I loved this book! I love the mystery, the magic, the witchiness, the anger. The only part that didn't work for me was the romance, which I felt like was sweet but didn't have a lot of tension in it. However, the rest of it was stunning and I absolutely could not put it down, hence the 5 star rating. If you read one book about witches, make it this one!

★ 4.5 / 5

I really enjoyed House of Hollow back in 2021, but honestly, people are going to fall head over heels in love with The Invocations. It's wonderfully sapphic and witchy. Everything I loved about Krystal's writing was intensified within this book, and I'm so thankful I was able to read this during October because it's truly such a perfect time of year to read it. The Invocations is also my first official read for 2024 releases, and it's a relief to know the book was a showstopper.

To start, I want to make it clear within this review that The Invocations deals heavily with women fears and violence, particularly violence done on women by men. Emer is the only witch amongst the POVs, but she specifically cursewrites only for women willing to sell parts of their soul for bits of power due to desperate circumstances. The opening scene of this book is immediately triggering because it involves a woman being followed by a man with horrible intentions in the dead of night. That scene not only sets the tone for this book but warns of other moments of horrific treatment of women, notably a massacre that pre-dates the start of The Invocations. Readers are forced to witness the consequences of men's violence against women, so if you do not think you can handle that, I'd highly recommend skipping this book.

TWs: misogyny, homophobia, beating, suffocation/choking, massacre, pregnant woman/fetus deaths, body horror, grotesque skin cutting and stitching, knife violence, familial abuse, child neglect/abandonment, corpse reanimation, grave robbing, following/stalking women, extreme violence and murder of women, large amount of blood imagery and details, death of loved ones, intense grief depictions, and death.

The Invocations brings a completely different energy to the page than House of Hollow, notably through its three POVs. We meet Emer Byrne first, but she is the least utilized of the POVs in the initial first third. Emer is cursewriting for women who come to her for help, but she also lives around Oxford stealing and borrowing supplies for her own health and safety because she does not have a place to live. Initially, she does not know her clients are being murdered, but when she does, this murderer has hell to pay.

Next, we have Jude Wolf who is the daughter of a billionaire and cursed by demons to the point where her body is becoming necrotic. She's desperate to save herself and get back into the favor of her father, but she may be next on the list of victims by this serial killer. She's for sure the comedic relief of the book, so I can already see tons of readers falling for Jude as she snarks her way through the plot.

Finally, Zara Jones found her older sister murdered in her apartment, and she's willing to delve into the world of the occult to bring her sister back to life to get some mental reprieve from her extreme grief. All three POVs point to this apparent serial killer of Emer's customers, so they ultimately team up to find answers and ultimately stop him.

Of the three POVs, Emer was by far my personal favorite. She's the most complex, and her backstory brought me to literal tears. To witness her entire coven die at the age of seven is hard to wrap my head around, but the flashback to this moment, in particular, sent me into a full blown sobbing mess. In my opinion, it is the hardest violence to witness within this book, and it tells readers a lot about Emer in a very short amount of page time. Then, the demons enter Emer's life while she's living in the forest, starving and near death. Their providing for her in her most crucial time of need was so powerful. Demons are always depicted in a very horrific manner in regular media, so it was fascinating to see Krystal portray them as a source of survival for Emer. They were her guardians—even if most left her once she wrote them curses. Bael, the only initial demon left, stands with Emer because of their shared history, and we are led to believe Bael will one day be the demon Emer cursewrites for herself. Now it made sense that Emer would ultimately become a tool for the demons, but I never saw the witch repopulation or witch hunter hunting being a thing. It's a shared desire for both demons (because they need cursewriters to feed) and Emer, so I loved thinking about Emer possibly creating her own coven one day with the demonic entities backing her future family.

The LGBTQ+ representation is sapphic pining to its absolute fullest. The Invocations does some great build up to the romance between two characters, and their romantic tension overall was a favorite element of this book. It definitely makes me wish that we could get a sequel where the two are actually in a relationship, but I can certainly settle for the moments given in this book. I didn't at first think Krystal was going to make a romance subplot, but it was a pleasant surprise to find. I'm a sucker for any sapphic representation, so it was genuinely one of the best parts. Witchy sapphics were WELL FED here.

In terms of the plot twists, did I see them coming? Yes, but not until the near end of the book. I was so focused on the events unfolding firsthand that I forgot to think about the identities of certain men in the book. I had a quick thought about one of Jude' brothers possibly being the serial killer, but I did not do much more thinking than that until we were 3/4ths into the plot and forced to face the Wolf family head on. I think Krystal does a fantastic job distracting readers from the truth for quite some time, which is always a great feat when author's successfully do so.

There's a lot of powerful commentary in linking this billionaire family to witch hunters. The fact that witch hunters were paid extremely well centuries before—according to the current witch hunter group Emer interacts with—definitely links into generational wealth and billionaire status in modern day. These men profiting off of the death of innocent women to grow their own success is a comparison that could be used for any time in history. It's a tough pill to swallow to think about how regressive society has become the last few years, and Krystal is really hitting the nail on the head via that reality. Yeah, The Invocations may be a YA book, but it is brutally truthful in how witch hunts are still alive and thriving today—just in a different context and manner than previous centuries.

Thank you to PenguinTeen and NetGalley for the eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4.5 stars

I had high hopes for this book after how much I enjoyed House of Hollow last year, and I was not disappointed. This book had me hooked from the very beginning and did not let me go until the very last page.

This is one of those books that may be fantasy, but also feels incredibly rooted in reality. This book is about witches and magic and those who despise it, but even more than that, it is about what it's like to exist as a woman in society. About how many men have made it a place where it's unsafe to be a woman, and where we're expected to take the blame for men hating us for existing. About how even though it's not all men, it's enough that we have to be wary every time we walk out of the house.

The characters in this book were so well-rounded and perfect for the story it needed to tell. Zara, Jude, and Emer all had such different backgrounds and struggles and even privileges, and it made it feel like we really got to see this world and these stakes from every perspective. It was so easy to be attached to their unlikely trio and I loved seeing the different aspects of their relationships develop.

I wish that this book was coming out sooner because this really was the perfect October, spooky read. I binged this book in one day and it's easily one of the best books I've read this month. This has solidified Krystal Sutherland as an auto-buy author for me, and I hope that she starts to get the hype she deserves.

One-word review: Mesmerizing;
Emojis: 😳🤢😥🥰;
Rating: 4.5🌟s;

My thoughts:

The Invocations by Krystal Sutherland is a darkly mesmerizing contemporary urban fantasy about witches, witch hunters, and a serial killer on the loose.

At first, I found the story a bit disjointed, which confused me and created a barrier between me and the story. But it was not long before the story began flowing, and I was pulled into this dark, dark world.

The magic feels taboo like it plays up to the fears of people who think magic is evil. But I liked that in a way. It doesn't make me want magical abilities like most fantasy stories, but it's intriguing in a rebellious way.

The characters are brilliantly developed and truly make this story a mesmerizing tale. Jude is a rebellious, entitled teen who wants her father's love. Emer is a talented curse-writer who was raised by demons when her family was slaughtered by witch hunters. Zara is a teen who lost her sister to a serial killer. This serial killer brings these three together as each has her reason for wanting to discover the killer's identity. There's a lot of moral grayness to spread around and a lot of fun individuality that brings each character to life on the page.

Big thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for the chance to review this book pre-release. Krystal Sutherland was born to write horror and dark books. House of Hollow pulled me in, The Invocations kept me here forever. I love all three of the MC's and all of their flaws. The demons? Amazing. The gore and description of Jude's leg and everthing else wrong in this world? ABSOLUTE work of art. The description of Jude's house alone made me want to shower, and I love that a book could make me have this physical of a reaction. Please never stop writing Ms, Sutherland!!! A review will be available on my IG/TikTok and Goodreads.

I liked House of Hollow pretty well, but The Invocations is even better. Queer, witchy, dark, and driven by female rage, this paranormal serial killer mystery goes hard and delivers on the ending.

Three young women from very different backgrounds find themselves working together to uncover the identity of a serial killer targeting witches.

Zara's beloved older sister was one of the victims and now she's determined to figure out how to use necromancy to bring her sister back. She's smart and single-minded and in a lot of pain.

Jude Wolf is the daughter of the billionaire, but after accidentally cursing herself she's living in chronic pain and tethered to demons. She will do anything to track down a curse writer who can help her get her life back.

Emer is a talented curse writer on the run from her past, but she does what she can to help other women who need access to power. The problem? Her former clients are all victims of this serial killer...

This is quite dark and violent with gruesome body horror, but I loved it. These young women are hurt and prickly but they make things happen. This book has a lot to say about misogyny, the harm of toxic masculinity, and the dark side of power. I also LOVE how it uses a very simple couple of lines to be inclusive in it's view of womanhood. In this world only women can use magic and make deals with demons, but someone asks what about trans women. The response? Demons only care about souls, not bodies. THIS is a great example of what I wish more writers would do- it takes so little to avoid a trans-exclusionary view of womanhood in this kind of feminist story. Also it's super queer, and very casually so with an intense and explosive ending. Definitely have this on your radar! I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher, all opinions are my own.

My Rating: 3.5/5 stars

I loved this one! It was not quite on the same level as House of Hollow for me, but The Invocations has definitely made Sutherland an auto-buy author for me.

The Invocations is the perfect witchy horror book for October chock full of magic, dark academic aesthetic, and feminine rage. We follow three vivid female characters throughout this novel as they hunt down a serial killer who has been targeting witches before they become victims themselves.

Emer Bryne witnessed the murder of her entire family by witch hunters when she was only seven years old. Since then she has lived in isolation, helping other women survive in a world made for men. But now someone is targeting the girls who have come to Emer for help.

Zara’s sister was murdered a year ago and she is running out of time to bring her back. She has spent a year trying everything possible to resurrect Savannah and her latest discovery leads her to a witch that just might now what she’s looking for.

Jude Wolf has three demons tied to her soul. She has spent the last two years trying to uncurse herself with absolutely no luck. These curses have ruined her life, decayed her body, and isolated her from her family. She needs a witch. And she just might have found one.

The three girls come together to hunt a killer, bring back a dead girl, and break a curse or two.

Each character was so well developed and I was never bored, as I sometimes find I am with multiple povs. I read this in only four days because I could barely put it down.

The romance, while a background plot, was so adorable and fit into the plot really well. Seeing Jude going from flirting with everyone she meets to being totally flustered around Emer was so so cute. On Emer’s side, she has thought of nothing but revenge until she meets Jude and realizes there might be more that she wants out of life. These two make an adorable couple, but all three of them make such a wonderful found family vibe.

My only complaint is that the feminist commentary was sometimes more overt than I would have liked them to be. They sometimes took me out of the story. It was a tell rather than show moment and I felt it was unnecessary to make such statements when the events of the plot make them for you.

Overall, I loved this book and I cannot wait for Sutherland’s next book!

Read if you like:

- Witchy vibes
- Urban fantasy
- Demons & mayhem
- Found family
- One bed
- Sapphic representation
- Unique magic system
- Slow burn romance
- Multiple pov

Wow. This was amazing. I’m not even sure how to put it all into words. Krystal Sutherland does it again. House of Hollow is still a book I think about often and I was so excited to see Krystal was writing another spooky book. This one blew me away. It has magic, demons, rotting flesh, murder mystery, Jack the Ripper vibes, sapphic romance and is giving angry girl energy. It’s a brilliant story.

This story follows Emer, Jude and Zara while they are searching for answers about a supernatural killer who is targeting Emer’s clients. Women who sacrifice pieces of their souls in exchange for scraps of power. I loved the magic and the world building. The demons and the invocations were fascinating and quite terrifying. The magic felt real and I personally don’t dabble in the occult and this book is 100% why. It’s definitely not a book to read in the dark alone. I also really loved the reoccurring themes of women and girls fighting back, owning their bodies and power to protect themselves and others.

Overall this was an amazing read. It was spooky and grotesque but it also had some softer moments a sprinkle of romance and funny banter. The balance was perfect and I’ll be thinking about this book for a long time. This is perfect for fans of stalking Jack the Ripper, House of Hollow, and Ninth House. It’s got demons, witches, murder and great friendships.

Trigger warnings. Attempted murder, murder, blood, body horror, gore, self harm, and violence.

Hugest thank you to Penguin Teen and Netgalley for providing me with an eARC

Zara Jones life gets turned upside down when her sister is murdered by a serial killer, and she knows there’s nothing she can do to change fate. She starts to feel powerless in life and decides she will do anything she can to obtain power and magic to bring her back, even if that means joining a cult.

I loved Krystal’s House of Hallows, she has a unique way of writing and inviting you in to get cozy. This one didn’t disappoint. The pain of a sisters death and a deal to change the fate with dark power. Sort of reminded me of watching a ‘70s horror movie.. don’t ask me which one because I’m spacing the name, but the plot of joking a coven to save a family member. I mean anything with witches gets my approval.

You have murder, horror, witchcraft, demons, rich kid cliques, and everything you want in a story. This book definitely a one-sit read, where the plot and characters have you wanting to know what happens next.

Krystal’s lyrical writing is shown throughout all her works and I can’t wait for her next one!

Oh this was weird as hell and I could not be happier for it.

This was the darkly terrifying and horrifically bloody witch book that speaks to the twisted, feral piece of my soul. It doesn't hold back on any count, on any gruesome measure that can be taken. It rots from the inside out, seeps and spills, and it is done so spectacularly well. It's impeccably written, with descriptions of torn flesh digging their way into my own. And the girls, oh I can't say enough about how much I adore each of the three girls. Of how much their yearning melds and tangles with each other, about how each of their stories are so incredibly interwoven to make a plot that works so seamlessly well. Of the subtle love that comes in the midst of such horror.

This was such a delightfully dark sapphic book and I was so, so delighted to read it.

Oh, the love i have for these three girls is so very strong, this book is addictive. The pure mystery of it all had me at the edge of my seat and I loved seeing bonds form between Emer, Jude, and Zara and getting to see them become closer and closer as they worked out the murder mystery was my favorite part, getting to see the different POV’s they had with family was also super cool to get a better sense on the type of people they are. If you need a witchy book in January preorder this ASAP because it’s the perfect witchy read, I'm truly obsessed

All opinions are my own, thank you penguin teen for the advanced e-arc

The lives of three young women are intertwined in this intoxicating dark read.

After a deal with a demon goes wrong, Jude’s life is devastatingly different. Placed by this demonic presence inside of her, she wants nothing more than to be rid of it.

Zara is looking for a way to bring her beloved sister back from death and will stop at nothing to find the answers, including tanking her education and her life in the process.

Emer, the daughter of a witch, may be the answer to both of their problems, and the three embark on the dangerous task that will put each of their lives in peril.

This was so richly written, with our three main characters each so integral. I enjoyed this book so much, as it dives deep into different aspects of witchcraft, supernatural beings, demonic possession, internal growth and love.

Sutherland pulls you in with intoxicating imagery and high stakes. This was fantastic and I highly recommend it to lovers of paranormal fantasy and mystery.

The perfect witchy, spooky read for fall. I love the creepy descriptions. The cover is also stunning.

Thank you to Penguin Teen for an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I loved this one! I was hooked from the prologue. This one will thrill fans of Stalking Jack the Ripper and witch lovers. There were so many twists and turns, I never knew what to expect next. I did not want to put this one down once I started. I needed answers more than anything else.

I loved how dark this book was. It definitely can be read as a standalone, but I hope one day we'll get a sequel and/or companion because the demons have plans and I want to know them. The demon lore was woven in such a way it never felt like infodumping. I constantly wanted to know more.

I also loved our three protagonists: Emer, Jude and Zara couldn't be more different, but I love these three together. They worked so well together and I loved seeing their friendship bloomed (and romance for two of them). This was so good!

Rep: white British lesbian cis female MC with IBS, chronic pain and visual impairments, white Irish sapphic cis female MC, white British cis female MC, various white cishet British side characters.
CWs: body horror (rotting flesh), murder, death, past murder of loved ones, blood, religious bigotry and persecution of other informed by religion, classism, demons, fire/fire injury, injury/injury detail, medical content.

The way I have been WAITING for the day that Krystal Sutherland wrote a new book!! I was in before I even read the synopsis, then I was hooked from the first page, then I didn't put it down until I finished the very last. This had everything- witches, demons, curses, gory AF details, a gothic setting, haunting sentences, and all the murder to satisfy your true crime needs! It was the perfect blend of horror and wit, with all of the grossly beautiful descriptions you loved in House of Hollow. This book completely enchanted me and had me fully immersed in the girls' experiences the entire time. Complete with LGBTQ characters and a wholly charming, witty cast, this is the perfect book for fans of Stalking Jack the Ripper and IT.

Thank you to Penguin Teen for my arc!


There is just something about summery witch books that i just love. After reading House of Hollow back when it first released, i had been eagerly anticipating Krystal Sutherland's next release and this was FANTASTIC.

this reminded me of the craft mixed with basically every witchy girl group movie i've ever seen and i loved every minute of it and i will do anything for there to be a sequel.

do yourself a favor and add this to your TBR.

I’m having a hard time putting my thoughts to paper on this one. I enjoyed it, but it also took me a hot minute to get into. Then it felt like I was wading into slow territory again. So maybe my biggest gripe was the pacing?

The story is great! Exactly what I expected of Sutherland after reading (and throughly enjoying) House of Hollow. Her writing is immersive and grotesque, laced with humor. It sounds weird, but it works.

I really loved the relationship between the three women and how their lives were interwoven. The Magic in this book was very interesting and unique. Distinct, and I think these two parts of the book made it more entertaining!

Thank you to the team at Penguin Teen and NetGalley for the eARC of The Invocations. This review is being left voluntarily, all options are my own.

I loved the story, the world building and meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it.

The Invocations was an absolutely brutal, beautiful and phenomenal read. Told from the POV from three of the main characters this book was POWERFUL. Each one of the girls, Zara, Jude and Emer each have their own unique personalities which come together perfectly in this story. The girls all team up in search of a brutal serial killer murdering witches and they each go through their own personal hell trying to hunt him down. Their past and present stories and brutal and heartbreaking. I really loved how this book was so fast paced and there was always something crazy going on. It was graphic and horrific and shocking. I could NOT put this book down. It was definitely a unique and powerful read and I think readers are absolutely going to love this one.