⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for an early copy of this audiobook!
S.T Gibson really intrigues me, her books are like a tickle I cannot scratch. It happened first with a Dowry of Blood and again with Evocations.
The story is interesting, and the characters are interesting, but something is missing.
For the second time, while reading this author, I waited and waited for the big BANG, but what I had was continuos edging. As foreplay goes this delivers, but I want more!
I wanted more David, more Rhys, and sooooo much more Moira.

The plot was engaging even though nothing was really happening, or just happening very slowly. Personally, I don´t dislike slow books, and I didn´t dislike this one, but I got bored at different points and that is not ideal.

The polyamory aspect of the book I really liked, she is very good with that and I loved the angst between David and Rhys and its overall arc.

David and Moira are also so well written, but yet again not completely pleasing. I wanted to see more about their platonic love and how they managed to integrate it with their romantic love for Rhys.


Lastly the audiobook. I needed three narrators, or at least two (one for the boys and one for Moira) MINIMUM.
I think I would have enjoyed the book more if I read it. Unfortunately, the voice actor had a weird tempo reading and it annoyed me sometimes. His voice I loved, he did a particularly good job with Rhys, but other than that, there were so many things that could have been better!

Overall I liked it, but not more than 3 stars

✨ALC Audiobook Review✨

Last night I finished listening to @oscar_reyes_narrator exquisitely perform three main characters’ voices. I took some time to consider all my thoughts.
1) His narration added a star absolutely.
2) I feel like this book was a lot of exposition to set us up for the rest of the series. And yes, that’s what the first in a series does, but also, there was a LOT going on, but not a lot happening. Do you know what I mean?

Here’s the skinny: David and Rhys are exes who are both still very involved (rivals) in their secret occult society. Rhys has moved on from David and married Moira whom he loves and considers his goddess.

David suddenly has “spirit sickness” and needs the best occult researcher to help find out what’s wrong and how to fix him. Enter Rhys and Moira, who just wants to protect Rhys from the toxicity of his relationship with David.

A lot goes on here re: the secret society, but mostly the dynamic of David, Rhys, and Moira. The complexities of this polyamorous relationship has a lot of space dedicated to it in this book and I’m here for it.

So, here’s what I liked:

✨polyamory exploration
✨the dark academia/secret society vibes
✨David and Moira’s relationship
✨the Beacon Hill house
✨David

I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

I was given an ALC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are mine alone.

S.T. Gibson is officially an auto-buy author for me. They way she meshes romance with the fantasy world is incomparable. How she writes about a polyamorous without giving me the ick, I will never understand. I love that instead of the focus being magic, it was each characters psychic and medium abilities. I cannot wait to continue this series!

Thank you, NetGalley and RB Media, for the Audio ARC .

I got an ARC in October or November and I tried to read it but I didn't have that much time,  i think I read 10 chapters,  and it was ok , and now I gor the Audio version and holy shit it was mu h faster. I have the say that I didn't love the narrator that much...
It was good , not amazing. Not much happening,  it is more of a knowing the characters than action type of book . Like nothing really happened? I don't know how this book is almost 400 pages , only in chapter 26 ( I think ) the post finally started , and it's a 35 chapters long soo... and didn't really see the magic , we were only told , at the end it was like :"  he told some words and you could see the magic took to much energy " and that was it .

I am a little disappointed,  I wanted to love it . Maybe the second book is better . Fingers crossed 🤞.

3.5/5 stars

3.5⭐

Psychic prodigy, David Aristarkhov has is all - wealth, power, and a smile that can charm anyone he meets. But as his 30th birthday draws near, David finds himself paying the price for ancestral deal with the devil. The only people who can help David is Rhys - his ex-boyfriend and rival - and Rhys' new wife, Moira. As the ancient curse takes its toll, David, Rhys, and Moira must set aside their differences in order to save the youngest Aristarkhov heir.

Ever since their debut, I've been interested in trying a book by this author. And I'm happy to say that I liked this. I don't think this is going to be a book that sticks with me, but the reading experience was a good one.

The selling point of this book was definitely the relationship between the three main characters, I absolutely adore the fact that more diverse relationships are being represented in publishing these days. David, Rhys, and Moira are all flawed characters, but I loved seem the progression of their relationship throughout the book. I especially loved the close friendship we saw blossom between David and Moira.

The plot, on the other hand, was fine but I definitely don't think it was strong enough to carry the story without the help of the characters. As for the narration of the audiobook - it was okay. I wouldn't say the narrator was my favorite, and it took me a while to get used to, but I didn't mind it s much by the end.

While I enjoy S.T Gibson books, I wasn’t a huge fan of the narrator chosen for this audiobook. When he did the southern woman voice, I honestly wished that they did dual narrators instead of the one.
The story follows David who has a black out spell so he contacts his ex-boyfriend to help him out, he then strikes a deal with them for his ex and wife to help him solve the cause of the black outs in return he grants them small favors.

Overall, I found Evocation to be a good and interesting read. I couldn’t put it down and ended up finishing in one day because I was so curious how things would turn out for multiple aspects of the story. The ending was acceptably satisfying (most immediate peril somewhat tied up/no giant cliffhanger) though I would say there is certainly more story to explore in this world with these characters.

I will say the story and overall vibe of the book was quite a bit different from what I was expecting (simply based on my assumptions and the short description blurb). This is not necessarily a bad thing, it just took some time for me to adjust and may have filtered my opinion in some ways. I thought there would be more paranormal secret society shenanigans, more of David’s psychic side jobs, and more of the ancestral deal with the devil (spookier vibe?). The deal/curse is definitely a major plot point but aside from maybe two scenes it somehow felt more like background trivia than pivotal plot.

So, if this book wasn’t what I was assuming it would be, how would I describe it? To me it read almost more like an intimate slice of life where I was hanging out inside these three characters’ minds while they went through a few shared main events (secret society leadership, ancestral deal/curse) and evaluated their various feelings and relationships. While I wasn’t a big fan of any of the three main characters, I did really appreciate that they were all written to be very human and flawed. Not only that but we get to see them wrestle with and face some of their flaws as well.

The audiobook narration was overall excellent. Well-paced, emotive (without being over-the-top), and easy to distinguish between the three main characters.

Thank you to Tantor Audio for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I had such a fun time listening to “Evocation” by S.T. Gibson.

One of the things I loved about this book the most was simply the vibes. I love anything to do with the occult and witches. The universe was built in such a way that drew me in.

The characters also captivated me. “Evocation” follows three characters: David, Rhys, and Moira. Rhys and David are exes, while Rhys and Moira are married. They band together to help David battle the outcome of an ancient deal with the devil. Bonds are strengthened, but can an ugly breakup be overlooked? I loved the characters, particularly Moira. I was on the edge of my seat when it came to seeing what happened next in the relationships between the three.

This book is more character based than plot based, in my opinion. I wished that there had been more in-depth discussion in regards to the actual workings of the universe. Overall, it feels like not that much actually happened in this book. I did love the character and relationship development, though. I am hoping to see more world development in the future books, which I will definitely be reading!

Thank you to NetGalley and RB media for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I felt like the premise of this book held a lot of potential- a secret society, curses, a deal with the devil…but it really fell short for me. There really was no ‘action’ until about halfway through the book, and even at that point, I didn’t really care much about the characters. I really didn’t find them likeable, with the exception of Moira (maybe). I also didn’t quite ‘buy’ the evolution of the relationship between he characters. There is much more drama than supernatural action/mystery. I actually didn’t care what happened to David at the end…I would have been fine with his fate either way.

The narrator was okay, but it felt like he was reading from a book, and not necessarily attempting to draw you into the story.

The audio was great! The story delivered. S.T. Gibson always gets it. I’m obsessed. I’ll be recommending this plenty.

Yes yes yes! This book was such a fantastic ride, I could not put it down! I knew I loved S.T. Gibsons work, this just solidified that even more for me. The relationships in this book were EVERYTHING to me. Not one page was boring and I was always entertained. This book follows three POVs and all three are thrilling. This book gives magic, paranormal, slightly gothic, secret groups, queer relationships, love, hate…. What more could you ask for in a book! This is a book that makes you want to re read it after you have just finished it.

This book was brilliant. I spent the entirety of my day chasing every moment I could to listen to this book, and couldn’t wait for each moment that came next. I truly appreciate the representation of polyamory in this book.

The voice actor did a wonderful job voicing all characters involved, and fit all roles perfectly! This quickly moved up my list of favorite books for the year!!

vibes: dark academia, occult societies, polyamory, ex damage

Heat Index: 4/10

The Basics:

Former psychic prodigy turned lawyer-by-day-medium by night David is in danger. A Faustian bargain is about to come due, and his life hangs in the balance--which leads him to the doorstep of Rhys, his ex-boyfriend and rival in their secret occult society. And also Moira, Rhys's wife. Moira is the key to getting Rhys's assistance; but she doesn't exactly trust David. If he's going to survive, the three of them are not only going to have to work together, but truly trust each other.

The Review:

I............. am feeling a lot of feelings. Many of which aren't exactly positive.

The reason this doesn't have a lower rating is that I do like S.T. Gibson's writing style, and in general I enjoyed this overall world. I love a secret society. I love an occult moment. I honestly feel like we need more of this in romance (though, is this romance? Mmmmm). It's all compelling. You can tell that Gibson has done her research on that level.

I was really excited to hear about this book, after enjoying A Dowry of Blood. It was pushed as the beginning of a poly romance series, and it sounded like it sat somewhere between paranormal and fantasy. It does that, and it is poly. But...

I'll go ahead and get the "is it romance?" question out of the way, because you'd think that would irk me the most, but it really doesn't. I feel like this really toes the line. The triad relationship is a core part of the story. In fact, I would say that it basically did drive the plot, as you couldn't really have the rest of it if these three weren't engaging with each other. But somehow, it still didn't feel completely like a romance to me. Perhaps it is. Perhaps it's just not a good romance.

I was initially so intrigued by this tension and anger, this push-pull between David and Rhys. I love messy exes, and I was totally down for the angle of a wife also being in the mix, someone who knew what these two were to each other and like... didn't exactly hate David, but did express wariness. Because nobody wants to get cheated on.

This seems to be a controversial take among people who have critiqued this book, but I actually did like Rhys. Probably because I enjoy the Stern One Who's Trying To Do The Right Thing. And I was into his connection with Moira! They seemed like a real married couple--trying to make their relationship work despite some tough odds and trials of the past. David I was less into because it became abundantly clear to me that, though this book does offer POVs from everyone involved, I was supposed to really like David and be into his mess and he was the snarky guarded white guy and so on and so on and so on......

Moira is where we started running into issues. And not because I disliked her! Nope, not at all. Because of how she functioned in the story.

To preface, Moira is a Black woman from the South. I am from the South, but I am white, so please take anything I have to say regarding her characterization with a grain of salt. I hope that by the time this book is out for a bit, there will be more reviews from Black readers (specifically Black women) who can offer more insight.

I did begin narrowing my eyes fairly early on when it felt like Moira was coming in to offer mystical help to these two white guys--well, more one than the other, as Rhys clearly wanted to help David but also didn't want to fuck with his own marriage... David was the one who needed help--when it really didn't super benefit her. I get not just wanting to let someone die, that's human decency, but I didn't really get as much... conflict? As I wanted. Like, she knows this guy had a very tumultuous relationship with her husband, she knows there is unresolved shit going on, and she knows that David would FOR SURE want another go with Rhys if he could have it (even if it was only momentary). So... while I'm sure I would ultimately help to save a life, she seemed rather magnanimous about it.

And I thought... Bonnie Bennett warning bells.

However, as Moira and David began hanging out together, I liked it. I liked their chemistry. I liked their friendship. I liked their platonic love for each other. And yes, it is platonic, because while this is a poly romance, it is not so much MMF as it is MM .... FM. Big difference. Rhys is bisexual and loves both Moira and David, romantic and sexually. David is gay. David and Moira do grow to love each other, but it's not romantic or sexual. Rhys is the only person in this trio who is with two people, ultimately. Which isn't inherently bad, but, as I've expressed in romance commentary, I do think it's harder. If you don't thread the needle, it feels like one person is getting "everything", where at least one other person is just sort of having to give.

That's where we ended up here. Like, I believe that Rhys loves Moira... although that love also was expressed in a way that felt REAL PACIFYING. Not pacifying her so much as the reader. He calls her "little goddess" and worships her and talks about how good she is... Whereas his relationship with David is fraught, crackling. Yes, one of those dynamics is on paper "healthier" than the other, but one is also more stagnant and safe and seems to have less depth invested in it, compared to the other. When you have Couple A over here tra-la-la-ing their way through problems and Couple B fighting and angry kissing and oh damn he just hit his knees in a Walmart (not in a Walmart, elsewhere, but you get me) it becomes clear that the writer is having a lot more fun with B than A.

And it felt like, frankly, we were being pacified with this idea that Moira was loved and cherished and worshipped in theory, when in reality she gave and gave and gave. She's saving David; she's becoming his friend, even though he's kind of an asshole; she's endlessly understanding of Rhys, except for when she needs to protect David, because we wouldn't want her husband to hurt the feelings of the guy he's cheating on her with...

Because there is cheating; and I'm not inherently against that. I am kind of against the person who was cheated on being like "welp, it is what it is, I FIGURED" about it. Especially when the person who was cheated on is this endlessly giving, nurturing, understanding Black woman who's sort of shuttling between these two white guys who mostly just seem to draw from her "strength". She's so strong that when she finds out her husband cheated on her--with his ex at that--and wants to be with the other person AND her, she's like.. already picked up a book on healthy polyamory? Because she saw this coming?

And like, maybe that book would also have something to say about how to deal with your polyamorous relationship sort of kicking off with infidelity, and how to handle that beyond "I'm good with it, and maybe down the road I'll get someone too, who knows".

So yeah. For all that the book has interesting points and interesting character beats, I really couldn't get past how it felt like Moira was this long-suffering, really cool Black woman with supernatural abilities whose white companions basically kind of jerk her around. And she just takes it like a champ, because she's Strong. It's the Bonnie Bennett issue I referenced above (if you've seen The Vampire Diaries, you get it--if not, then, well, I hope you get it anyway based off of this review). It's not that I didn't like Moira. I did, for sure. I just felt like she was there to serve Rhys and David's narrative, and that made me feel really shitty. Like, I don't want to read white guy m/m with the one dude's wife, a woman of color, going "Have fun, boys!" I want her to have her own role, and I want her to RECEIVE things, versus giving.

The Sex:

There are a few different sex scenes. Nothing crazy, nothing super explicit. Kind of euphemistic. I feel like it would've been hotter if I believed in the relationship(s) more.

If I'm being honest, while this isn't totally without merits, I'd recommend checking out other poly romances over this. I'd also say that if you want to read a Gothic romance series with polyamory and queerness, you could always check out Sierra Simone's Thornchapel books!

I don't think S.T. Gibson intended for the portrayal of Moira to be off the mark; but ultimately, to me this was a case of a writer being much more invested in the M/M than the F. Which is a common issue when you have a "V" triad versus a triangle triad in romance.

Good ideas, and outside of the context of the narrative, good characters. I just think this one needed another draft, at min.

On an audiobook note, Oscar Reyes does a really good job; I've listened to him (actually, on Sierra Simone projects) before, and he's always great.

Thanks to NetGalley and Angry Robot for providing me with an audio copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I’ve loved everything I’ve read by S.T Gibson, but this was a bit of miss for me. I’d still read book 2 when it comes out because this felt like more of a set up than a book in its own right. This is more character driven than plot driven, there’s a huge focus on the relationship between David and Rhys. I think the relationship between David and Moira had potential for a lot more but by then end I just wanted her to find another partner for herself. I would have liked more exploration in the occult practices mentioned, everything felt a bit surface level but I think we are getting set up for some bigger reveals in book 2

Thanks to NetGalley, S.T Gibson and Tantor Audio for this ALC

A polyamorous witchy book? I signed up so fast when I saw this. Especially when I saw it was by S.T. Gibson! Even better. Tarot, astrology, and magic. All things I love. It's like this book was made for me and I enjoyed all of it.

Exes to rivals to lovers but make it with 3. This book is very diverse which made me super happy.
The accuracy of practices in this book made it even better. I really enjoyed the occultist aspect of this story as well.

David was the main character of the show for me and I just wanted to hug him. BUT ALL THE CHARACTERS WERE AMAZING. The development between them all was the best part imo. Their relationship was written so perfectly and so was the navigation through their peaks and valleys. It was messy at first but I loved it. Still do. 🤭
Impatiently waiting for the sequel.

Thank you Angrybotbooks & NetGalley for the
ARC in exchange for my honest review.

David is juggling full time work as a lawyer and a thriving private occult practice, as well as attending weekly secret Society Occult meetings.
Rhys is an associate position at a small university library and is the youngest member of the Society, Catholic, and deeply curious about acquiring knowledge.
Moira is Rhys’s wife and is one of the best tarot card readers in the city.

Moira and Rhys had been making painstaking progress towards healing after an incident with David and Rhys. Things were getting better. But then David comes to them for help with fears of a demonic possession. David was the last thing their marriage needed.

Forgiveness wasn't about the person who wronged you, it was about freeing yourself from resentment and moving on with your life.

So far, Gibson has astounded me with her haunting historical gothic writing. Now she has infused that in a modern setting with dysfunctional adults who have a variety of trauma to heal from.
Trigger warnings for physical abuse, recovering alcoholism.

Gibson effortlessly weaves politics of gender, sexuality, and traditional older values compared to newer liberal views and adaptations.

Moira is an astounding woman and I immediately loved her resilience, healing, and love. She takes self-care seriously, and amidst two men who are so ambitious and driven, this contrast serves to show how important it is to care for yourself in such a 24/7 capitalist society we find ourselves in.

Not to mention, the communication in this is exquisite. As well as the trust and acceptance. Gibson writes relationships in such a pure, honest, and open light.

”I love Moira all the way to hell and back. I love her more than money, more than my own pride and ambition. That woman is my home, and I am more than willing to prioritize her— vehemently, if need be. If she tells me she needs something to feel safe, she gets it. End of story."

I did think the ending ruined the book. This was such a character-focused, slow-moving book that the sudden climax and quick end result left me feeling cheated and felt disjointed from the rest of the narrative.

However, Gibson has cemented herself as an auto-buy author - writing the complexities of relationships, emotions, and internal struggle with such insight, armed with atmosphere and life lessons.

Thank you to Angry Robot for providing an arc in exchange for a review.

Thank you, NetGalley and Tantor Audio, for my free audiobook for review.

My first experience with S.T. Gibson's work has left me completely enthralled. The lyrical prose made it a delightful journey to connect with the characters. David stands out as my favorite, embodying a life of material wealth but lacking true meaning. The dynamics between David, Rhys, and Moira create a compelling and intricate relationship. This is also my first encounter with a polyamorous relationship in literature, and the author skillfully explores the characters' conflicting emotions. Ultimately, it's a character-driven novel that delves into the complexities of relationships, whether they involve reconciliation or new beginnings.

Listening to the audiobook, I was immediately drawn in by the seductive voice of narrator Oscar Reyes. His narration truly brought David, Rhys, and Moira to life.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and RB Media for an ALC in exchange for my honest review.

I went into this book as one of my most anticipated of the year. I was devastated when I didn't get an ARC, and then elated when I got approved for the ALC a little more than a week before release day.

I was absolutely OBSESSED with An Education in Malice when I read that as an ARC and was drawn in by S.T. Gibson's writing.

Unfortunately, this book just fell a little bit flat for me. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoyed it. This was a really good audiobook and felt that the narrator did a good job.

I just didn't LOVE it like I thought I would. Maybe I went in with too high expectations.

The throuple/polyamory felt forced - I did not feel any passion between these characters, outside of Rhys and Moira as a married couple. It was evident that David and Rhys had a history, and that David and Moira also grew to have a connection, but David's entry into their relationship just didn't seem to fit as well as I would have liked. Honestly, David was kind of an unlikeable character overall for me.

The occult/fraternal/familial deal with the devil aspect of things kept the story interesting enough. The intrigue into what was really plaguing David was what kept me truly engaged throughout this book, and wondering how they would end up breaking the curse,

I will certainly be continuing this series but I truly hope we see more passion in the romance aspect moving forward.

The concept is interesting and the relationships between the characters are the focus but the book has little else to offer --

this book is extremely character driven. Overall, I enjoyed the character moments for the most part, the downside for me was the way the romance was handled. It really felt like Moira got the short end of the stick, while Rhys got everything he wanted. The fact that he cheated on Moira with no repercussions just left a sour taste in my mouth and i could not bring myself to enjoy the book afterwards. It really felt as if Rhys actually liked David, and Moira was just there. He did reassure her how much he loved her but I could just not feel it in the story (classic tell and don't show) It simply did not feel like a healthy way to start a poly relationship.

That being said, the book is very well written and I liked it for the most part, the way the romance was handled is not going to be everyone's cut of tea.

Following David, Rhys and Moira as they try to break a curse and figure out how they fit into each other’s lives, I loved S.T. Gibson’s take on urban fantasy mixed with occult dark academia in this book. The characters are definitely the stand out in this book. Every one of them is so intricate and real and flawed in the most beautiful way. All three characters have so much hurt inside them that they don’t know how to deal with and they fit together perfectly, supporting each other through the other’s weaknesses and showing them that they are loved. The different kinds of love that are explored in this book really makes you understand that all of them are valid and we need all kinds of different love to be able to thrive. I loved the relationship that is built between David and Moira in this book where they fall in love in such a different but equally valid way. I also enjoyed the worldbuilding a lot. At first it feels like there isn’t much intricate world building in this book since it takes place in our world but with magic but I as the book goes on I can see that Gibson has done her research and meticulously built this magical world to fit like puzzle pieces to our world. I love that this is a series and can’t wait to see what S.T. Gibson does with this world.

Thank you Netgalley and S.T. Gibson for an audiobook ARC of this in exchange for an honest review.