelves. I thoroughly recommend the novel to any Dark Academia fans, those who adore Dark Fantasy and any fans of Leigh Bardugo's Alex Stern series, Naomi Novik's The Scholomacers series or Jay Kristoff's Nevernight Chronicles.

Thank you, NetGalley and Angry Robot for sending me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I think I expected something similar to An Education in Malice and of course this wasn’t that at all so I ended up being a little disappointed. This is still an amazing story, with immaculate gothic vibes and ST Gibson’s incredible relationships they always seem to write. Evocation has more of an occult magic system and I really enjoyed it, even if it didn’t invent anything new, it worked well with what it had and succeeded at depicting a magical world that felt real. I think ST Gibson’s strength is in the way they write about relationships/situationships and all the nuances in between: the love triangle was great because it was an actual love triangle and not a corner which I love that we’re getting more of those. A great book even if I was a little disappointed because I expected something a little more like their previous book which I absolutely adored. 3.5 stars

4.5 stars

I loved A Dowry of Blood but was quite disappointed by An Education in Malice, so I wasn't sure what to expect going into this book. I'm so glad that I read this because I truly enjoyed it.

This book is very much a character study, so if you don't like the characters, you probably won't enjoy this book. I really liked the characters and connected with them.

This book is all about what happens when you had an extremely toxic relationship with someone in your youth (Rhys and David) but have matured and still have to interact with one another (in their magical society) at least on a professional basis. And one of you (Rhys) has gotten married (to Moira) and is working on strengthening that relationship, which has been rocky. And then something really bad (intentionally vague to stay away from spoilers) is happening to David and he needs the help of Rhys and Moira to figure it out. But Rhys and David feel drawn to each other again and Moira and David develop their own friendship. Can they move past their toxic history and develop a new relationship moving forward?

I have to say that there was one path that they could have taken to solve David's problem and I was thinking that if the author chose that path, I would be absolutely out and might not read more by the author. (It just felt like both too easy of a path and also something that wouldn't have fit the character dynamics.) Fortunately, there wasn't even a hint that the characters/book were going down that path. Instead, I was quite satisfied by the ending.