The thing that makes Evocation shine is its main characters. Rhys, Moira, and (especially) David are amazing, complex and lovable characters that I couldn't get enough of. Sadly, this is the biggest thing Evocation has going for it as a novel. The plot dragged, the setting and magic felt uninspired and there wasn't enough tension to keep my attention. The themes it dealt with were handled interestingly and carefully enough; I enjoyed it, but something about this novel just felt missing.

Big thanks to Saint and the team at Angry Robot Books for the e-arc!

Evocation is an urban paranormal book with a polyamorous relationship that really emphasizes its wonderful character dynamics.

David Aristarkhov is a physic prodigy whose has been leading a life as an attorney and medium for a secret society. All of his ambitions have culminated to him reaching for the position of High Priest of his society as he reaches thirty. However, his ex Rhys also wants the position, and they have had a rocky relationship since they broke up. When David suddenly finds a malevolent demon has entered him, he must reach out to the only person he trusts, Rhys. Rhys and his wife Moira, a powerful witch work together to safe David's life, but find that feelings are starting to build and must figure out how to untwist their relationships.

This was definitely a very character forward book that really focuses on the development and feelings of all three main characters. Due to that, it was a little tough for me to become interested at first, but over time the book definitely won me over and I was invested. The pacing felt relatively slow at first and also tended to pick up and slow down throughout the book. The setting itself was atmospheric and very urban, with a dash of paranormal and witchiness. In this world, the paranormal is quite real and people have many different skills regarding that, whether that is seances, evocation of sprints, intuition and more.

Again, the characters here are just absolutely amazing, and the way that the author writes them just wins over your heart. David is a bit of an asshole, but he truly does care about Rhys and grows to truly care for Moira. He's just a lonely guy who has struggled with his upbringing and has to learn to trust others. Rhys is just someone who is so determined to protect those that he loves and Moira is the true sunshine in this book. All three of them really complement each other and the way that they support each other and grow with each other was beautiful.

It is a polyamorous relationship, but I believe that Moira and David are more platonic, but do love each other. I love how comfortable the book depicts their relationship and how seamlessly they are able to be with each other. The book didn't end with everything resolved, so I am interested to see how they will continue to grow. I'm excited for the sequel!

Thank you to Angry Robot Books and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I don't know if I can properly put into words just how amazing this book was. I am a long time fan. of ST Gibson's writing. I read A Dowry of Blood a while ago and continue to re read that story every October. This author's ability to create a world that is just so immersive and well developed is just unmatched. I enjoyed the balance of the three main character's personalities in Evocation. There was mystery, there was romantic tension and there was the perfect dark academia vibes to get me in the head space for fall.

Thank you so much ti angry robot and NetGalley from my arc here's me honest review from the heart.

This book comes out 2024 and is the frist book in the Summoners Circle Series.

The prose we get from S.T.Gibsion is absolutely fantastic. We are following David an almost 30 year old and is LGBTQIA and has a family curse and the now the Devils come to collect so David seeks out his Rhys . I love how Moria,Rhys wife is such a strong woman and firece. The dynamic between all three are well thought out and I feel as if am watching a show on my head the story comes to life that much.

I like how each of the main characters have dedicated chapter Rhys,Moria and David and we view from thier perspective.

This is a series I highly recommend to read and I cannot wait to see where this story takes us.

#Evocation #NetGalley

Evocation is a witty, charming and heart-filling book and I’m fully obsessed. The demonic curse is a wonderful mystery to watch unfold and I loved diving into the power dynamics of secret societies and the occult.

The story’s strongest assets are definitely the characters – David, Moira and Rhys are all utterly fascinating in their own right and even more intriguing in various combinations with one another: David and Rhys, David and Moira, Moira and Rhys. I’ve loved watching them collide and come together, was enraptured by the evolution of their individual relationships throughout the book.
Their key moments are emotional heavy hitters and they’ve left me both wringing my hands and squealing with joy.

Overhaul the book is a fantastic, fun read and I would highly recommend everyone get their hands on it as soon as they can!

Thank you so much to S.T. Gibson and the team over at Angry Robot Books for making it possible for me to get an early electronic copy of the book!

#ManifestingEvocation

"Goddess incarnate. Witch of my heart." If there was one thing I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish, it was Rhys' enamoring way with words.

Although the book started slowly, Rhys and Moira instantly bewitched me, the latter especially. The first few chapters established everyone's roles and dynamics, allowing me to judge them as characters. Moira was a delight to read, with each chapter revealing a new likable quality that had me falling in love even more.

Rhys and David were both such princes, though the book could have ended sooner if they had received therapy and more physical contact as children. Nonetheless, I enjoyed them individually and together as they worked through their complex relationship.

Rhys' and Moira's marriage was one of the most refreshing relationships to read about, especially with communication and domesticity. The evident love they had for each other just seemed to grow with each chapter, and I felt like my heart could burst at times. They didn't radiate forced chemistry, but instead, desperation to cling onto each other and repair past troubles to maintain their foundation and love. David and Moira's platonic friendship was also just as heartwarming, making it seem as if they were soulmates in a different regard.

I know very little about spirit summoning or the rituals and spiritual practices in this book, so the plot didn't engage me. I looked forward to the characters' interactions more than the story development. The resolution of the plot itself also felt weak, like those cliche tropes where the villain gets defeated by the "power of friendship." However, I chose to look past it since I enjoyed the trio so much and give the book a 3.5/5.

S.t. Gibson truly has a way with words and storytelling and always sets the mood and dark atmosphere expertly. I deeply resonated with the main three, Moira especially on a spiritual level. I appreciated how they entwine and how at the end, they're still dissecting how they fit together.

This was so unexpected!
At the beginning I was not to into Moira and Rhys, I just could not like them AT ALL. As I said many times, David is a hard person to like but damn it, it was so easy to like him here, warts and all if you get me.

I was absolutely fascinated by the Aristarkhov legend and how it plays out, it really got me hooked. I would have liked a bit more of David actually discovering the whole thing, and we definitely needed more Lorena, she was the true goddess here and I loved her as a mother figure, even if we didn't get a lot of her. Also loved Leda and I can't wait to see more of her and the chaos magic, because that sounded fascinating.

The dynamics between the three protagonists were difficult but at the same time fascinating as it really brings David out of his many protective layer and exposes his heart to the reader and I found somewhat of a kindred spirit there.

It was nice to see that the marriage partners had open communication about the poly thing, would have loved it more if they extended that courtesy to the third, because it really felt like David would have benefited from a nice long talk about the dynamic before being right in the middle of all the turbulent feelings.

In conclusion, if you are into "lovers to rivals to lovers", "enemies to friends to lovers", a bit of a toxic dynamic that maybe gets resolved into something better and a whole lot of family trauma this one is for you.

I knew I was going to love this book from the first paragraph — and I was absolutely right. I devoured it quickly over a few days, which I don't normally do, especially on e-reader. The story is fast-paced and engaging but it's the characters and their dynamic with each other that fully sold me. S.T Gibson does such a fantastic job with banter and sexual tension, as well as creating strong-platonic relationships. It was a really exciting start to this new series and world, and I'm intrigued to see what will happen next!

David was looking at him like they were twenty again, like they might be able to get it right this time, orbiting each other’s spheres without burning too hot or swallowing each other alive.”

Evocation is a captivating exploration of the lives of three occult practitioners set in Boston. This book is mostly character-driven and is a beautiful portrayal of queer and polyamorous relationships. It also explores themes of sobriety, relationships between exes, and magic societies!

🌈 Queer rep: primary characters - MM main pairing, MF platonic romantic pairing, poly MMF situation. Secondary characters - trans woman, bi/queer sibling, nonbinary person (very brief), poly MFNB trio.

Many many thanks to angryrobotsbooks for the arc!

I had heard of S.T.Gibson before reading this book,a dowry of blood was advertised everywhere as the perfect book to read for the spooky and fall season. To say that i was hyped about getting an arc of Evocation would be a understatement. I was simply ecstatic. And so with a heavy heart i have to say that i unfortunatly didn´t really vibe with this book. For a book that´s supposed to be about magic and the devil this had almost none of that. Only in the third part of the book did the magic come in. Way to late! We learned as good as nothing about the world. Where is the worldbuilding? Are we set in modern world or is it medieval? Is there anything inherently unique about this world? The chemistry between the three main characters that are supposed to end up in a poly relationship is non existent. I could not relate or sympatize with any of the characters. At times it felt like I was reading fan fiction (and not the good kind).

Those were all the things I didn´t like about the book, now to the good things. Giving that the worldbuilding was non-existent, you didn´t have to get over the 100 page mark that´s typical for fantasy novels, where they throw all the worldbuilding and characters at you. This world felt weirdly familiar almost like you already now these characters, and you´re just reading an novella or short-story about some side quest.
Also I blew through this book. I read it in two days. I coud not put it down!

Overall this book was a hit or miss for me. I am interested to see how this series is moving forward and how the relationship between the three main characters will evolve.

Evocation is a fast-paced and addictive read full of magic, curses and morally grey characters. It didn’t take me long to be pulled into this story and although it’s not an action packed adventure, I enjoyed following the characters as they learned, grew, and worked together. I will say that the synopsis does kind of spoil a major plot point that it takes ages to get to in the book, so I found that a bit of an odd choice.

The book has triple POV, giving all the MCs their time to shine. The characters themselves were what really drew me into this story. David was kind of horrible but also so full of love for his friends. Rhys was determined and serious and I absolutely adored Moira. She was so wholesome and caring. I liked seeing these chaotic disasters figuring things out together, and their connections to each other were explored in such a good way. I’m looking forward to seeing what will happen in the next book!

I’d recommend picking this one up if you like:
🔮Summonings
🔮Poly relationships
🔮Second chances
🔮Bad decisions
🔮Curses
🔮Unlikable main characters and also wholesome main characters
🔮Tragic yearning

A big thank you to Angry Robot for letting me read an early copy of this book.

The only way I can think of articulating St Gibson's writing style is 'emotionally beautiful' and 'effortlessly romantic'.

Where 'A Dowry Of Blood' is heartachingly lyrical, poetic and melancholic, 'Evocation' is intimately emotional and so beautifully human.

I absolutely fell in love with all three main characters equally. Polyamorous relationships are my favourite to read but generally only when they are a polycule. However, the amount of time dedicated to emphasising the power and importance of platonic (borderline romantic) love had me absolutely hooked from page one. I was so invested in watching these characters grow together and work out the dynamic that was true for their story. As someone who is on the Ace/Asexuality spectrum, I've recently learnt how important platonic relationships are to me so this was the perfect timing and so validating

The plotline was captivating enough add value to the relationship rather than hinder it (if not a little predictable and obvious at times). This definitely feels more character driven than plot and is executed wonderfully. I was even invested in the side characters and the sprinkling of their stories.

The representation in this book !! As a therapist with a lived experience of anxiety, I love reading representations that feel realistic/true which is exactly how I felt reading Evocation. Not to mention the ethnicity rep and LGBTQ+ rep.

The only critiques I have are:
- the climax felt a little anti-climatic and somewhat easy? It didn't feel "magical" enough.
- There was only one moment where the character development felt like it regressed a little and seemed inconsistent however this appeared to be for the purpose of plot and smoothed out nicely within the same page or two.

Even with this in mind, this is absolutely a 5 star read for me. Reading this with rain as my backdrop and a warm cup of tea felt wistful yet comforting.

A million thanks to Angry Robot and ST Gibson for this ARC!

Uhmmm wow, I absolutely loved this. The characters??? I'm in love with all of them somehow??? Especially David though, because let's face it-- everyone's a little in love with him. Ok, Moira too (Rhys sure knows how to pick 'em).

Due to the main conflict of the book, David definitely seemed like the main *main* character, it felt like he was the sun and everyone orbited around him. I loved this as he was my favorite (an intelligent sad boy with issues he's working through? this is my literary kryptonite), and his POVs were great to read. I love how his inner monologue is in direct conflict of how most people see him, and I loved his growth in this book.

I also loved Rhys (David's sorcerer ex and rival in their secret society) and Moira (Rhys' wife and astrologer/witch). Their communication was so refreshing to read. I loved how Moira was such a badass in literally every part of the book, she radiates confidence and just had a general self-assuredness that was so nice to read.

I loved the journeys of our cast of MCs, and how they figure out how/if they can fit into each other's lives, and what a friendship (or more?) could look like. This book was very character focused, and ST Gibson did a great job at creating these characters and fleshing out their very real chemistry. I would have loved more details on the different types of magic that are mentioned, and I hope we get more about the world in the next book.

Overall- easily 5/5, loved this, will read anythign ST Gibson writes.

TW/CWs: discussion and depiction of alcoholism, an addiction relapse, smoking, marriage in trouble, discussions of child abuse (physical and emotional), discussions of infidelity, life threatening magical curses, consensual sexual content [these are from the author]

I think that as the three characters in this novel fell in love with one another, I was just as equally falling in love with them, because I adored every single character in this book, from the very minor characters to the main ones. The complexities of the magic system was also really interesting, and I like how there was a difference between having inherent magical “sight” and having the ability to do spells simply out of studying really hard and trying a lot. Overall a really good read, and I can’t wait to read more of the characters.
I think if I had one complaint, it would be that there were some points where I wished that the characters had moved faster, but I think that that’s less of a problem with the pacing than it is me wanting them to get together and find out what was going on sooner. To be entirely honest the anticipation was half of the fun, and this is the first of a series anyway, so there will be more of the characters eventually.
In conclusion this book is going to absolutely drive me insane and I love everyone in it so much (and when I care about a rich white guy whose house looks like an IKEA showroom (a direct quote) than you know the writing is in fact really good)

Thank you so much to the publisher for this arc!!!!!

Honestly, this was a journey with David, Moira and Rhys. But can I have a short story with them or another book with them???!!!!!!!!! I want to spend more time with them. I feel there is so much more I have not read about their relationship. I really enjoyed everyone's point of view. Rhys is SO DOWN BAD for Moira. I love that for her! David softening up to Moira was too cute.

I think I will return to this review because I devoured this book. I have not done that in a while.

Thank you to Angry Robot Books for my arc!
i'm still blown away that I was chosen to read this early!

I wasn't sure what to expect going into this but i was pleasantly surprised. the story is told in multiple perspectives and i couldn't put it down. Although i do wish that we did get some flashbacks as to why David/Rhys had a falling out instead of being told in hearsay. I also really loved Moira, she was a very calming presence compared to Rhys and David. I will say i wasn't that invested in the romance aspect. I was more intrigued by the actual seances and the secret society aspect.

I'm looking forward to the sequel!

this book was the most delicious thing on my tbr since i first learned about its existence

polyamory is such a fascinating concept to me and i keep reaching for books that explore it in different ways. evocation certainly scratched an itch for me there. i was so enraptured by the chemistry between the characters, it kept pulling me through the story, wanting to see more of them.

i do feel like david was certainly the star of the show but i would be lying if i said i wasn't just as fascinated by moira or rhys. i'll probably spend hours thinking about each of them, picking apart traits and motivations. i had So Much Fun with them and could definitely feel how well-loved all three of them are by the author. and now i'm sort of obsessed with them. i don't know.

saint gibson certainly maintained the standard set by a dowry of blood, and i couldn't have been more delighted to see that their writing here felt just as smooth and devastating. as for the plot, i think it was less of a point than the actual characters and the relationships between them, which hurt my rating for a star but honestly, i wouldn't say that it was in any way underdeveloped or underwritten. the change of pace closer to the end of the book felt a little sudden but, overall, the main plot line was executed pretty well in my opinion, especially considering the powerful characters it was meant to act as a backdrop for. at some point it felt like the stakes were going to be higher, but that might just be my weird expectations of everything even remotely fantasy

as it is, i enjoyed the experience immensely and can't wait what else the author can offer in her future works

p.s. i think, you should also read odd spirits, maybe even before this one, for some context

eARC was sent to me by @angryrobotbooks and all thoughts are my own)

Overall I really enjoyed the book. I read it today and it was kinda cold and rainy out so it kinda fit the vibe. It is a great mood read.

One thing I really enjoyed was the flaws of the characters and how they were written. I found myself sympathetic but also frustrated with the characters but I enjoyed that as it felt very engaging. It was interesting how the story played out and how they got there. I related to David a lot during the reading and found myself drawn to Rhys and Moira. At times it could get a little slow but I found myself always wanting more. It draws you in like Moira, David, and Rhys are drawn together. I liked how the relationships unfolded and how the characters struggled through certain plot points and issues.

This is not a grand all encompassing read but one that focuses on a small group of people that are drawn together because of a curse. It is a hauntingly charming (is that a thing?) tale and I cannot wait till book two!

Thank you so much to Saint and Angry Robot for allowing me access to Evocation as an ARC! S.T. Gibson is the kind of author whose writing follows you once you've finished their books, and Evocation is no exception. I think I'm biased because of my love for a Dowry of Blood, but I think that Evocation is a lovely start to what will be an excellent series. I did find the pacing to be a little different than I was expecting, but I loved seeing the dynamic between David, Rhys, and Moira come to fruition. I cannot wait to see the direction Saint heads with this series; occult magic, secret societies, and a healthy dose of polyamory can never go wrong. I'm so glad to have pre-ordered a physical copy and can't wait to see the final product!

This is a story which is told from multiple perspectives and has an interesting hook.
It made for easy reading, but there was nothing about the style, or prose, that impressed me. There was a repetitive nature to the writing, which was wrapped up as whimsy. I think a good edit could iron that out and make it an overall better reading experience. I was surprised when I got to chapter three and found a week wrapped up into a paragraph. Why did the writer not give us a glimpse into David’s world? The court room and how he deals with his work life / other job balance? Instead there was a week wrapped up in an uninteresting paragraph. Instead of seeing David’s annoyance, I was told about it and it was at that moment I grew more disappointed.
When a writer skips things as though they are boring, I begin to wonder if what I am reading is boring.
This book read more like a film, I think it would make an interesting film and if it ever transitions to the screen, I would watch it.
It’s a slow burn with exposition driving you into wondering when something is going to happen. Demons, magic and curses, should be interesting, but overall, this one was not for me.