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.