I enjoyed the premise of Evocation, but I didn’t feel it was developed as well as it could have been - especially Moira and Rhys as characters. So I was intrigued to see a prequel delving deeper into their relationship prior to the events of the first book, however this also fell short. This novella sees Rhys and Moira as newlyweds, learning about each other and how to exist in a relationship together, while navigating disturbances in their home, however they barely seemed to even like each other. I was disappointed by the chemistry in this, and found the whole premise be underwhelming - which is disappointing because A Dowry of Blood is one of my favourite reads this year!

I did love the addition of the illustrations, they’re really beautiful and help to set a very atmospheric scene. I think if you loved Evocation, then you’ll really enjoy this one too - just not for me personally.

Thanks Angry Robot for the e-ARC.

When a malevolent entity takes up residence in Rhys and Moira's newlywed home, the two find themselves at their wits end trying to banish it. Easier said than done when they're the textbook case of opposite attracts and the honeymoon phase is beginning to wear off. The two will have to battle to kick out the entity or risk their brand new marriage.

I really quite liked this little novella! I have to immediately say that all the artwork was absolutely stunning and I just loved it. I found myself turning pages just so I could see the next piece of stunning art.

Story wise, about 60% in and I was SO unsure, I was really struggling with the negativity and then BAM, ST Gibson brought the twist and we learn what the entity is in their house and I feel like Gibson just brought everything together. It made it all make sense!! It made me stunned that Gibson had done such an incredible job building that atmosphere. I felt the way the main characters felt!! ST Gibson is so good at creating an intense atmosphere and even in this novella, that remains true.

This is a very quick prequel read, a sweet story that presents the backgrounds of Rhys, Moira, and David from Evocation. Highly recommend you check this out!

I knew this would be a five star read and S.T. Gibson did not disappoint. It takes a very talented author to take so few pages and inject so much emotion. For a novella, this contained multitudes. I can’t say much without giving away too much,, but this should not be skipped.

Absolutely LOVED this!

It begins with our occultists Rhys and Moira moving into a new home which they work from and finding strange things happening which neither of them can explain away - other than a potential haunting. This leads the newlyweds to question their haste into marriage and their relationship as a whole in a fun, creepy and quick read - perfect timing for spooky season!

I adored the little pieces of art throughout this short book, and felt it added character to the story more so than it already had - plus was a bit of a novelty you don't really get much anymore. I haven't read Evocation yet - which this is a prequel to, but as soon as I finished Odd Spirits I RAN to find it to continue this story!

Thank you to S.T. Gibson and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book!

I loved this and am definitely going to check out the main story evocative. This book is mystical, lyrically written and romantic. It shows the flow and phases of relationships in a beautiful tale written in a way only S.t. Gibson can.

Thanks so much to the publisher and Netgalley for this e-arc! I adored Evocation when it came out, so I was excited to read the updated and illustrated version of the prequel novella. Knowing what comes after made this all the more interesting, as I was already attached to the 3 MCs from Evocation.

The novella is short, and it doesn't waste its time; with Gibson's signature atmospheric language, it absolutely pulls you in and doesn't let you go. Moira and Rhys are such compelling characters, and even as they struggle, you can't help but root for their magic. David is much less in this than in Evocation, but I adore him, so it was interesting to see him in this smaller, more antagonistic role.

I can't decide which I think you should read first, so just go read this when its out on Oct 8th and go read Evocation ASAP!!

I really loved reading this, and I love all of the different ways of being able to engage with the supernatural in this world. Every character has their preferred method that is true to them (Very Serious Rhys reading old ass books in Latin vs. the actual embodiment of sunshine Moira with her flowers and honey). I haven’t read Evocation yet so the characters are new to me, but I appreciate the authentic view of marriage this story provides by showcasing two people struggling with their insecurities and trying to figure out how to navigate their lives together as a married couple without sacrificing their individuality. Also, just like with A Dowry of Blood, it’s always refreshing to learn a character is bisexual and not have it be some scandalous reveal lmao. Overall, Odd Spirits is very cute and sweet and witchy and I am so excited to read Evocation.

Thank you to Netgalley for the arc!

🌟🌟🌟🌟/5

I gobbled up this delightful little treat in one sitting! Evocation is one of my favourite books I've read so far this year, and I loved revisiting the characters in this cozy, atmospheric and autumnal novella. It can be read either before or after Evocation.

I loved reading about how Rhys and Moira met for the first time! Odd spirits has a nonlinear narrative for the most part, alternating between their initial interactions and their current marriage in trouble situation. Communication is a major theme in the book. It's about the parts that we hide from others because of the fear of how they might perceive it. As with evocation, Gibsons's knowledge of magic and tarot shines through the book. She knows what she's doing and delivers every time. Her prose, too, is divine. The stunning full color illustrations came as a delightful surprise!

I'd recommend this for fans of evocation who are waiting for th sequel to come out, as well as for those who need a cozy, sweet little treat to relax with.

A prequel novella to Evocation, this shows Moira and Rhys’ marriage in peril and how they work to resolve their issues to stop a ‘thoughtform’ from destroying their house. This was a quick easy read.

A prequel novella to Evocation, this shows Moira and Rhys’ marriage in peril and how they work to resolve their issues to stop a ‘thoughtform’ from destroying their house. This was a quick easy read.

This was a short, atmospheric novella that gives us a deeper look into the early days of Rhys and Moira’s relationship before the events of Evocation. ST Gibson once again delivers beautiful prose, combining supernatural elements with real, raw emotions. The story explores the challenges of being honest and vulnerable in a relationship, and how ignoring problems can only make those problems grow.

Rhys and Moira's relationship feels so authentic and relatable. The witchy, magical vibes make this a great read for spooky season. Highly recommend, especially if you were a fan of Evocation already.

Thank you to Angry Robot for providing me with an ARC. 🖤

This was a nice novella with an insight into Rhys and Moira's early life together before they solidified their marriage further, as we see in Evocation. Beautiful prose, I always love the little details Saint adds that just give the book something extra special.

I liked how this story could apply to many people in all different types of relationships, ignoring or running from your problems, keeping it to yourself, and not being willing to be honest and vulnerable can only make things worse.

I will say though that I found all of the characters kind of unlikable in this, whereas in Evocation I loved Moira, liked Rhys, and grew to appreciate David. While that is a good thing since I read it first, and speaks to great character development by the author, I wonder how badly I'd have wanted to read Evocation after feeling this way about the characters.

S.T. Gibson remains one of my favorite authors!

Thank you Angry Robot and NetGalley for the ARC!

5 stars
——————

This was just the little bite of Rhys and Moira that I needed in my day.

My love for ST Gibson has no bounds and this one was another knock out of the park for me. It was funny, it was raw, it was a little steamy. It encapsulated so many emotions in so few pages. The writing is beautiful, The plot was good, with room to explore dynamics as well as situation. I love our cast of characters. It was nice seeing the origin of Rhys and Moira after reading Evocation first. I loved that not everything about their relationship is perfect and that they, too, are real people. The supernatural was well written and the research was there.

I have so few words because I am just blown away by how wonderfully done 90something pages ended up being.

The events of “Odd Spirits” is referenced in a conversation between the main characters, David, Moira, and Rhys in “Evocation”, which is the first full book in The Summoner’s Circle series.

I like this prequel novella well enough and from my understanding, “Odd Spirits” may be a rerelease. Even though it’s interesting to see what lead up to and the resolution of “Odd Spirits”, I don’t know that it necessarily adds value to the overall story.

If I have one complaint, it’s that there isn’t any indication when the timeline switches between the past and the present.

STORY LIKES
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
(rounded)

SPICE
🌶️ —

RECOMMEND
💳 —

I was excited to read about a magical couple, but what even was that? I cannot root for them. For one, their lack of communication was beyond irritating. Not to mention how both of their personalities just suck?? I was hoping for some actual paranormal activity here, but (SPOILER ALERT) it's just their martial problems manifesting as such. And the solution is them opening up to each other and reaffirming their love... I'm glad this was so short because no way would I want to read any more about them. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

I really enjoyed this novella! It was so nice to learn more about Moira and Rhys and I’m now so excited for their instalments in the Summoner’s Circle series. This is the perfect spooky season read and I’ll definitely be recommending it to everyone!

As always with ST Gibson, the interpersonal relationships are written to perfection. I loved that Moira and Rhys’s relationship felt real and flawed, as it made everything so much more emotional. I of course loved David’s appearances too (he was my favourite in Evocation).

For such a short novella I was really impressed with the depth of character and the over-arching plot. Having already read Evocation, Odd Spirits gave me more context and enabled me to connect with the characters more, especially Moira.

The prose was beautiful and really made this an atmospheric read. The witchy vibes were impeccably done! I can’t wait to continue this series. Thankyou so much to Netgalley and Angry Robot for the advance reader’s copy.

🥀 Odd Spirits 🥀 Before all the tangled “situationships” in Evocation, there was the blooming love between my favourite tarot witch and ceremonial magician. Throw in a seemingly haunted house and a psychic ex and we’ve got ourselves an origin story folks! If you didn’t get enough of Rhys, Moira and David in Evocation (or if you want to get into this story in more of a chronological order) you MUST pick up Odd Spirits. In my opinion it’s the perfectly sized prequel to our favourite witchy poly magical romance book. Similarly to Evocation the focus is on the relationship, so align your expectationsand you will enjoy getting to know the lore of this awesome couple.

Thanks to the author, Netgalley and Angry Robot Books for the eARC in exchange for an honest review!

*spoilers*spoilers*spoilers*spoilers*


I read and enjoyed Evocation (and just about everything else S.T. Gibson has written), so I was excited to read this! I liked getting a glimpse into Moira and Rhys's marriage early on, and how they even found their way to each other in the first place. Their lack of communication was maddening but real and maybe hurt my own feelings a bit. Finding out what was happening to them was ultimately caused by them as well, and that they were the only ones who could fix it was great. I really loved the overall witchy, spooky, cozy vibes. Perfect read for the fall season. If you liked Evocation, read this.

I've read Evocation 2 months ago and was absolutely thrilled to read the prequel Odd Spirits.
It's short, the writing still lovely and gothy. I really love the witchy vibes with spirits, rituals, tarot cards, etc. S.T. Gibson knows her stuff ! When you work in the energetic and spiritual and read a story that feels realistic and cohesive, it's so satisfying!

We learn why Rhys and David stop talking to one another and how it affects Rhys and Moira marriage. We aso have a glimpse of the meet cute Rhys and Moira a few years back.
It makes me want to re-read Evocation, I absolutely adore the 3 main characters they will stay forever in my heart.

Thank you to Angry Robot Books and NetGalley for providing an ARC for review.

This was a very good novella, and a perfect entry into the Evocation characters and mythology. I felt like the different schools of magic were more concise and easier to understand in this iteration. From a character perspective, this was a great exploration of Moira and Rhys’ history together, as well as an explanation on the disagreement with David. Ultimately, this felt like a stronger narrative than Evocation, and makes me more hopeful for the rest of the series.