Member Reviews
Oh I absolutely adored this! Seeing how Rhys and Moria came to be was so lovely, I loved how we got to see how they met and how they became the strong unit we see in Evocation. I particularly enjoyed the fact that we saw their vulnerable sides in this one, they felt pure and genuinely real, completely relatable yet totally magical too.
Actual Rating : 3.75/5
Following two main characters from the Summoning Circle Series - recently married couple Rhys and Moira are going through it. Rhys would rather hide away in his study all day in between the pages of books and Moira, a successful witch, can’t find the words to voice her feelings. When a dark entity starts to wreak havoc on the house Rhys and Moira must look into themselves and trust each other enough to rid themselves of the dark entity haunting them or put an end to their marriage all together.
I really enjoyed Evocation and a large part of that was due to the relationship between Moira and Rhys so getting to see more of their story made this an enjoyable novella for me.
I loved seeing the healthy and real relationship dynamic Moira & Rhys have. You can tell through their actions in this story that they care and respect each other deeply. I loved seeing them work through their problems and communication skills and come back together in the end.
I also really liked seeing David again and his role in this huge event that affects the plot of Evocation. It was interesting to see his relationship with Moira especially before the events of Evocation.
Overall, I thought this was a fun read. I liked seeing more of Rhys, Moira and David interact. Learning more about the study of occult the characters specialize in was interesting and I loved seeing the relationship between Moira and Rhys go through changes.
Thank you Angry Robot Books and NetGalley for providing me an arc in exchange for an honest review.
Overall: ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️💫 3.5/5
Cover Design: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 4/5
Plot: ⭐️⭐️💫 2.5/5
Reading Time:Engagement Ratio = Moderately High <i>(i.e. I read this quickly and was engaged most of the time)</i>
I <b>LOVE</b> S.T. Gibson with a passion, so when I was given the opportunity to read an early release of Odd Spirits, I screamed!
"Odd Spirits" is Edgar Allen Poe meets H.G. Wells. Gibson's "Odd Spirits" did a phenomenal job articulating the realities of marriages and the <u>struggles we could face when marrying young.</u> Rhys and Moira are not perfect, and I so appreciated how Gibson laid out their <i>"ugly side"</i>--for lack a better phrase. In marriage, sometimes our worst side is brought out and Rhys and Moira's marriage is no exception.
I do wish there was <b>more smut</b> and the haunting plot events were more terrifying, like in some of Gibson's other books. However, The Summoner's Circle series is <u>one of a kind.</u> With that said, I wouldn't classify this as "Romance" and it's more of a modern fantasy because, while there are magical elements, spirits, and demons, the religious details, tarot talk, and crystal wazzoo <i>(which is difficult for me, personally, to get through)</i> overpowers the <u>fade-to-black sexy scenes</u>. I always expect more from STG's sexy scenes and this series has been <i>leaving the crumbs</i> on the <b>smut-omoter</b>.
Overall, this was a good, quick read and If you loved Rhys and Moira in "Evocation", read this too!!!
*Thank you Angry Robot for an early release e-book of "Odd Spirits"*
I cannot begin to explain how excited I was to receive this ARC from Netgalley and Angry Robot Books after how much I loved Evocation. It was so nice to be able to spend some bonus time with these characters during what feels like the longest wait everrrr for the next book in The Summoner’s Circle series!
There’s an event involving David, Rhys, and Moira that took place before the start of Evocation that is alluded to but not exactly explained. Whatever happened, it caused a major rift in Rhys and David’s friendship, so we know it was something big, and in this prequel, we finally get some answers.
While it was certainly an important and dangerous event, and I’m happy that I now understand what happened, I was a little disappointed in the reasoning behind Rhys and David’s falling out. The two men weren’t besties or anything, but Rhys considered David a friend at the start of the book, and the point where he changed his mind felt very lackluster to me. I was expecting something much worse. But I’m sort of torn on whether or not it’s bad thing that I got less than I expected. It actually feels pretty believable that a friendship would end over something so silly.
This novella gives us more than an answer to the Rhys/David friendship question, though. I loved the glimpse into Rhys and Moira’s life before the events of Evocation, when their relationship was extremely new and was very pleasantly surprised to find that S.T. Gibson included the story of how they met, which I thought was very cute and fun.
There’s also some beautiful art throughout the book I had to stop to really take in and stare at before moving on. It was really lovely and totally unexpected - I had no idea there would be any illustrations!
Odd Spirits reads a bit differently from Evocation in that it kind of feels like reading a parable. There’s a clear moral to the story that ties it all up rather nicely. It can certainly be read before Evocation, but personally, I really enjoyed reading the prequel and having questions answered afterward. If you want to go into Evocation knowing everything, read prequel first. If you like a bit of mystery, read Evocation first.
***I will update with social media review links on October 1!***
This was cute. A little on the nose, but cute. I love how this world is full of the occult, and it makes me want to pick up my tarot cards again. That all being said, this novelet felt a little too short to really feel substantive. This story could have been a subplot in a larger story, rather than just on its own.
Also, why are these absolute babies rushing into marriage so fast?!
Thank you to Angry Robots and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A cute prequel novella (that can definitely be read before Evocation) following the early marriage of Rhys and Moira as they discover that marriage isn't as easy as they first thought.
I really enjoyed being with these characters again and seeing glimpses of their early relationship, as well as seeing David still as an arsehole. The plot was simple yet effective and the writing style is just like Evocation. Was good. Plus the illustrations are lovely, I'll definitely be taking a peek when I come across a phisical copy!
Summary: Prequel novella to The Summoner's Circle series. It takes a lot of commitment to make a marriage between a modern ceremonial magician and a tarot witch work, but when a malevolent entity takes up residence in Rhys and Moira’s home, their love will be pushed to the limits."
Review: After reading Evocation, this just makes sense. It's moody, bit dark and luscious. If felt so good to be back. I LOVE this characters and their journeys. I will never tire of them.
Also, the respect shown between the main characters and how they finally solve conflict it's something to de admired. Once again S.T. Gibson delivers some flawless work.
#OddSpirits #NetGalley
If Saint has one fan it's me. I loved Odd Spirits. It's a perfect slice of life for Rhys and Moira and seeing how marriage isn't perfect but also how they work through the Marital issues they face and I think it provides a lovely prologue or entry into Evocation as you get a peak of the dynamics you expect to find. I liked that we got a little cameo of David, who is undoubtedly my favourite.
The edition I got to read was stunning, internal illustrations and formatting. It was beautiful seeing Moira and Rhys come to life.
Thank you Saint, Angry Robot and Netgalley got the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Though this was short, it was very fun!
When two magic styles get married this story is definitely the outcome! Its diverse and humorous, light and slightly creepy in parts. I enjoyed this, I just wish it was longer so I had more to enjoy.
3.5 ⭐️
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!
Odd Spirits is a short, fast glimpse at two flawed characters from Evocation as they try and manage their relationship and a poltergeist.
I enjoyed the magic a lot but it was interesting to read a book that didn’t involve characters starting a relationship and everything being sunshine and roses. They struggled with, and faced their vulnerabilities and insecurities. Are these things that maybe should have been figured out before being married for a few years? Meh. Maybe. Did they seem to not understand each other that well? Possibly. But that’s life. Either way it was enjoyable to read.
Odd Spirits by S.T. Gibson is the prequel novella to Evocation, and follows the relatively newly wedded Rhys and Moira as they are forced to confront the relationship issues they’ve been bottling up when a malevolent thoughtform manifests in their own home.
Overall, it’s a very quick read that understandably lacks the tension and stakes that Evocation had—but it is a very insightful exploration into the foundations and dynamics of Rhys’ and Moira’s marriage, and also helps to explain Moira’s initial animosity with David in Evocation.
Also! the endpapers and interior illustrations by Eleonor Piteira are absolutely stunning and set the mood wonderfully.
Big thanks to Angry Robot and NetGalley for the ARC!
Odd Spirits is a quick look into Rhys and Moira’s marriage as they are struggling with a malevolent spirit in their house with a few flashbacks to how they met. This was so cute. I loved seeing more of Rhys and Moira’s back story and how they got to the strong relationship they have in Evocation. Seeing them work through their issues and start to communicate about their needs was great and really made me feel their love. This was the backstory I was missing from Evocation. I loved the small cameo from David as well.
Odd Spirits is a lovely prequel to Evocation. We get to see the early days of marriage for Moira and Rhys. The book covers those doubts and insecurities that can creep into any relationship. I loved the exploration of this with a side of magic and secret society. We get to see the characters even more, flaws are exposed and faced. It’s short, sweet and vulnerable. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.
I feel incredibly conflicted about this book. On one side, I wish this had come out before Evocation because I think I would have been more interested in this part of the story had I not already read what happens after in Evocation. On the other hand, if I had read this first, I don't know that I would have cared to read Evocation. I feel as though everything I loved about these characters in Evocation was absent in this book. I feel as though the way that David was portrayed in this book was used as justification for how Moira acts in Evocation but even that feels like it was over done for the sake of doing it. I still love these characters, but I definitely think I was just fine without this part of the story
I saw S.T. Gibson and immediately had to request this because I am feral for A Dowry of Blood, but I have to admit I have not yet read Evocation so I don't know to what extent my opinion would have differed if I had.
Moira and Rhys are so terrible at communication it is not only ruining their relationship but has quite literally manifested as a poltergeist in their home. That part was actually really interesting and I loved the variety of magic in this world and used by the characters. But, oh my word, these two could not be a less compatible couple.
It's a solid little gothic book about problem couples, and again whether or not it's improved by reading Evocation I can't say but I don't feel like I was missing context having not read it first.
Odd Spirits was a delightful, witchy novella that I couldn't put down. I loved how it blended the present-day mystery in the house with flashbacks to Rhys and Moira's early days, giving the story great depth. Their journey through the ups and downs of communication in their marriage felt incredibly relatable—haven’t we all faced challenges in connecting with our partners at some point? A short, sweet, and magical read—five stars!
Thank you Net Galley and Angry Robot for this e arc.
I am not going to lie I was very worried I was going to hate this novella due to my distaste for Evocation but I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed this immensely. Basically this book is about a sorcerer and witch couple being haunted in their martial home. Truly the story is more of a case study in relationships and miss communication. The stand out for me is Rhys character. He is still a pretentious asshole but he is sweet and caring. I relate to his worries of socializing and people not understanding him. My biggest grip with this book is Moria. If I can be honest she is an ass. I don’t know if ST Gibson meant for this to be but it seems like Moria never changes. She still believes she is right in everything and she so condescending to Rhys it is insane. I would suggest this book to anyone that wants a quick spooky read. Though if you are triggered by miss communication in relationships I would steer clear.
I really enjoyed this novella! I liked seeing some of Moira, Rhys, and David in the events leading up to Evocation, and I really liked reading more about Rhys and Moira's relationship. Overall, I had a good time reading this, and I can't wait for Ascension next year!! :)
I thoroughly enjoyed this glimpse into the past with Rhys and Moira. Having read Evocation this added so much insight into the rift between the three characters. I also loved that we got the history of Rhys and Moira at the same time. Overall rating is 4.5 and I can't wait for more from this series
I’ve been desperate to read Evocation since seeing Saint on tour for the book earlier in the year. I have been impatiently waiting to read Odd Spirits first as Saint said this would be the ‘premier experience’.
This book is short and sweet, an intimate snapshot into the life of an already established couple. It shows us how vulnerability can be a weakness and a strength.
My interest has been piqued for every single one of the characters introduced. Seeing Saint on tour left me in awe of her confidence and passion - every drop of that is written within these pages. I can’t wait to see where this series goes!