Member Reviews
This wonderful prequel to Evocation dives deeper into Moira and Rhys' marrage and their early days. Full of wonderful witchcraft and occult magic along with a spirit causing havoc.
S.T. Gibsons writing, as usual, is beautifully magical and immerses you into their wold.
The story added dimension to Moiras character in a way that was well needed as this was my only issue with Evocation. You come to understand her and her emotions further with gives better understanding to her character in Evocation. You also learn more about her practice and business reflecting on how empathetic and caring she is as a character.
The story itself is haunting, broken up with loving story's of their beginning. Following the story in both characters perspectives shows how you can deeply care for someone but if you don't work on that relationship, emotions can snowball also how fixing a symptom does not fix the cause.
I wish there was more context to their dynamic with David at this point as it is mentioned he is banned from their house and there have been a lot of issues with him previously.
I truly cannot wait for book 2 of The Summoners Circle.
i didn't read the old version but from what friends have told me, this seems to be a vast improvement (no biophobia). if you haven't read evocation already, this probably won't do much for you in terms of getting you to care about rhys and moira's marriage troubles (as well as the david mini-appearance). however, if you've had, this novella was just nice to read on my commute home. it's warm and familiar like a fall novella should be. (3.5)
Honestly, this was so cosy and I'm so glad that I got to read this early, so thank you to Netgalley and Angry Robot for the eArc!
S.T Gibson has really cemented herself as one of my favourite authors of the year and everything she has written so far has been golden. Evocation was one of my favourite reads this year and it was great to see the characters again in a more compact story! I didn't know much about this going into this, only that people weren't so fond of the previous version of Odd Spirits, but I'm glad I could read this version instead. I think it's great that Gibson was able to go back and rewrite this in a way that fully encapsulates her skills as an author now.
Rhys is as always an amazing character who leaves me with a hole in my gut with how he makes me feel. I love Moira so much; her whole aesthetic and personality makes me wish she was a real person because I would LOVE to meet her. Their relationship in this novella was lovely to read about and how they navigated their miscommunication was great to see. I also enjoyed the small glimpse of David where he essentially walked in, fucked shit up, and walked out again. What an icon.
This has made me really excited to read the next installment, or essentially any other crumbs that Gibson tosses at me.
4 stars
This book made me not like Moira. I liked her character in Evocation, but here she came out as whiny and not very understanding. I get that a lot of people complain about the old version of this book and how it was biphobic but luckily, that part was scrapped. Still, she's not the most likable character.
Rhys... he's still the same old Rhys who can't seem to able to fully communicate, but now we know why, and I get it.
Still, the star of this series (for me) is my sweet winter child, David. He makes his appearance, he messes with everything and everyone, he shines, and he departs. I love him. I'm definitely rereading Evocation during spooky season because this novel made me miss him.
Overall, this was a fun prequel. A "we now know more about our characters background" prequel, and it was a blast to read.
Thank you to Netgalley, ST Gibson, and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Really enjoyed seeing the early stages of Rhys and Moira’s marriage, and this side of their relationship. I remember David making comments in “Evocation” how the two had married too quick or how he didn’t get their relationship, and I’m glad I first read “Evocation” and “Odd Spirits” now. It makes me appreciate the character and relationship building and development more. Plus I’m now familiar with the lore and magic of the world, and I can focus on other things while reading. Rhys and Moira are such great and complex characters, I missed them so much.
“Odd Spirits” is captivating and quick paced. Exploring flawlessly themes of relationships, marriage, communication and vulnerability, and it’s done in a such a genuine way. Can’t wait to see where the story takes Rhys, Moira and David next ❤️❤️
It was nice to get back into the evocation world even for just a little bit.
I am kinda disappointed that we didn't find out why
David was banned from the house and all the staying away as this situation wasn't even that bad it was just
David being his usual a hole self 😂 but I love him anyway he’s just a sensitive baby!
But nonetheless I love reading about Moira and Rhys and I love how we got to see how they met! 🫶
It was so cute and just what I would expect from these two lovebirds ❤️
I cannot wait for more books in this series!!! These 3 fictional characters have my whole world!😂
I read and loved Evocation earlier this year and have been hungry for more of Rhys, Moira, and David. I don't usually enjoy stories about marriages in trouble, but knowing where Rhys and Moira are in the future took away some of the usual angst. I loved getting to see more of the early days of Rhys and Moira's relationship, as well as more context about their history with David that were hinted to in Evocation. I think you could read this as an introduction to the Summoner's Circle series, but would feel more grounded in the characters and their interpersonal connections if you start with Evocation.
Now I really can't wait for the next installment!
Was lovely to spend more time in this universe! This was a delightful quick story about a couple I feel so much love for.
4 stars
Thank you to Angry Robot and Netgalley for my digital review copy.
This was short and sweet and provided an even deeper look into Rhys and Moira and their relationship and dynamic.
I loved the flashback segments and we got another taste at all the magic that is in this world.
I can't wait for the next book.