Member Reviews
Though it's nice to see these characters that I highly enjoyed in Evocation, it isn't a lot more than just backstory of those characters. It doesn't add much to the first official book, just explains why Rhys and Moira's relationship works how it works.
By this point, I have read every single book ST Gibson has put out, and I enjoyed all of them. This was a funn little story, that I read after the actual novella. Cant wait to read more of her works.
This writing is evocative and brings these characters to life. I always love a chance to read more about the characters, the world and their relationship dynamics with one another. There is a dual timeline in the novella that was beautifully executed which shows the authors talents as a writer.
Iโll take a moment to appreciate the beautifully detailed illustrations and arcane tarot cards that were included throughout the novella. Perfect companion as an introduction to the world or as a follow up from the first book in the series.
๐๐ก๐๐ง๐ค ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ญ๐จ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐จ๐๐จ๐ญ ๐๐จ๐จ๐ค๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ข๐ญ๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ฏ๐๐ง๐๐๐ ๐ซ๐๐๐๐๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ฉ๐ฒ ๐จ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐ฉ๐ข๐ซ๐ข๐ญ๐ฌ ๐๐ฒ ๐ ๐ ๐๐ข๐๐ฌ๐จ๐ง
I love a good novella prequel. I loved these characters in Evocation. Something here was missing though. There wasnโt the same spark as the first book, and I want to say it was the narrator that just didnโt land. I donโt think it was the writing because what was written was still in character for them.
Iโm all for the power of love being the cure, but done this quickly was hard to get behind.
Still very excited to see what happens next, so this was a nice read to hold me over until next year
This was a nice addition alongside evocation. It gave a lovely insight to rhys and Monica relationship which made me love the characters even more
Maybe getting into a poly relationship with your partner's ex is a bad idea and here's why.
As a prequel to the first book of the series, I get to know more about the characters and view them in different light; an aspect I could appreciate. Really feel for poor David being stacked among conflicted & equally avoidant Moira & Rhys. Also, a good introduction in such a short pages. Excited to read the second book. Thank you to Net Galley and publisher for approving me an e-arc for this wonderful title!
POV: Third Person
Genre: NA Urban Fantasy
Can you tell I'm on a spooky read roll?
I love that we get to read about a nerdy magician and a sassy tarot witch navigating AA the turmoil in an already established marriage. Characters who learn from their shortcomings >>>>
Meet-cute in a candle shop? Doodles and scribbles about recipes and magical spells and planetary motions all in one timeless notebook? Blood dripping from the eyes of portraits on the wall? Shattered glass? Tarot cards and pentagrams and loads of subtle imagery to pull you in a spooky house where something is haunting the walls โจ๐ฎ
The writing is evocative (see what I did there??) and reads like a fairytale! We go back and forth within timelines, which can be tricky to execute but was very easy to follow here!
This was a short and sweet introduction to S. Gibson's witchy world and I look forward to picking Evocation next!
Also the illustrations and the inclusion of tarot cards??? GORGEOUS. Make me want to own a physical copy at some point.
(Thank you to the author, Angry Robot and netgalley for an e-ARC in exchange for a honest review)
PS: I saw a lot of reviews mention biphobia, and I can safely attest to them being untrue for the revised/rewritten version of the book that I got to read.
PS: I saw a lot of reviews mention biphobia, and I can safely attest to them being untrue for the revised/rewritten version of the book that I got to read.
Was a fun prequel to Evocation. Definitely gave some needed background on the relationship between Rhys and Moira before they were more established in Evocation. I enjoyed reading about them more as characters in the forefront.
Odd Spirits was such a beautiful and entertaining read, perfect both as an introduction to the Summoner Circle world or as a new read after already picking up (and loving) Evocation.
While not particularly complex, the world-building was absolutely fascinating, especially for the fact that it portrays different kinds of magical traditions and powers in a unique but also very curated way.
The book focuses heavily on Rhys and Moira, using their individual POVs to reflect both on their interactions as a couple and on their own thoughts and feelings, their issues and trauma โ which are never dismissed, but always handled with care. I really liked the overall development of Moira and Rhys's relationship during the course of this novella, and how in the end their mutual love made them want to be better for each other, even at the cost of having to bear their soul open for their partner.
This introspective work is used beautifully to advance the story, creating a plot that is intriguing, realistic, and just a tiny bit heartbreaking.
This was such an interesting and compelling look at the early stages of Rhys and Moira's relationship, I raced through it and loved every moment! It reads like a small but flavourful bite to keep the reader satisfied while they wait for more. I also adore all the illustrations throughout, it's such a nice touch and adds a lot of personality to this novella/series as a whole.
Since this was such a quick read I don't think I have any grand thoughts other than "that was exactly what I think it should have been" and I have no complaints! As always I adore Gibson's prose and storytelling techniques. This has me eager for the sequel to Evocation in the future!
'Odd Spirits' by S.T. Gibson is a prequel novella, set before their novel 'Evocation', featuring Rhys and Moira - a newlywed couple trying to deal with an angry spirit in their home while also dealing with their own anxieties, disagreements, and learning how to live together as a couple when they are polar opposites (both in personality and in their occult practices).
I haven't had a chance to read 'Evocation' (it's sitting in my bookcase at the moment), so I didn't have any prior dealings with these characters - but I loved them none the less; Moira's independence and folk-based craft, Rhys academic approach with summon rituals, and David being a sassy, dramatic B. The breakdown in communication between Rhys and Moira felt real and gut wrenching, and the bit reveal and resolution was so satisfying. It's made me even more keen to get into 'Evocation'.
I knew this novella was going to be short, but Iโve never flown through 115 pages so quickly!
Odd Spirits is the prequel novella to Evocation. While it doesnโt push the plot forward from Evocation, it gives a backstory to Rhys and Moira's relationship such as how they first met and the challenges in their marriage when a strange entity takes over their home. On their quest to reclaim their house, they turn to everyoneโs favorite character, David! (NGL, they did David so dirty here when he was just trying to help, lol!)
I absolutely adored the writing style, the pacing, and the beautiful details like the endpapers and tarot card illustrations in every chapter.
Overall, this was a quick, fun read that added depth to the characters and makes re-reading Evocation even more fun the second time around. I highly recommend picking up Evocation if you enjoy stories filled with generational curses, supernatural forces, and secret organizations.
Thank you to Angry Robot Books for the E-ARC and the gorgeous finished copy!
What a perfect little companion piece to Evocation, getting to explore Rhys and Moiraโs relationship while we wait for book 2. Very sweet and added depth to relationship while obviously not moving the major plot forward, exactly what a novella should do. The appetiser between courses.
I enjoyed it, still adore Moira and canโt wait for book 2.
Thank you netgalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review
While Evocation wasn't my favorite book by this author I really enjoyed this little novella. It was nice to read more about Rhys and Moira from when they first met and were married. Moira is still my favorite character by far.
Many thanks to Angry Robot Books for the gifted copy for my honest review!
I absolutely adore this series so seeing a bit more into Rhys and Morias relationship was really lovely to see! It helps develop more of an understanding on their marital issues which were touched briefly on in book 1.
Overall it was a sweet and quick read and really helped me understand the characters more before the events of book 1!
Cannot wait for book 2!!
This a sweet and creepy prequel novella to Evocation. It is not mind blowing but it offers a deeper look into the early days/struggles of Rhys and Moiraโs marriage. As always S.T. Gibson writes amazing relationships.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC of this book. I'm not sure if can fairly rate this book because I think I have a problem with novellas. If they're good, I wish they were longer and if I don't like them, I wish there was more space in the book to flesh out the character development, plot, etc. I feel like this book suffered from the first problem. These characters were so great and I already loved them, so I felt myself wanting more throughout the book. I wanted more angst, more passion, and more pettiness and bickering with David. I feel like this book will definitely have a place in the series, and I'll probably include it in a re-read before the next book comes out. I just wish it had been about 100 pages longer. That being said, I love S.T. Gibson and will automatically read anything they write. I feel like her signature writing and style came through clearly in this book and I loved returning to this world and these characters (although I wanted more David). I loved the gothic spiritualism with religious undertones, the magic systems, and of course Rhys and Moira. I would recommend this book but maybe after Evocation so you actually get a good grounding in the world and magic and so a lot of the character motivations and actions make more sense.
I LOVE S.T. Gibson, and she surely did not disappoint with this prequel novella to Evocations!
I absolutely loved revisiting Rhys and Moira and seeing more of their life and story together. I do think I enjoy their relationship more when David is present, but nonetheless I enjoyed the way S.T. Gibson set up Rhys and Moira's relationship, their insecurities that they have to work through, and their occult practices.
I definitely recommend this to anyone who read and enjoyed Evocations!
Thank you to NetGalley, Angry Robot, and S.T. Gibson for providing an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.
While Gibson's is an excellent writer , I have to finally admit that novellas just aren't for me. There just isn't enough story for me to dig into! I didn't find myself reaching to continue reading this book and felt no connection to the characters or their situation.
i really enjoyed this! it can be so difficult to adequately capture a marriage on the rocks, and even more difficult to have that couple meaningfully reconcile within a short number of pages, but this book does just that.