This was an utterly captivating read that seamlessly blends supernatural intrigue with profound themes of empowerment and resilience.

The novel introduces us to three compelling protagonists: Zara Jones, who believes in magic as a means to bring back her murdered sister; Jude Wolf, a billionaire’s daughter cursed by a demonic pact gone awry; and Emer Byrne, an orphaned witch with a haunting past who crafts invocations—spells that grant women power in exchange for a piece of their soul.

The author masterfully intertwines their narratives as they unite to confront a serial killer targeting witches in modern-day London. The characters are richly developed, each with distinct motivations and vulnerabilities that make their alliance both believable and engaging. The evolution of their relationships, underscored by themes of friendship and self-discovery, adds depth to the fast-paced plot.

The vivid descriptions and atmospheric writing immersed me in a world where magic and reality coexist, creating a setting that is both enchanting and ominous. The tension escalates with each chapter, leading to a climax that is as satisfying as it is thought-provoking.

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Would you sell a piece of your soul for the power of a witch?

Witchy books have exploded in popularity in recent years, but where many use the witch as a symbol of female empowerment, few really delve into the darker aspects of witchcraft.

Krystal Sutherland certainly doesn’t shy away from the dark and occult - if anything she embraces it. The premise of the book starts with something all too real familar - women are being attacked and murdered across London. The pattern points to a serial killer, and the scenes of the crimes to somthing darker altogether, something almost demonic.

The crimes unite three young women, Zara Jones who is not only investigating her sister’s suspicious death but trying everything she can to raise her from the dead. Emer Byrne is an orphaned witch, selling her invocations to women willing to sacrifice pieces of their soul.

Meanwile, Jude Wolf might be the offspring of a billionaire but when her own deal with a demon went wrong she became cursed and outcast from her family. When the three cross paths they realise that there is something darker at the heart of the crimes plaguing London, and only they can stop it.

The Invocations is a beautifully dark and delicious horror, with a brilliant cast of characters, from the witty and sarcastic Jude, to the emotionally closed-off and ever practical Emer and nerdy Zara. The girls are all well-rounded, not falling into stereotypes and develop beautiful friendships and relationships. The plot is fairly straightforward, it’s not an overly complex mystery but it’s captivating and perfectly pitched between our modern world and the paranormal.

Sutherland also weaves the very real horrors young women face seamlessly into her supernatural world; here magic is no picnic. It’s demonic, gruesome and requires sacrifice. In the same vein as House of Hollow, with The Invocations, Sutherland has carved a niche where she can reflect the stories of young women, using elements of folk and body horror, as well as illustrating sisterhood, queer relationships and beautiful female friendships. The Invocations isn’t just a ‘witchy’ book, it’s a dark, gruesome delight fuelled by feminine rage.

A furious story about violence against women and misogyny. Fast-paced and full of twists with so many horror scenes that were a bit too gory for me. I loved how angry it was and the autumn witchy setting. And I love a sweet sapphic romance!
Thanks you Netgalley for the ARC 🫶🏻

Krystal Sutherland can do no wrong - I loved this book and it kept me spellbound for the day it took me to finish it. One of the best ya books this year

I was a bit underwhelmed by this book. I was hoping to love it but in the end it was just enjoyable. Nothing special to make me go "oh my god".

Queer witches need I say more. Another amazing book from Krystal Sutherland, an author I will continue to read everything from.

This book was so good, I’m still in awe of it.

Every since I read House of Hollow, I knew Krystal was an author worth keeping an eye on, so when she announced her new book The Invocations I knew I had to read it, and I’m so glad to say it met every single one of my expectations.

The book follows three young girls, Emer who is a cursewriter, which is basically a witch, she expends her days hiding from her past in Oxford and trying to help vulnerable women to gather power.
Zara has recently lost her sister and is obsessed with the occult and trying to resurrect her.
Jude is cursed with a bad spell, she’s desperate to find a real witch who can help her undo it.
The lives of the three girls end up intertwining when a serial killer who targets witches arrives at London, they join forces to try to figure out what’s happening and to prevent more unnecessary killings.

As always Krystal's writing is very atmospheric and addicting, I couldn’t stop reading it, I loved how she managed the relationship between the three girls, it really worked into making this a wholesome book.

I’m sad this is a standalone because I would’ve loved reading more about this world but I can’t wait to see what Krystal has in store for us in her next novel.

Thanks Netgalley and Bonnier Books Uk, Hot Key Books for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review

Brilliant! I couldn’t put this book down, Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me early access to this title.

This was a gothic, haunting and atmospheric story that I couldn’t put down. It was gripping and engaging the whole way through with a level of suspense and unpredictability that added an extra layer to the storytelling. It was a chilling read that has stayed with me since I read it.

This is a first for me by the author and one I enjoyed and I would read more of their work. The book cover is eye-catching and appealing and would spark my interest if in a bookshop. Thank you very much to the author, publisher and Netgalley for this ARC.

I've been in a massive reading slump lately and every time I've tried to pick this up, I've managed a few pages before I give up. It's definitely not a reflection on the author or the book, just a me issue! I do want to come back to this though, as I've heard nothing but good things.

I thought I loved House of Hollow, but somehow this was even better! I adored everything about this modern witchy lesbian book. It leans more into fantasy than horror (whereas House of Hollow was more of a horror book), but I absolutely loved this and Krystal Sutherland is fast becoming a auto-buy author for me!

Having read and loved House of Hollow, I had high expectations when I heard that Sutherland was releasing a new book, and The Invocations did not disappoint at all. I'm not normally much of a horror type novel fan, but that had me hooked and guessing all the way through. I think she may be a new auto-buy author for me.

4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you so much to Bonnier Books UK and NetGalley for an e-arc of this book.

I think this is becoming a must-read author for me. I loved this book.

The concept of the magic system was really unique, I loved the main characters and their personal arcs.

A great twist as well made this a great fantasy/horror-lite book.

After loving House of Hollow, I couldn't wait to read The Invocations, and I'm so happy to say I loved it too! Krystal Sutherland's writing is beautiful - such vivid descriptions and everything just comes to life. This novel was also perfectly creepy, and the magic system was so cleverly done. I loved the characters and their relationships (and the banter! The banter was great). Overall, this was such a fun, exciting read!

An excellent mix of horror and mystery. It kept on the edge and turning pages. it's well plotted, tightly knitted and with the right level of creepyness.
An intriguing story that I strongly recommend
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

This book was awesome. One of the rare kind of books where I can't say I particularly liked any of the characters, but they completely suited the dark tone of the story. It was dark, gruesome and completely compelling and impossible to put down. I really enjoyed despite being quite grim how the characters came together and grew. I would love to see more from this world. It does deal with some triggering aspects and is quite blunt and hard to read at times. It all comes together with the way the world building works. Dark, but really really good.

A YA horror that definitely did not disappoint!
Never having read any of Krystal Sutherland's writing before, this was completely new to me, and its safe to say I'm ready to go on to read more of her stuff (House of Hollow is next on my list I think!).
The Invocations was so engaging, and wonderfully dark! It includes body horror, necromancy, demons, and a murder mystery, which worked so unbelievably well together.
It was slower paced in the beginning, so it took a bit of time to get set up and hooked, but once I was I could not put this down and the pace quickened massively!
A truly dark gem of a read!

This was a gripping read and I was intrigued by the characters. I will look out for more by this author.

Krystal Sutherland has really outdone herself here! A sensational witchy, tense and action packed mystery that will have you hooked.

Physically cringed at the self harming, but it isn't glamourised. Needed a strong cup of tea after reading!