I am a big fan of S.T. Gibson's prose ever since I read A Dowry of Blood, and this one didn't disappoint. While not comparable to ADOB, Evocation handles this unique triangle between the characters with the utmost respect and care; the occult lore was super well researched; the characters were flawed and adorable and fascinating. I would love to read more stories set in this world!

P.S. Thank you to the publisher for offering me a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The author made it seem initially like this book would be equal parts good supernatural plot and poly romance, but instead it was 90% cheating (physically and emotionally), 5% white men embarrassing a Black woman through their behavior and poor communication skills, and 5% lackluster plot that made very little sense.

I absolutely LOVED this book. I've been hooked on S.T. Gibson's writing every since I read A Dowry of Blood and have yet to be disappointed. She has such a mastery of creating rich, spellbinding settings and crafting complex, messy characters and relationships, and Evocation proves to be just the same. Evocation is perfect for those looking for a character-driven story steeped in the occult, complete with a healthy dose of flawed characters and a dark academia atmosphere.

Continuing the discussion of messy, flawed characters, I adored all three of our main characters in this book. David was by far my favorite with his self-confident, cocky attitude, while really being a lonely, sad boy on the inside who just wants to be loved. His character development was really well done, and it was interesting to see how Rhys and (especially) Moira helped him accept himself for who he is. The platonic love between him and Moira was really refreshing to see, as I feel like that sort of love is not depicted very often in the media. Moira herself would have to be my next favorite character. I loved that she wouldn't take anyone's crap and consistently stood up for herself and what she wanted. I feel like her maturity and candor were really an integral part in the success of the polyamorous relationship in this book. Rhys comes last on my list of favorites, as I feel like there is still a lot we don't know about him on a personal level. However, I do love his aesthetic and his moody, obsessive academic personality. It was interesting reading about his and Moira's relationship as well. I'm definitely interested in learning more about him and his past (and future) with both David and Moira.

As for the occult aspect of this book, I wasn't sure if I would like the urban magic focus in this versus some of S.T. Gibson's other works, but I found that I actually really enjoyed it! It's clear that Gibson has experience in the occult and the magic system was executed in a very real, believable sense. And even though you could tell that all of the MCs were experts in their specific areas, the way things were explained to the reader made it easy to follow and understand. I also enjoyed the secret society aspect in this book. I liked that it was a larger, well-established society that you could really see the inner workings of. I look forward to seeing more of the magic system and following each MC's occult journey, as well as the exploration of their new roles within the secret society!

I didn't think it was possible, but I honestly feel like I ended up loving Evocation more than I did A Dowry of Blood and I can't wait to read more about this world and its characters. I can safely say that S.T. Gibson has become one of my favorite authors, and I am so thankful that I was able to get an arc for this!

Thank you NetGalley and Angry Robot for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review.

***3.0 Stars***

Overall,
This is the third book by S.T. Gibson that I have read. Out of those three I’d say this is my least favorite. The story was fine, the characters were fine but I felt quite bored for the majority of the book. The world building was missing, I still don’t quite understand the time period or how the magic is integrated into society. The relationship between the characters was sweet.

David Aristarkhov, Boston attorney by day, powerful medium of a secret society by night.

As much as David wants to forget about his dead, abusive father, the debt from an ancestral deal is owed, and as his thirtieth birthday gets ever closer, that debt is due.

Seeing no choice but to turn to his ex-boyfriend Rhys, a member of the secret society they’re both a part of, David is sure Rhys can help him. Except, Rhys is married now, and to get Rhys’s help requires getting Moira’s help too, making a deal of their own in the process. Unaware of the dangers ahead, emotions become as tangled as the three of them, but the devil waits for no one and the devil has come for David.

When I say this was a book I needed, I mean it. Magic, a secret society, LGBTQIA+ characters, and a deal with the devil, it was everything I wanted and more.

Told through the multiple POV’s of David, Rhys, and Moira, there’s a great, well rounded sense of each character, giving the three of them their own voices as they try to figure out not just the curse, but each other and the new dynamic that begins to form between the three of them.

It felt like a quick read, and it didn’t take me long to get through it, and as a character driven story, I’m keen to see how the next book plays out, and if it’ll be more balanced between characters and plot. With that ending, too, I need the sequel ASAP.

Did I like the book? Yes!

Did I love it? Yes! More than I knew I would.

Would I recommend it? Yes! With LGBTQIA+ characters, a very messy character in dire need of help, and a deal with the devil, it’s a great, quick read.

I loved A Dowry of Blood, and did enjoy An Education in Malice, and so I was looking forward to reading S.T. Gibson’s next book, Evocation. Unfortunately, I ended up a bit disappointed. The world-building felt quite underdeveloped — I don’t think the magic system (what exactly it is and how its rules work, who has access to it, what the society does, who knows about it etc etc) was fleshed out enough, which then meant that I struggled to understand or truly care about the rituals that took place. The relationships also felt a bit rushed, and I wasn’t ultimately convinced by the trio’s situation by the end of the book.
Gibson’s writing itself continues to be deftly crafted, but sadly this one didn’t quite work for me.

5 TAROT STARS!!!

The throuple I never knew I needed, honestly. I also love the dynamic of this throuple—that not all of them are intimately involved in /that/ manner. I felt for all of them, especially with all their struggles. An ex who was so self-destructive that they’d never ask for help, but you love them so much you can’t leave them alone. A significant other with said ex and you can see how the worry is wearing them down ragged. An ex of yours that is finally living a happy life and you don’t want to get in the way of that, but you’re bitter as hell that it was never with you. God, how can we not all relate??

Them slowly opening up and finding what works in their dynamic was such a treat! I really love this book and honestly, I wish I could read it for the first time all over again.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this book!! This was my first book by S. T. Gibson and it was SO good!!

Set in Boston, David comes from a long line of successful, rich men entrenched in the secret underground world of magic users. David himself was a teenage psychic prodigy and has some major baggage when it comes to his Dad and his family tree. He’s living his best life (although a lonely one) until suddenly he hears an uninvited voice in his head and realizes that something’s very, very wrong and it’s only going to get worse if he doesn’t get some help. Rhys is in the same secret society as David, his ex, and quite possibly the only person that can help David. Unfortunately things ended badly between them and Rhys is now married to a woman, Moira, who has some of the same psychic abilities as David. David realizes that he’ll need both of them to help him if he’s going to survive.

The sexual tension btw David and Rhys and the complexity of their shared past was the driving force behind this book, but I also really really loved the deep platonic relationship that develops between David and Moira too. And of course Rhys treats his wife like a literal goddess which is so sweet, when he’s not caught up in his work. Moira was a BAMF and I want more of this universe because she’s the best. The pacing was a bit slow in the beginning, but the last stretch of this book was so intense as the clock ticked down and the way the ending came together was so satisfying. I want to know more about the Society and what they do. I really liked the way the author brought magic into the Boston area and the side characters like Kitty, Nathan and Antoni were well-written. I loved how David, Rhys and Moira all showed character growth. Although the ending was more than satisfying I would love to see these characters again and return to this world!! Fantastic book!!

In Evocation by S.T. Gibson, we follow David, a powerful medium part of an occultist society, as an ancient family curse - a fact previously unbeknownst to him - begins to rear its ugly head as he fast approaches his thirtieth birthday. He grudgingly realises he must ask the help of Rhys, a sorcerer, ambitious society rival and his ex-boyfriend. However, they’ve been no-contact for months and the only way David can get through to him is by reaching out to Rhys’s wife, Moira. Some fun little shenanigans ensue thereafter.

An aspect of the novel which worked quite well was the character-driven narrative the author weaved. I adored the dynamic between all three characters. The clear devotion Moira and Rhys have for one another (I melted when he referred to her as his little goddess), the palpable tension between David and Rhys, and the growing familial bond between Moira and David warmed my heart. I found the novel utterly captivating and difficult to put down each time I returned to it. I can’t wait for the next instalment in the series.

Really enjoyed reading this book but for some reason it was a little hard to follow the further it went. It also felt like a huge build up for not a big resolution. I really enjoyed the relationship growth was very interesting and moved very fast that it kinda felt off a little but other than that I really enjoyed this book!

This book seems more deeply personal than the two previous books I’ve read from Gibson. While I did enjoy this one it wasn’t my favorite – that crown goes to An Education in Malice. That being said, this book is a wildly different kind of book than her previous two. I am hoping that more of the magical side will be brought forward in the next book – it took a backseat to everything going on. David’s possession didn’t really feel as terrifying as I figured it would be and felt a little glossed over other than all of the research.

I honestly can’t recall a book where all three points of view are so, SO incredibly bull-headed. It was quite comical to read and Moira being the voice of reason while staying strong and true to herself was perfect. All of them have their own secrets and baggage but David definitely takes the cake. David and Rhys were interesting enough but I gravitated towards Moira – she definitely reminded me the most of myself.

"She was tired of averting her eyes and keeping herself small. She wanted to unfurl her wings and see how far she could fly."

I am excited to see where David, Rhys, and Moira’s story progresses from where the book ended. I can only imagine it gets progressively darker, more dangerous, and more delicious from here on. Especially now that the three have (mostly) worked the kinks out between them and everyone knows where they stand. I would like to thank Angry Robot Books and S.T. Gibson for the opportunity to read this one. I would definitely recommend this to those who love S.T.’s previous works, dark fantasy, LGBTQ+ characters, and the occult.

Ooooh I enjoyed the vibes of this. Had elements of dark academia, fantasy, horror, mystery and queer romance all mashed together. Very cool.

The writing was great, which made it so easy to visualise and get lost in. I loved the way the romantic and sexual tension was weaved in alongside all the action, lots of subtle looks, touches and inner longings! Big yes!

The main characters are all so fascinating, multi-layered and flawed. Whilst sometimes you want to shake them, the way their vulnerabilities were presented made any questionable actions make so much sense. Plus, it made it even more satisfying when they actually all communicated and connected in a more healthy way.

I connected with them all, but I think Moyra was my favourite. The way she is very caring and affectionate, but also doesn’t take any sh*t and tells it like it is, very much appealed to me. I’d have liked even more of her and her inner thoughts…guess I’ll have to wait for the next book.

In all honesty, I was way more invested in the characters’ relationships and dynamics than the possession and plot, but it all weaved together well. I’m so intrigued as to what’s next for these three and hope we get lots more of the side characters as well!

Thank you to Angry Robot books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this.

The book felt rushed in areas as she strove to tackle so much and became a little convoluted. the Magic and world building helped to bring this book up in my mind as well as David, who is by far one of my favorite characters.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing this eARC.
I have to say that I absolutely devoured this book. Evocation doesn't let you down. It grips you tight and doesn't let you go. S.T. Gibson is a genius.

I wasn't sure of this book at first, but once it grabbed me, I was sold. An atmospheric adventure that you will love every moment of.

Review: Review copy given to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Novel Review: Evocation is not like any of S.T. Gibson’s other books. So, if you are picking this up with the expectation of it being similar to A Dowery of Blood or An Education in Malice, you are going to be let down so let go of that before you start this novel. I would say this book is for fans of S.T. Gibson who want to know more parts of her as an author.

It’s hard to define what this story is about. It’s a love story at it’s core. It reminds me of cozy, romantasy in a way but even that doesn’t feel quite what it is. Let me spout off a few things and see what comes out. It’s a slow burn possession story, it’s about the occult and origins of secret societies, its about family and belonging, identity and complicated relationships. It’s about so much. If you are going in expecting a plot heavy book, this won’t be it.

I feel the need to defend this book, just because of the expectations of S.T. Gibson has just been in the position of A Dowery of Blood. I want you to know what you’re getting into so that you don’t have unrealistic hopes.

Evocation may push your belief system about love and relationships. I really enjoyed the three main characters, we get the story told from three different people and how they are intertwined by magic and the occult. This book reminds me of Olivie Blake’s stories in some ways. We zoom in to a lot of small moments and interactions between the characters and really examine what it means to be human.

I really loved this book. I gave it 4.5 stars. Some small things are that at times it does feel a little slow in the middle and because of that a tiny bit repetitive. A little bit more adventures would have made it a 5 star or even a new favorite for me. That’s all personal preference. I will continue with this series and it’s a book I would love to read again.

David Aristarkhov is a man living with a foot in two worlds. On the one hand, he is a hotshot attorney, while on the other he is one of the most powerful psychics in Boston's occult scene. His wealth and success come not only from his abilities but also as a result of being the latest heir in a family that used its occult powers for generations to ensure that wealth and success for themselves. David is also arrogant, cynical, and tactless.

No one could attest to this more than David's old college boyfriend Rhys. Rhys would like nothing more than to keep as much distance between himself and David as possible. Unfortunately, they both belong to the same secret occult Society in Boston, so he's forced to see David at their meetings. Both of them are highly ambitious with their magic, and both would love nothing more than to replace the retiring Head Priest of the Society.

Complicating David and Rhys's tenuous tolerance for each other further is Rhys's wife Moira. More specifically, the fight David caused between Rhys and Moira which nearly ruined their marriage. Neither Rhys nor Moira ever want to see David again, and David is grudgingly abiding by the boundaries Rhys has set for their further acquaintance. That is, until David begins to experience what he can only call spirit sickness.

David has blackouts, he can't sleep, he can't channel spirits, and worst of all, he needs Rhys and Moira's help to find out why. Slowly, the three of them begin to patch things up between themselves while trying to find out what is slowly draining David's spirit. The answers they find may be more than they bargained for.

First of all, this book is primarily focused on relationships - romantic, familial, and platonic. David was raised by an abusive father who only saw him as a tool, a psychic prodigy, that would further his father's own standing within the Society and to secure business dealings. David was raised to be ambitious and seek success. His only friend growing up was his half-sister, who he maintains a relationship with through intermittent phone calls and lunch dates. David has never wanted for anything in his life save human connection.

Rhys, on the other hand, was raised in South Boston and has never known anything but want. He has clawed his way up into a day job he enjoys in academia, and he's done the same in the Society. His primary goal is to become the next High Priest, and David is his biggest rival. He relies on his wife Moira to keep him steady, and she forces him to remember to eat and take care of their relationship.

Meanwhile, Moira has a secret of her own. She is a witch with a client list that allows her to have her own success. However, like David, she's a psychic. She can see and channel spirits, but she's ignored that part of her life for years because her family raised her to believe it was evil. Thus, in David she sees someone being successful in ways she doesn't feel she can ever be. She also sees someone who has hurt Rhys and his relationship with her without seeming apologetic at all.

This is the dynamic at play as Rhys and Moira work to help David figure out what's wrong with him, and watching them all learn to trust each other and help each other was a large part of the story. Which, to be honest, I did really enjoy watching their relationship develop and grow. I just wish a story about a centuries old deal with the devil had spent more time with the magical side of things.

The Society and magic and the occult could have easily been swapped out with regular social gatherings or groups, and the story would have largely remained the same. For a book that was supposed to be steeped in magic, there just wasn't very much of it. To be fair, this is the first book in a planned series, so I'm hopeful there will be time to correct this issue with balancing the romance and the magic.

The story also touched on a few other issues, such as alcoholism and patriarchal societies, and I thought those were handled well, even if they weren't the main message being related. Also, I can tell S.T. Gibson spent a lot of time crafting this story. Compared to other books by Gibson I've read, the writing in Evocation was definitely a step up. Not that the writing in previous books were bad, but I can tell there's been a lot of growth with Gibson's craft in this book. I'm definitely looking forward to more from this series.

I gave Evocation by S.T. Gibson four out of five stars. I was going back and forth between three and four stars for this book just because of the few issues I had with it, but in the end, I decided to round up to four stars. This book is magically inclined, but it's mostly about relationships. The romance is definitely there as well, but you'll have to wait until the end for the pay off!

It is the year of S.T. Gibson!!! Having already read a copy of Odd Spirits when it was originally self-published, I was absolutely thrilled with Gibson announced this book. The characters, the setting, and the set up for the next book... I loved every second of it. Moira is a complete vibe, and I think if I were to complain about anything, it would be that I wish there was an entire book dedicated to just her character and story. I seriously think Gibson can do no wrong. I can't wait for the republication of Odd Spirits so we can get a deeper glimpse into David and Rhys' relationship.

This started off as an exciting read as we are thrown into the world of the supernatural and the occult. Summonings. Possession. Demons. Sorcerors. Ghosts. The opening line had me hooked. A haunted house? Oh yes bring it on!

A strong character driven read, this is the first in a series and is centred around David’s story. As well as his thriving sideline occult practice he is also a prosecutor for the City of Boston. His ex boyfriend Rhys and Rhys’ wife Moira are the other main characters and the story is told from the three POV’s. Quite a complicated relationship between the three with lingering feelings coming back to the surface. And plenty of spice. However my favourite character was Leda, David’s sister, a chaos magician. While the others are quite bland she is a jump off the page larger than life personality. ‘A bit of a hedonist’ as she describes herself.

David and Rhys are competing for the best position at their secret society and I would love to have read more details about what goes on at their weekly meetings.

When David hears a voice at a seance which appears to come from inside of him he is concerned he has accidentally let himself be possessed and reaches out to Rhys and Moira for help. Could it be the devil himself? Could the fabled family curse be real?

It is obvious the author is very interested in the occult, being a tarot reader, and has done a lot of research. I watched a very interesting interview on Instagram with Fairyloot I would recommend you watch if you are thinking of reading this book, or have already read it.

I would have really liked more focus on the plot and more of the supernatural rather than the relationships but that is just my preference. The plot took a back seat which is a shame as that’s what I was hoping to read. Perhaps book two will be more plot focussed.

A brand new series by S. T. Gibson called The Summoner’s Circle. It’s an urban gothic fantasy that shines light on a polyamrous relationship. We mainly follow 3 characters in Boston who are occult practitioners. So we have some dark academia and demonology, curses, supernatural elements in the story. It’s actually reminded me a lot of Ninth House but with it's own unique elements of course. Very secret society, some reviewers have mentioned it's slower paced, but with it came a really character driven story. Adored it!