I enjoyed Evocation so I was excited to have the chance to listen to Odd Spirits and learn a little more about Moira and Rhys and their earlier married life. The sneak peak into their relationship early on and a more in-depth view of their careers as a starting magician and and witch was a nice treat.

This was a delightful little novella that really explores the relationship between two different kind magic users. It's also oddly relatable. I really enjoyed this read, but that's unsurprising given that it's from S.T. Gibson.

DNF

I couldn't even finish the first chapter .

I loved A Dowry of Blood and the novella that go with it but idk why this one ain't it .
It's a prequel novella so apparently I can still read book 1 and I will try but I'm still disappointed .

The illustration in it a beautiful tho .

**I RECEIVED A FREE ARC OF THE AUDIOBOOK FROM NETGALLEY. THANK YOU A TON. THIS HAS NOT IMPACTED MY REVIEW IN ANY WAY, SHAPE OR FORM. **

*NO MAJOR SPOILERS WERE HARMED IN THE MAKING OF THIS REVIEW**

This novella was cute! I adored Rhys in Evocation and was excited to see him in this tiny novella, just a hint of what is to come in Acension. Both a unique little story and an origin basis for Rhys and Moira, this novella gives us an insight into their blooming relationship, and its ups and downs. Personally, I think people who are married/have a partner, might connect with the storyline more than I did. I thought it was cute, but i did not really have a foundation to really...base it on? Im not married nor do I currently have a partner. Martial relationship and those building blocks were the focus of this novel. As my followers can probably tell, I do not read many books that center around just marriage...so yeah, I think my own personal experience coloured my enjoyment of this novel. BUT, I still thought it was cute to see them work together through issues. If I had a partner, I wish I had the foundations of RHys and Moira. Are they perfect? No. Do they realize this? Eventually. Do they try to make compromise to build a new foundation? Eventually. And that is what matters.

I did enjoy the audiobook. But it was all too short! (I know, its literally a novella). But I did want more. It ended too soon, like just as I was getting sucked into the story, it ends! But that is alright. I thought Gibson did a good job at building up the softer conflict and resolution in this mini story. it had just enough description to orient ourselves, without trying to go overboard. I think she makes the assumption that we have read evocation, and therefore spares us the details of some of those innerworkings, which I am glad. I would rather rhys and moira get more page time than the circle. BUT, i did giggle a bit at David's entrance and his bravado.

Overall, I thought this was a cute novella that adds more to the relationship of rhys and moira and makes you want to root for them even more. I am excited to see how his story continues in the next novel.

Oddspirits by S.T. Gibson is a prequel novella to Evocation that explores the origins of Rhys and Moira’s relationship. This magical couple, each with contrasting backgrounds and practices, faces a true test of their love when a malevolent entity takes up residence in their home. The audiobook, provided by RBmedia and NetGalley, offers clear and engaging narration, making it easy to follow along and fully immerse yourself in the story.

I really enjoyed Evocation, and this novella is a prequel novella establishing Rhys and Moira's relationship.
When we meet them, they are married and something is off magically in their house. The primary external conflict is trying to banish this malevolent spirit. To do so, they have to address a strain on their relationship and work with their different magical styles together.
The magic system and world-building of his series is so strong. I enjoy the way Gibson weaves the Golden Dawn-style rituals of Rhys and David as well as the more earth-based and flexible styles of Moira and in this book in particular you see how all types of magic co-exist in Boston.
We do also get a glimpse of David in this story, there to be a mess, speak some hard truths, and drive Rhys and Moira back to each other.
Overall, I am not sure I needed this story. I liked learning more about characters I already liked, and I always enjoy Gibson's prose, but I don't think this provides any clarity or deepens the experience of Evocation. Maybe in the next book, we'll see some easter eggs?

This is the third time I’ve read this one, 1x physical book, 1x e-book, now the audiobook ALC, and I still adore it. But I’m a little iffy on this version. It’s still a brilliant story, but I don’t think the audio really adds anything to the book, great to have as an option for anyone that can’t read the book, but I’d say the experience wasn’t made any better with the audio.

Story wise, it’s a very fast-paced story and only short so it’s a great quick read through, If you’ve read Evocation, this is essentially the prologue.

Like Evocation, it perfectly blends spooky and heartfelt. Rhys and Moira are dealing with some seriously weird stuff in their home, and their constant snipping and miscommunication feels so relatable, genuine, and slightly devastating.

Gibson’s storytelling is always super immersive, and this one is no different; you really feel like you're in the thick of it with them. Plus, it’s another great reminder that love isn’t always easy, but is worth trucking through the hard bits. If you're into ghost stories with a bit more emotional depth, this one’s definitely a must-read, particularly if you loved Evocation or Gibson’s other work.

Audiobook wise, it’s okay, if a bit flat. I would have loved to see three different narrators, or more distinct delivery to help tell the characters apart and bring them to life, they blend into each other a bit, and the accent delivery can be more than a bit wobbly, (plus I feel a little weird about the caricature-esque voice done for Moira at times). Although the writing for each person is so different it’s more of a case of focusing on the words they are saying rather than how the narrator is saying it. That being said though the audiobook is good enough, but I wouldn’t say it’s my favourite. I really love the story, but the narration kinda dulls it a little I think. I’d say the book is 4.5, but the audio knocked it down to about a 3.5 (Rounded down for the star rating)

I really wanted to love this, as a frequent reread book for me, having a solid audiobook would have been really practical, but it just didn’t have much soul. It’s definitely enjoyable enough and worth trying, but I’d personally recommend picking another medium if you have the luxury of choice.

A huge thank you to the author, @Netgalley and Tantor Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a new to me author and I truly appreciate that I get the chance to listen to these early and it’s literally a gem! The way this world is built I’m in love! Consider me a fan!

This was my first foray into the lives of Rhys and Moira but as a novella, it was cute. I enjoyed that it showed growth with the two characters. It was flowery while also showing the struggles the couple faced together, as well. At times, (maybe because this is my first experience with the characters) I felt lost of it going between past and present, all within the same chapter. Interestingly, for a magical, fantasy, fictional world of magic it felt sweet, cute, and whimsical, rather than dark and mysterious how some others within the genre can be.

Thank you NetGalley and RB Media for this arc!

Odd Spirits was amazing. S.T. Gibson is a fantastic author!!! I totally recommend everyone to read this book or listen to the audiobook as fast as they can because it's really good and the characters are fantastic.

NetGalley Review for Odd Spirits by S.T. Gibson

I came into Odd Spirits with no prior knowledge of the main story or characters. The novella introduced Rhys, a bookish, research-driven character, and his wife, who is a free-spirited witch, both of whom seem knowledgeable about magic, spells, and the supernatural. Their different approaches to life—him more reserved, her more lively—create a tension in their marriage, and I appreciated how the story highlighted the real-world issues and challenges couples face, like doubt, secrets, and mismatched energies.

The storyline brings in an ex (David) from Rhys’s past, which added drama, though without a full background, but the character is very irritating and self important. I found the ex’s character more frustrating than impactful. The characters themselves weren’t always shown in the best light: Rhys often struggles to communicate, and his wife’s free spirit sometimes seemed narrow-minded or even naive in handling their conflicts. If the story had been longer, these traits could have been more fully developed, giving the characters greater depth.

The audiobook was well-paced and generally well-read, though having two distinct voices for each character might have added more dimension to the narration.

Overall, Odd Spirits offered a glimpse into the struggles of an imperfect marriage within a magical framework, and I think fans of quick, supernatural relationship tales will enjoy it.

Talk about an excellent novella! I loved reading Evocation, so this was the perfect supernatural visit back to some of the most well rounded characters I've ever read. I adore Moira. This was awesome.

I read both Evocation and Odd Spirits as audiobooks, and I think that is the superior delivery method for these books. It feels like a friend is telling you an absolutely wild story.

2.75/5

Odd Spirits, while being a prequel novella, I feel was not best read first. There wasn't enough to make me care for the characters before the upheavel began. I love S.T. Gibson's other stories, so I'm willing to read them in published order before making a final say on this. For now, though, I can't give it more stars.

This prequel novella to Evocation was a quick, enjoyable read that I finished in just a couple of hours. I really appreciated getting the backstory on Rhys and Moria. It was heartwarming to see them work through their issues together, and I loved how the strange entity in their house played a role in bringing them closer.

The brief appearance of David was interesting, though it did paint him in a less-than-flattering light—though that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Overall, I found this novella to be sweet and wholesome, with just the right mix of intrigue and warmth.

Thank you Tantor Audio and Netgalley.

4.25

Odd Spirits being a prequel novella to Evocation is so interesting. While David doesn't play a huge part in the story. It's interesting to see the story more so focus on Rhys and Moira. As they are newlyweds and all the perks of that. I think it shows why they were hesitant to help David in Evocation. I think this book does an amazing job of not only adding story but building Rhys's character before we get a story focusing on him a bit more. The narrator did an amazing job. While I would have loved for someone to do the voice of Moira. I think just the one did an amazing job of capturing the characters and the story.

My only negative is that Rhys and Moira's whole story is just rooted in mistrust and such. While it doesn't ruin the story it doesn't add anything entirely unique to the magic system or anything similar.

Overall though it's an amazing book and I cannot wait for more.

I received an arc audiobook for this prequel novella to evocation and adored it. Getting more backstory to the main characters in a wholesome little story was so nice and sparked my excitement for the sequel. I love ST Gibsons writing style and every book she writes will continue to be must reads for me. The narrator was also fantastic and for a male, he does female voices very well which is refreshing.

This book is basically: what if your marraige problems were manifested in the form of a haunting. In order to exorcise it, you must Talk About Your Feelings. I thought it was fine, but not my favorite by S. T. Gibson by far.

This is a nice little story that expands Rhys and Moira's backstory introduced in Evocation. The storyline is simple and straightforward, and I really enjoyed the narrator. I do however recommend reading this after Evocation and not before, as it makes much more sense this way

I thought I'd read the prequel first before Evocation. It was okay. I guess it sets up the relationships, but none of them seem very likeable and bordering toxic.

I always like S.T Gibson's prose though, so I'll still read the main story and hope the characters get better.

As a bi woman, the biphobia from a partner was relatable but didn't endear me to Moira at all.

"I can't even take a bath in peace without some weird shit happening. I'm racking my brain wondering how this could have happened. How could something so nasty have gotten into my house. Especially after all the warding and cleansing we do. And then I remember. My husband thinks it's fun to call up demons for casual chit chats.
Demons...spirits - it makes no difference. I told you summoning circles are dangerous and I've asked you to be more careful."

"A summoning circle, when well cast and properly closed, is perfectly safe." Rhys said.
It was at that moment the portrait on the wall behind him began to weep blood. Moira stood stock still for a moment, frozen by horror and she gave her husband a withering glance."
I want you to do whatever ceremonial shit it takes to fix this, Rhys. She said looking past him to the stained portrait. I'm serious." 😹


I'm yet to read Evocation and this prequel offers a sneak peek to newlyweds Rhys and Moira's marital life during its early stages.
A witch and a sorcerer - two polar opposites with very different occult practice.
Enchanting and chaotic. 😹 It is riveting being able to witness them working through their own insecurities and differences.
How they explore and approach their distinctly different magical backgrounds whilst facing
supernatural shenanigans, secrets and shameful revelations.
Love the characters, setting, atmosphere and tone. Plus the different kinds of magical practice incorporated in the story.
Short, fast-paced and character driven prequel novella in the Summoner's Circle series.
Great narration by Joe Hempel.

Tropes:
Haunted house
Summoning circles
Marital struggles
Poly rep
Witch magic 🔮✨ sages, crystals, spells

I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you to NetGalley and RBMedia 🖤

4✨