Honestly, I love how this book is unapologetically anti-patriarchy. Barbie vibes forever~

Some might think the feminist themes are heavy-handed since it's more focused on women (yes, all women) taking back their agency, but you know what? I don't really give a fuck. I enjoyed Iron Widow for those vibes, and I feel the same way about this arc.

I absolutely loved all three FMCs: Zara, Jude, and Emer. All three story arcs were interesting as hell, and I'm someone who's usually nitpicky when it comes to multiple POVs. (There's usually one or two POVs that are weaker than the rest.) Hell, if you can make a rich spoiled brat like Jude likeable, then I'm all in. I want to be besties with all three of them. *insert Steve Buscemi "How do you do, fellow kids?" meme*

I loved loved loved how dark this was! Ngl, the cover screamed YA, but I was surprised by all the demons, deaths, and goddamn necromancy. I love all things witches (Scarlet Witch, Nico Minoru, and Magik from Marvel are my ride or die) and to see it all play out in a contemporary London was fantastic.

Sure, the plot twists weren't all that twisty if you actually paid attention, but I was vibing so hard I didn't even think about how everything was all related. The ending was wild and gave me Mexican Gothic vibes. I had to suspend my disbelief for parts of it, but eh, I had fun reading this so I'll forgive the absurdity.

Just one con though: I think this would've made more sense if the characters were aged up to 18+. It made no sense that a bunch of under 18 teens were running around London trying to figure out murders, stalkers, witchcraft, etc.

Also, I'm super excited to learn that this is featured in a book box I'm subscribed to! Take my money, goddamnit.

Thank you to Nancy Paulsen Books and NetGalley for this arc.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

I absolutely loved House of Hollow, so I was THRILLED to get an advanced copy of The Invocations to read and review! Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and Krystal Sutherland.

This is a witchy horror/thriller that grabbed me from the get-go.
I feel like the witchy books have been overdone lately, but this definitely has a unique and intricate storyline.
Sutherland has some of the darkest storylines that I've found, so I have to laugh a little at the YA label. I'm not complaining at all, but if you're truly looking for YA, this will be too dark and gory. There was nothing that I didn't enjoy about this story, but I didn't feel quite as connected to the story as I did with House of Hollow. I will definitely read anything Krystal Sutherland writes! Don't miss The Invocations coming out on January 30, 2024!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin/Nancy Paulson Books for providing an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

House of Hollow was one of my favorite books of 2021, so to say that I was excited for this title would be a huge understatement. I'd seen a lot of buzz on Goodreads from people saying that, while they also loved House of Hollow, they were even more impressed with The Invocations, which only made the hype that much higher.

And it did not disappoint! Though to compare this book to House of Hollow would be unfair, I think; if House of Hollow was a dark fairytale, with the flowers eventually falling away to reveal the rot underneath, The Invocations is a bloody, dark stroll through the shadows. Readers sensitive to blood and gore might want to skip this one, because Sutherland doesn't shy away, yet it never feels gratuitous: female rage, and the fear and feelings of powerlessness that accompany simply being a woman in the world, are the major themes of this book, and the message seems to be that the only way to meet these things is with equal violence.

Sutherland's writing remains, on a technical level, lovely and lyrical, and her characters are interesting and complicated and real. I really liked the sapphic love story in this book, which, while only a small part of the plot, is definitely present throughout. And the world that she's constructed—of witches and secret enclaves of witch hunters, of a demon world lurking side by side with ours, and the terrible ways magic (which is so much bigger than humans should be able to comprehend) can rebound upon the human body—was lush and fascinating. Also, a very small detail, but worth mentioning, I really appreciated that Sutherland's magic system, which is divided along gender lines (women can wield it, but men cannot) was inclusive of trans women in a way that was not only explicitly stated but made sense in context (which I won't spoil).

Gory, terrifying, dark, and ultimately empowering and triumphant—yet never in a way that feels schlocky. I think this officially cements Krystal Sutherland as one of my must-read authors.

Side note, which has nothing to do with the author or the book, but the ARC I received was terrible on a software level (nothing to do with the book itself being uncorrected). Any word with the letter F in the back half of it was completely cut off, and sometimes the first few words of a paragraph were also omitted completely. I'm very glad I got this ARC, and enjoyed the book a lot, but I wish NetGalley would have sent a text that was actually able to be clearly, consistently read.

4⭐️

First of the cover of this book is stunning and it grabbed my attention so quickly.

This is my first book from this author and overall I enjoyed. The first third of this book is pretty slow and I did struggle at first to get into it, but once the girls came together it started to really come together.

I really enjoyed the mix of witches, demons, and horror. Plus a mystery that these girls were trying to solve. This book also worked really well as multiple pov.

The writing is beautiful and I'm interested to check out House of Hallow (another stunning cover).

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group for this advanced reader copy. My review is voluntarily my own.

I started reading the e-arc of this book the other day, but it he formatting did not translate over very well.

However, I did have a friend who had a physical arc that they are sending me and I’m excited to read it!

Will update review on goodreads once received and read because I loved what I was reading so far!

Two young women on the search for a curse writer cross paths when they both end up at the same crime scene. Someone is killing witches, and stealing their power for themselves. But how?

Jude wants to break her curse. Zara just wants her sister back. Erin wants to know who is killing her clients. Together they must figure it out, before one of them becomes the next target.

This was such a well written book, with just the right level on goriness for me. The way the three main characters communicate with each other helps to lighten what could otherwise be a very dark book on times. If you are looking for a horror mixed with a thriller this is the perfect book for you!

Sutherland’s writing is beautiful. The imagery she provides is outstanding. The story however- absolutely boring. I had hoped this one would be an improvement over House of Hollow, but to me it wasn’t. Both written elegantly but the plots just aren’t interesting enough. I’m not sure if she’s just trying to hard to make it this gruesome story that has shock value and is failing, but the overall story is not satisfying. The characters she portrays are well developed, and I did appreciate their relationships with one another. Especially given the fact that these characters are pushed together as strangers who become friends. If you’re really into witches and the occult, it’s worth a read, but if not I say it’s one to skip.

I’ve been very much looking forward to this since loving House of Hollow! And it did not disappoint.

The Invocations is very dark and has necromancy, the occult, mass murder, a serial killer, talks of substance abuse, child abandonment, and I’m sure even more that I’m forgetting. Which I’m all for but it definitely toed the line for a YA read. But oh that marvelous feminine rage. I loved these characters! Jude, Zara, and Emer were all equally fascinating and had a unique voice. They’re here, they’re queer, and they’re angry. I thought the romance was a nice touch and I loved how everything came together in the final act. I did find the pacing to slow down a little too much in the middle of the book but I was definitely invested and enjoyed the story. I’m always looking for more urban fantasy so I really liked the modern London setting. Highly recommend if you’re looking for a spooky, witty, dark witchy read.

"There is no need to fear if you are a man. You own the darkness. It is your space."

We love our four-letter-name girl crews! Sutherland does it again with this story, a grotesque sapphic thriller served up on a bloody platter of found family and generous helpings of girl rage. I think fans of Jennifer's Body will especially love what The Invocations has to offer.

Zara, Emer, and Jude are three young women who find each other—right in the nick of time—as they struggle with loneliness and isolation and bucking against the patriarchy, each determined to right the wrongs that have been committed against them. While I didn't love this one as much as House of Hollow (HoH being a masterpiece, IMO), I thought the atmosphere and character relationships within The Invocations were just as strong, though the plot reveals were more predictable and themes more heavy-handed than I normally prefer. Still a solid 4.25, though.

Somewhat related, the eARC I received contained a formatting issue in which every word that contained 'ff' or 'ft' had those letters blanked out (more than you would think!), which created a very jarring reading experience. My rating has nothing to do with the formatting directly, but I did need to call out that these particular formatting issues did frequently take me out of the story since I had to try and piece together what was being communicated on the page.

Examples:

"...emerges from the restaurant looking mi ed."
"...skin to gra over the gaping wound Emer le when..."

Additionally, several words would be missing at the very start following a scene break, so I just had to miss out on things or try to piece together using context clues, if possible. But like I said, I didn't let the formatting affect how I rated, but it did negatively impact how deeply I was able to immerse myself in the story.

Beyond everything else, Sutherland paints such visceral atmosphere that you can almost smell and taste the rot and putridity—her writing powerful and evocative in setting the scene and creating a certain tone:

"She kneels and places her palm against the earth. There is so much anger here. It boils out of the ground. It congeals in the roots of trees."

"Men do not know what it feels like to be hunted. Men do not walk alone on dark streets and think about fingers closing around their throats or their skulls thudding dully against the pavement."

Her writing is as sharp and appealing to all senses as it always is, which I enjoy.

The witchcraft and demons-based magic system along with the serial murder plot immediately hooked me and I was invested in these young women. There was one character reveal during the last ten percent or so that I was pleasantly surprised by, and then I was satisfied with the story's ending. I mentioned Jennifer's Body and the climax brought that same energy and I was here for it.

Pretty much I'm reading whatever Krystal decides to write next!

This book takes you on a journey with the occult and then some. You really felt for the 3 ladies and their journeys. It was interesting how everything intertwined. This was a very fun book to read and I never knew exactly what was going to happen next. Lots of action and adventure. My only criticism is that the affected hand after Jude’s “incident” was inconsistent.

Wow what a ride!!!
I already loved Krystal Sutherland’s
Writing so was excited for this book! Once again she didn't disappoint!

This is a paranormal YA horror that is grotesque and this novel delivers a storyline and has witchcraft and horror!

There are 3 POVs in the story and it was easy to love them all! You really get to know all the characters!

I will continue to read all by this author

Thanks NetGalley for letting me read and review!

When murder ties the lives of three young girls together, they’ll do anything to stop the murderer, and help themselves along the way.

I loved House of Hollow, as many have, so reading The Invocations early truly was amazing. I’ve sat on reviewing this book because I just can’t think of the words to accurately describe how I feel about it. This book has all of the things I love and I enjoyed every second of it! This book is not for the squeamish, it’s incredibly gory and worth even minute of the gore.

I adore Krystal Sutherland’s writing. There is this ability to capture the mood of the story that is so unique to other writers I’ve read before. It’s poetic and beautiful.

This book is marketed well as a YA paranormal horror. The plot of the book is well thought out. The beginning took off a little slow but picked up fairly quickly. The decision to make this multiple POV was a great. The voices are unique, reflect the speakers individual personality and story, and really help see multiple sides to the same story. The setting of the book really adds to the ambiance of the entire thing.

Our trio of main characters: Jude, Zara and Emer. Incredibly well written. I loved following along with them individually and collectively as a whole within the plot. Each girl has their own motivation within the greater concept. Theory to execution was spot on. They are empowering and witchy and I love the sapphic element, though I wish it had held a larger plot line for how it’s marketed.

Overall, another solid book by Krystal Sutherland, landing her on my must read list.

The Invocations is a haunting sapphic thriller filled with mystery, magic, and feminine rage.

It follows three female protagonists. Zara is an Oxford schoolgirl desperately seeking any means necessary to revive her murdered sister. Jude is the daughter of a billionaire and is irrevocably cursed. As Jude’s curse wrought destruction, she becomes desperate to restore the life she once knew. Emer, an orphaned witch with a tragic past and incredible power to craft invocations, is the only one who can help them both.

When I first caught wind of this book I was immediately drawn in and had high expectations. While it did have a bit of a slow start for me, when it picked up…it PICKED UP. I’m newer to mystery thrillers, but this did not disappoint. It was eerie, dark, and a little gory.

It’s set in modern times which sometimes lent itself to some cringy references. However, that might be a personal pet peeve. When a book has fantasy elements, it’s hard to marry in real-life elements without them feeling like a bit of a caricature.

All in all, I truly enjoyed the journey with all its twists and turns and I highly recommend it.

Thanks to NetGalley & Penguin Group for providing an advanced digital copy for my honest review.

Wow. What a book.
I already adore Krystal Sutherland’s House of Hollow, so it was kismet that I receive The Invocations as my very first ARC read.

And it did not disappoint!
A paranormal YA horror that is delightfully grotesque and desperately hopeful, this novel delivers a powerful commentary on patriarchy while spinning an entrancing tale of witchcraft and horror.

The book is told by three POVs, and I loved them all. While perhaps a bit exaggerated in their personalities (welcome to YA, where everyone is the best at everything) the characters really make the book for me- brash and beautiful Jude, brainy and tenacious Zara, powerful and badass Emer. Their individual stories are compelling, but their group dynamic is simply *chef’s kiss*!

It’s a murder mystery, it’s a paranormal story, it’s feminist literature, it’s horrific and gruesome- it’s a five star read in my opinion!

Thank you NetGalley & Penguin Group for providing an advanced digital copy for my honest review.

The Invocations was such a surprise. I knew going into it that it was probably a book I was going to enjoy. I mean, queer witches? Yes, please. But I was pleasantly surprised by how much I would fall in love with these characters.

I loved Jude, Zara and Emer so much. I loved their dynamic together. I loved Jude’s wittiness, Zara’s loyalty and Emer’s strength.
Apart they were intriguing characters, but together they are unstoppable.

The Invocations is a horror book, but it is also about empowering women and fighting against misogyny.

Overall, I loved this book and I can’t wait to read more by this author.

The Invocations is a sapphic and dark thriller filled with fierce female characters, witches and demons.

The topic of toxic masculinity is brought to the forefront with a good dose of female rage driving it. This is a fast paced novel with lots of witchy goodness shining through.

We are introduced to our three young women - Emer, Jude and Zara who band together to try uncover a serial killer who is targeting women. All three women are fascinating in their own right and together they are a force to be reckoned with. They are determined to ensure justice is served.

Krystal Sutherland has firmly cemented herself as an autobuy author for me when I’m looking for a dark, twisty read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group for the opportunity to read and review the Invocations in advance!

Just based on the blurb, I could tell I was going to like this book and I was not disappointed. I don't normally read thrillers/mysteries but I really enjoyed this one. Some parts were a little grisly and there is some body horror, but it never felt gratuitous or too much.

All of our main characters (Jude, Emer, and Zara) were great and well written. I really liked that we were introduced to them separately and by the time they meet they are fully fleshed out characters that I was already attached to. Emer and Jude were my favorites, but I also related a lot to Zara. Their interactions were so good, and I loved the banter they had in the friend group.

I love how this book included a lot of social commentary, but in a way that didn't feel like preaching or dry. It just felt like the author was acknowledging things that we all already know to be true. As with almost all books- some parts did feel predictable, but I didn't mind that at all. I also felt like the pacing was really good, this was definitely a page turner that kept me engaged the whole read.

Thanks to Penguin for this ARC!

I’m not gonna lie this had a bit of a rocky start - the formatting of the arc was pretty bad which I don’t hold against the author, but that alongside the writing style and excessive modern references made it take some getting into.

There are three different POVs for our MCs - Emer, Jude, and Zara, and once things started coming together I started enjoying it a lot more. I loved each of the girls for different reasons and I think the author did a great job of making them stand out from one another. I also loved the female empowerment aspect and how relevant it was.

The witchy vibes were great, it was creepy and sometimes gruesome, the serial killer mystery was very gripping and surprising, and overall it really won me over in the end.

Thank you to Penguin Group for the ARC!

Thank you so much to NetGalley & Penguin Young Readers Group for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a lot of fun - I really enjoyed the multiple POVs of our three main characters Emer, Zara, and Jude. All three ladies have quite different backgrounds and motivations: Emer is a witch whose family was killed by witch hunters when she was just a child and she helps women become more powerful using her magic, Zara lost her sister last year and will do anything to get justice, and Jude is the daughter of a wealthy and well-known man yet was cast away after a bad curse. The three join cahoots to track down the serial killer / The London Ripper who has left a trail of dead women, several of whom have gone to Emer for help.

I had a hard time getting into it at first as it's very much set in present day so there's lots of modern references like Instagram, Reddit, OnlyFans, Enola Holmes, GoodReads, etc, but after I got over that it was a lot of fun following these three ladies through their various adventures to find the killer. The ending definitely was surprising to me!

I would absolutely recommend this read to fantasy witch lovers who like a good murder mystery filled with laughs - it's very amusing and the multiple POVS are terrific. There isn't much for romance but there's some teasing throughout - all three ladies are lesbians and there's a lot of GIRL POWER and undertones of female empowerment throughout the piece. There's even mention of how only girls can have magic, which includes trans women because magic is recognized through the soul not the body

I don't know if Sutherland can write fast enough for me. I absolutely adored House of Hollow and was literally beside myself when I got the approval for this novel. I love her take on horror and I think there is a dearth of really good YA horror. She strikes the perfect balance between mystery, fear, curiosity, and wit.. Zara, Jude, and Emer continue the trend of this author writing absolutely bad you know what strong female characters. I could not have been more delighted to dig into this. This novel, compared to her first, is a bit more dark, with a bit more violence, but ultimately is even better. Cannot wait to get a physical copy in my hands.