Every time I read something by S.T. Gibson, they raise the bar of what can be done with the intersectionality of queer found family and dark fantasy. The ease with which we are simultaneously drawn into the magical stakes of the story as well as the characters' relationship dynamics, and how inextricable they are from each other is simply masterful. A step away from the world of vampires and into the world of the occult, everything about this feels well-researched as well as lived in. Not to mention the very organic poly dynamics in this that grows along with the characters. Rhys and Moira as a couple are #goals and David's fraught journey towards (re)building an affirming and healing relationship with them is just so beautiful and vulnerable. I cannot wait to see what the author explores next. Some of the pacing towards the beginning could have been better, but I do love that every major character has their POV, which is absolutely essential in this sort of story.

I would give this book 3,5 stars if I could. I really enjoyed the polyamorous relationship, but the novel felt like it did not really have a plot.

I already knew these characters from the previously self-published prequel novella Odd Spirits and I feel like new readers may actually need that context, so I am glad it is getting published soon. I liked all three of them and their dynamics.

My problem with this book lies in the fact that the supernatural plot truly felt like it did not have any stakes at all. Which would be fine if the romance felt like it could pull the full weight of the story, but I found myself drifting off mentally at times. I would still recommend it for a light little supernatural read with poly rep though.

This had such an intriguing concept and opening, and I really wanted to love it, but it didn’t end up being my kind of book. The fantasy plot felt secondary to the romance between the three main characters, and a lot of the content was building towards their relationship rather than making me care about the magic. I love a character-driven fantasy, so this could’ve worked so well, but I didn’t really like any of them enough to be drawn in.

Also, the society was pretty vague. I wasn’t fully sure about what they did or why, or what bearing it had on the world. The stakes felt like they should’ve been higher, but most of the focus was on character relationships, which made me struggle to care about the magical side of the plot.

A unique and intriguing concept with lots of potential, but one that didn’t really work for me. However, if you want a more romance-focused fantasy, then you’ll probably love this. Definitely one for the tarot and astrology lovers too! I just wanted more world building and higher stakes.

★ ★ ★ ★ • 4

Another masterpiece by ST Gibson, who still has me reeling after finishing A Dowry of Blood. Though I have to admit, I somewhat doubt any other book will ever top that one.

Evocation focuses on three characters, who share a complicated relationship and various struggles. The story itself is a bit slow, but it did a good job of handling heavier topics so I didn’t mind so much… It also can’t go without saying to check and be aware of the trigger warnings before reading.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC for review!

Thank you NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

S.T. Gibson has easily become an auto-buy author for me and Evocation might be in my new favorite by her.

I absolutely loved this book. The dynamics between the three main characters, Rhys, Moira, and David was charming and I loved how Gibson explored their relationship.

As soon as I started the audiobook, I couldn't stop listening to it. I ended up staying up way later than I should have to finish this book in one night.

What to expect in Evocation:
💀 Exes to rivals to lovers
💀 Generational curses
💀 Secret societies
💀 Poly "V" relationship
💀 Bisexual rep
💀 Demons
💀 Exorcism
💀 Occult Fantasy

Back in 2021, I posted a review for a new book by an unknown writer on my old (ie mostly-ponderings) blog. That was ‘A Dowry of Blood’, my first encounter with ST Gibson.

Now here we are with her latest title, ‘Evocation’. It seems that she’s come so far in just a couple of years, and I’m beyond happy to see a fandom blossoming, complete with character art and special editions, because her books are absolutely worth all of the attention. Especially this one.

The blurb is above. Yes, this is an adventure, with complex relationships, high stakes and magic. What that outline doesn’t indicate is the sheer atmosphere and depth contained in these pages.

While the action is set in a richly depicted world of cult politics, family history and deeply human foibles, I was immediately drawn in by lushness of it all. I’ve mentioned elsewhere that ST Gibson’s style reminds me of Anne Rice’s early work, and by that I mean her writing is a sensory experience. The heat of the city, the taste of good food and a lover’s kiss, the sizzle of magic - it’s all so very tangible. I was immediately engaged with these characters because I felt that I was feeling exactly what they were, from touch and taste to the otherworldly beyond-sixth sense.

I tried to read this book carefully, drawing it out to make it last, but there’s several places where it’s literally impossible to put down. A main character fell unconscious and I was genuinely on edge to see how (if!) they would recover. Because they might die, right? And then the Devil would be dealing with that attitude in Hell…! Anything seems possible in this world, and I am absolutely here for every single step of it. Also I’m Team Moira (just in case we get badges).

I was so sad to miss meeting the author in person on her recent UK tour due to my own poor health, but it’s a joy to see the readership grow, even as I fidget and watch the social media to see any sniff of the second book! I know, it’s coming, but I can honestly say that this series is more important to me than most of the other big names out there right now (sorry, Jay Kristoff).

I’ve been recommending this book for months, but here is my official statement in case anyone missed it: please, please read ST Gibson. You’re very welcome.

Evocation by ST Gibson is a dark and twisted glimpse into the world of academia and secret societies. In Boston, a historic society of men involved in the supernatural is about to have a new High Priest selected from its current members. David Aristakhov believes he is the best choice for the job. He’s from a long line of men who have always had the power and becoming the new High Priest is the next step for him. The only problem is Rhys McGowan, his ex-boyfriend and society rival who has worked hard to cement himself as the younger society members' favourite.

The rivalry between David and Rhys runs deep and since their very messy break up the two men have been unable to say a civil word to each other. When David realises there’s something very wrong going on following blackouts and memory loss, he begs Rhys for his help in researching potential causes. But Rhys is married now and anywhere Rhys goes his wife Moira goes to. Tensions between the trio are high at first but a truce is called for when they realise they can all help each other.

Moira is a witch and a medium, she sees the dead but has no way to control her power. David has the knowledge and skill to teach Moira how to control her power and the agreement is made that they’ll all work together.

I’m not sure this book was for me. The first 30% dragged and if this hadn’t been an arc I probably would have DNF’d it. The main characters were all horrid to each other and for me, likeable characters are a must.

David was by far my favourite of the three and had the most personality and back story. I know that this book is the first in a series but if it wasn’t for the ending I wouldn’t even be considering reading more from this world. There were a few moments in the book which added nothing to the story and I can only assume that they were there to set up something for future books.

Overall not my favourite read this year and after seeing so many rave reviews I’m left feeling a bit flat about the whole book.

Each of the three S. T. Gibson books I’ve read has been completely different. There was Dowry of Blood, which I didn’t get on with, An Education in Malice, which I loved and now Evocation which was somewhere in the middle. In a way, it’s good because it shows the depth and range that Gibson can do, but honestly? I just want to read more like An Education in Malice.

There were many things I enjoyed about this though. I liked the characters: David: such a dick but I really enjoyed reading his parts, Rhys, a sweetheart who was so much better than David and Moira, who is a queen and should be given the world. I also liked how in each of her books, Gibson has given us a different taste of Polyamorous relationships.

I did feel that David with his charm and his law degree was under utilised. I felt there was going to be some really clever ending with deals and loopholes and while there was a fairly clever ending, I wanted more. I’m really hoping the next book uses David’s skills a bit more.

While I was disappointed, I am really looking forward to the next book in the series.

A Dowry of Blood is a book I have a huge lot of love and respect for, how Gibson tackled difficult subjects and unconventional relationships, that book really stayed with me. Possibly because of the high expectations of Dowry (and an enjoyable read with An Education of Malice), I went into Evocation with excitement and high expectations and it just didn’t do it for me unfortunately. While I devoured previous works of Gibson, I just couldn’t get into this and possibly it’s because the book focuses more on the relationship of the characters rather than the plot and I didn’t care about the characters.

This isn’t poly or a throuple, it’s David and Rhys smirking and sniping and flirting under the nose of Moira, Rhys’ supportive wife, who is easily the most likeable and interesting but sidelined to a side character in the shadow of the author’s clear favourite coupling. There are interesting themes in this book, and possibly they’ll be explored more in the series, but the priority really does feel on David and Rhys, it’s the energy of the book but I just couldn’t like them, they’re immature, lustful instead of loving, and incredibly selfish. Rhys calls Moira “little goddess”, yet he’s a terrible husband who admits doesn’t pay his wife nearly enough attention, he claims to love her more than anything and yet his blatant disrespect and disregard for her is disappointing. Moira is a sidelined, rather stereotypically written black female character in the shadow of David, and Rhys a spoilt little boy who gets it all. Moira is a queen, a badass, she’s nurturing and kind - and she’s turned into a doormat written to be a cheerleader to support and assist the 2 male characters. Like I said, this isn’t a relationship of 3 because Moira is given zero agency or equality or even dignity in this story, making this a story about adultery marketed as something kinder.

With such a focus out on the 2 male characters, if you like the lovers to enemies to lovers trope, maybe this book is for you, because really that is what this book feels about, the magical element merely a subplot. However for me, what I loved most about Gibson’s previous work is how female characters were given a voice and strength otherwise denied to them - and this felt like the polar opposite to what appealed to me.

Thank you Netgalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

This take on Dowry of blood was indeed different and it felt slightly let down for fans of ST.Gibson. It is not as dark as I thought it would be and the characters and their inter relationship was already complicated but not drilling down further on their thoughts missed out key factor. Moira was a strong character but was completely sidelined in her own marriage due to the complicated exes to rivals to lovers relationship between David and Rhys. She knew cheating was inevitable but taking it nonchalantly was a tad bit too much. It was a quick read where these characters dealt with a paranormal problem one of the family has been facing for a while.

It wasn't bad but it wasn't what I expected.
This book overall felt very dry to me. This was strange as I thought after A Dowry of Blood that this new area of magic & the occult would be a win-win for me as I truly loved how S.T. Gibson used vampires in her other story. But it didn't hold the same charm and neither did the characters.

It was still an interesting read and the love struggle between the three of them was my favourite. I love struggle, longing and frustration, what can I say I have a vibe I enjoy.

This is hard to rate between a 3 and a 4 because it's fun and well written but also just missing a lot? Like I read this book in 24 hours and I was so excited and giddy about the romance but also the plot was kinda hand wave-y and the was a lot of show not tell. For being a book about people with magic/psychic abilities we saw very little actual magic!!! But also I was enamored? This, to me, felt like a good romantic fantasy for a quick enjoyable read but with not a lot of plot but a lot of occult-adjacent symbolism.

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

This novel opens a series that might become one of my favourites. It’s an urban fantasy set in the occult underground with gothic and dark academia elements. It’s a somewhat slower story about demons, secret society, rituals, and astrology, but also love and friendship. The strongest assets of this novel are the messy, complex and detailed characters. Rather than the fast-paced plot, the focus is on their lives, thoughts, relationships and emotions. And there’s nothing wrong with that, as they are incredible. David and Rhys have to be my favourites because of their messy friendship, rivalry, past mistakes, and the desire present in their every interaction. I loved looking at them from Moira’s perspective, who understands their relationship better than themselves.

Also, apart from the fantastic characters, the novel touches on some more serious topics, like addiction, toxic ambition and childhood trauma. Especially the last is explored in detail, as David’s relationship with his father seems to affect every aspect of his adult life.

To sum up, I cannot wait for the next book in the series. I can’t wait to see where the story takes us next.

This is my first ever S.T. Gibson book and it most certainly won’t be my last. I’d like to say thank you to NetGalley and Angry Robot for providing me with and ARC of this book.
Evocation follows David, his ex partner Rhys and Rhys’s wife Moira as they navigate the difficulties of relationships, and the occult. David and Rhys are members of a secretly occult society, with David being able to channel and communicate with the dead, Rhys can conjure almost any demon and Moria is a witch. When David realises he may be possessed and everything isn’t quite as it seems, he doesn’t know who else to turn to, and when they offer to help him everything changes.
Whilst I really enjoyed the occult aspects of this book the part I enjoyed the most was watching the natural development of a polyamorus relationship and the real journey that they all went on. It was such a character study into each of them and the rollercoaster of emotions each of them went through, and how they realised that communication is the most important thing. I do wish we had more time with the 3 of them together and how they navigate life, this is a true slow burn so there wasn’t any time after they’d decided to see what happens next.
tThis felt like an opening to a world full of impossible and so many more stories to explore. I really hope there will be more books within this world.

This was absolutely amazing.

The plot, the writing, the characters. Everything!!


I expected nothing less of S.T. Gibson,

What really works in ST's books is the character exploration . Evocation isn't high action or plot dense but it's not trying to be. I think the plot is thinner than AEIM, which was thinner than ADOB, but it's character exploration and setting are probably my favourite.

Between the main trio, David and Moira were easy favourites. I really liked the work they put into developing an emotional connection. This series plans to have a book for each character and David is clearly the main character this time around. Rhys and David have off page history so we see less of the development between them but I would have liked to see more between the two of them.

The writing also leans less lyrical than in S.T. previous books but it's a good change for the contemporary setting. There was also such good humour through the whole book! I have so many highlights of favourite lines which is rare for me.

If you are a fan of S.T. Gibson's previous books youre sure to love this as well. I can't wait for the next instalment!

happy release day to evocation @stgibsonauthor!

Evocation is the newest release from one of my favourite authors and also the first book in ST Gibson’s new series ‘The Summoner’s Circle”. The book really solidified ST Gibsons ranking of one of my all time favourite authors and is placed on my instant purchase list. Huge thank you to @stgibsonauthor, Angry Robot, Tantor Audio and @netgalley for an ARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review. Since I received both the audiobook and e-book I can easily say that Evocation can be experienced in multi formats and still be amazing (plus Oscar Reyes’ narration of the audiobook is fantastic!) Everyone needs to pick up this book to experience by baby girl David! Evocation should be your next read if you like:

🔮 triple POV
🔮the occult
🔮dark academia
🔮a messy threesome/polyamorous relationship
🔮paranormal
🔮character driven
🔮queer romance
🔮secret societies
🔮exes to rivals to lovers

tw: alcohol abuse, physical abuse, childhood trauma

synopsis - The Devil knows your name, David Aristarkhov.
 
As a teen, David Aristarkhov was a psychic prodigy, operating under the shadow of his oppressive occultist father. Now, years after his father’s death and rapidly approaching his thirtieth birthday, he is content with the high-powered life he’s curated as a Boston attorney, moonlighting as a powerful medium for his secret society.
 
But with power comes a price, and the Devil has come to collect on an ancestral deal. David’s days are numbered, and death looms at his door.
 
Reluctantly, he reaches out to the only person he’s ever trusted, his ex-boyfriend and secret Society rival Rhys, for help. However, the only way to get to Rhys is through his wife, Moira. Thrust into each other’s care, emotions once buried deep resurface, and the trio race to figure out their feelings for one another before the Devil steals David away for good…
 
The first book in a spellbinding and vibrant new series from The Sunday Times bestselling author of A Dowry of Blood.

wish i had better words to describe why this book was a hit for me, all my brain is capable at the moment is: St. Gibson has done it again.

I really really loved everything about this novel. The occult, the urban setting, the characters (the mature and immature aspects of all of them), the demons, the rituals, the tarot, and the astrology. I ate it up! I enjoyed the way all of the characters interacted with each other and the summoning ghostly underground that these lawyers and scholars moonlight as. The whole vibe of the novel was so interesting.

That being said my only thing with this book, was that I wanted more demons, more ghosts, more possession-type events. The book was more about the relationship all of the characters had with each other —and I wanted a bit more : 🔮👻🔪🩸🕯️.

I think overall I was expecting something a little different than what I went into. But it wasn’t enough to really detract from my opinion of the novel. If you like occulty queer thruples and their shenanigans—check this out! 🥰

Tremendous THANK YOU to Angry Robot books and NetGalley for absolutely blessing me with a gifted copy of this book for me to review. It was lovely!

(my review will post to TikTok with the book tour on the 31st -- will share the link once posted)

This is my first S.T. Gibson, although they are already prolific in the dark academia space. The DA of this novel worked immensely well, it was the polyamory that I struggled with (it read more like a messy threesome than true poly). Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free advance copy.